How to determine the processor in Xiaomi: MediaTek or Qualcomm – the complete guide

You bought a Xiaomi smartphone but aren't sure if it has a processor, MediaTek or Qualcomm? This information is critical when choosing firmware, repairing, optimizing performance, or even buying active-cooled cases. A mistake in identifying a chipset can lead to a device being inoperable after running incompatible software or buying incompatible accessories.

In this article, you’ll find 5 working ways to determine the type of processor on any Xiaomi smartphone (including Redmi, POCO And Mi, from standard settings to hidden engineering menus, we're going to break down the methods for devices on the computer. MIUI Android One and why some apps (like the ones you see) CPU-Z) They can show incorrect data, no disassembly of the hull or special equipment is required!

Why it is important to know the type of processor in Xiaomi

The chipset manufacturer affects:

• 🔧 Compatible with firmware: Installation of Fastboot ROM for Qualcomm on a device with MediaTek (and vice versa) will lead to a brick (complete system failure).
• 🔌 Chargers: Some Xiaomi models with MediaTek Helio G support proprietary fast charging protocols other than Quick Charge (Qualcomm).
• 🎮 Game performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets are often better optimized for PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact with Adreno Drivers.
• 🔄 bootloader unlockability: On some Xiaomi MediaTek devices, unlocking requires additional steps (e.g. activation). OEM Unlock in the Hidden Menu).

Moreover, knowing the exact model of the chipset will help with:

• 🛠️ Repair: Replacing a camera or display module requires compatibility with processor controllers.
• 📡 Network setting: Qualcomm works better with 5G and VoLTE in some regions.
• 🔋 Battery Optimizations: MediaTek cores often have other power consumption profiles.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro) have come with both types of processors in different regions!

Method 1: Checking through MIUI settings (the fastest method)

This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI (including Redmi, POCO and Mi) and does not require third-party applications to be installed:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap a few times on the MIUI version until the words “You are a developer!” appear (this unlocks hidden options).
3. Return to the main Settings menu and select Additional → For Developers.
4. Scroll down to the Hardware block and find the Processor line.

It will be stated here:

• 🔹 Qualcomm: The name will start with Snapdragon (e.g. Snapdragon) 732G).
• 🔹 MediaTek: Helio will be specified (e.g. Helio) G95) Dimensity (for example, Dimensity 1200).

If there is no processor, try an alternative route:

1. In Settings, select About Phone → All characteristics.
2. In the processor or chipset block, the model will be specified.

⚠️ Note: On some Android One devices (e.g. Mi) A3) This method does not work – use Method 3.

Method 2: Use of an engineering menu (for advanced users)

An engineering menu contains low-level information about the hardware, including the exact model of the chipset, which is suitable if:

• 📱 MIUI does not display data about the processor.
• 🔧 You suspect that the device has been overflashed (e.g., from MediaTek to Qualcomm or vice versa).
• 🛠️ Information needed for repair (e.g. Modem version).

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Hardware block – the chipset model will be listed here.

Alternative codes for Xiaomi:

• ##225## - will display the Calibration version (for MediaTek).
• #36446337## - Equipment test (will show Chipset at the top of the screen)

⚠️ Warning: Don't enter random codes in the engineering menu ##7780## (setting reset) or *2767*3855# (complete reset) can erase all data without recovery.

Method 3: Applications for determining the processor (CPU-Z, AIDA64, DevCheck)

The side of the utility is convenient if:

• 📲 You don't want to dig into the settings.
• 🔍 Additional information is needed (e.g. chipset temperature or core frequency).
• 🛠️ The device does not turn on normally (can be used in Safe Mode).

The best apps for Xiaomi:

1. CPU-Z (free of charge, no advertising): 📌 Open the SoC tab – the model of the chipset will be indicated in the Model bar. 📌 In the Device tab, check Hardware (for example, mt6768 = MediaTek Helio G90T).
2. AIDA64 (pay-performance): 📌 Go to CPU. → Information on the CPU. 📌 In the block System board will be specified model SoC.

DevCheck

• 📌 On the main screen in the Hardware block will be specified model of the chipset.
• 📌 Slip on the name - will open detailed information about the kernels and GPU.

Example of display in CPU-Z:

• 🔹 Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G: sm7150 (platform-name).
• 🔹 MediaTek Helio G88: mt6768.
• 🔹 MediaTek Dimensity 800U: mt6853.

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If the application shows the wrong model of the chipset (for example, instead of Snapdragon 865, Unknown is displayed), update the application database or try another one (for example, AIDA64 instead CPU-Z).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) may show incorrect information. In this case, use Method 4 (ADB).

Method 4: Teams ADB (technical)

If your device is not switched on or you suspect a chipset swap (for example, after buying a used phone), ADB (Android Debug Bridge can get accurate data right from the system level:

• 🖥️ Computers with installed ADB-driver.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included mode Debugging by USB (activated in Settings → For developers).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
3. Execute the command to get information about the chipset: adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfo Find the Hardware line (e.g. Hardware: MT6785 = MediaTek Helio G90).
4. Alternative command (for newer versions of Android): adb shell getprop ro.chipname or adb shell getprop ro.hardware

Decoding of the codes in the output:

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If in conclusion ADB If you see Hardware: Unknown, this could mean that the Android kernel has been modified (hardware) or the chipset is not recognized by the system).

Method 5: Physical inspection (disassembly or external signs)

This method is suitable if:

• 📵 The device is not switched on.
• 🔧 You suspect a charge change (for example, after a repair).
• 🛠️ You need to confirm the chipset model to replace components.

External signs (no disassembly):

• 📦 Look at the device box: Some Xiaomi models point to the chipset on the sticker (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with Snapdragon) 732G).
• 🔍 On the back, next to the Model inscription, there may be a code that can be used to identify the chipset (e.g., the chipset, M2007J3SC = Redmi Note 9 Pro with Snapdragon 720G).
• 🔋 If the device has the word Quick Charge 3.0/4.0, Qualcomm is most likely to be a Qualcomm (but not always – some MediaTek also supports Quick Charge).

Disassembly (for experienced users only!):

1. Remove the back cover (on most Xiaomi it is glued – use a mediator and a hair dryer to heat the glue).
2. Find the chipset, which is the largest chip on the board (usually under a metal radiator).
3. The chip itself will be marked: 🔹 Qualcomm: Starts with APQ, MSM or SM (for example, SM7250 = Snapdragon 765G). 🔹 MediaTek: Starts with MT (for example, MT6873 = Dimensity 800U).

⚠️ Note: Disassembly Xiaomi without experience can lead to: 🔋 Damage to battery plume (fire risk!). 📡 Disruption of antenna contacts (loss of network). 🚫 Loss of warranty (if seals are broken) If you are not sure, contact the service center.

Compatibility table: MediaTek vs Qualcomm in popular Xiaomi models

To save you time, we have collected data on the most popular models of Xiaomi, Redmi and other popular models. POCO. Note: The same model can be produced with different chipsets depending on the region!

The full database can be found on Kimovil or GSMArena (enter the model and check the Platform section).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When determining the type of processor, users often face the following problems:

1. Apps show wrong chipset 🔹 Reason: Castom firmware or modified core (e.g. KernelSU). 🔹 Solution: Use ADB or check the markings on the board.
2. There is no chipset data in the engineering menu 🔹 Reason: Firmware cuts off access to low-level information (often found on Android One). 🔹 Solution: Try alternative codes (e.g. #36446337##) or use CPU-Z.
3. The box shows one chipset and the phone another. 🔹 Reason: Regional differences (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro in India comes with MediaTek, and in Europe – with Qualcomm). 🔹 Solution: Trust only data from the device itself (via settings or apps).
4. ADB does not recognize the device 🔹 Reason: Drivers are not installed or debugging is not included USB. 🔹 Solution: Install ADB-Drivers, turn on Debugging by USB In Settings → For developers. Try another. USB-cable (original).

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If you buy used Xiaomi, always check the chipset before payment! scammers can sell devices with MediaTek under the guise of models with Qualcomm (and vice versa), as this affects the price.

FAQ: Frequent questions