Xiaomi Redmi Note 3
two different processors
Qualcomm Snapdragon 650
Pro
MediaTek Helio X10
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to look at the box or sticker under the battery, but the manufacturer does not always specify this information explicitly, especially in international versions. Besides, the Redmi Note 3 is often resold and documentation is lost. In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to check the processor, from standard settings to hidden engineering menus that work even on faulty devices.
Important: If you plan to flash your phone or replace the motherboard, misdefining the processor can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the device. For example, the firmware for the Snapdragon 650 is not compatible with the Helio X10 and vice versa.
1. Method: through standard Android settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in tools of the system, which is suitable for working devices without root rights and does not require the installation of additional applications.
Open the Settings → Phone → General information. Here you will see the CPU Model or Processor line. However, in some versions of MIUI, this information may be hidden or displayed incorrectly (for example, only the name of the Cortex-A72 cores instead of the full name of the chip).
If there is no data, try an alternative path:
- Go to Settings → All settings → Advanced settings.
- Select Version Information.
- Tap the build number several times until you become a developer!
- Go back to the basic settings and open a new section for developers.
- Scroll down to the Hardware block - a processor model may be displayed here.
⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially custom) in the For developers section does not display the real processor, but data from the build.prop file. MSM8956 (codename Snapdragon 650) or MT6795 (Helio X10) — It's a reliable sign.
Method: through diagnostic applications
If standard settings don't give a definitive answer, use specialized utilities that not only show the model of the processor, but also provide additional information about the cores, frequency and temperature.
Top.-3 check-in:
- 🔍 CPU-Z — It displays detailed data about the chip, including the code name and architecture.
- 📊 AIDA64 — In the CPU section, the full name of the processor and even the version of the cores (for example, the CPU) is displayed, ARMv8-A For Snapdragon 650).
- 🛠️ DevCheck is a user-friendly interface with data visualization. The processor is listed in the Hardware block.
Example of data from the CPU-Z for the Redmi Note 3 Pro:
| Parameter | Snapdragon 650 | Helio X10 |
|---|---|---|
| Code name (SoC) | MSM8956 | MT6795 |
| Architecture of nuclei | 2×Cortex-A72 + 4×Cortex-A53 | 8×Cortex-A53 |
| Technique | 28 nm | 28 nm |
| Max. frequency. | 1.8 GHz (A72) / 1.4 GHz (A53) | 2.2 GHz |
If the application shows Unknown or the data doesn't match the table, you may have an unofficial firmware installed with the data being changed, in which case move on to the next method.
Install the app from the official store (not APK)
Provide all requested permits
Compare the data with the table above
Check the temperature of the processor (if it is the same) >50°C, the chip can be overclocked)-->
3. Method: through the engineering menu (USSD codes)
The Engineering Menu is a hidden section of Android that contains low-level hardware information. There are two working codes for the Redmi Note 3:
For Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processors:
##4636##Once you enter, select Phone Information and scroll to Hardware. Look for a line that mentions MSM8956 or Snapdragon.
For the MediaTek Helio X10 processors:
##36446337##In the menu that opens, go to the Hardware tab and it will be MT6795 or Helio X10.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you understand their purpose! For example, accidentally changing the Band Selection settings can lead to loss of the network.
If the codes don't work, they may be locked by firmware, in which case, try an alternative method:
How to open an engineering menu without codes
Method: by marking on the motherboard
If the phone doesn't turn on or you're disassembling it for repair, you can visually identify the processor.
- Remove the back cover (a plastic shoulder blade or mediator will be required).
- Disconnect the battery by snapping the plume.
- Check the motherboard. The processor is usually located under a metal screen (on the Redmi Note 3 it is screwed).
Key differences:
- 🔧 Snapdragon 650: the board will be marked QC Or Qualcomm next to the chip. MSM8956 processor-only.
- 🔧 Helio X10: marking MT6795 The chip can be labeled Helio.
Photo by comparison:
💡
If you're unsure about the labeling, take a picture of the board and compare it to images from YouTube or forums (like 4PDA). Pay attention to the location of the contacts and the shape of the CPU screen — Snapdragon usually has a square one, MediaTek has a rectangular one.
Method: according to the device model (IMEI and box)
Each Redmi Note 3 has a unique model code that can be used to identify the processor.
On the box or sticker under the battery:
- 📦 Redmi Note 3 Pro or kenzo (codename) – Snapdragon 650.
- 📦 Redmi Note 3 MTK or hennessy - Helio X10.
Through IMEI (type *#06#):
The first 8 digits of the IMEI (called TAC) correspond to the model.
8637... or 8675... is usually a Snapdragon.
8609... or 8642... (more commonly MediaTek)
For an accurate check, type IMEI on IMEI.info or SNDeeP. In the results, look for the Model field, which will indicate kenzo or hennessy.
💡
If the box says Redmi Note 3 without the Pro, but IMEI shows kenzo, you have an international version with the Snapdragon 650. Chinese versions without the Pro usually come with the Helio X10.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users confuse the Redmi Note 3 processor with other Xiaomi models.
Myth 1: “All Redmi Note 3s have Snapdragons.”
❌ Reality: Global market only (kenzo) versions. Chinese (hennessy) equipped with MediaTek.
Myth 2: “The processor can be determined by the number of nuclei.”
❌ Reality: Both chips — 8-nuclear (Snapdragon) 650 it 2+4 configuration, Helio X10 — 8 The difference is in architecture, not in quantity.
Myth 3: “AnTuTu shows a real processor.”
❌ Reality: Benchmarks can be wrong on custom firmware. For example, on Redmi Note 3 with firmware for Redmi Note 3 Pro AnTuTu will show Snapdragon, even if MediaTek is installed.
How to avoid mistakes:
- 🔎 Always cross the data from 2-3 sources (e.g. settings) + attachment + engineering menu).
- 🛠️ If you disassemble the phone, take photos of the board before and after disassembly - this will help with reverse assembly.
- 📄 Save screenshots of the processor data to the cloud (in case of loss of the device).