How to find out the screen on Xiaomi: a complete guide to matrices

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to clarify the exact model of the installed matrix. Manufacturers can use different display providers for the same phone model depending on the lot or region of sales. The type of matrix directly affects color reproduction quality, power consumption and brightness, so knowing the exact characteristics is critical when buying a used device or diagnosing malfunctions.

There are several proven ways to get this information without opening the case. You can use hidden engineering menus, third-party utilities, or even system commands. It's important to understand that diagonal and resolution are just the tip of the iceberg; the actual quality of the picture is determined by the production technology, whether it's Super AMOLED, IPS LCD or more modern E-ink solutions.

In this article, we will discuss all available diagnostic methods, from simple visual tests to deep analysis through the use of the computer. ADB-We'll also compile a comparative table of popular panels so you can navigate the specifications.The exact name of the matrix model (e.g. Samsung). E4 or TCL C7) It is often hidden in the standard settings menu, so you will need special tools to get it, which will be discussed below.

Using engineering code to diagnose a display

The fastest way to access hidden system parameters is to enter a special system. USSD-code in the phone app. For devices. MIUI The main code is ##6484##. Once you enter these characters, the system will automatically redirect you to the menu. CIT (Customer Information Test: No need to wait for the operator to respond, the interface will open instantly.

In the test list that opens, you need to find the item associated with the display, usually called Display, LCD, or Screen. When you click on it, you'll see a test filler in different colors. However, to find out exactly the matrix model, you often need to click on a specific area of the screen or select an advanced testing mode if it is available in your firmware version.

Some users may find that the code is not working, and this is often the case on global firmware versions or when blocked by a carrier, and then type in code ##4636##, which opens the test menu, and although it's more network- and battery-oriented, some builds have a "Display information" section.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when changing the settings in the engineering menu.Accessal resetting of the color or touch layer calibration can lead to incorrect touch screen operation, which is difficult to fix without a service center.

πŸ“Š What type of screen your current smartphone has?
AMOLED
IPS LCD
OLED
I don't know.

Applications for determining matrix characteristics

If the built-in system does not give full information, specialized applications from Google Play come to the rescue. The leader in this area is the Device Info HW utility. It is able to read data directly from the device drivers, showing not only the type of matrix, but also the glass manufacturer, the driver version and even the number of touch points.

Another powerful tool is the AIDA64 app, which displays detailed information on physical size, pixel density (DPI) and supported refresh rate modes in the Display section, which is especially useful for owners of POCO and Black Shark gaming smartphones, where it is important to know whether the screen is running at a declared 120Hz or 144Hz at the moment.

For advanced users who want to get the most data, Phone Info SAM (which also works on Xiaomi) or DevCheck can show the code of the panel model, for example, AMB655 or E4321, which allows you to accurately identify the supplier (Samsung, LG, Tianma, BOE), this knowledge helps to assess the brightness potential and durability of pixels.

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When installing diagnostic applications, be sure to provide them with all the permissions requested, otherwise they will not be able to read the data about the β€œhardware” and will show a stub.

Analysis of system logs and ADB-team

For those who are not afraid of the command line, the most reliable method is to analyze system logs through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and enabling debugging mode over USB. The method is good because it shows β€œraw” data that cannot be forged software.

Once the device is connected, execute a command to output logs by filtering them by the word "display" or "panel." Often, the matrix manufacturer is listed in the logs when you boot the system. You can use the following command to search for information about the display:

adb shell dumpsys SurfaceFlinger | grep -i"panel\|display"

Alternatively, view the build.prop file or use the getprop command. Enter adb shell getprop | grep -i panel, you can get a line that contains the panel ID. For example, the answer might look like [ro.panel.name]: [mipi_dsi_samsung_e4_667], This is a direct indication of the use of Samsung matrix. E4.

Using ADB also allows you to check the current refresh rate of the screen in real time, which is impossible to do with standard tools.This is important for diagnosing problems with the mimicking or malfunctioning of the Auto 120Hz function. If the system does not switch the hertz, there will be corresponding errors in the logs.

What if the ADB can’t see the phone?
Make sure that your computer has ADB drivers installed, the USB cable is working and supports data transfer, and the USB debugging is enabled in the β€œDeveloper” menu. Also, when you first connect, a request for debugging permission will appear on the phone screen - it must be confirmed.

Visual tests and comparison of AMOLED and LCD technologies

Even without special software, you can determine the type of screen using visual cues. The main difference between AMOLED and IPS LCD is the way the pixels are illuminated. On AMOLED, each pixel glows independently, so black looks completely black, not dark gray, as on LCD.

To do the test, open a completely black image in a dark room. If your smartphone screen is glowing or you see a uniform gray glow, you're looking at it. IPS-If the screen merges visually with the frame of the case and you can't tell the edge of the display, it's almost impossible. OLED or AMOLED technology.

You also have to look at the angles and the slammering effect. LCD-screens when moving your finger on a white background can be noticeably "oily" color distortion. AMOLED-screens are devoid of this drawback, but may suffer from flickering (PWM) low brightness, which is noticeable when the phone moves in front of the eyes.

  • πŸ”΄ Saturation: AMOLED It gives out brighter, more β€œacid” colors, while LCD naturalize.
  • πŸ‘οΈ Always On Display: The Always On screen is only available on the screen. OLED-matrices, as LCD It requires constant lighting of the entire area.
  • πŸ’‘ Energy efficiency: On dark topics AMOLED Consumes significantly less energy, saving battery power.

Xiaomi has been working with various panel manufacturers, and depending on the price segment, devices can be fitted with different generation matrixes, and the following is a table that helps you navigate the labels you see in the diagnostics reports.

Marking/TypeManufacturerFeaturesExamples of devices
Samsung E4 / E5Samsung DisplayHigh brightness (up to 1300 nits), excellent color reproductionXiaomi 11, POCO F3
Tianma TM2TianmaBudget OLED, average brightness marginRedmi Note 10 Pro
BOE FlexBOEGood calibration, used in flagshipsMi 10 Ultra, Mi 11
IPS JDI / LGJapan Display / LGClassic IPS, high resource, no PWMRedmi Note 9, POCO X3 NFC

Knowing the manufacturer helps you understand what to expect from the device. Samsung panels, for example, are traditionally considered the benchmark for black quality, while BOE often pleases with a higher frequency of touch-layer survey. Budget models often feature screens from Tianma or Huixian, which can be inferior in brightness in the sun.

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Having a TUV Rheinland or Dolby Vision certification in the specifications usually indicates the use of a high-quality matrix, regardless of the manufacturer’s brand.

Checking for broken pixels and uniformity of backlight

After determining the type of screen, it is extremely important to check its physical condition, especially if the device is bought from hand. Broken pixels are defects in which the dot on the screen constantly burns with a certain color or, conversely, remains black.

The uniformity of the illumination (or glow) is checked against a gray background of low brightness. IPS-In screens, there's a lot of glow effect, where the corners of the screen are brighter than the center. AMOLED-screens the problem can be "green tint" (green tint) - the appearance of a greenish tint on a white background with minimal brightness.

You can run a YouTube video with a screen test or use online services to automate the process. Pay attention to the touchscreen response: swipe your finger across the surface, holding the app icon. If the icon "fails" or twitches in certain areas, this is a sign of problems with the digitizer.

β˜‘οΈ Screen checklist

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you programmatically change the matrix type in MIUI?
Change the physical type of matrix (e.g., transform the matrix) LCD into AMOLED) But with root rights and modification of calibration files (mdss_mdp_cfg.xml You can try to change the color scheme or unlock hidden profiles if the screen driver supports it.
Why do different sources list different screens for the same model?
It is normal practice for mass production: Xiaomi, like other vendors, buys components from multiple suppliers (Samsung, BOE, Tianma), depending on the date of production and the region, the box may be a smartphone with a screen from different factories, which causes confusion in reviews.
Is PWM harmful to the eyes on Xiaomi screens?
PWM (pulse-latitudinal modulation) is a way of adjusting brightness, characteristic of AMOLED-In some people, low-frequency PWM can cause eye fatigue or headache. MIUI Often there is an item "Anti-flicker" that includes constant lighting at a minimum, reducing harmful effects.
How do I know the refresh rate of my screen?
The most accurate way is to use the Device Info HW app or the ADB dumpsys SurfaceFlinger command. The phone’s settings (Advanced Settings –> Update Frequency) often only specify the maximum value possible, not the current one, as the screen dynamically changes the hertz to save energy.