Xiaomi prepares major camera upgrades for its 2025 flagship

The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has already impressed users with its advanced camera system, featuring three 50MP sensors and a 5x periscope telephoto lens. But Xiaomi isn’t stopping there — upcoming software updates promise to unlock even more potential from this flagship’s powerful hardware. Recent leaks and internal testing suggest a series of improvements to the phone’s imaging performance, including new AI tools and enhanced video capabilities.

The device launched with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2 based on Android 14, offering strong computational photography features. However, the company has confirmed that HyperOS 3, based on Android 15, is currently in testing across several flagship devices, including the 17 Pro Max. This next-generation update is expected to bring significant enhancements to the phone’s image processing engine, focusing on low-light performance, stabilization, and AI-assisted scene optimization.

Insiders familiar with Xiaomi’s software roadmap indicate that the update will introduce “Night Vision 2.0,” an upgraded version of the existing Night Mode. This feature reportedly uses multi-frame AI fusion and a new algorithm for adaptive exposure control, improving color accuracy and reducing motion blur in near-dark conditions. Users can expect more realistic lighting and smoother transitions between highlights and shadows — areas where the current version sometimes struggles.

Xiaomi is also said to be fine-tuning the periscope telephoto lens with “AI Zoom Refinement,” a new feature that enhances sharpness at high zoom levels without overprocessing. Early test builds suggest that this mode intelligently applies localized sharpening and noise control based on scene content, resulting in clearer distant shots even in low light.

Another anticipated addition is the “Cinematic Video Mode,” allowing users to shoot HDR10+ footage with real-time depth tracking. Combined with Xiaomi’s advanced image stabilization, this mode aims to offer professional-grade control for content creators. The update is also expected to expand Pro Video settings, letting users manually adjust shutter speed, ISO, and color temperature while recording.

For photography enthusiasts, Xiaomi plans to roll out a revamped Pro Camera interface. It will feature a redesigned layout for easier access to manual controls, new focus peaking colors, and live histograms for more precise exposure management. The camera app’s portrait mode is also being enhanced, leveraging AI segmentation for better edge detection in challenging lighting.

Beyond performance features, Xiaomi’s engineers are optimizing the phone’s integration with its secondary rear display. After the update, the back screen will support “Rear Camera Preview Mode 2.0,” allowing more flexible framing for selfies using the primary camera sensors. The small display will also gain touch input support for quick adjustments like zoom and timer settings.

HyperOS 3 is expected to improve computational efficiency as well, reducing image processing times and improving thermal control during extended photography sessions. This is crucial for a phone that pushes hardware limits with 200MP-equivalent photo processing and 8K video recording. Internal benchmarks show faster capture-to-preview speeds and reduced lag in the camera app under sustained use.

For UK users, rollout timing will depend on the region and model variant. The global and European versions of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max are expected to receive the HyperOS 3 camera update by early 2026, following its phased release in China. Imported models, especially those running the Chinese ROM, may receive updates earlier but without Google Camera integration or full localization features.

In conclusion, Xiaomi’s 17 Pro Max camera system is set to evolve substantially through upcoming software updates. With smarter AI tuning, improved night photography, and expanded video tools, the flagship’s already impressive imaging performance is about to get even better. For photography lovers and content creators alike, the forthcoming HyperOS 3 upgrade could make the 17 Pro Max one of the most capable camera phones in the market — proving that Xiaomi’s innovation doesn’t end at launch.