Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where the specifications of the device raise questions, especially regarding the quality of the screen panel. Manufacturers can use matrixes from different suppliers (Samsung, LG, BOE, Tianma) for the same phone model, which creates confusion when buying or assessing image quality. Understanding the type of installed matrix is critical for those who are sensitive to flickering (PWM) or planning to replace glass.
There are several proven methods of supplier identification and display production technology that do not require opening the case of the gadget. We will look at software utilities, hidden engineering menus and visual tests that allow you to determine with high accuracy what kind of screen you got when buying.
Knowing the exact matrix model will help you better customize the color scheme and understand the limits of your device's brightness and power consumption. Let's take a look at the main ways to get this information.
Using an engineering menu to check the matrix code
The fastest and most reliable way to get technical information about the display is to log into the special MIUI engineering menu. This hidden part of the system is designed for testing equipment in the factory, but is also available to ordinary users. To activate, you need to open the standard Phone application and enter a special combination of characters.
Once you have code ##6484##, the CIT (Customer Integration Test) interface automatically opens on the screen. Here is a long list of tests of all components of a smartphone. You need to find a item associated with Display or Version, which often indicates the code of the panel provider. In some versions of the firmware, the information about the vendor can be hidden in the "Version" or "Device Information" section inside this menu.
Note that on global firmware versions, access to the full matrix code may be restricted for security or interface simplification purposes. However, even the basic resolution and refresh rate information in this menu will help you to check the data against the official specifications.
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If the code doesnโt work, try entering it through the root-enabled Phone app or use it. ADB-commands to access system logs, where often remains a trace from the initialization of the display.
It is important to understand that codes can vary depending on the version of Android and the HyperOS shell. If the standard method didnโt work, itโs worth trying alternative combinations or moving to software analysis methods.
Software Methods: Device Info HW and AIDA64
When the built-in system does not give a complete picture, specialized applications from Google Play come to the rescue. The leader in this area is the Device Info HW utility, which can read data directly from drivers by the operating system. After installation, start the scan and go to the Screen tab.
In this section, you'll see detailed information: resolution, pixel density (DPI), and most importantly, the name of the driver and, often, the matrix manufacturer. It will also show the refresh rate range and supported color spaces. This is one of the most accurate software methods that does not require superuser rights.
- ๐ฑ Device Info HW โ displays the name of the display driver and the vendor (e.g., Samsung or Samsung) BOE).
- ๐ AIDA64 โ Provides general information about the system, including the screen model and its physical dimensions in inches.
- ๐จ Screen Test โ does not name a model, but helps to visually determine the type of matrix by color reproduction and viewing angles.
Another popular program is AIDA64, which is less detailed in terms of the matrix vendor, but it's a great deal of resolution and real pixel density, and compare that to what the manufacturer says, if the actual resolution is lower than what it says, it might be cheaper to modify the screen.
Visual Diagnostics: How to distinguish OLED from IPS
You don't always need to install apps to understand what technology your Xiaomi is using. There are visual cues that are highly likely to determine the type of matrix. The main difference is in the way the backlights are used: IPS uses a common LED layer, while OLED/AMOLED uses each pickle to shine on its own.
Do a simple test: turn on a black image, if the screen is dark gray and you see the light at the edges, it's IPS. If the black pixels are completely off and merge with the frame (the screen seems off), you have an AMOLED or OLED matrix, which is a key feature that you can't fake software.
Also pay attention to the viewing angles. IPS panels can fade slightly or change shade when viewed from an angle, while quality OLED They keep the color saturation almost from any angle. OLED-screens may have a noticeable "rainbow effect" or graininess at low brightness.
โ ๏ธ Note: Do not use a static black image on the AMOLED longer-screen 5-10 minutes at maximum brightness to avoid the risk of pixel burnout, especially on older smartphone models.
Another method is the flicker test (PWM), turn on the camera of the other phone and point it over the screen of the device being tested at low brightness (about 20-30%). If you see strong horizontal bands, this is a sign of low-frequency PWM, characteristic of many OLED screens. IPS panels usually either do not flicker or use high-frequency modulation, invisible to the camera.
Analysis of packaging and stickers on the body
Often, the answer to the question of the type of display can be found simply by looking carefully at the box from the device. On the back of the package Xiaomi and Redmi always have a sticker with the main characteristics. Look for a line with the description of the screen: it can be indicated โAMOLEDโ, โSuper AMOLEDโ, โDotDisplayโ (marketing name AMOLED from Xiaomi) or just a resolution with IPS.
DotDisplay labeling almost always means using technology. AMOLED It's a hole in the camera, but if it says ยซHD+ Display without specifying the technology, and the price of the device is budget, then with a high probability it is installed there IPS Flagship models are almost always equipped with a matrix. OLED-panels, which is also confirmed by logos HDR10+ Or Dolby Vision on the box.
| Marking on the box | Type of matrix | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| DotDisplay | AMOLED / OLED | High contrast, always on display |
| Super AMOLED | AMOLED (Samsung) | Bright colors, built-in touch layer |
| IPS LCD | IPS | Natural colors, no flickering |
| Fluid AMOLED | AMOLED (120 Hz) | Smooth scrolling, high brightness |
Checking the factory sticker on the back cover (if it's not ripped off) can also give a clue. Sometimes it indicates the display model code, which can be "broken" in search engines to get an accurate specification from the panel manufacturer.
Verification through developer and ADB settings
For advanced users who need the highest level of detail, a method of using USB debugging and a computer is available. By connecting a smartphone to a PC with an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) installed, you can request system logs, where the initialization of the display is prescribed when the device starts.
Run the command at the terminal:
adb shell dumpsys SurfaceFlingerIn the output command, look for lines containing driver or vendor names, such as mdss (Mobile Display Subsystem) indicating the vendor. You can also use the adb shell wm size command to check physical resolution and the adb shell wm density to check pixel density.
What is pixel density (DPI)?
In the Developer Menu (activated by seven taps on the MIUI version), you can find "Show surface updates" or "Display touches." Although they don't name the screen model, they help diagnose problems with the touch layer, which is often integrated into the OLED matrix but is a separate layer in the IPS.
Comparative table of characteristics of Xiaomi matrices
To systematize your knowledge and determine the type of your screen, compare the basic parameters. Different Xiaomi smartphone lines use different standards, and understanding these differences will help in future device selection.
Budget models of the Redmi Note series (basic versions) are often equipped with IPS, while the Pro and Pro+ versions almost always get AMOLED. Xiaomi's flagship series (digital series and Ultra) uses top-end OLED panels with high brightness and support for HDR10+.
- ๐ก Brightness: OLED reach 1000+ squirt, IPS limited 450-600 thread.
- ๐ Contrast: Y OLED It is infinite (black is an off pixel). IPS โ about 1500:1.
- โก Energy consumption: AMOLED more economical on dark topics, IPS It consumes energy evenly regardless of the picture.
โ ๏ธ Note: When buying a used smartphone, be sure to check the screen for the presence of โburnoutโ (residual image of icons), as this is the main defect. OLED Matrix that is not treated programmatically.
Choosing between technologies is a matter of taste, and some people care about the naturalness of their IPS, and some people don't think about a smartphone without AMOLED, which is deep black, but they need to know what's in your device.
โ๏ธ Screen quality check
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you programmatically change the type of matrix from IPS to AMOLED?
Why do different people have different screens on the same Xiaomi?
Is PWM on Xiaomiโs screens harmful to the eyes?
How to find out the screen provider without root rights?
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Accurate knowledge of the display model helps not only in diagnosis, but also in the correct choice of protective glasses and films, since the geometry of the edges of different matrices may differ.