The screen is one of the most expensive and vulnerable parts of Xiaomi’s smartphone, which is dependent on its manufacturer for color reproduction, brightness, durability and even repair costs. But how do you know who exactly released your device’s display? This information is not always available in standard settings, and sellers and service centers often do not mention the matrix brand.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 reliable ways to identify a screen manufacturer, from hidden engineering menus to visual backlight analysis. You’ll learn how Samsung AMOLED, BOE, Tianma and other brands differ, why it’s important for repairs, and what pitfalls await when replacing a display. Instructions will be suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (including Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5, etc.).
Why it’s important to know the screen manufacturer Xiaomi
The matrix manufacturer affects the image quality, the lifespan and the cost of repair.
- 🔝 Samsung AMOLED — better color reproduction and contrast, but high replacement cost.
- 💰 BOE — cheaply 30-40%, But there may be problems with the uniformity of the lighting.
- ⚡ Tianma or CSOT — Budget options are often installed in the Redmi model.
- 🛠️ Original Xiaomi Display – factory screens, but can be re-labeled (for example, BOE Xiaomi logo).
Knowledge of the matrix brand will help:
- 🔧 Find an original part for repair, not a cheap analogue.
- 📊 Compare the specifications before buying a used smartphone (for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro may have a screen from Samsung or the other device). BOE).
- 🛡️ Avoid deception in the service center, where you can install an unoriginal matrix for the price of a branded product.
⚠️ Some service centers are replacing Samsung screens with a new one. BOE without notifying the customer, the price difference can be as high as 5 000 The quality of the image will deteriorate by 20-30%. Always demand a check indicating the matrix brand!
Method 1: Checking through the engineering menu (codes ##)
The fastest way is to use hidden service codes, which work on most Xiaomi smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (including Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi 12T, POCO X4 Pro, etc.).
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the combination: ##284## (to check the display) or ##4636## (total information).
- In the menu that appears, select Display Test or Hardware Info.
- Look for Panel Manufacturer, Display ID, or LCD Vendor.
If the code doesn’t work, try alternatives:
- ##6484## is a display test (for some models).
- #36446337## - Iron Information (works on MediaTek)
⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MediaTek Helio (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) The engineering codes may not show the screen manufacturer, in which case use Method 3 (applications).
Check the correctness of the input (without spaces)
Reboot your smartphone and try again.
Try another code from the list above.
Use alternative methods (see below)-->
Method 2: Analysis of lighting and color rendering (visual test)
Each matrix manufacturer has unique signatures in lighting and color reproduction, which can be detected using test images or special modes.
Light uniformity test:
- Open a pure black background (for example, in the Notes app or on a test image site).
- Set the brightness to 100%.
- Tilt the screen at 45° angles in different directions.
Characteristics:
- 🔴 BOE: visible greenish or purple edging on the edges, possible "clouds" in the corners.
- 🟢 Samsung AMOLED: uniform black color without shades, but a light gray nakl at small corners is possible.
- 🔵 Tianma/CSOT: There is often a yellow tint at the bottom of the screen.
Color rendering test:
- Open the image with a gray gradient (from white to black).
- Samsung will show a smooth transition, and the BOE may have stripes or jerks.
- Look at the white color: BOE often has a bluish tint, Samsung has a neutral tint.
Example of test image for verification
Method 3: Diagnostic applications (AIDA64, CPU-Z, DevCheck)
If the engineering codes don't work, use specialized applications that read data directly from the display controller.
Top.-3 check-in:
| Annex | Where to find information | Does Xiaomi support the |
|---|---|---|
| AIDA64 | Display → Panel Manufacturer | ✅ Yes, all models) |
| DevCheck | Hardware → Screen | ✅ Yes (except the old MediaTeks) |
| CPU-Z | Device → Display | ⚠️ Partially (not all models) |
Step-by-step instructions for AIDA64:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Open the Display section.
- Find the lines: Panel Manufacturer - manufacturer (for example, Samsung, BOE). Display ID - unique matrix identifier. Resolution - resolution (to verify originality).
⚠️ Note: On some smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ Apps can show Xiaomi instead of the real manufacturer, in which case use Method 4 (physical inspection).
Codes ## (Engineering Menu)
Applications (AIDA64, DevCheck)
Visual test (lighting, colors)
Physical examination (disassembly)
I don’t know, I’ll choose based on the results of the article.-->
Method 4: Physical inspection (disassembly or service center)
If the software methods didn't work, you have to look at the labels on the screen plume, and that requires you to partially disassemble the smartphone or contact the service.
How to find the markings:
- Remove the back cover (on most Xiaomi it is glued, you will need a suction cup and a plastic spatula).
- Disconnect the battery (required!)
- Find the display plume - it goes from the screen to the motherboard.
- On the plume or matrix itself, look for the inscriptions: SDC - Samsung Display. BOE - BOE Technology. TM - Tianma. CSOT - China Star Optoelectronics.
Example of marking:
- AMS643JE01 SDC is a screen from Samsung.
- NT36672A BOE is a screen from BOE.
⚠️ Note: Disassembling a Xiaomi smartphone without experience can damage the plumes or detach the touchscreen. If you are not sure, contact the service center with a request to "show the screen marking without repair." The cost of such a diagnosis usually does not exceed 300-500 ruble.
💡
Before disassembling, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws, this will help to assemble the smartphone back without errors.
Method 5: Serial Number Check (IMEI) on Xiaomi Sites
Some Xiaomi models let you know the screen manufacturer by IMEI or serial number through official services, a method that doesn’t work for all devices, but could be useful for new smartphones (2022 and later).
Instructions:
- Find your device's IMEI: In Settings: About Phone → General Information → IMEI. On the smartphone box (barcode sticker). Dial in your phone *#06#.
Officially verified by Xiaomi
IMEI
serial
Display Vendor
Alternative services:
- 🌐 IMEI.info – sometimes shows details of components.
- 🛠️ SNMasks – Serial Number Database (Works for Redmi Note) 11/12, Xiaomi 13).
Important: Starting in 2023, Xiaomi began encrypting some of the data in official reports. If the serial number doesn't show the screen manufacturer, use other methods in this article.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When determining the screen manufacturer, users often encounter false data or inaccurate tests.
1. Only one method is trusted
- ❌ Incorrect: Check only through AIDA64 and consider the result final.
- ✅ Right: Use it. 2-3 method (e.g. codes) + visual + attachment).
2. confuse the screen manufacturer and touch layer
- The screen and touch screen can come from different brands, such as Samsung and Goodix.
- In the engineering menu, look for Panel Manufacturer, not Touch IC.
3. Ignoring the firmware version
- On MIUI older than version 12, some codes (#4636##) can be blocked.
- Solution: Update your smartphone or use it ADB-Teams (for experienced users).
💡
If data from different sources contradict each other (e.g. AIDA64 shows BOE and the visual test shows Samsung), trust the physical labeling on the plume. This is the most reliable way.