How to check the phone Xiaomi original: the complete guide

Buying a smartphone from a popular brand always carries the risk of running into a poor-quality replica, and Xiaomi products are no exception. The Chinese giant has been a leader in the market for many years, which inevitably attracts unscrupulous manufacturers who copy design and interface. Fake devices often look almost identical to the originals, but their internal content leaves much to be desired. Low performance, the lack of important communication modules and unstable operation of the operating system is what the buyer of counterfeits faces.

Xiaomi’s originality check is not just a formality, it’s a necessity that will save your money and nerves. Modern technology allows scammers to create very high-quality copies that are visually difficult to distinguish at first glance. However, software and hardware features still give off fakes if you know where to look. In this article, we will discuss all the available verification methods, from simple visual tests to deep verification through service codes.

You don't have to be a mobile tech expert to spot a fake, just follow the instructions carefully and know what parameters are critical for the original Xiaomi smartphones. We'll look at both software verification methods and physical condition analysis of the device, which will give you a complete picture before you buy.

Visual inspection of packaging and configuration

The first thing that gets into the hands of a customer is a box. Xiaomi's original packaging is made of high-quality, dense cardboard with a clear, bright print. Forgeries often show blurry logos, poor-quality gluing or the presence of unnecessary stickers on top of factory labels. Pay attention to the bar code: it must match the number specified in the phone settings if the device is already unpacked.

The kit also plays an important role. In the box with the original, there are always quality accessories: a charger with a clear marking, USB-cable, warranty card and paper clip for extraction SIM-Fake chargers often weigh significantly less than the original ones, have a backlash of contacts or poorly assembled plastic shell. The absence of a protective film on the screen or its poor-quality fit (bubbles, dust under it) should also alert you.

⚠️ WARNING: If the box is missing the manufacturer's holograms or the stickers look crooked, this is a sure sign that this is not the original.

Check the tray for SIM-In the original models, it is often painted in body color or has a branded engraving. In cheap copies, the tray can be standard, no different from the counterparts of other brands.

Analysis of the appearance and quality of the assembly

The build quality is one of the most reliable indicators of authenticity. The original Xiaomis are assembled with minimal clearance between the body and the screen, and between the back cover and the frame. Swipe your finger around the joints: there should be no sharp edges, creaks or backlashes anywhere. If the back cover is removable, it should be removed with force, but without excessive force.

Note the logos. The original MI or Xiaomi logo is perfectly flat, without skewing or lubricating the edges. Fakes often feature logos that are easily scratched with a nail or even unstick, and the layout of the connectors, buttons and speakers should strictly follow the official model layout, which is easy to find on the Internet.

The screen is another important element. The original devices use high-quality matrices with the right white balance and deep black color. Pixelation, low viewing angles or "blue" on a white background at minimal brightness are characteristic of cheap copies. Also check for a proximity and light sensor: in fakes they may be absent or work incorrectly, which is easy to check during the call.

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Notice the screws near the charging socket. In the originals, they are often hidden or painted in the color of the case, and on the fakes, you can see traces of poor build or ordinary cross screws where they should not be.

Verification through system settings and MIUI

The operating system is the brain of a smartphone, and that's where the differences most often lie. Go to Settings → Phone. Here you'll find information about the model, MIUI version, and Android. The firmware version should match the model of the device. If you bought the global version and the settings are Chinese build or strange custom firmware with translation errors, that's a question.

Try to open the multitasking menu or notification curtain. In the original devices, animations are smooth, without jerks and delays. Counterfeiting is often a twitchy interface due to a weak processor and unoptimized shell. Also check for standard Google Play Services apps in global versions - their absence or inability to install indicates a deep modification of the system.

The important parameter is memory capacity. Often, fraudsters programmatically inflate memory by showing in the settings 128 GB or 256 GB, although there is a 16 GB chip physically there. To check the real volume, try downloading the device with heavy files or using special utilities available in the Play Market.

Use of service codes for diagnostics

Xiaomi’s Engineering Menu is a powerful tool for checking all components of the device. To get into it, open the Phone app and type in the code ##64663#. If the code works and the CIT (Customer Information Test) menu opens, that’s a good sign – in most fakes, this code either doesn’t work or opens the standard Android menu, if it’s available at all.

In the CIT menu, you can consistently test all the modules: screen (for broken pixels and multi-touch), vibrations, speakers, microphone, cameras, sensors and communication modules. Testing each component allows you to identify faults that are not visible in normal use. For example, a screen test will show real colors and touchscreen response, and a camera test will show real matrix resolution.

Note the CIT version. In the original devices, it should match the firmware version or be relevant to the model. If the CIT menu looks simplified, contains errors in the text, or tests are instantaneous without real interaction with the hardware, you have an interface emulation.

⚠️ Note: Not all service codes work on all models. If ##64663## doesn't work, try ##4636## to check for phone and battery information, but remember that no code is available. CIT-The menu on the new model could be a sign of a fake.

IMEI and serial number reconciliation

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier for your device that is assigned in the factory, and can be found in several ways: on the box, under the battery (if it is removable), in system settings (Settings → About the phone), or by typing *#06#. All these values must be the same, and even a single digit discrepancy indicates that the device was assembled from different parts or reflashed.

IMEI checks can be done on Xiaomi's official website. Go to the authentication section, enter the number and captcha. The system will tell you if such a device exists in the database and what its status is. If the site says that the IMEI is not found or the device is already activated long before you buy, this is an alarm signal. You can also use third-party services, but the data from the official site is the most reliable.

The serial number (S/N) is also an important identifier. It is usually listed on a sticker on the back of the device or on the box. In settings, it must be displayed in the same format.The absence of a serial number or its discrepancy with the Xiaomi format for a particular model (for example, too short or long line) indicates artisanal production.

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Matching the IMEI on the box, in settings, and when typing is a basic level of protection. If the numbers differ, the phone is likely made of used parts or is a fake.

Software and third-party utilities

For a deeper analysis, you can use specialized applications from the Google Play Market. AIDA64 or CPU-Z program will provide detailed information about the hardware of the smartphone: the real processor, the amount of RAM and internal memory, screen resolution and sensors. Compare this data with the official characteristics of your model on the manufacturer’s website.

Fakes often sin by saying one thing (e.g. 8 cores and 6GB of RAM) in the settings, and programs show the real picture (4 cores and 2GB of RAM). Also pay attention to the name of the processor: the originals are Qualcomm Snapdragon, MediaTek or own Surge chips, and copies can be old and unknown models.

Another method is to install the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. If the program does not see the device or gives a compatibility error, this may mean that there is a non-standard hardware inside. However, this method requires certain skills and can be dangerous for inexperienced users, so use it with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)