How to know exactly the camera sensor model in the Xiaomi smartphone

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where the same model of the device released at different times, equipped with different modules of the main camera. This is standard practice for optimizing production chains, but for mobile photography enthusiasts and those who are looking for specific characteristics, it becomes a headache. Standard system settings rarely reveal the technical details of the installed hardware, limited only to the resolution in megapixels.

Knowing the exact matrix model is not only necessary for curiosity, but also for matching image processing profiles, using third-party camera applications or when buying spare parts for repairs. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to look under the hood of your device and get reliable information about the photo module.

There are several levels of data access, from simple applications from the Play Market to deep system diagnostics through ADB. We will review each method, evaluate its reliability and help you choose the most suitable option for your situation.

Official specifications and markings on the device

The first step that is often ignored is to carefully study the documentation: the official website in the specification section for a particular model often indicates not only the resolution, but also the size of the pixel, and sometimes the sensor manufacturer. However, as mentioned earlier, Xiaomi can use alternative components in different batches, so the data on the site may not match reality.

Visual inspection of the camera itself can also provide clues, although in modern monolithic cases it is difficult to do this without disassembling. If you do decide to open the device, look for the marking on the plume or the camera module itself. Codes like IMX point to Sony, S5K to Samsung, and OV to OmniVision.

⚠️ WARNING: Self-disassembly of Xiaomi's smartphone almost always results in a loss of warranty.Do not break the factory seals unless you have the right skills.

For quick checks, you can use the system menu of engineering tests. Enter the code ##6484## in the Phone app. In the CIT menu that opens, select the item associated with the camera (usually FrontCamera or BackCamera). Although it rarely spells the full name of the sensor, sometimes the ID of the module that can be broken online is displayed.

Use of specialized identifiers applications

The easiest way for the average user is to install third-party software from Google Play. Apps like Device Info HW or Camera2 Probe are able to read system logs and output detailed hardware information.

Device Info HW is one of the leaders in this niche. After launch, go to the Camera tab. Here you will see a list of all the cameras available to the device. Pay attention to the Sensor and Lens fields. If the application has access to the necessary permissions, it will show the exact model, for example, Sony IMX766 or Samsung GN1.

• 📱 Device Info HW — Shows detailed information about the sensor, focal length and aperture.
• 📷 Camera2 Probe – a specialized tool for checking support API Camera2 module characteristics.
• 🔍 AIDA64 — universal diagnostic tool that displays the sensor model in the Display or Camera section».

Note that newer versions of Android and the HyperOS shell may have limited access to some system data, and if the app shows “Unknown” or generic name, try giving it additional permissions or using root-right methods.

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If the app shows multiple sensors (such as Sony and Samsung for the same position), it means that the system has drivers reserved for different trim levels, but only one of them is active.

The first is ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

For those who are not afraid of the command line, the ADB method is one of the most reliable. It does not require root rights, but necessitates enabled debugging mode over USB. This method allows you to directly poll the system properties of Android.

First, connect your smartphone to your computer, enable USB debugging in the Developer menu, and launch the terminal on your PC. Enter a command to list all cameras and their properties. Often, sensor information is contained in properties starting with ro.vendor.camera or persist.vendor.camera.

adb shell dumpsys media.camera

The output of this command can be voluminous. Look for lines that contain the names of the sensors. It is also useful to run an adb shell getprop | grep camera command that will filter out all the properties that contain the word "camera." In the list you get, you often see references to specific matrix models.

If the standard commands don't work, you can try to find the camera initialization log files, but on modern devices, access to them without superuser permission is closed.

EXIF analysis of the photos taken

Every photo taken contains metadata known as EXIF, which records date, time, shutter speed, ISO and, importantly for us, camera model, and while manufacturers often substitute real-world sensor names for phone model marketing names, technical information sometimes slips through.

Take multiple photos in different modes (main camera, zoom, macro). Then open the file properties on your computer or use an advanced EXIF viewer on your phone, such as Photo Exif Editor. Look for the Camera Model, Lens Model, or Sensor ID fields.

⚠️ Attention: Social networks (Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram) compress and delete images when sending EXIF-For analysis, use the original files stored in the gallery.

In some cases, especially in Pro mode, more detailed information about the focal length in millimeters may be written into the metadata, which indirectly indicates the module being used if you know the specifications of your device.

In-depth analysis with Root rights and log files

The most accurate information is obtained only with the superuser rights (Root), having root access allows you to read the kernel and driver configuration files, where the true sensor model is spelled out rigidly, this is the only way to get a 100% guarantee.

Using a root-access file manager (such as MT Manager or Solid Explorer), go to /proc/device-tree/platform/soc/ (the path may vary depending on the Snapdragon or MediaTek processor).

You can also use the root-enabled Terminal Emulator app, and type a command to search for lines that contain the names of popular sensors:

su


grep -r "imx\|s5k\|ov\|gc" /proc/device-tree/

This command will recursively walk through the device tree and display all the matches, and you will see the real identifiers that the camera driver uses to initialize the matrix when the phone is turned on.

• 🔓 MT Manager – a powerful tool for working with files APK and system directories.
• 📂 Root Explorer is a classic guide for accessing Android root folders.
• 💻 Termux – a Linux terminal emulator that allows you to execute complex search scripts.

Remember that interfering with system files without proper experience can lead to unstable operation of the device.

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Only the presence of Root-rights gives access to Device Tree files, where the sensor model is written at the driver level and cannot be changed programmatically.

Comparison of characteristics of popular Xiaomi sensors

Understanding which sensor is installed in your device helps you assess its potential. Xiaomi uses a wide range of arrays from different manufacturers. Let's look at the main characteristics that are worth looking at when analyzing data.

The key is the physical size of the array. The larger it is, the more light gets to the pixel, which improves the quality of shooting in low light. For example, 1-inch sensors (IMX989, LYT900) are significantly superior to the standard 1/2 inch.

Pixel technology is also important. Current sensors use binning (pixel combinations), such as 4-in-1 or 9-in-1, which allows high-resolution (108 MP, 200 MP) arrays to take high-quality images in standard resolution.

Knowing your sensor model through the methods described above will allow you to compare it to a table and understand what your camera is really capable of without relying on marketing slogans.