Is The Iphone 6 Camera Still Better Than The Xiaomi Mi A1 In Current Year

The iPhone 6, released in 2014, was once considered a benchmark for smartphone photography. The Xiaomi Mi A1, launched in 2017, brought mid-range excellence with dual rear cameras and stock Android. Now, in 2024, both devices are long past their prime, yet some users still rely on them. But when it comes to camera performance today—factoring in aging hardware, outdated software, and modern expectations—is the iPhone 6 still ahead of the Mi A1?

The short answer: no, not consistently. While the iPhone 6 had strong early image processing, the Mi A1’s hardware advantages and more recent software updates give it an edge in most real-world conditions today.

Camera Hardware: A Clear Generational Gap

The foundation of any camera system lies in its hardware. Here's how the two models stack up:

Feature	iPhone 6	Xiaomi Mi A1
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2, 32mm	Dual: 12MP (f/2.2) + 12MP (f/2.6)
Front Camera	1.2MP, f/2.2	5MP, f/2.0
Autofocus	Contrast-detect	PDAF (Phase Detection)
Video Recording	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps
Optical Image Stabilization	No	No
Software Enhancements	Basic HDR, Face Detection	Dual-camera portrait mode, AI scene detection (via updates)

The Mi A1 clearly benefits from being a newer device. Its 12MP primary sensor captures significantly more detail than the iPhone 6’s 8MP shooter. More importantly, the inclusion of a secondary telephoto lens allows for 2x optical zoom and superior depth sensing for portrait shots—a feature absent on the iPhone 6.

Tip: In low-light conditions, the Mi A1’s larger effective pixel size (after binning) often produces cleaner images than the aging iPhone 6 sensor.

Image Processing and Software Longevity

Apple has always prided itself on computational photography, even before the term became mainstream. The iPhone 6 ran iOS 8 at launch and was supported up to iOS 12, released in 2018. Since then, there have been no major camera software improvements or security updates.

In contrast, the Mi A1 launched with Android 7.1 Nougat as part of the Android One program and received official updates up to Android 10. This means it benefited from Google’s HDR+ algorithm, improved white balance, noise reduction, and better dynamic range—all critical for photo quality.

“Even modest hardware can outperform older flagships when backed by modern image processing.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK (2020 statement on mid-tier phones)

While the iPhone 6’s photos were once known for natural color reproduction and consistent exposure, its lack of ongoing optimization shows today. The Mi A1, especially when using the Google Camera port (unofficial but widely used), can produce richer, sharper, and more balanced images—even in challenging lighting.

Real-World Performance: A Day-to-Day Comparison

To assess practical usability, consider a typical user scenario in 2024: social media sharing, document scanning, family photos, and occasional travel shots.

Case Study: Urban Commuter Photography

Meet Priya, a freelance writer who uses her old iPhone 6 daily. She recently borrowed a friend’s Mi A1 for a weekend city tour. Her findings:

• Morning light portraits: The Mi A1 produced smoother skin tones and better background separation in portrait mode.
• Indoor café shots: The iPhone 6 struggled with mixed lighting, resulting in yellowish tints; the Mi A1 corrected white balance automatically.
• Nighttime street food photos: The Mi A1 captured more detail in shadows without excessive noise, thanks to HDR+.
• Social media readiness: Mi A1 photos required less editing before posting to Instagram.

Priya concluded that despite her emotional attachment to the iPhone’s “true-to-life” look, the Mi A1 simply delivered more usable results in 2024.

Limitations of Aging Devices in Modern Contexts

Both phones suffer from age-related drawbacks, but they affect camera performance differently.

Battery Degradation and Processing Delays

The iPhone 6’s aging battery and A8 chip struggle with sustained camera use. Launching the camera app can take 2–3 seconds, and burst mode is sluggish. The Mi A1, while also slowed by age, handles multitasking better due to 4GB RAM and a Snapdragon 625 optimized for efficiency.

Lens and Sensor Wear

After nearly a decade of use, dust accumulation and micro-scratches on lenses degrade image clarity. The iPhone 6’s single rear lens is more vulnerable to smudges affecting every shot. The Mi A1’s dual setup allows redundancy—some functions remain usable even if one lens is slightly obscured.

Tip: Clean your camera lens weekly with a microfiber cloth. A dirty lens degrades image quality more than megapixel differences.

Step-by-Step: Maximizing Camera Output on Legacy Devices

If you're still using either phone, follow this guide to get the best possible photos:

1. Update firmware: Ensure the Mi A1 runs Android 10. For the iPhone 6, confirm iOS 12.5.7 is installed for latest security patches.
2. Use third-party apps: Install GCam ports (Mi A1) or ProCamera (iPhone 6) for manual controls.
3. Enable HDR: Always turn on HDR where available—it balances highlights and shadows.
4. Avoid digital zoom: Both phones lack optical zoom beyond 1x (except Mi A1’s 2x portrait zoom).
5. Shoot in good light: Natural daylight compensates for sensor limitations.
6. Edit minimally: Use Snapseed or Apple Photos to adjust brightness and contrast, not to fix poor exposure.

Checklist: Is Your Old Phone Still Viable for Photography?

• ✅ Can the camera app launch within 2 seconds?
• ✅ Does it save photos in full resolution (not compressed)?
• ✅ Can you upload a photo to Instagram without visible blur?
• ✅ Is autofocus reliable in indoor lighting?
• ✅ Does the battery last through a photo walk (1+ hour of use)?
• ✅ Are software updates still available (security or camera fixes)?

If three or more items are marked “no,” consider upgrading. Neither the iPhone 6 nor Mi A1 meets modern standards for consistent, high-quality photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 take decent photos in 2024?

Yes, but only in ideal conditions—bright daylight, steady hands, and clean lenses. It lacks modern features like night mode, fast autofocus, or reliable HDR. Photos may look soft or discolored compared to current standards.

Why does my Mi A1 camera lag sometimes?

The Snapdragon 625 is efficient but dated. Lag occurs due to background app interference or storage fragmentation. Try clearing cache, closing unused apps, or switching to lightweight camera apps like Open Camera.

Is it worth repairing either phone’s camera?

Only if the cost is under $20 and you need a temporary device. Given the age, parts are scarce, and performance gains won’t match budget phones under $100 today.

Conclusion: Time to Move On

The iPhone 6 was revolutionary in its time, but technological progress doesn’t pause. By 2024 standards, its camera falls short in resolution, processing, and usability. The Xiaomi Mi A1, though also obsolete, holds up better due to superior hardware, dual-lens versatility, and access to modern software enhancements like HDR+.

However, neither device should be considered a primary camera in today’s world. Smartphones under $150 now offer 48MP sensors, night modes, ultrawide lenses, and AI enhancements that leave both these models behind.

🚀 Upgrade wisely. If you value photography, even modest modern smartphones will deliver dramatically better results. Share your experience with legacy devices—have you held onto an old favorite? Let us know in the comments.