How to accurately determine the camera model on the Xiaomi smartphone: from simple methods to engineering menus

You bought a used Xiaomi smartphone, but you're not sure if the camera is original? Or you want to check if the module was replaced during repair? Or maybe you just wonder what kind of sensor is in your Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5? You can determine the camera model on Xiaomi devices in several ways, from basic (via phone settings) to advanced (using engineering codes or even disassembly). In this article, we will analyze all available methods, including those that are not written in the standard instructions.

It's important to understand that the manufacturer rarely specifies the exact sensor models in the official specifications. For example, in the specifications of Xiaomi 13 Ultra you will find only the resolution (50 MP) and the size of the pixel (1.0 μm), but not the name of the module itself (Sony IMX989). Meanwhile, knowing the exact model of the camera helps to assess its real capabilities, find compatible firmware or parts for repair.

1. Check through camera settings (the easiest way)

To start with, it doesn't require third-party apps or engineering codes, and some Xiaomi models display the camera information directly in the Camera app interface, and here's how to check it:

1. Open the standard Camera app.
2. Go to Professional (or Pro) mode.
3. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) three-point (⋮) top-right.
4. Scroll down to the Camera Information or About section.

If you have this, you’ll see data like the Sony IMX707 (main camera) or the OmniVision OV64B (periscopic module), which unfortunately doesn’t work on all devices — for example, the Redmi 10 or the POCO X3 Pro may not.

⚠️ Warning: Some firmware (especially global ones) have hidden camera information. If you haven't found it, try switching to regional firmware (e.g. Chinese or European) - sometimes this reveals additional data.

You should also pay attention to the watermarks in the photo. In some models (for example, Xiaomi). 12S Ultra EXIF-And you're going to use a sensor model to see these pictures:

• 📷 Take a photo in standard mode.
• 🖥️ Transfer it to the computer.
• 🔍 Open the file properties (right click) → Properties → Find the Model or Lens Model string.

2.Use of the engineering menu (#4636##)

The hidden engineering menu is one of the most reliable ways to get technical information about the camera, available on most Xiaomi smartphones, but it requires caution: don’t change the settings unless you’re sure of their purpose!

To open the menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##4636## (some models may require ##6484## for the camera test).
3. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
4. Scroll down to the Camera section.

Here you'll see a list of all the cameras in the device, with their sensor models, resolution and supported modes.

Camera 0: Sony IMX766 (50.0 MP)




Camera 1: Samsung S5K3M5 (8.0 MP, ultra-wide)




Camera 2: OmniVision OV08A10 (2.0 MP, macro)

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) may have the engineering menu disabled or show incorrect data. If nothing happens after you enter the code, try using apps like this. MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek chips) or Qualcomm Service Menu (for Snapdragon chips).

If the engineering menu is not successful, move on to the next method.

3. Diagnostic applications (CPU-Z, AIDA64, DevCheck)

Third-party utilities often show more information than the standard settings, and we tested several popular apps and identified the ones that do the best job of defining a camera model:

• 🔧 DevCheck – in the Hardware section → Camera displays sensor models, supported resolutions and focal lengths. Suitable for most Snapdragon and MediaTek devices.
• 📊 AIDA64 — Shows data in the Devices section → Cameras, sometimes even show the serial numbers of the modules.
• 💡 CPU-Z — less detailed, but the Sensors tab may contain information about the sensor manufacturer (e.g. Sony or Samsung).

Example of data from DevCheck for Xiaomi 12 Pro:

If the app shows Unknown instead of the sensor model, it could mean:

• 🔄 The device uses a non-standard camera driver (often found on custom firmware).
• 🛠️ The camera was replaced by a non-original one (for example, after repairs).
• 📱 The smartphone model is too new, and the application databases are not updated yet.

Update the application to the latest version

Try another app (e.g. AIDA64 instead of DevCheck)

Reboot your smartphone and repeat the check

Check for firmware updates-->

4. Analysis of EXIF-Photo Data

Every photo taken on a smartphone contains metadata (EXIF), where a model of the camera is sometimes prescribed, and this method works even if other methods have failed.

How to extract EXIF:

1. Take a photo in standard mode (without filters and processing).
2. Copy it to your computer or open it in a mobile app to view EXIF (e.g. EXIF Viewer for Android).
3. Find the fields: Lens Model - model of the lens (for example, Sony IMX586), Make and Model - manufacturer and model of the smartphone. Focal Length - focal length (helps identify the module).

Example of EXIF from the POCO F4 GT photo:

Make: Xiaomi




Model: POCO F4 GT




Lens Model: Sony IMX686 (64.0 MP)




Focal Length: 6.7 mm




Aperture: f/1.9

If EXIF doesn't have sensor data, but it has a focal length, you can match it to known modules.

• 📏 24 mm – typical for main cameras (Sony) IMX766, IMX707).
• 📏 13-16 mm - ultra-wide-angle modules (Samsung) S5KJN1, OmniVision OV08A10).
• 📏 100+ Telephoto with optical zoom (OmniVision) OV64B, Sony IMX586 periscopic).

💡

If EXIF-The data is empty, try to take a photo in Pro mode – sometimes more meta information is saved in this case.

5. Disassembly of the device (for experienced users)

If the software doesn't work, you have a physical test, which is only for people who are ready to disassemble a smartphone or are already planning to repair it, and the camera module usually has a marking that identifies the sensor.

How to find a camera model when disassembling:

1. Remove the back cover (need a mediator and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
2. Carefully disconnect the battery plume (to avoid short circuit).
3. Find the camera modules – they are located at the top of the board, under a metal screen.
4. The sensor itself will be marked with, for example, IMX766 (Sony) S5KGW3 (Samsung) OV64B (OmniVision) tags.

Example of marking on the camera Xiaomi 11T Pro:

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling your smartphone will void warranty and may damage your plumes or contacts. If you are unsure of your skills, you should contact a service center. Also remember that some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have a sealed body, and disassembling them without a special tool is almost impossible.

If you don’t want to disassemble the phone but need 100% accurate information, contact Xiaomi’s service center to check the camera model through diagnostic equipment.

Serial number and IMEI check

In rare cases, a camera model can be identified by the serial number or IMEI of the device, which works if:

• 📋 You have an official firmware without modifications.
• 🔢 The serial number is tied to a specific batch of devices (relevant for flagships like Xiaomi 13 Pro).

How to check:

1. Find your phone’s IMEI: Enter in the call: *#06#. Or look at Settings → About Phone → General information.

IMEI.info

Camera Specifications

Alternatively, you can use services like Xiaomi Service Check (available through Mi Verify), and enter the serial number of the device, which can provide detailed information about the components, including the cameras.

⚠️ Note: Not all services support verification of IMEI If the site is in error, try entering the data on the official Mi portal (authentication required).

7.Comparison with official DxOMark specifications and tests

If you could not determine the model of the camera software, but you know the exact model of the smartphone, you can compare its characteristics with official data or test results.

Where to look for information:

• 📄 Xiaomi official website – in the specifications section sometimes indicate the sensor manufacturer (for example, for Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Sony is indicated). IMX989).
• 📊 DxOMark – Camera reviews often reveal sensor models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra review).
• 🛠️ YouTube Disassembly – Channels like PBKreviews or TechDroider often show camera markings when disassembling devices.

Example from the Xiaomi 12S Ultra review on DxOMark:

Main camera: Sony IMX989 (1, 50 MP)




Super wide-angle: Sony IMX586 (1/2, 48 MP)




Telephoto: Sony IMX586 (1/2, 48 MP, 5× zoom

If your model hasn’t been tested on DxOMark, look for reviews on GSMArena or NotebookCheck — it also sometimes shows the exact sensor models.

💡

Comparison of characteristics is the most reliable way, if you know the model of the smartphone, and even if other methods have not worked, official specifications or reviews will help determine which sensor should be in your device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi cameras