Redmi Note 9 Pro camera: we analyze all the capabilities of the 64-megapixel sensor

Redmi Note 9 Pro became one of the most popular smartphones of 2020 due to the balance of price and characteristics, but its camera attracted special attention from users. The 64-megapixel main module, combined with an ultra-wide-angle lens, a macro camera and a depth sensor, promised a revolution in mobile photography for reasonable money. However, in practice, many owners are faced with questions: how to properly configure the camera, which modes are really useful, and why sometimes the pictures turn out worse than those of competitors?

In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects of the camera Redmi Note 9 Pro - from technical specifications to hidden MIUI functions that the manufacturer does not advertise. You'll learn how to shoot in low light, what settings to optimize for portrait photography, and why sometimes it's better to use an ultra-wide-angle camera instead of the main one. We will also compare the results with the flagships of the same year and give specific recommendations for improving the quality of your photos and videos.

Camera Specifications Redmi Note 9 Pro: what is hidden behind the numbers

The main module of the smartphone is equipped with a sensor Samsung GW1 resolution 64 MP with a pixel size of 0.8 microns. It was one of the first mass-produced sensors with such a high pixel density, allowing Xiaomi actively advertise the device as a “photo monster”. However, the actual default resolution of pictures is 16 MP - the smartphone uses technology pixel binning (combining 4 pixels into 1) to improve light transmission and reduce noise.

Full list of camera modules:

• 📷 Main camera: 64 MP, f/1.89, 26 mm equivalent, phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
• 🌄 Ultra wide angle: 8 MP, f/2.2, 119°, fixed focus
• 🔍 Macro camera: 5 MP, f/2.4, autofocus (2–10 cm)
• 👤 Depth sensor: 2 MP, f/2.4 (for portrait mode)

Video recording is supported in resolutions up to 4K@30fps And 1080p@60fps, but with important limitations: when recording in 4K, electronic stabilization is disabled, and autofocus is slower. Also no support HDR10+ or Dolby Vision, which distinguishes the model from flagships.

Parameter	Redmi Note 9 Pro	Samsung Galaxy A51 (2020)	Realme 6 Pro
Main camera	64 MP, f/1.89	48 MP, f/2.0	64 MP, f/1.8
Ultra wide angle	8 MP, 119°	12 MP, 123°	8 MP, 119°
Macro camera	5 MP, autofocus	5 MP, fixed focus	12 MP, autofocus
Video 4K	Yes (without stabilization)	Yes (with EIS)	Yes (with EIS)

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in 64 MP mode, files take up to 20-25 MB each. If you plan to use full resolution often, stock up on a memory card UHS-I class not lower A2 — otherwise the smartphone will “freeze” during continuous shooting.

Shooting modes: which one to choose and when

Camera app in MIUI offers more than 10 modes, but most users are limited to automatic. Meanwhile, the correct choice of mode can dramatically improve the result. Let's look at the most useful ones:

• 📸 Photo (Auto): Versatile mode with a balance between detail and processing. Uses pixel binning for 16 MP photos. Suitable for 90% of situations.
• 🌃 Night mode: Activates automatically in low light conditions. Stacks multiple frames to reduce noise, but requires a steady hand or tripod.
• 👤 Portrait: Uses the depth sensor to blur the background. It works better during the day - at dusk it often “eats” the edges of objects.
• 🌄 Ultrawide: Useful for landscapes and architecture, but the detail is noticeably worse than the main camera. Avoid shooting against the sun - strong glare.
• 🔍 Macro: Works only at a distance of 2–10 cm. Autofocus is slow, it is better to use manual focusing (tap on the screen).

Hidden mode Pro (manual settings) allows you to control ISO (100–3200), shutter speed (1/4000–30 sec) and white balance. This is useful for shooting glowing objects (such as fireworks) or in difficult lighting conditions. To activate it, go to Extras → Pro.

Comparison with competitors: who shoots better

In 2020 the main competitors Redmi Note 9 Pro were Samsung Galaxy A51 And Realme 6 Pro. All three models had a 64MP main camera, but the approaches to image processing were very different. Based on test results DxOMark (108 points) and real comparisons, the following features can be distinguished:

Benefits Redmi Note 9 Pro:

• 🔹More natural color rendering in daytime scenes (in Realme saturation is often overestimated).
• 🔹 Better detail when shooting at 16 MP thanks to algorithms pixel binning.
• 🔹 Faster autofocus in good lighting conditions.

Weaknesses:

• 🔸 Loud noise in night scenes even with night mode turned on (with Samsung A51 better noise reduction).
• 🔸 Lack of optical stabilization - 4K video often “shakes”.
• 🔸 HDR algorithms work aggressively, sometimes exposing shadows.

The video comparison below shows how Redmi Note 9 Pro loses Realme 6 Pro in dynamic scenes due to slower focusing, but wins in static shots due to better detail elaboration:

Example of comparative photos (daylight)

In daytime conditions Redmi Note 9 Pro shows sharper object edges and fewer compression artifacts compared to Galaxy A51, but loses in color balance - sometimes green shades look too cold.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting video in 1080p@60fps The smartphone gets very hot. If the body temperature exceeds 45°C, the camera will automatically turn off. To avoid this, shoot in short sessions (no more than 10 minutes) or use an external cooler.

Secrets to improving photo quality: settings and life hacks

Even with limited hardware capabilities, shooting results can be significantly improved. Here are proven methods:

1. Disable "AI Enhancement" in the camera settings. Algorithms Xiaomi they often overestimate saturation and contrast, which spoils the naturalness of the pictures. Path: Camera Settings → AI Camera → Off
2. Use Manual Mode (Pro) for Night Photography. Install ISO at 800–1600, shutter speed at 1/10–1/4 sec and shoot from a tripod.
3. Clean the lens. Due to the protruding camera module, dust and grease from the fingers constantly fall on it. Clean your lenses with microfiber before shooting.
4. Shoot in RAW format (available in mode Pro). This will allow later to adjust white balance and exposure in Lightroom without loss of quality.

For portrait photography we recommend:

• 🔸 Use the main camera (not macro!) at a distance of 1–1.5 m from the object.
• 🔸 Enable Natural light in portrait mode settings.
• 🔸 Avoid shooting against the sun - the depth sensor does not work well in bright backlight.

Common camera problems and how to solve them

Owners Redmi Note 9 Pro often encounter typical problems that can be fixed by software or hardware:

Problem	Reason	Solution
Blurred photos at dusk	Low aperture (f/1.89) + noise reduction	Use night mode or a tripod
Green tint in photos under artificial lighting	Wrong white balance	Manually install BB to "Incandescent lamp"
The camera does not focus on close objects	There is a delay in switching to the macro camera	Tap the screen to manually focus
Video breaks when moving	No optical stabilization	Shoot in 1080p@30fps with EIS enabled

If the camera starts to glitch (for example, it displays a black screen or an error "Unable to connect to camera"), follow these steps:

1. Restart your smartphone.
2. Clear the camera app cache: Settings → Applications → Camera → Storage → Clear cache.
3. Check if another application is blocking access to the camera (for example, Snapchat or TikTok).
4. Update your firmware to the latest version MIUI (current version at the time of writing - MIUI 14).

Accessories to improve photography: what will really help

Even a budget camera can produce professional results with the right accessories. Here's what to consider:

• 📸 External lenses: Nozzles from Xenvo or Apexel (macro, wide-angle, fisheye) are attached to the main camera with a magnet. Cost - from 1,500 ₽.
• 🎥 Stabilizer: DJI Osmo Mobile SE (8,000 ₽) or budget Hohem iSteady Mobile+ (4,000 ₽) will solve the problem of video jitter.
• 💡 External flash: LED panels Neewer (from 2,000 ₽) with adjustable color temperature are suitable for portrait photography.
• 🔋 Powerbank with Quick Charge 3.0: Shooting in 4K drains the battery quickly. 20,000 mAh models (Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3) will allow you to shoot without interruptions.

For serious photography it's worth considering external microphone (For example, Boya BY-M1 for 3,000 ₽), since the built-in microphone Redmi Note 9 Pro Poorly suppresses wind noise and ambient sounds.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap lens attachments (costing up to 500 ₽) often degrade quality due to low-quality glass. Before purchasing, check reviews for a soapy effect around the edges.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the camera Redmi Note 9 Pro

Is it possible to shoot in 64 MP without pixel binning?

Yes, but only in mode Pro. Go to Settings → Resolution → 64 MP. Please note that the files will weigh 20-25 MB, and detail will only increase in ideal lighting. At dusk it is better to stay at 16 MP.

Why does the ultra-wide-angle camera distort edges?

This is a feature of all wide-angle lenses - the effect is called distortion. B Redmi Note 9 Pro it is especially noticeable due to cheap optics. To reduce distortion, hold your smartphone level and keep important objects away from the edges of the frame.

How to make a blurred background (bokeh) without portrait mode?

Use the main camera as close as possible (not digital zoom!) to the subject. The closer you are to the subject and the further away the background, the stronger the blur. The application will also help Focos (available at Google Play), which simulates the bokeh effect.

The camera stopped focusing after the fall. What to do?

Most likely, the autofocus mechanism is damaged. If your smartphone is under warranty, contact a service center Xiaomi. Self-repair is not recommended - the camera module is soldered to the motherboard. The cost of replacement in unofficial services is from RUB 3,000.

Is it possible to record video in LOG format for later color correction?

No, Redmi Note 9 Pro does not support profiles LOG or Flat. The maximum that is available is manual adjustment of contrast and saturation in the mode Pro. For serious video editing, it is better to use an external camera.