In many softwares, the gravity sensing function can be used even if this "automatic rotation" is not turned on, and sensors will prompt the software to use when installing the software.
In the application of the system, you can also set whether to rotate automatically, such as "gallery". As long as it is set in the "Gallery", you can use this function even if the "Auto Rotation" of the system is turned on.
Generally speaking, when making software, you will define whether to use a gravity sensor, which cannot be defined in the process of using a mobile phone (unless you are a developer), but there are usually corresponding settings in the software.