Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 X smartphone often face confusion when trying to determine the exact model of the installed chipset. This is not just idle curiosity, but an urgent need when it comes to choosing the right firmware or assessing the gaming potential of the device. There are two main modifications on the market that are almost identical in appearance, but have radically different “stuffing” under the hood.
The main problem is that in different regions sold versions with completely different platforms: energy-efficient Snapdragon 625 and more productive, but hot Helio X20. Misdefinition of the processor can lead to the installation of incompatible software, which is fraught with software failures or even turn the device into a “brick”.
In this article, we will discuss all available methods of identifying hardware without disassembling the case, learn to distinguish between marking modifications on the box, use system utilities and third-party applications to obtain accurate technical information, and discuss why this information is critical for the further operation of the gadget.
Why it is important to know the exact model of the chipset
The difference between the two versions of the smartphone is huge, and it affects not only performance in benchmarks. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 625 processor is famous for its phenomenal energy saving and moderate heating, making it ideal for everyday tasks. At the same time, the MediaTek Helio X20 offers higher peak performance, but is prone to overheating and consumes battery power faster.
The second critical aspect is custom firmware and modification support, and the development community is divided into two camps depending on the platform, and if you try to install a recovery menu or ROM designed for Snapdragon on a device with a MediaTek chip, you are guaranteed to get a non-working device.
⚠️ Note: Firmware global version of the software designed for Snapdragon 625, on the version with Helio X20 (or vice versa) may cause irreversible damage to the loader and loss of warranty.
Also, knowing the processor is essential when selling a device.Buyers are often looking for a specific modification, as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 X with a Qualcomm chip is valued higher because of better optimization and support.Knowing how to name the model of the chip increases the credibility of the seller and speeds up the deal.
Visual identification by box and stickers
The easiest way to know what a smartphone is stuffing without turning it on is to look carefully at the package. The back of the box, where the white information sticker is located, contains all the information you need. However, manufacturers often use abbreviations that can confuse the inexperienced user.
Note the "Model" box. The version with the Snapdragon 625 processor usually indicates the MDG6G marking or simply the presence of the Qualcomm logo in the specification. If the box indicates a code starting in 2016090 or mentions Deca-core (10 cores), then a chip from MediaTek is installed inside.
It's also worth checking the sticker on the back of the device itself (if it's not removed), which may indicate the model of the processor or its specifications. For example, the phrase "Octa-core 1.4GHz" is more often referred to as Qualcomm, whereas "Deca-core" is a sure sign of MediaTek.
- 📦 Look for the model code: MDG6G It is based on Qualcomm Snapdragon.
- ⚙️ Number of cores: Mention of 10 cores (Deca-core) is exactly MediaTek Helio.
- 🏷️ Logos: Having the logo "Snapdragon Inside" or "Qualcomm" on the box - 100% guarantee of the desired version.
You don't have to rely on the look of the box if you're buying a used device, it could be confused or used from another machine, so the visual method is good for initial evaluation, but it's not definitive.
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Keep the original box from your smartphone – it often contains unique information about the board revision and production date, which is useful when searching for compatible parts.
Use of built-in MIUI system tools
If you already have the phone and it's turning on, the easiest way to look at the settings is to look at the MIUI interface, which contains basic information about the device, although it can sometimes be hidden or presented in a general way. First, go to Settings → About the phone.
In this section, you'll see the model name and the CPU version. However, it often says "Octa-core processor" without specifying the brand, so you'll need to click "MIUI version" or "Kerore version" several times to open an extended menu or copy technical information to the clipboard.
Another method is to use the engineering test menu, and in the Phone app, dial ##6484##. The CIT menu will open, although it will test components, some versions of the firmware at the top of the screen or in the Version submenu may display the exact name of the platform.
| Parameter | Snapdragon 625 | Helio X20 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 8 cores (Octa-core) | 10 cores (Deca-core) |
| Technique | 14nm | 20 nm |
| Graphics | Adreno 506 | Mali-T880 MP4 |
| Max. frequency. | up to 2.0 GHz | up to 2.3 GHz |
Built-in tools are good for quick checks, but they don't always give you exhaustive information about the revision of the chip.
Verification through diagnostic applications
The most reliable way to get detailed information is to install an app from the Google Play Store, which is led by AIDA64, which is free and provides comprehensive data on all components of the system.
After installing and running AIDA64, go to the CPU section. Here, the first line will show the exact name of the processor. For Qualcomm, you will see the words Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, and for MediaTek, MediaTek Helio X20.
The alternative is CPU-Z or DevCheck, which works on a similar principle: scan system files and output information in a convenient way, and the SoC or Processor section will specify the vendor and the chip model.
☑️ Checking the processor through AIDA64
It's important to pay attention not only to the name, but also to the number of cores. As mentioned, the Snapdragon 625 has 8 cores, and the Helio X20 has 10. If the app shows 10 cores, there's no doubt about it, it's the version from MediaTek.
⚠️ Note: Download diagnostic snails only from official stores (Google Play) to avoid installing modified software with embedded advertising or malicious code.
Analysis via computer and ADB
For advanced users who want to access raw data, a PC connection method is a good one, requiring ADB drivers installed and minimal command line knowledge, and useful if the phone screen is broken or the sensor is not working properly.
Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable, pre-installing the debugging mode USB In the command line on the PC, type a command to output information about the processor:
adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfoIn the data stream, look for a Hardware or Processor string. For Snapdragon, it will show the code MSM8953 (this is the internal designation Snapdragon 625). For MediaTek, you will see the designations associated with MT6797.
You can also use the adb shell getprop | grep ro.hardware command, which will immediately give the name of the platform, which is a quick way for those who are used to working with console utilities and do not want to install unnecessary applications on the phone.
What do MSM8953 and MT6797 mean?
Comparison of productivity and heating
Even without software, you can get a rough idea of what the processor is in the device, by the nature of its operation. The Snapdragon 625 is known for its "coldness." Even with prolonged load, the phone remains warm, but not hot. The battery in this version holds the charge much longer.
The Helio X20 version behaves differently, and when you run heavy apps or games, the back cover in the camera area can get noticeably warmer, due to the less efficient process (20 nm vs. 14 nm) and the kernel architecture. If your phone warms and discharges quickly, it's probably MediaTek.
In game tests, the difference is also noticeable. Snapdragon provides more stable FPS (frames per second) without sharp drawdowns, whereas Helio can give out image jerks when overheated.Snapdragon system stability is usually higher, less background lags.
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The main marker of difference: Snapdragon 625 is 8 cores and low heating, Helio X20 - 10 cores and a tendency to high temperatures under load.
The influence of the processor on the choice of firmware
The choice of operating system is a moment of truth where the error in the definition of the processor is fatal. All custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI EU) is strictly divided into two branches: for nickel (the code name for the Snapdragon version) and for omega (the code name for the MediaTek version).
Trying to install nickel firmware on omega will result in a bootloop or a total inoperability of the touchscreen and modem, and vice versa. So, before any interference with the software part, double-check the chip model through AIDA64.
In addition, Snapdragon can unlock the bootloader official method through the site Mi Unlock. For versions with MediaTek, this process is more complicated, often requires paid services or specific vulnerabilities, as the official tool may not see the device in the desired mode.