Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: how to find out which processor is installed in the smartphone

Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 smartphone often face a dilemma: what hardware platform is hidden under the body of their device, which is unique in that it was released in two radically different versions: based on a chip from Qualcomm and based on a solution from MediaTek. They may be almost identical on the outside, but the internal architecture and firmware capabilities of them differ.

Understanding which processor is installed in your gadget is critical before buying accessories, trying to flash it, or finding solutions to optimize the system. A mistake in determining the platform can lead to installation of broken software and even a complete failure of the device. Which is why the question "Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 how to find out which processor" remains one of the most relevant for users of this model.

There are several proven ways to identify a chipset that do not require disassembly, and we will look at methods from simple engineering menu codes to deep analysis of system files, each with its own nuances, which we will discuss in detail below.

Visual differences and marking on the body

The fastest way to identify the device is to look at the back of the device carefully. The Snapdragon 650 version often (but not always) had the Qualcomm Snapdragon logo on the back, but you can’t rely on the sticker alone, as budget versions or when you replace the cover, the markings may be missing or misleading.

Note the model listed in Settings → About Phone. The global version on Snapdragon is often labeled as HM Note 3 LTE, whereas the Helio version may have the HM Note 3 Pro designation or region-specific codes. However, in China, the labeling could have been different, so visual inspection is just the first step.

Also worth checking out is the kit and box if it survived. The box with the Helio X10 version often only showed support for 4G LTE Cat. 6, while the Snapdragon 650 supported faster speeds and Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technologies. Having QC 3.0 support is a sure sign of a powerful version.

Use of system codes and engineering menu

One of the most reliable ways to get information about hardware without installing third-party software is using the software. USSD-codes for logging into the engineering menu. For Xiaomi devices with shells MIUI This is standard procedure. Type the dialer code ##6484## or #4636##.

Once you enter the code, you will see the CIT (Customer Information Test) menu, and you will find the item associated with the software version or device information (Version Information), the Processor or Platform bar will indicate the exact name of the chipset. Snapdragon will see the designation MSM8956, and MediaTek will see the designation MT6795.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when navigating the engineering menu. Changing the settings in the sections marked as "Single Test" or "Factory Mode" can reset the sensors or change the settings of the radio module.

If standard codes don't work (the manufacturer could have blocked them in a particular firmware version), try the #3646633## code that is typical of MediaTek platforms. If you enter that code and you open the Engineer Mode menu with the Audio, Connectivity and Hardware Testing tabs, you have a version on Helio. On Snapdragon, this code most often won't work.

Analysis through diagnostic applications

If the access to the engineering menu is limited, specialized utilities from Google Play will come to the rescue. The leader in this area is the CPU-Z application. After installation, launch the program and go to the SoC tab. Here in the Processor field, the real name of the kernel will be displayed.

Another powerful tool is AIDA64. This app provides comprehensive information not only about the processor, but also about sensors, battery and system. In the Devices or CPU section, you will see a detailed description of the architecture. The Snapdragon 650 is characterized by a core scheme: 2x Cortex-A72 and 4x Cortex-A53. The Helio X10 - 8x Cortex-A53.

You can also use the Device Info HW app. It's especially useful because it shows not only the CPU model, but also the GPU model. Snapdragon uses Adreno 510 graphics, while MediaTek features the PowerVR G6200, a distinction that's critical for emulators and heavy gaming.

• 📱 CPU-Z: Shows process technology (28 nm in both, but different architecture) and frequencies in real time.
• 📊 AIDA64: Gives a complete picture, including instruction support and core temperature.
• 🔍 Device Info HW: Ideal for checking camera drivers and sensors that vary in versions.

Checking through ADB and computer

For advanced users with access to a PC, the most accurate method is to use debugging by USB (USB Debugging.You will need to install Xiaomi drivers and platform SDK Tools on your computer. Once you turn debugging on the Developer menu, connect your smartphone with a cable.

Open the command line on your PC and type a command to get a list of device characteristics, which allows you to see hidden system properties that are not always displayed in the interface.

adb shell getprop | grep ro.product.board

The answer will be a line that indicates the code name of the board. For the Kenzo version (the code name for the Snapdragon version), the answer will be msm8956 or kenzo. For the Kate version (this is MediaTek), the answer will be mt6795 or kate. Knowing the code name is the key to finding the right firmware.

⚠️ Note: Make sure that the correct computer is installed ADB-If the adb device team can’t see the device, check the cable and login authorization on the smartphone screen.

This method also allows you to check whether the bootloader is unlocked, which is often important for owners of Snapdragon versions who want to customize the system.

Comparative table of platform characteristics

To organize the data, it's convenient to use a comparison table, and the main differences between the two versions of the Redmi Note 3 are not just the name of the chip, but also the performance of the graphics accelerator and the support of technology.

As you can see from the table, the Snapdragon version has a more modern graphics subsystem, which provides better performance in games of the time and smoother interface. The Helio version, despite 8 cores, often gave way in single-threaded performance.

Also worth noting is the difference in modems: the Snapdragon 650 featured an X8 LTE modem that provided better connectivity in low-signal conditions than that generation of MediaTek solutions, an important factor for regions with unstable network coverage.

Firmware nuances and compatibility

The firmware issue is acute, the firmware designed for Kenzo (Snapdragon) is categorically incompatible with Kate (MediaTek) and vice versa. ZIP-Archives via Recovery will cause installation error or a “brick” of the device.

The owners of the Helio X10 version are less fortunate in terms of community support; the number of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) for the MediaTek platform is much smaller and they are updated less often. The Snapdragon platform thanks to open Qualcomm drivers has received support even modern versions of Android from enthusiasts.

When looking for updates, always check the updater-script file inside the firmware archive. It will indicate the supported devices. If you see only kenzo and you have a version of kate, stop installing.

⚠️ Please note: Never use the "Update via" function. USB" Mi Flash Tool for cross-flashing between different platforms, which can overwrite the bootloader partitions with incorrect data.

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Before firmware, always make a full backup of the EFS and Persist partition via TWRP. These sections contain IMEI and sensor calibration, the loss of which will cause communication to fail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Accurate knowledge of the processor model is the foundation for safe operation, choice of accessories and customization of your Xiaomi Redmi Note 3.