How to know exactly what screen is on your Xiaomi phone: from AMOLED to E-Ink

Have you ever wondered why your Xiaomi screen displays colors differently than a friend with the same model? Or why in bright sunshine, the image on one smartphone reads better than on another? It's all about the type of screen array — a key component that determines picture quality, power consumption and even the cost of repair. The manufacturer does not always specify the exact model of the display in the specs, and knowing this information can save you from buying incompatible parts or help optimize the settings for a particular technology.

In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to determine the type of screen on any Xiaomi smartphone – from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and gaming Black Shark. You will learn how to distinguish AMOLED from IPS without disassembling the device, where to look for hidden data in the firmware, and why even the same models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) can be equipped with different displays, and also – the table of compatibility of screens for popular models and answers to frequent repair questions.

1. Visual Test: How to distinguish AMOLED from IPS in 30 seconds

The fastest way to determine the type of screen is visual diagnostics, which doesn't require you to install apps or disassemble your phone, but it does get an accurate result 90 percent of the time.

• 🔦 Black check: Open any dark image (like the black background of the wallpaper) and light the flashlight at an angle. AMOLED-The pixels are completely off, you won't see the backlight. IPS/TFT Even black will light up a little bit gray.
• 👁️ Viewing angles: tilt the phone at an angle of 45°. Nana IPS The colors will remain saturated, and AMOLED A purple or green shade may appear (the effect of "shifting color").
• ☀️ Brightness in the sun: go outside on a sunny day. AMOLED It will be worse to read because of the mirror covering, and IPS It will keep contrast (but will require maximum brightness).

If your Xiaomi supports the Always On Display feature, it is a sign. AMOLED-The technology only works on individually illuminated pixels, but having 120 Hz or 90 Hz doesn't tell you what type of screen you're looking at, because both technologies support high refresh rates.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) install hybrid screens IPS They're locally dimmed (mini-LEDs). They mimic behavior. AMOLED, But on a visual test, they give themselves off as a gray glow on a black background.

2. Codes and Hidden Menus: How to Pull Display Data From the System

Manufacturers hide detailed information about components in the engineering menu or service codes. There are two working ways for Xiaomi:

Method 1: Code #4636##

Type in the Phone app the combination ##4636##. The Test menu will open, where you need to select the Device Information tab. Scroll down to the Display block - there may be a screen model (for example, Samsung AMOLED FHD+ or BOE IPS LCD).

Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced only)

This method requires caution, as the settings may be incorrect and may disrupt the display. Enter the code ##36446337## (or ##EEINFO## on new models).

Hardware Testing → Display → Display ID

The exact matrix identifier will be displayed here, for example:

• NT36672C - IPS by Novatek (found in Redmi 9A)
• SDC_DSI_AMOLED_FHD — AMOLED from Samsung (Mi) 11)
• HX83112A - IPS from Himax (POCO M3)

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially global versions) MIUI) The engineering menu can be blocked. If nothing happens after you enter the code, try using apps like this. MTK Engineering Mode (for phones with MediaTek processors).

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If the engineering menu doesn't open, try entering the code through the Google Phone app (install it from Play Market).The standard Phone app from Xiaomi sometimes blocks service commands.

3. Screen analysis applications: top-3 data-detailed utilities

If visual tests and codes don't work, specialized applications will come to the rescue, not only to determine the type of matrix, but also to show its real characteristics: resolution, pixel density, color gamut. We tested dozens of utilities and selected 3 of the most accurate:

How to use:

1. Install any of the apps (we recommend DevCheck for beginners).
2. Open the Display or Screen section.
3. Pay attention to the lines: Display Technology - matrix type (AMOLED, IPS LCD, TFT), Manufacturer - manufacturer (Samsung, BOE, Tianma, etc.) Resolution - real resolution (sometimes different from the stated!)

Important: On some Xiaomi phones (especially with Qualcomm processors), apps may not show a screen model, but only its resolution, in which case use the method with an engineering menu or disassemble the phone to visually inspect the display board.

Install DevCheck or AIDA64|

Check the "Display" section |

Compare the data with the manufacturer table |

Take a picture of the results for the repairman (if necessary)-->

4. Phone disassembly: how to identify the screen by marking

If the software doesn't work, you have to do physical diagnostics, which is suitable for anyone who's planning to repair or replace the screen.

• 🔧 Plastic blade or mediator
• 🔥 Fryer (for softening glue)
• 📸 Loop or macro lens on the phone

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (on models with a non-removable body, you will need to heat the hairdryer around the perimeter).
2. Disconnect the battery plume to avoid short circuit.
3. Carefully tuck the screen from one of the corners, and there's a label on the back of the display module.

Examples of markings and their decoding:

• SDC AMOLED FHD+ – AMOLED by Samsung, Full HD+ resolution (Xiaomi Mi 10)
• BOE NT36672A IPS - IPS from BOE, model controller NT36672A (Redmi Note 9)
• Tianma TMFT8703 - TFT by Tianma (POCO C31)
• E-Ink ED060XC3 - Electronic ink (Xiaomi Mi Reader)

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (2023-2026), the labeling can be hidden under protective film or applied with a laser, in which case only specialized equipment from the service center will help!

Xiaomi Database: Where to Find Official Model Information

The manufacturer rarely discloses the exact screen models in the public domain, but there are several official and semi-official sources where the data can be found:

• 📄 Certificates FCC/CE: site FCC ID Enter a phone model (for example, M2007J3SC For the Redmi Note 9 The documents may include a display model.
• 🔧 Disassembly scheme: on sites like iFixit or Xiaomi Firmware sometimes publish detailed schemes indicating components.
• 📦 Box or documentation: Some models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra) include a booklet with specifications that specify the type of screen.

For convenience, we have collected data on popular Xiaomi models in the table:

One Xiaomi model can have screens from different manufacturers! for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ complete AMOLED-Samsung matrices, BOE or Visionox, depending on the batch, which is important to consider when ordering parts.

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If you are planning to replace the screen, be sure to check the matrix model with the original!Installation of an incompatible display can lead to problems with the sensor, backlight or color reproduction.

6. Frequent Mistakes and Myths About Xiaomi Screens

When determining the type of screen, users often encounter incorrect information, and let's take a look at the most common misconceptions:

• ❌ "All Xiaomi flagships have AMOLED" — Like, wrong, POCO F3 GT (flagship gaming smartphone is equipped with IPS-120Hz screen.
• ❌ "If the screen is 90 Hz, that's for sure. AMOLED" — The Redmi Note 10 Pro has a bad name. IPS from 120Hz, and Mi. 10T — IPS 144 Hz.
• ❌ "The price of a phone determines the type of screen" - not always.Redmi Note 11S (budgetary AMOLED, POCO X4 Pro (middle class) — IPS.
• ❌ "Nana AMOLED You can't use live wallpaper. AMOLED-screens (especially with technology) LTPO) Optimized for dynamic content.

Another popular question is, "Can IPS be replaced by AMOLED?" Technically, yes, but it's required:

• Sizeable AMOLED-module (with the same plume connector).
• Firmware with support for a new display driver (otherwise the screen will not work).
• Loss readiness: Often, after replacement, the autobrightness or proximity sensor ceases to work.

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If you're in doubt about the type of screen, take a black background photo at maximum brightness and compare it to the standard AMOLED and IPS images on the Internet, and the difference in glow will be noticeable even in the photo.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions