Buying a Xiaomi smartphone is a responsible decision, especially if we are talking about flagship models like Xiaomi 14 Ultra or budget hits like Redmi Note 13 Pro.+. Even in a retail store, you can run into a defective copy, not to mention small retailers or markets, and this article will help avoid the typical mistakes of checking the originality of the package to testing hidden features that sellers often do not mention.
We've collected 15 critical items that you need to check right in the store -- without rushing and under pressure from a consultant -- and there's no generic phrase like "look at the screen": you'll learn how to identify a hidden battery defect, check the health of the battery. NFC No terminal, and why even the new Xiaomi could have autopsy marks — FAQ Answering questions that are embarrassing to ask the seller.
If you buy a phone from hand or in an unofficial store, the risks increase significantly. IMEI through the databases of stolen devices and the test for flashing (for this - in the section about the software).
1. Packaging check: how to distinguish the original from the fake
Xiaomi’s box is the first indicator of the device’s authenticity, and the manufacturer uses several types of packaging depending on the region and model, but there are universal features of the original:
- 📦 Box material: dense, matte-coated cardboard, often made from thin, glossy cardboard that bends when pressed.
- 🔍 Barcodes and stickers: the original box barcode is printed (not pasted), and the serial number coincides with the number on the phone (IMEI).
- 🎨 Color gamut: Xiaomi is dominated by restrained colors (black, white, blue.
- 🔐 Seals: The ends of the box should have factory seals with the brand logo, and if they are damaged or missing, the phone will be opened.
Pay special attention to the configuration. In 2026, even the budget models of Redmi come with a branded charger (power from the power of the car). 18W), cable USB-C and paperclip SIM-The absence of at least one element is a reason to be wary, except for models for the European market (for example, Xiaomi). 13T), which can be sold without charging.
⚠️ Note: Some stores are replacing the original chargers with cheap ones. Check the labeling on the adapter - Xiaomi should have a model of the device (for example, it should contain a model of the device, MDY-12-ED for 120W-charging).
External inspection: what is hidden under the film and cover
Even if the phone looks perfect, take off the protective film and case (if any) that often hides below:
- 🔧 Repair trails: scratches around the connector USB-C, uneven gaps between the body and the screen, traces of glue.
- 🎨 Color mismatch: the original Xiaomi has the same shade of body and screen frame. If the frame is darker or lighter, this may be a sign of a replacement display.
- 📱 Curvature: Put the phone down on a flat surface, if it swings, it's a marriage or a fall.
Pay attention to the quality of the assembly:
The buttons (Power and Volume) should be pressed clearly, without backlash.
- Connector. USB-C Do not hang around - insert the cable and swing it to the sides.
The speakers (upper and lower) should be symmetrically arranged, without gaps.
For glass-body models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), check the integrity of the glass at an angle to light — microcracks may not be noticeable on direct inspection (POCO F5) Check the antenna lines: they should be smooth, without breaks.
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If a seller refuses to take a film or case, arguing that it is “safety of the goods”, this is a reason to doubt the honesty. Xiaomi original phones come with factory film that can be removed without consequences.
3.Display: tests for broken pixels and backlight
The screen is the most expensive component of a smartphone, and its defects are not always noticeable in normal use.
- Black screen: Open any dark image (e.g. wallpaper"AMOLED In total darkness, there shall be no luminous pixels (broken or stuck).
- White screen: display a pure white image. Check the uniformity of the backlight - there should be no yellowness at the edges or dark spots (the "clouding" effect in LCD matrixes).
- Color gradients: Use test pictures with smooth transitions of colors. AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70 Pro) there shall be no stripes or breaks.
- Touch: Swipe your finger around the edges of the screen, and the response should be the same across the area, and delays or dead zones indicate problems with the digitizer.
For automatic testing, download the Screen Test app (available on Google Play) and it will check the screen for broken pixels, gradients and color reproduction. Alternatively, a built-in test on the engineering menu:
##6484##(It works on most of the Xiaomi models).
| Screen type | Typical defects | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| AMOLED (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60) | Burning of pixels, uneven brightness | Test on a black background, check for gray gradients |
| IPS LCD (POCO M6 Pro, Redmi 12) | Lighting "clouding", low viewing angles | White screen at 45 angle°, uniformity |
| LTPO AMOLED (Xiaomi 14, Mix Fold 3) | Flickering at low brightness, artifacts when scrolling | Animation smoothness test (120 Hz) |
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) hybrid matrices are installed (AMOLED They can have defects in both types of screens - check especially carefully.
4. Battery: how to detect wear without special devices
Vendors often hide the real wear of the battery, especially if the phone has already been used.
- 🔋 Opening hours: Ask the seller to show the discharge schedule in Settings → Battery: If your phone runs 10% off in 30 minutes on standby, it's a sign of wear and tear.
- 📊 Charging cycles: Enter the code ##4636## in the engineering menu, go to Battery Information and check the level and health settings. Health below 80% is critical.
- 🔌 Charging speed: Connect the original RAM and detect charging time from 20% to 80%. for Xiaomi with Fast Charging support (33W and above, it should take no more than 30 minutes.
If the phone is already unlocked, install the app. AIDA64 And check the Battery section:
Capacity vs Design Capacity (Plant)
Technology – must conform to a model (e.g. Li-Polymer).
- Temperature – when charging should not exceed 40°C.
Xiaomi models from 2023-2026 (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) It's built-in battery self-testing. To start it, go to Settings. → Battery → Battery status and press "Check." The system will show the exact percentage of wear and tear.
☑️ Quick battery check Xiaomi
5.Camera: Tests that will fool even the seller
Xiaomi cameras are known for their software enhancement of photos, but it will not hide hardware defects.
- 📸 Focus: Take a picture of text 20 cm away If letters are blurred at the edges - an autofocus problem (often found after falls).
- 🌃 Night mode: Take a picture in the dark corner of the store.
- 🔍 Macro lens: For models with a separate macro module (Redmi Note 12 Pro), check the detail at a minimum distance (2-3 cm).
- 🎥 Video: Record a 10-second video of the camera moving, and the shaking, jerking, or jelly effect indicates a stabilization malfunction.
Pay special attention to the front camera, which often fails when you fall, take a selfie with beautiful pictures on and off (in the camera settings), if the image is very noisy without processing, the matrix is damaged.
To check a wide-angle lens, take a right angle (for example, the junction of walls). Geometry should not be distorted (no barrel effect). Flagships (Xiaomi 14) compare the frame of the main and telephoto camera - the difference in detail should be minimal.
How to check the camera for a switch?
6. Software: How to Detect Firmware and Viruses
Even a new phone can be reflashed with an unofficial version MIUI, That's not a guarantee:
- 📱 Version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. It must match the latest stable firmware for your region (check on the official website).
- 🔒 bootloader status: Enter the engineering menu: ##7378423##In the Service info section → Software info check Bootloader. If it's Unlocked, it's flashed.
- 🛡️ Viruses: Install Malwarebytes and run the scan. Even if the vendor says the phone is clean, it takes 2 minutes to check.
Notice the pre-installed applications. MIUI no:
- Game emulators (GBA, PPSSPP).
- Chinese social networks (WeChat, QQ), If the phone is not for the Chinese market.
- Suspicious launchers (e.g, GO Launcher).
If the phone is already activated, check the settings. → Google → If there are other people's accounts, it's a used device. → Memory. → Files: The presence of folders like DCIM/100MEDIA Photos from other people – a sign of use.
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If in Settings → Additionally. → Developers are provided with a debugging USB (USB debugging, this could mean that the phone was used for software testing or hacking.
7. Hidden functions: NFC, IR port, sensors
Many buyers forget to check out minor modules that may fail in falls or repairs:
- 💳 NFC: Not all Xiaomi models support contactless payment (e.g., the same as the one used in the app, POCO M6 To check if you're working: - Open the Settings → Connections → NFC. - Hold the phone to the terminal (even without a card) and it should sound or notify.
- 📺 IR port: Install the Mi Remote app and try to control the air conditioner or the TV. If the signal doesn't send, the port is faulty.
- 🧭 Sensors: - Gyroscope: Turn on the level in the Compass (default app) and tilt the phone. - Approximation sensor: During a call, the screen should go out when it is brought to the ear. - Light sensor: Automatic brightness should change when the screen is closed with your hand.
On flagship models (Xiaomi 14 Ultra) check the laser autofocus.
1. Open the camera and point at the object at a distance of 1-2 meters.
The laser module (a small hole next to the camera) shall flash a red light when focusing.
If the phone supports wireless charging (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 3), ask the seller to demonstrate its work. Many stores have test charging stations.
8. Networking capabilities: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, eSIM
Network modules are one of the most common reasons for phone returns.
- 📶 Support 5G: Put it in. SIM-support-card 5G (for example, MegaFon or Tele2) And check the network indicator. Make sure that in Settings → SIM-map → Type of network available mode 5G.
- 📡 Wi-Fi 6: Connect to Wi-Fi 6 (if there is in the store) and check the speed at Fast.com. 6E (Xiaomi 14 should support 6 GHz channel.
- 🔄 Dual-band Wi-Fi: Switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If the phone can't see 5 GHz - module problem.
- 📱 eSIM: For models with eSIM support (Xiaomi 13 Lite), check the availability of the item Add mobile tariff to Settings → SIM-map.
To check the quality of the connection, call another phone and evaluate:
Clear voice (no wheezing or interruption).
- Switching speed between 4G and 5G (if maintained).
- VoLTE (voice through voice) 4G) — status bar should show the icon HD VoLTE.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models for the Chinese market do not support Russian frequencies 5G (for example, n78). Before buying, check compatibility on Kimovil’s website.