Introduction: Why it is important to know your smartphone’s processor
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X is one of the most popular models of 2017, released in several versions, the main difference between the versions lies in the processor: the device could be equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipsets or MediaTek Helio X20. These two options dramatically affect performance, firmware compatibility and even the ability to unlock the bootloader.
Knowing the exact CPU model will help you avoid bugs when you run firmware, custom software, or repair. For example, Snapdragon firmware won’t work for the Helio X20, and trying to install it can lead to a “brick” (complete failure of the device), and some games and applications are optimized for specific chipsets — without this information, you risk running into lags or overheating.
In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to determine the processor on the Redmi Note 4X – from standard Android settings to hidden engineering menus. No disassembly of the case or special equipment is required!
Method 1: through standard Android settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in tools of the system, which requires no additional applications to be installed and works on any version of MIUI.
Open the Settings menu → Phone → General information. Here you will see the line “CPU model” or “processor”. However, in some firmware, this information may be hidden or displayed incorrectly (for example, instead of the chipset model, only the number of cores will be indicated).
- ✅ Pros: you do not need to download anything, the method works without the Internet.
- ❌ Cons: on custom firmware or after resetting settings, data may not be available.
- 🔍 What do you do if the line is empty? Try updating it. MIUI Up to the latest version or use alternative methods from this article.
If you only display MSM8953 (codenamed Snapdragon 625) or MT6797 (Helio X20) in your settings, that is your CPU. See the chart below for a decryption of the codes.
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If the settings say "8 cores, 2.0 GHz," but the processor model does not show - it is 100% Snapdragon 625. The version with the Helio X20 has 10 cores with a frequency of up to 2.3 GHz.
Method 2: Using CPU-Z
The CPU-Z app is the “gold standard” for determining the hardware characteristics of smartphones. It is free, contains no advertising (in the official version), and works on all Xiaomi devices.
Download CPU-Z from Google Play and follow the instructions:
- Open the app and wait for the system to be scanned (usually 5-10 seconds).
- Go to the SoC tab (System on Chip).
- In the "Model" line, you will see the exact name of the processor, for example: Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 MediaTek MT6797 Helio X20
The CPU-Z will also show additional information: core architecture (Cortex-A53 for both chipsets), process (14 nm for Snapdragon, 20 nm for Helio X20), and even real-time CPU temperature.
Download the official application | Run and wait for analysis | Go to the tab SoC| Write down the processor model-->
| Parameter | Snapdragon 625 | Helio X20 |
|---|---|---|
| Code name | MSM8953 | MT6797 |
| Number of kernels | 8 (Cortex-A53) | 10 (2×Cortex-A72 + 8×Cortex-A53) |
| Frequency, GHz | 2.0 | up to 2.3 (A72) / 1.85 (A53) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-T880 MP4 |
| Process technology, nm. | 14 | 20 |
If the CPU-Z shows the MT6797M instead of the MT6797, it is the same version of the Helio X20, but with slightly lower frequencies (found in some Redmi Note 4X batches for India).
Method 3: via the Engineering Menu (#4636##)
Android hides advanced hardware information in the engineering menu. To get there, open the Phone app and type in the combination:
##4636##After that, you'll see a menu with a few tabs, go to Phone Information and scroll down to the Hardware Information block.
- The full name of the processor (e.g. Qualcomm Snapdragon 625).
- The chipset's code name is msm8953 or mt6797.
- Information about the cores and their loading in real time.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625|MediaTek Helio X20|I don't know. I haven't checked.|Another option-->
⚠️ Warning: Do not change any settings in the engineering menu unless you understand their purpose! For example, the option "Set preferred network type" can disrupt the mobile network if you choose the wrong mode.
If the engineering menu doesn't open, your firmware may block access to it, in which case use alternative methods (e.g. ADB, which will be discussed later).
Method 4: via ADB (for advanced users)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for those who have already worked with debugging tools, and provides the most accurate information, including component serial numbers.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap on the line → return to additional settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Connect your phone to your PC, open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:
adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfoFind the line "Hardware" in the conclusion - it will contain:
- qcom → Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset.
- mt6797 → MediaTek Helio chipset X20.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
For more detailed information, use the command:
adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abiIt's going to bring back the processor architecture.
- armeabi-v7a is a 32-bit Snapdragon 625 or Helio X20.
- arm64-v8a is a 64-bit version (all Redmi Note 4X supports 64-bit, but this will confirm the correctness of the data).
Method 5: by marking on the case or box
If the phone is not disassembled and you still have the original packaging, the processor can be identified by the model article. Xiaomi uses different codes for versions with Snapdragon and Helio X20.
Look at the sticker under the battery (if the phone is already disassembled) or on the box. Look for lines like:
- MZB6019IN or MZB6020IN → Snapdragon 625 (Indian version)
- MZB6021IN → Helio X20 (Indian version)
- 2017028 or 2017029 → global versions (the first digit after the year usually indicates a chipset: even – Snapdragon, odd – MediaTek).
⚠️ Warning: Some vendors put fake labels on boxes, especially if the phone was bought by hand.Always double-check the information through software methods (e.g., for example, by using a computer system, CPU-Z).
If the sticker is missing or has been erased, look for the IMEI. The first 8 digits (TAC model) may indicate the version:
- 8639... or 8675... → High probability Snapdragon 625
- 8646... → more common X20.
You can check the IMEI via the command *#06# or on the website imei.info.
How to distinguish the Snapdragon 625 from the Helio X20 by indirect signs
If none of the methods worked (for example, the phone does not turn on), you can try to identify the chipset by external features and behavior of the device.
Performance and heating:
- 🔥 Helio X20 heats up more when loaded (due to 20 nm process technology) and can "troll" (reduce frequency) in heavy games.
- ❄️ Snapdragon 625 more energy efficient, less likely to overheat, but inferior in peak performance.
Support for networks:
- 📶 Snapdragon 625 supports VoLTE 4G) It works better with modern communication standards.
- 📞 Helio X20 Some firmware has problems with VoLTE, especially on custom ROM.
Camera and video:
- 🎥 Snapdragon 625 better handles video recording in the video 4K (Although both versions support this resolution).
- 📸 Helio X20 can produce artifacts when shooting in low light because of less optimized ISP (image-processor).
Autonomous operation time:
- 🔋 Snapdragon 625 provides 10-15% more time thanks to 14-nm process technology.
- ⚡ Helio X20 discharges faster with active use, but can show better results in benchmarks (due to 10 cores).
These features are subjective and do not give a 100% guarantee, but will help to confirm the data obtained by other methods.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When determining a processor, users often encounter false information or technical difficulties, and these are the most common errors:
- Trust in labels with AliExpress/Avio. Many sellers indicate in the description "Snapdragon" 625", But I'm sending you a version from Helio. X20 (Always check the chipset yourself after you buy it!
- Using informal firmware. On custom ROMs (like LineageOS), standard methods (like ##4636###) can show incorrect information, in which case rely only on CPU-Z or ADB.
- Confusion with the Redmi Note 4 and Note 4X. Redmi Note 4 (without the "X") was released only with the Helio X20, and Note 4X with both chipsets.
- Benchmark misinterpretation: Both versions of AnTuTu or Geekbench have similar results (around 60,000-70,000 in AnTuTu), but the Helio X20 can score higher in multithreaded tests with 10 cores.
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If you buy a Redmi Note 4X handheld, be sure to check the CPU through CPU-Z before payment.The price difference between the Snapdragon and Helio X20 versions can be as high as 30%!
⚠️ Note: Some "craftsmen" reinterview Helio X20 Snapdragon 625, changing the data in the system files. To avoid fraud, use a combination of methods (for example, CPU-Z + ADB + visualization).