How to accurately determine the type of display on a Xiaomi smartphone: from AMOLED to E-Ink

Have you ever wondered why your Xiaomi screen looks brighter or dimmer than your friends with the same models? Or why it fades when watching video from an angle? It's all about the type of display matrix, a key component that determines image quality, power consumption and even repair costs. The manufacturer rarely points this information on the package, and the site's specs may have generic phrases like "AMOLED with HDR support." Meanwhile, knowing the exact type of screen will help you:

- Correctly adjust the color profile for eye comfort;

Estimate the actual battery life (for example, AMOLED is more economical for dark themes);

- Find a compatible protective glass or film;

- To know in advance the cost of replacing the screen in case of a breakdown (the price of AMOLED and LCD matrixes differs 2-3 times).

In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to find out the type of display on any Xiaomi smartphone โ€“ from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and POCO. No disassembly of the case or special equipment: only software methods available to everyone. And if you already know the model of your device, you can immediately go to the compatibility table at the end of the article.

1. Verification through service codes (the fastest way)

Xiaomi smartphones support hidden engineering codes that display technical information about components. To check the type of display, use the combination:

##4636##

Once you enter, the Testing menu will open. Select Device Information and scroll down to Hardware info.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Display ID โ€” unique matrix identifier (e.g, NT36672C for AMOLED or HX83112B for IPS LCD).
  • ๐Ÿ” Panel Type โ€“ direct indication of technology (less common).
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Brightness โ€“ if the maximum brightness is greater than 1000 nits, this indirectly indicates that the brightness is higher than the brightness of the AMOLED.

โš ๏ธ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global) this code may not work. In that case, try an alternative combination:

##284##

It will display a display test menu, where the matrix model is sometimes displayed at the top of the screen, and if that doesn't work, move on to the next method.

๐Ÿ“Š What type of display do you prefer in smartphones?
AMOLED
IPS LCD
E-Ink (electronic ink)
I don't know which one is better.
I don't care.

2 Analysis via Device Info HW app

If the service codes fail, use the free Device Info HW app (available on Google Play), which reads data directly from hardware components, including the display.

  1. Install and open the application.
  2. Go to the System โ†’ Display tab.
  3. Pay attention to the fields: ๐Ÿ“Š Panel โ€“ the name of the matrix manufacturer (e.g. Samsung) AMOLED or BOE LCD). ๐Ÿ”ข Resolution - permission AMOLED frequently FHD+ higher). ๐ŸŽจ Color Depth โ€“ Color depth (24 bits) LCD, 30+ bit).

๐Ÿ’ก Useful tip: In the same application, check the Battery section. If the battery capacity matches the official data, and the life of active use exceeds 5-6 hours - most likely, you have a battery. AMOLED-screen (they are more energy efficient when displaying dark colors).

Identify the matrix manufacturer (Samsung, BOE, Tianma)

Find out the resolution and pixel density (PPI)

Verify the data with the official characteristics of the model

Check the depth of color (bit depth)-->

3. Visual tests: how to distinguish AMOLED from LCD without software

If you don't have access to settings or apps, take advantage of the physical features of different types of screens.

Test 1: Viewing angles

Open a white image on the screen (for example, a blank page in the browser).

- Tilt your smartphone at a 45ยฐ angle and look at the screen from the side.

- Result: If the colors are not distorted, it's AMOLED. If you get a blue/yellow hue, IPS LCD.

Test 2: Black color

Enable the dark theme in the settings (Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Dark theme).

Look at the black background from different angles.

Result: On AMOLED, black will be absolutely deaf (pixels are off), on LCD โ€“ grayish (backlight glows through filters).

Test 3: Water response

Drop a drop of water on the screen (carefully, without pressure!).

- Turn on the display.

Result: On AMOLED, the drop will look like a pixel-magnifying magnifier. On LCD, it's like a blurry patch with rainbow divorces.

โš ๏ธ Note: Do not test with water on damaged screens or if your smartphone does not have moisture protection (IP53 For Xiaomi models with certification IP68 (Xiaomi 13 Ultra test is safe.

Why are AMOLED screens more expensive to repair?
Matrixes AMOLED They're made with sophisticated technology, with organic LEDs that are sensitive to moisture and oxygen, and they require vacuum chambers and precision equipment, which increases the cost of production. AMOLED-The screen often fails not only the glass, but also the matrix itself (unlike the glass). LCD, So it costs 1.5 to 3 times more to replace than the glass. LCD-display.

4. Verification by smartphone model: compatibility table

If you know the exact model of your Xiaomi, you can check our table. We have collected data on popular devices over the past 5 years:

Smartphone modelType of displayMatrix manufacturerPermissionFrequency of update
Xiaomi 13 ProAMOLED (LTPO)Samsung E63200ร—14401-120 Hz
Redmi Note 12 Pro+AMOLEDVisionox2400ร—1080120 Hz
POCO X5 ProAMOLEDBOE2400ร—108090 Hz
Redmi 10CIPS LCDTianma1600ร—72060 Hz
Xiaomi Pad 6IPS LCDSharp2880ร—1800144 Hz

๐Ÿ” How to use the table:

Find your model in the first column.

The second column indicates the type of display (if the cell is empty โ€“ no data, use other methods).

The manufacturer of the matrix will help in the selection of spare parts for repair.

โš ๏ธ Note: In some regions (e.g. India, China) the same model may be equipped with different arrays.+ The global version goes with AMOLED Visionox, and in China, Samsung E4. Please provide this information to the seller or IMEI.

5. Specialized applications for display testing

For deep diagnosis, use professional utilities:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Screen Test - checks broken pixels, gradients and color reproduction. Info shows the type of matrix.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Display Tester โ€“ analyzes contrast, brightness and response time (in the case of the AMOLED response time <1 Ms. LCD โ€” 4โ€“8 miss).
  • ๐Ÿ” AIDA64 โ€” Display displays detailed information, including Panel ID and driver IC.

๐Ÿ’ก Useful advice: B AIDA64 And if you look at the Display Serial field, you can look at it:

SDC โ€“ Samsung matrix (usually AMOLED)

BOE or CSV โ€“ BOE (can be both LCD and AMOLED)

Tianma (usually LCD) is a TM.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the characteristics of the smartphone indicate support for Always-On Display (AOD), This is one hundred percent that means that it is AMOLED-screen. Technology. AOD impossible LCD-matrices due to the features of the illumination.

6. Determination of the type of display by the behavior of the smartphone

Some MIUI features work differently depending on the type of screen.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Energy consumption: With dark topic included AMOLED-Smartphones consume 15-25% less charge than LCD. Check the statistics in Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery utilization.
  • โ˜€๏ธ Automatic brightness: On AMOLED Transitions between brightness levels are smoother (due to technology) PWM), on LCD There may be "jumps".
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game mode: In games with a high frame rate (Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact) AMOLED The effect of a "stroboscope" (flickering) may appear due to PWM-pulse-width modulation.

๐Ÿ”ง The test for flickering (only for the AMOLED):

Launch the camera on another smartphone.

Hover it on your Xiaomi screen with a 50% brightness.

If the video shows bands or flickering, it is AMOLED with PWM (characteristic of the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3).

โš ๏ธ Attention: Long-term use of the smartphone with AMOLED-A low-brightness screen (less than 30%) can lead to accelerated degradation of the matrix due to the PWM. Recommended brightness for life extension โ€“ 40โ€“60%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi displays

Can we replace it? LCD-screen AMOLED service-centre?
Technically possible, but impractical. It would require replacing not only the matrix, but also the plume, the display controller, and sometimes the firmware, the cost of such an upgrade is comparable to buying a new smartphone. Sensor problems; overheating of the device, except for official modifications (e.g. Redmi) K50 Gaming with optional AMOLED-display).
Why does my Xiaomi AMOLED screen quickly run out of battery, but should save money?
The reasons for this are always-on display (AOD): A constantly active screen consumes up to 5-7% of the charge per hour. โ†’ Display. โ†’ Always-on Display. High refresh rate: 120Hz increases consumption by 20-30%. Switch to 60Hz in Settings โ†’ Display. โ†’ Update frequency. Brightness above 70%: On AMOLED brightly >80% of energy consumption is comparable to LCD. Background Processes: Check application activity in Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery utilization. ๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Enable Battery mode โ†’ Energy saving and install dark wallpaper - this will reduce the load on the AMOLED.
How do I know if the screen is original after being replaced?
Check it after the repair: ๐Ÿ” Serial number of the matrix: In Device Info HW Compare Panel ID Original (can be found on the forums by model). ๐ŸŽจ Color rendering: Xiaomi's original screens have factory calibration with ฮ”E < 2 (tested in Display Tester). โ˜€๏ธ Brightness: Bring the smartphone to the light source - the original AMOLED need not. ๐Ÿ’ฐ Repair price: The original matrix for Xiaomi 12T Pro is worth it. ~15 000 โ‚ฝ, non-original - 5,000-8000 โ‚ฝ. โš ๏ธ Note: Non-original screens may not support HDR10+, Dolby Vision and have sensor problems (e.g., "ghost" touches).
Is AMOLED harmful to vision?
Research shows that AMOLED-screens are less harmful to the eyes compared to LCD, thanks: ๐ŸŒ‘ Deep black (less stress when reading in the dark); ๐Ÿ”„ Low flickering at high brightness (unlike the LCD permanently illuminated); ๐ŸŽจ A wider color scheme (less fatigue when watching videos) but there are nuances: ๐Ÿšจ On the brightness <30% switch on PWM, This can cause headaches for sensitive users. ๐Ÿ” Long-term use at maximum brightness accelerates the degradation of blue pixels (burnout effect"). ๐Ÿ’ก Recommendations: โ€“ Use a dark theme; โ€“ Enable the blue light filter (Settings) โ†’ Display. โ†’ Reading mode; take breaks every time 20 minutes (rule) 20-20-20).
Can the type of display affect performance in games?
Yes, but indirectly: ๐ŸŽฎ Frequency of update: AMOLED 120Hz (e.g. Black Shark 5 Pro) gives you an edge in dynamic gaming (PUBG Mobile, Fortnite). ๐Ÿ•’ Response time: Y AMOLED it is 5-10 times smaller (1 ms vs. 5-10 ms y) LCD), What's critical for eSports. ๐Ÿ”‹ Heating: AMOLED It's less hot in long sessions because it doesn't require lighting. LCD It has one advantage: the absence PWM-flickering, which can cause eye fatigue during long-term gameplay.