Have you ever wondered why screens on the same Xiaomi models sometimes differ in color reproduction, brightness or even battery life, BOE, Tianma, Huaxing and others, even within the same model (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro).+) There may be instances with different panels.
Knowing the exact screen manufacturer will help you compare quality before buying, diagnose problems (e.g., yellow tint in your screen). BOE In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, from simple (through service codes) to complex (disassembly of the device), and also tell you which matrixes are considered the best for different Xiaomi series.
Why Xiaomi is using screens from different manufacturers
Xiaomi doesnโt make the arrays itself, it buys them from third-party vendors, and itโs standard practice in the industry: even Apple and Samsung (despite their own screen production) sometimes use panels from competitors, the main reasons for this approach are:
- ๐ฆ Supply diversification: single-produce dependency is risky โ supply chain disruptions can occur (as was the case during the pandemic).
- ๐ฐ Cost optimization. Matrixes from BOE Tianma is cheaper than Samsung Display, which allows you to keep the prices on smartphones low.
- ๐ Testing new technologies: Xiaomi experimenting with different types of screens (AMOLED, LTPO, 120 Hz, etc.), and for this you need different suppliers.
However, this approach has a downside: even in one batch of Xiaomi smartphones. 12T Pros can come across screens with different color temperature, contrast and response times. E4 are considered to be the brightness standards, and BOE โ This is often criticized for being dirty white, so itโs important to know exactly what panel is installed in your device before you buy or repair it.
Method 1: Checking through the service menu (without root)
The fastest and safest method is to use hidden service codes, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO (including Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi 11T, POCO F4 You do not need root rights or special programs.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone application (standard dialer).
- Enter the code ##4636## or #284## (on some models).
- In the menu that appears, select Hardware info (or Device Information).
- Scroll down to the Display block, and there will be a Panel Manufacturer (or Producer) string.
If the code doesnโt work, try alternatives:
- ๐ข ##6484## - Display test (on some models displays the manufacturer).
- ๐ข ##36446337## โ Advanced screen information (works on Xiaomi) 12/13 series).
Check the correctness of the code entry (without spaces)
Reboot your smartphone and try again.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Try another code from the list above.-->
โ ๏ธ Note: Some firmware (especially global versions) MIUI) The service menu may be blocked, in which case use alternative methods from the following sections.
Method 2: Analysis of the screen model in the developer settings
If the service codes didn't work, try turning on Developer Mode and find the display information there. MIUI 12 and newer.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings. โ The phone.
- Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!
- Return to the main Settings menu and open Additional โ for developers.
- Scroll down to the Equipment block and find Display Information (or Display info).
This section may show:
- ๐ฑ Name of the matrix model (e.g, SDC AMOLED โ Samsung, BOE NT37801 โ BOE).
- ๐ Resolution and screen type (FHD+, AMOLED, LTPO etc.).
- ๐จ Color gamma (sRGB, DCI-P3).
If this menu does not contain manufacturer data, then move to the next method, POCO X3 Pro) information can be hidden under encrypted codes - their decryption we will consider below.
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If the developerโs settings do not include โDisplay Informationโ, try updating it. MIUI Or use the DevCheck app from Google Play.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
If standard methods don't work, specialized utilities will come to the rescue, and they will not only show the matrix manufacturer, but also provide additional data about the display: real refresh rate, bit depth of color, support. HDR etc.
Top.-3 screen-checker:
| Annex | What shows | Reference | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| DevCheck | Matrix manufacturer, model, resolution, pixel density | Google Play | It works without root, supports all Xiaomi models |
| AIDA64 | Detailed information about the display, including the panel serial number | Google Play | Paid version reveals more data |
| Screen Test | Tests for broken pixels, color reproduction, refresh rate | Google Play | Helps to identify defects in the matrix |
How to use DevCheck:
- Install the application and open it.
- Go to the Hardware tab.
- Find the Screen block, and there will be a Manufacturer string.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may show incorrect data, in which case only trust information from the service menu or physical disassembly.
Method 4: Decoding the markings on the screen plume
If you're ready to disassemble a smartphone (or it's already disassembled for repair), the most reliable way is to look at the labeling directly on the flexible plume of the matrix, which is suitable for 100% accurate identification of the manufacturer, since the data is taken from the factory sticker.
Where to look for markings:
- ๐ง On the back of the screen (if it is disconnected from the body).
- ๐ On the plume itself, it is usually a white or yellow sticker with inscriptions.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ On a metal screen (models with LCD).
Examples of markings and their decoding:
| Marking on the plume | Manufacturer | Type of matrix | Examples of Xiaomi models |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDC, Samsung Display, AMS643 | Samsung | AMOLED, LTPO AMOLED | Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50 Ultra |
| BOE, BOE Varitronix, NT37801 | BOE | AMOLED, LCD | POCO F4 GT, Redmi Note 11 |
| TM, Tianma, FT8720 | Tianma | AMOLED, LCD | Xiaomi 11 Lite NE, Redmi 10 |
| HX, Huaxing, HX630 | Huaxing (China Star) | AMOLED | Xiaomi Civi 2, POCO X5 Pro |
๐ How to disassemble a smartphone safely:
- Turn off the device and remove it. SIM-map.
- Heat the back cover with a hairdryer (60โ70ยฐC) to soften the glue.
- Carefully tuck the lid with a plastic spatula (start at the corner near the charging connector).
- Disconnect the battery plume, then the screen plume.
What to do if the marking is erased?
Method 5: Determination by serial number or IMEI
On some Xiaomi models, the matrix manufacturer is encoded in the serial number or IMEI. This method requires knowledge of specific labeling rules, but may work if other methods are not available.
How it works:
- Find the serial number of the device in Settings โ The phone. โ General information.
- Check the first 4-6 characters, which may indicate the batch and components.
- Compare it to the database (see table below).
Examples of decoding for popular models:
| Xiaomi model | Serial number prefix | Probable screen manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | 2201116SG, 22041216I | Samsung (E4 AMOLED) |
| Xiaomi 12T Pro | 22101310SG, 22101310I | BOE or Huaxing |
| POCO F4 GT | 22031210SG | Samsung (in early installments) / BOE (lately) |
| Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G | 2109119SG, 2109119DI | Tianma (AMOLED) |
โ ๏ธ Note: This method does not give a 100% guarantee, since Xiaomi can change suppliers within a single batch. 2101119SG In 80% of cases, it has a Samsung screen, but in 20 cases, it is not% โ BOE. For accuracy, combine this method with others.
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Serial number helps to identify the screen manufacturer for a limited list of models, and for most smartphones, this method is unreliable and requires rechecking.
Screen manufacturers comparison: who is better?
Now that you know how to know the matrix manufacturer, the question remains: which screen is better? The answer depends on your priorities โ brightness, color reproduction, autonomy or price.
| Manufacturer | Pluses | Cons | Typical Xiaomi models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Display | โ Highest brightness (up to 1300 nits) โ Precise color reproduction (ฮE ~0.5) โ Long service life (less burnout) | โ More expensive than other matrices โ Less common in budget models | Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60 Pro |
| BOE | โ Cheaper than Samsung by 20-30% โ Good brightness (up to 1000 nits) โ It is often used in gaming smartphones. | โ Yellow shade of white โ Faster burnout โ Problems with uniformity of illumination | POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ |
| Tianma | โ Low energy consumption โ Good contrast. โ It is often used in compact models. | โ Green hue at low brightness โ Less maximum brightness (~800 nits) โ Problems with calibration of flowers | Xiaomi 11 Lite NE, Redmi 10 |
| Huaxing (China Star) | โ Good Price/Quality Relationship โ Support for high frequencies (144 Hz) โ Minimum PWM-flicker | โ Weak visibility in the sun โ Not always stable color reproduction | Xiaomi Civi 2, POCO X5 Pro |
๐ Which screen to choose?
- ๐ธ For photographers and designers, only Samsung Display (maximum color accuracy).
- ๐ฎ For gamers โ BOE Huaxing (high refresh rate, but with color compromises).
- ๐ฐ For budget smartphones โ Tianma (the most economical option).
- โ๏ธ For use outdoors โ again Samsung (highest brightness).