How to know exactly which screen is on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: original or copy?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Over the years of operation, many owners face the need to replace the screen, but how do you know which display is installed in the device? Or maybe it’s a different type of matrix — IPS instead OLED vice versa?

In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven ways to determine a screen model on a Redmi Note 4 (including the MediaTek Helio versions). X20 You will learn what technical parameters are important, how to distinguish the original from a fake without disassembling the phone, and what to do if the screen has already been replaced before, and special attention will be paid to hidden service codes and diagnostic menus, which are rarely mentioned in standard instructions.

Why it’s important to know the screen model on the Redmi Note 4

Many users don’t think about the type of display until they have problems: flickering at low brightness, incorrect color reproduction or complete failure.

• 🔧 Screen replacements – the original modules for the Redmi Note 4 were released with different connectors (for example, JDI, Sharp, Tianma. - Counterfeiting is often incompatible with sensor or backlight.
• 🎨 Calibration of flowers — IPS and OLED-The matrix requires different profiles in the display settings. The wrong settings accelerate the wear of the pixels.
• 💰 Buying a used phone — if the screen has been changed, the quality of the screen directly affects the cost of the device.
• ⚡ Battery problems – non-original screens often consume more power, which reduces battery life.

In addition, Redmi Note 4 saw lots of different types of arrays, even within the same modification, for example, the versions for India (Redmi Note 4 India) often came with a complete set of different types of arrays. IPS-Tianma displays, while global models received OLED This affects viewing angles, contrast, and even the Always-On Display feature (if it was stitched with custom firmware).

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a screen to replace, pay attention to the labeling COF (Chip-on-Film or COG (The Redmi Note 4 had both types installed, and they are not interchangeable!

Method 1: Verification through service codes (without root)

The fastest method is to use hidden engineering menus, which are available on all versions of the Redmi Note 4 (including the Note). 4X It is important that the codes may differ depending on the processor (MediaTek or Qualcomm).

For Qualcomm versions (global firmware, mido):

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##284###
3. On the menu. TP Version or Touch Panel you will see a model of the touch layer (for example, the sensing layer, FT5X16, GT9XX).
4. For display information, type ##36446337## (MMITest menu) and the matrix model will be listed here in the Display section.

For MediaTek versions (Indian modification, nikel):

1. Enter the code ##36446337##
2. Go to Hardware Info → Display.
3. Look for Panel lines ID or LCD ID. Typical values for the originals: NT35596, HX8394F, RM68191.

If the codes don't work, check if they're locked by firmware. ROM (For example, LineageOS, engineering menus are disabled.

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If the service menu is open but no display data is available, try entering the ##4636## code and select Usage Statistics. → Display. Sometimes the matrix manufacturer is displayed here.

Method 2: Analysis through Applications (AIDA64, CPU-Z, DevCheck)

If the service codes don't work, use third-party utilities that read data from the display chips and display it in a convenient way.

• 📊 AIDA64 — Shows the matrix model in the Display section → Panel. Look for the lines Panel Name or LCD Driver IC.
• 🔍 CPU-Z — dervice → Screen. The manufacturer may be listed here (e.g, BOE, JDI).
• 🛠️ DevCheck – Hardware section → Display. Displays resolution, pixel density and chip model.

An example of decryption of data from AIDA64:

If Unknown is displayed in the application or data is missing, this may mean:

• The screen is replaced by an uncertified module.
• The firmware has been modified (for example, the display drivers have been removed).
• The matrix is connected through a non-standard controller (found in cheap replicas).

⚠️ Warning: Some screen fakes have software-based data swapping in apps. If you see a Samsung model AMOLED Redmi Note 4, which originally came only with IPS — It's 100% cheating!

Method 3: Visual diagnostics (without disassembly)

If you can't use codes or apps, check out the screen for the signatures. The original Redmi Note 4 matrices have a few different features:

• 🔦 Original: uniform, without clouds and yellow spots around the edges. Fake: visible brightness gradients, especially against white backgrounds.
• 🎨 Color rendering: Original IPS: natural colors, but a slightly cold hue. OLED (rare): deep black, high contrast. Fake: oversaturated or, conversely, faded, noticeable blue hue.
• 👁️ Viewing angles: Original: the picture remains clear even when viewed from an angle of 45°. Fake: when the screen is tilted, colors invert or a “soapy” haze appears.
• 💡 Brightness: Original: maximum brightness ~450 nits (comfortable in the sun) fake: even at maximum, the screen is dull, in sunny weather you can't see anything.

Do a pixel burnout test:

1. Set the brightness to 100%.
2. Open a monochromatic image (red, green, blue, white background).
3. Original screen: color is uniform, without stains.
4. Fake: Yellow divorces, stripes, or dead pixels are visible.

Another test is to check the sensor:

• Open the keyboard and quickly tap on all areas of the screen.
• Original: The response is instant, without clicking gaps.
• Fake: Delays in input, "ghost" touches, non-functioning zones at the edges.

Method 4: Disassembling the phone (for power users)

If all previous methods fail, all that remains is a physical examination, and you will need to be careful if you disassemble the warranty (if it is still valid) and you will need to be careful.

• Plastic spatula or mediator.
• Screwdriver. T3 or T4 (rear-cover).
• Dryer or thermo-air station (for softening the glue).

Step-by-step:

What to look for when inspecting:

• 🏷️ Labeling on the plume – the original screens have inscriptions JDI, Sharp, Tianma or BOE (but BOE forge!).
• 🔌 Connection connector – original 30 contacts, fakes can be 20-25.
• 📏 The thickness of the matrix - the original OLED thinner IPS 0.3-0.5 mm.
• 🛡️ Protective film - on factory screens it is matte, with the logo Xiaomi.

Photos of the original matrices for Redmi Note 4:

• JDI NT35596 — IPS, plug-in COF, yellow-marking.
• Sharp SFT35596 — IPS, plug-in COG, black-back.
• Tianma TM35596 — IPS, It was often used in Indian versions.

⚠️ Warning: If there are soldering marks or glued contacts on the screen plume, this is a sign of repair!

Method 5: Checking through IMEI and serial number

If you haven't taken the phone down yet, you can try to find out the original version from the manufacturer.

1. Find it. IMEI on the box or in the settings (about the phone) → General information).
2. Go to IMEI.info or the official Xiaomi service.
3. Enter the IMEI or serial number (S/N).
4. In the results, look for the Display Type or Panel Model bar.

Limitations of the method:

• It only works for phones that have not been repaired.
• Xiaomi doesn’t always specify the screen model in open databases.
• If the phone was bought from hand, the data could be changed (for example, when flashing).

The alternative is to test through MIUI Diagnostics:

1. Install the Mi Service Center app (official from Xiaomi).
2. Choose Hardware Testing → Display.
3. The screen will be either Original or Non-Original.

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If the Mi Service Center screen is labeled Non-Original, it doesn't always mean fake, and it may have been replaced in an authorized service, but it's not listed in Xiaomi's database.

Frequent issues after screen replacement on Redmi Note 4

If you are already faced with the need to replace the display, be prepared for the following problems:

• 🔄 The sensor doesn't work, most often because of a loop incompatibility. For example, the Redmi Note 3 Pro's screen is physically fit, but the sensor is not calibrated.
• 🌡️ Spontaneous change in brightness - a sign of an unoriginal backlight controller.
• 🎭 Distorted colors - if the matrix OLED, And the firmware is set to IPS (vice versa).
• ⚡ Fast battery discharge – fake screens consume 20 to 30% more power.
• 📵 Autobrightness does not work – the light sensor is not compatible with the new matrix.

Decisions:

• To calibrate the sensor, use the Touchscreen Calibration app.
• If the colors are incorrect, set the sRGB profile in the screen settings or through Developer Options.
• If you have problems with brightness, check the backlight plume - it could oxidize when replaced.

If after replacement the screen flickers at low brightness, this is a sign of a cheap matrix with a low brightness. PWM. The problem can only be replaced with the original or the model with DC dimming (like the Redmi Note 5 screen, but you’ll need a plume adaptation).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions