12 Things to Check When Buying Xiaomi: From Packaging to Hidden Defects

When buying a Xiaomi smartphone — whether it’s a new model Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or budget Poco M6 — even small things can turn into serious problems. Official dealers, marketplaces and especially “gray” sellers are not always conscientious: under the guise of a new device can sell the restored device, and the original firmware replaced with custom with viruses. This article is not about “basic tips like checking IMEI” (although we will remember about them), but about the hidden nuances that are missed by 90% of buyers.

We analyzed user reviews, service center data and typical fraud patterns to create a unique 12-point checklist, from packaging inspection to sensor testing. K70, Poco F6), where fraudsters actively exploit new chips such as liquid cooling or 2K-If you buy a device with your hands, this guide will save you hundreds of dollars.

Packaging and completeness: how to distinguish the original from a fake

Xiaomi's box is the first indicator of authenticity, and scammers often use repackaged boxes from other models or low-quality replicas.

• 📦 Print quality: Original boxes have clear fonts, smooth cuts and matte finishes.Fakes are often with a blurred logo or glossy surface.
• 🔖 Serial number: at the bottom of the box should be pasted sticker with IMEI, S/N and QR-Check it out through the official Mi Verify website.
• 🔍 Seals: on new devices seal not only the box, but also the tray for SIM-cards (models with hybrid slot).

The kit depends on the model, but the basic set always includes: cable (usually USB-C, except for the old Redmi 9A), power supply (if provided), paperclip for the SIM tray and documentation. Attention to the power supply: the Xiaomi 13T Pro and later it supports 120W, and for counterfeits – a maximum of 33W.

⚠️ Note: If the seller claims that the power supply is not included in the model, where it should be (e.g. Poco) F5 Pro, you have either a refurbished device or a fake, except for buying in regions where Xiaomi does not officially supply charging (e.g. some EU countries).

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Take a picture of the serial number from the box and compare it to the number in the phone settings (Settings → About Phone → General Information).

External inspection: microcracks, backlashes and “restoration”

Even if the device is new, inspect it under bright light:

• 🔦 Screen: swipe across the glass - refurbished devices often have traces of glue on the edges. Check for oleophobic coatings: drip water - if it spreads, the coating is worn out.
• 📱 Body: button backlashes, uneven gaps between the screen and the frame, scratches on metal inserts (the Xiaomi 14 has a titanium frame that does not scratch easily).
• 🔌 Connectors: USB-C And 3.5 mm (if any) should be clean, without oxidation.

For models with Leica optics (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), check:

- Integrity of the glass coating of the lenses (cracks are visible at an angle).

- The mechanical shutter capacity (if any).

No dust inside the module (take a white sheet at maximum zoom).

IMEI and serial number verification: basic but critical steps

The IMEI is a phone's passport, and it can be checked in three ways:

1. Dial *#06# – up to 2 IMEIs (for dual SIM devices)
2. See Settings → About the phone → General information → IMEI.
3. On a sticker under the battery (if removable) or on a box.

All three sources must show the same numbers. Then check them through:

• 🌍 Official Mi Verify website (shows model, activation date, warranty status).
• 🔍 IMEI.info (indicates country of production and date of issue).

⚠️ Note: If the activation date on Mi Verify is older than 3 months, and the seller claims that the phone is new, you either have a used device or a “gray” import with long-term storage.

Official Mi Store Store

Marketplace (Wildberries, Ozone, AliExpress)

Local retailer (Svyaznoy, M. Video)

Hands off (Avito, Yula)

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4. Display testing: dead pixels, backlights and PWM

The display is the most expensive component to repair. Check it with the following algorithm:

1. Colors and backlights: run a monochromatic screensaver test (black, white, red, green, blue) and use the Screen Test app or online service.
2. Dead pixels: on a black background they glow, on a white background they are dark dots.
3. PWM-flickering: y AMOLED-Check for flickering at low brightness. Take another phone's camera if you see the bands, PWM Eating (may cause eye fatigue).

For models with 120 Hz/144 Hz (Poco F5, Redmi K60) check the smoothness of the scrolling:

- Open Settings → Display → Update frequency and switch modes.

Turn on the adaptive frequency and scroll through the feed in Twitter or Telegram - there should be no jerks.

5. Performance and heating: how to identify trottling and “overclocking”

Fraudsters often overclock processors on used devices to hide battery wear.

• 📊 Benchmark tests: run AnTuTu or Geekbench. Compare the results with the reference for your model (for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in Xiaomi 13 should give out a model). ~1,200,000 in AnTuTu).
• 🔥 Heat test: play Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile for 15-20 minutes. Normal temperature for flagships - up to 45 minutes°C (check through) AIDA64). If it's above 50°C – problems with the heatpast or cooling system.
• 🔋 Trottling: Use CPU Throttling Test: If performance falls below 70% of maximum, the device overheats.

Note the liquid cooling (there is in Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Black Shark 5): under intense load, the body should be evenly heated, not “burn” in one place. If you hear a gurgling sound, you can leak coolant.

Run AnTuTu and compare it to the benchmark

Check the temperature after 15 minutes of play

Make sure there are no sudden lags

Listen to the device for extraneous noise (fan, gurgle)

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6. Battery: how to find out the real wear

Battery is a weak spot for Xiaomi, especially after 2-3 years of use.

1. Charging cycles: type ##4636## → Battery information. Level and health should be close to 100%. Health below 85% - battery is worn out.
2. Charging time: connect the original power supply and detect the time from 0% to 100%. for Xiaomi 13 Pro (120W) – ~20 minutes, for Redmi Note 12 (33W) – ~60 minutes.
3. Heat during charging: if the case is hot (above 40°C), the battery has degraded or a non-original cable is used.

For fast charging models (HyperCharge in Xiaomi 11T Pro) check out:

USB-C connector state (no blackening).

Backward compatibility (e.g. charging from an 18W unit)

⚠️ Note: If the seller refuses to show charging history in the Mi Fit or Security App (for linked accounts), most likely, the battery changed and the data was reset.

7 Cameras: How to Detect Module Switching and Program Deceptions

Xiaomi cameras are often faked - especially in models with Leica or 108 MP sensors.

• 📸 Hardware: Take a photo at maximum zoom (for example, 120x If the image is blurry or with artifacts - the module is not original. - Light a flashlight on the lens: there should be no dust or scratches inside.
• 🤖 Software processing: - Compare photos taken on 1x and 2x zoom – if the detail is the same, digital zoom is used instead of optical. – Start the camera in manual mode (Pro Mode) and check if the exposure changes when you change. ISO.

For video testing:

- Write the video in 4K@60fps (if supported) and check for jerks.

Turn on stabilization and turn the phone sharply – the picture should remain smooth.

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If the characteristics indicate OIS (optical stabilization), and when shooting video in 4K visible microshiver — the camera module is replaced by a cheap analogue without OIS.

8.Authentication of firmware and hidden viruses

Custom firmware can contain spyware or mining scripts.

1. MIUI version: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Check with the official list.
2. bootloader status: Enter fastboot oem device-info in ADB. If Device unlocked: true, the phone is unlocked, which voids the warranty.
3. Hidden Processes: Install Malwarebytes or VirusTotal and scan the system.

Pay attention to:

Advertising in system applications (the original MIUI Global does not have it).

Google Play Protect (must be active)

- No unknown applications in Settings → Applications → All applications.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions