How to know exactly the camera module in the Xiaomi smartphone: from settings to disassembly

Do you want to replace the camera on your Xiaomi, but you don't know which module is installed? Or do you doubt the originality of the components after the repair? Defining the camera model in Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones is not as easy as it seems. The manufacturer rarely provides accurate data in the specifications, and there is often conflicting information on the Internet.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for learning how to find out the camera module in Xiaomi — from standard settings to deep diagnostics through the engineering menu. You will learn to distinguish the Sony IMX from Samsung ISOCELL, check the compatibility of parts before buying and detect counterfeits. And also find out why even one model (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro) can have different cameras — and how this affects the quality of the photo.

Spoiler: The most reliable way is not to disassemble the device, but to use a combination of software checks, but to get things straight.

1. Checking through camera settings: what you can learn without apps

To start with, the standard MIUI tools are a bit of a hidden feature in most Xiaomi smartphones, but some models (especially the flagship Mi 11/12/13) display some of the data.

Open the Camera app and follow the following steps:

• 📷 Go to Pro or Manual mode.
• ⚙️ Click on the settings icon (cog) in the upper right corner.
• 🔍 Scroll down to the Camera Information or Data section EXIF.
• 📋 If you are lucky, it will indicate a sensor model (e.g. Sony IMX707 or Samsung S5KHM2).

Note that this method only works on 10-15% of Xiaomi models. In low-end Redmi or POCO (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO M3), this option is not available. But even if the data is displayed, it may be incomplete – often only the main module is indicated, and the auxiliary (wide-angle, macro, depth) is silent.

⚠️ Warning: Some firmware (especially global ones) may not have a partition with camera information even in flagships. It's not a defect, it's a stripped-down version.

2. Use of EXIF-Photo Data: Hidden Information in Photos

Every photo taken on a smartphone contains EXIF metadata, which contains the settings, including the camera model, which works on all devices, but requires additional actions.

Here's how to get the data:

1. Take a test shot in standard mode (without filters and processing).
2. Transfer the photo to your computer or open it in a special application on your phone.
3. Use one of these solutions: 🖥️ On PC: right-click on file → Properties → tab Detailed. 📱 On Android: install EXIF Viewer (e.g. Photo EXIF Editor from Google Play). 🌐 Online: upload a photo to exif.tools.

Camera Model

Lens Model

Sensor

Example EXIF- data for Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra:

Make: Xiaomi


Model: Mi 11 Ultra




Lens Model: 1/1.12" Sony IMX707 (main)




Focal Length: 4.7mm

Note that EXIF may not have the sensor name, but an internal Xiaomi designation (e.g., ov48b for OmniVision OV48B).

⚠️ Warning: Some apps (like Google Photos) automatically clean EXIF- data when uploaded to the cloud. Always check the original files, not those copied from the gallery.

💡

If the EXIF specifies multiple cameras (e.g., rear_camera1, rear_camera2), the core module is usually designated as rear_camera0 or main.

3. Service codes and engineering menu: data for advanced users

For those who are not afraid to dig into the system settings, there is a way to get information through the Engineering Mode, which requires caution, but gives the most accurate data.

Instructions:

Enter the code ##4636## in the Phone app

Go to the tab "Phone Information"

Scroll down to the "Camera Data" section.

Write down the values of the rear_cam and front_cam--> parameters.

Most Xiaomi smartphones have code:

##4636##

Once you enter, you'll open a tab menu, you'll need phone information (or Phone Information), and scroll down to the Camera block, and you'll see lines like,

rear_cam1: ov48b40_mipi_raw


front_cam: gc5035_mipi_raw

Transcript:

• The rear_cam1 is the main rear camera.
• rear_cam2, rear_cam3 are additional modules (wide-angle, macro).
• The front_cam is a front-facing (selfie) camera.

If #4636### doesn’t work, try alternatives.

• 📱 ##36446337## is an engineering menu for MediaTek.
• 📱 #0# is a display and camera test (some models show sensors).

⚠️ Warning: Don't change the settings in the engineering menu unless you understand the meaning of the settings! Incorrect settings can lead to loss of photo quality or even camera failure.

4. Diagnostic applications: what software will show the camera model

If previous methods have failed, specialized utilities will come to the rescue, analyzing system files and output detailed information about the hardware, including cameras.

Top.-3 apps:

• 🔧 DevCheck Hardware Info — shows the sensor model in the Camera section. Works without root.

Example of data from DevCheck for POCO F3:

Pear Camera 1:


Sensor: Samsung S5KGW1 (48 MP)




Aperture: f/1.8




Focal Length: 4.7mm





Pear Camera 2:




Sensor: OmniVision OV02B10 (5 MP, macro)

An important nuance: some applications (such as CPU-Z) do not show information about cameras on Xiaomi due to the limitations of MIUI. If data is not available, try alternative utilities or check for root rights.

💡

Applications like DevCheck or AIDA64 often show incomplete data for additional cameras (wide-angle, macro). For accurate identification of all modules, combine this method with a EXIF check.

5. Physical inspection: when you can not do without disassembly

If the software fails, you have visual inspection, which is an extreme case, because it requires disassembling the device and risking damage to the plumes, but sometimes that's the only way to know the exact model of the sensor, especially in old or rare devices.

What you'll need:

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross, five-point for Xiaomi).
• 🧲 Plastic blade for opening the body.
• 📸 Loupe or macro lens (for reading small inscriptions).
• 🔋 Suction cup for display removal (optional).

Procedure:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (temperature ~60°C) to soften the glue.
3. Carefully tuck the lid with a plastic spatula, starting at the corners.
4. Unscrew the screws holding the metal plate over the cameras.
5. Inspect the modules: they must be marked (for example, SONY IMX586 or SAMSUNG S5KGM1).

Critical information: on some Xiaomi models (for example, Mi 11 Ultra) the cameras are glued to the body with a thermal paste. If you take off carelessly, you can damage the plume or the sensor itself!

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact a service center. the cost of diagnosis (100-300 rubles) will pay off by avoiding the risk of breakdown.

💡

Before disassembling, take a picture of the location of all the screws and plumes. Xiaomi often uses screws of different lengths - confusing them means the risk of short circuit!

Serial number check: data from the manufacturer

Few people know, but Xiaomi stores information about components in a database tied to the serial number (S/N) or IMEI. This method is suitable for new devices (up to 2-3 years from the date of release).

How to check:

1. Find the serial number in Settings → About the phone → General information.
2. Go to the official checkout site (or use imei.info).
3. Enter S/N or IMEI – the report may specify the type of camera (e.g. 108MP Main Camera: Samsung HM2).

Example of the report for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G:

Camera Configuration:


- Main: 108MP Samsung HM2 (1/1.52", 0.7µm)




- Ultra-wide: 8MP Sony IMX355




- Macro: 2MP GalaxyCore GC02M1

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work for devices older than 2020 (data may not be available).
• ❌ Does not show information about the replaced modules (original configuration only).
• ❌ Chinese versions of Mi.com may require VPN.

7 How to distinguish the original camera from a fake

If you are buying a replacement part or are doubting the originality of the module after repair, pay attention to these signs:

Additional test: take photos at maximum settings (e.g. 48MP manual) and check for detail. Fake sensors often give blurred edges, artifacts when zoomed in, or incorrect color reproduction (especially in dark colors).

⚠️ Warning: In 2023, there has been an increase in counterfeiting of Sony IMX766 cameras (installed in Xiaomi 12T Pro, Redmi K50 Ultra). The original has a holographic sticker on the back of the module — it can not be forged.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cameras in Xiaomi