How to distinguish the original Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 from a fake: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still one of the most popular models in the secondary market due to its combination of performance, reliability and affordable price, but this popularity has attracted the attention of fraudsters: according to TradeInTech, up to 12% of devices sold as “original” Redmi Note 7, in fact, are fakes or relabeled devices of other brands. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to distinguish a real smartphone from a copy – from visual inspection to deep diagnostics through the engineering menu.

The Redmi Note 7 is tampered with in many ways, from rough copies with low-quality components to clones that are almost indistinguishable from the original. The latter are often assembled from parts of other Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi 6 Pro or Redmi Note 5), which makes it difficult to verify. We will focus on unique markers of originality that cannot be forged without access to Xiaomi’s factory technology.

Verification of packaging and configuration

The first step is to inspect the box. The original Redmi Note 7 packaging has a few key features that are difficult to replicate:

• 📦 Box material: dense cardboard with matte coating, without the smell of glue or paint. Counterfeiting often uses glossy or thin cardboard.
• 🔍 Barcode and serial number: at the bottom of the box should be unique SN (The serial number that matches the number on the battery sticker may duplicate numbers or use non-existent combinations.
• 🎨 Color scheme: the original box is made in blue and white with a clear gradient. Clones often have blurred colors or inaccurate shades.
• 📄 Documentation: the kit must include a warranty card with a hologram of Xiaomi and instructions in several languages (including Russian.

Note the trim.The original Redmi Note 7 comes with:

• ⚡ Charger. 5V/2A (white, with the Mi logo in relief).
• 🔌 cable USB Type-C (length 1 m, with thickened connectors).
• 🎧 Headphones with microphone (black, with a flat plug 3.5 mm).
• 🔧 Paperclip for the tray SIM-cards (metal, with a plastic tip).

⚠️ Note: If the kit is missing at least one of the listed elements or the charger has parameters 5V/1A, Also make sure that all accessories have the Mi logo on them, because clones often save on small details.

Visual inspection of the body and display

Even if the package looks perfect, check out the smartphone itself.The Redmi Note 7 has a few unique external features:

• 📱 Rear panel: the original has a glass case with 3D-The gradient (Space Black, Neptune Blue, Nebula Red) is often used by counterfeits using plastic or matte glass without the effect of overflow.
• 🔦 Camera: The original has a dual camera positioned vertically in the upper left corner, with a metal rim around the modules. Clones may have a plastic rim or an asymmetrical arrangement.
• 🔍 Logo: Redmi on the back of the original is a metal sticker with sharp edges, fakes using paint or sloppy applications.
• 📏 Dimensions: original dimensions — 159.2 × 75.2 × 8.1 mm, weight 186 Clones can be thicker or lighter.

Pay special attention to the display:

• 🖥️ Original screen resolution — 2340 × 1080 (FHD+) pixel-density 409 Fakes often use screens with resolution 1560 × 720 (HD+).
• 🌈 The original has a wide color coverage. DCI-P3. To check this, go to Settings. → Display. → Color mode – should be the item “Saturated».
• ☀️ The original screen has a brightness of 450 nits, and in bright sunlight, the image remains clear, and in clones, the screen dims or appears a soapy image.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone is tilted at an angle of 45° The screen turns purple or green, which is a sign of a cheap matrix. The original Redmi Note 7 uses a colored purple or green. IPS-screen JDI Samsung, which has no such effect.

Inspect the back panel for plastic instead of glass |

Check the symmetry of the camera |

Make sure there is a metal rim around the camera modules |

Measure the dimensions and weight of the smartphone |

Check the screen resolution in the settings-->

Verification of IMEI and serial number

The most reliable way to verify originality is to check the IMEI and serial number (SN), which Redmi Note 7 duplicates in three places:

1. On the sticker under the battery (if you remove the back cover).
2. On the box (bottom).
3. In the system: go to Settings → About the phone → General information.

If you check all three numbers, they must match completely. If one number is different, you're a fake.

Check the IMEI through the official services:

1. Dial on the phone keyboard *#06# and IMEI will appear on the screen.
2. Go to IMEI.info and enter the number. The original Redmi Note 7 should have the following: Model: M1901F7G (global version) or M1901F7E (China version). Brand: Xiaomi. Device type: Smartphone.

Officially verified by Xiaomi

Another way to check the IMEI is through the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial ##4636###.
3. Go to the Device Information tab.
4. Compare the data to the sticker on the box.

⚠️ Warning: If you enter the code of the engineering menu, you see a message "Code is not supported", it is a sign of fake firmware. MIUI You will open the diagnostic menu.

4. Diagnostics through firmware and software

The firmware is another reliable indicator of originality: the Redmi Note 7 must have an official global or Chinese version of MIUI installed.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. The original version should start with: MIUI Global (for example, MIUI Global 12.5.4) for the international version, MIUI without the prefix - for the Chinese version (for example, MIUI 12.0.3).

Custom

Ported

Flyme

ColorOS

Also check the device model in the settings:

• Go to Settings → About the phone → Model.
• The original Redmi Note 7 should be designated M1901F7G (global version) or M1901F7E (Chinese version).
• If another code is specified (e.g., M1803E7SG is Redmi 6 Pro), the device is remarked.

For a deep check, use the Mi Verify app (available on Google Play):

1. Download and install Mi Verify.
2. Open the app and follow the instructions.
3. If the application gives an error or cannot authenticate, the device is not original.

💡

If you don’t have access to Google Play (for example, on Chinese firmware), download it. APK-Mi Verify file from Xiaomi official website or a trusted source, such as APKCombo.

5. Test of hardware components

Counterfeiting often saves on "stuffing," so checking hardware specifications will help to detect cheating.Use the AIDA64 app (the free version is available on Google Play):

1. Install AIDA64.
2. Open System and check: Processor: Must be Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (model MSM8956). RAM: 3 or 4 GB (depending on the modification). Internal memory: 32 or 64 GB (eMMC type 5.1).

Display.

2340 × 1080

6.3"

Battery

4000 mAh

Pay special attention to the camera:

• The main camera of the original is Sony IMX486 or Samsung S5KGM1 with a resolution of 48 MP.
• Secondary camera - 5 MP (depth).
• Front camera: 13 MP.

To check the camera:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Go to Camera Settings → Additionally.
3. If there is no 48 MP mode or a maximum resolution of 12 MP images, this is a fake.

💡

If AIDA64 specifies a MediaTek processor (like the Helio P60), it’s 100% fake – the original Redmi Note 7 only runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660.

6. Check through official Xiaomi services

If you are still in doubt, use Xiaomi’s official authentication tools:

1. Serial number verification service: Go to order.mi.com/service/verify. Enter the serial number (SN) from the box or from the phone settings. If the system confirms authenticity, the device is original.

Mi Verify appendix

Xiaomi Support Chat

• Write to the official chat and provide IMEI or SN.
• Support staff will check the device against the database.

You can also contact an authorized Xiaomi service center, which will conduct diagnostics and issue an official certificate of authenticity, and the list of centers is available on the Xiaomi website.

⚠️ Warning: Some scammers even fake responses from "support Xiaomi" by sending sham emails with the company's logo.Always check the sender's domain - official emails come from addresses @xiaomi.com or @mi.com.

7.Verification through test calls and hidden features

The original Redmi Note 7 has a few hidden features that are missing from fakes.

1. Test call: Dial on the keyboard ##6484##. The original will open the MTK Engineer Mode test menu (even if the Qualcomm processor works), if the message appears "Code is not supported", it is a fake.
2. Sensor check: Dial ##64663##. The sensor test menu will open. The original sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, compass) must show real-time data. If some of the sensors are missing or show "N/A", the device is unoriginal.

Screen illumination check

• Dial ##225##.
• The original will have a color calibration menu, and the fakes will either not respond to the code or open an empty window.

💡

If you are not sure about the test results, record a video of the verification process and send it to support Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7