Xiaomi Revamps Camera App After User Complaints
New Updates Promise Improved User Experience
Xiaomi is overhauling its camera application, a move driven by consistent user criticism. The current app has long been seen as a weak point of Xiaomi’s cellular photography setup, despite strong sensors and image processing capabilities.
Users have frequently expressed dissatisfaction with the layout, controls, and user experience, particularly in terms of the layout. Bao, Xiaomi’s camera product manager, confirmed the update was based on wide-ranging user feedback.
The redesigned application addresses layout inconsistencies, confusing feature placement, and poor transition issues. These adjustments aim to create a more intuitive experience.
“The new interface will include a cleaner design, better visual alignment in all modes, and reduces the mess of the Bidik window.”
— Bao, Camera Product Manager
Pro Mode and New Features
Furthermore, the Pro mode is being redesigned to balance ease of use with manual controls. Essential tools like ISO, shutter speed, and EV adjustments will be presented more intuitively. This update also introduces real-time monitoring and multi-camera support for video recording.
Included in the new features are a fast transition of focus length between 28mm and 35mm at 1x, improved EV control, and integrated focus length indicators across all modes. Pro mode will now support custom photography styles, and EV shift is easier to access without navigating settings.
Visually, the update includes more than 140 updated icons and over 600 redesigned UI elements. There’s also a new startup animation, an updated Rana sound, and a redesigned settings panel. Additionally, the update introduces 40 new camera theme colors and redesigned watermark options.
According to a recent study, users of smartphone cameras desire more intuitive interfaces and more customization options, like those offered in this update (Statista 2024).
Phased Rollout
The updated camera app will roll out in waves, starting May 28 for select Xiaomi and Redmi devices. The first wave of devices to receive the update includes the 15 Ultra, 15 Pro, 15, 14 Ultra, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Ti, 14, Mixed series Mix Fold 4, Mix Flip, and the Redmi K80 Pro (including Championship Edition), K80, K70 Pro, K70 Supreme Edition (including Championship Edition), K70, and K70E.
The second wave, scheduled for June 20, will include the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, 13 Pro, 13, Mixed series Mix Fold 3, and the City of civil 4 for. The Redmi K60 Supreme Edition, K60 Pro, K60, Turbo 4 Pro, Turbo 4, Turbo 3, Note 14 5G, Note 14 Pro, and Note 14 Pro+ will also receive the update during this phase.
The final wave in July encompasses Xiaomi 12S Ultra, 12S Pro, 12S, and the Redmi K60E, Note 13 Pro, Note 13 Pro+, Note 13 5G, Note 13R Pro, and Note 13R.