How to find out the type of screen of the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi: complete diagnostic methods

Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices often face the need to figure out the exact model of the matrix installed in their gadget. This may be necessary when buying protective glass, looking for replacement parts or simply out of technical curiosity, because manufacturers often use panels from different suppliers in the same phone model. The type of screen directly affects the color reproduction, viewing angles and energy efficiency of the device, so knowing these characteristics is an important aspect for enthusiasts.

There are several proven ways to get this information, ranging from simple system settings to specialized engineering software. Some methods require a connection to a computer, others work autonomously. It is important to understand that Android is not always willing to share complete data on hardware through a standard menu, so you often have to resort to deeper diagnostic methods to get reliable results.

In this article, we will discuss all the current verification options relevant to modern versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell. You will learn how to interpret the received codes and why different smartphones in the same series can be different displays.

Why you need to know the manufacturer of the matrix and technical specifications

Many users wonder why two identical smartphones bought at different times or in different stores can have slightly different picture quality. The answer lies in the policy of Xiaomi, which purchases components from several suppliers, such as Tianma, BOE, CSOT or Samsung. Identifying the supplier helps to understand what to expect from the screen: some matrixes are famous for bright but unnatural colors, others – high accuracy color reproduction.

Also, knowing the type of matrix (IPS, AMOLED, E-ink) is critical when buying accessories. Protective glass and film can be glued to 2.5D and 3D screens in different ways, as well as curved displays. If you are planning to replace broken glass, the matrix model code is the only guarantee that the new part will fit the plume and controller of your phone.

This information is also useful when reselling the device: the indication in the announcement that the smartphone is installed matrix from a well-known brand (for example, Samsung E4) can be a strong argument in favor of a higher price. Technical characteristics such as refresh rate (60 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz) and the method of pulse-width modulation also play a role in assessing the condition of the gadget.

πŸ“Š What screen information is most important to you?
Matrix brand (Samsung/BOE)
Type of matrix (IPS/AMOLED)
Update frequency (Hz)
Screen resolution

Using an engineering menu to diagnose a display

The fastest way to access hidden system information is by using the CIT (Customer Integration Test) Menu, which is built-in to test all the phone modules and often contains data on the connected components. To log in, you need to open the Phone app and type in the combination ##6484##. If the code doesn't work, try ##4636#, although the latter option is more often used to configure networks.

Once you log in, you'll need to find a section associated with the display, usually called Version or Hardware info. In some versions of MIUI, the information you need is hidden in the LCM Version (Liquid Crystal Module), and you'll click on it and see a line with alphanumeric code that points to the manufacturer and the panel model. For example, codes starting with certain characters may point to Tianma or Huaxing.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. resetting the color or touch screen calibration can lead to incorrect operation of the touch layer, which is difficult to fix without professional equipment.

It's worth noting that newer versions of firmware may have limited access to some sections of the engineering menu, and if you don't see the data you need, it doesn't mean it's not there, it's just that the manufacturer has closed direct access to ordinary users, so you should move on to more advanced methods that require a PC connection.

Decoding of supplier codes
The LCM Version string often includes abbreviations TM (Tianma), CSOT (TCL), BOE (BOE Technology), SDC (Samsung Display). The first letters or numbers in the code often point to a particular vendor, but there is no single encryption standard, and each model range can have its own encoding logic.

Check through ADB-teams and computer diagnostics

The most reliable method that works even when software is powerless is to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging system, which requires a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) and a USB-connected smartphone cable. First, you need to activate the developer mode: go to Settings β†’ About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times.

Then, in the Developer menu, turn on the USB Debugging option. Connect your phone to your computer and run the command line or terminal in a folder with ADB installed. By entering the adb shell command, you will access the device shell. To get information about the display, you use the dumpsys command, which displays the state of system services.

adb shell dumpsys display | grep -i"mDisplayId\|mHwcDisplayIds\|curConfig"

However, more detailed information about the physical matrix can be obtained through reading system files, if you have root rights. /sys/class/graphics/fb0/modes or a search for lines in dmesg often gives out the name of the driver and the panel model. mdss_dsi_xiaomi_miw10_36_02_0a_dsi_cmd, where the information about the manufacturer is encrypted.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for ADB-diagnostics

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Third-party applications for screen characterization

If you don’t want to mess with the command line, specialized applications from Google Play will come to the rescue. One of the most popular and informative is Device Info HW. This application is able to read data directly from the device drivers, showing not only the processor model, but also the exact name of the camera sensor and display model.

Another powerful tool is AIDA64, which provides comprehensive information on resolution, pixel density (DPI), supported formats, and refresh rates in the Display section. While the app doesn't always name the matrix manufacturer as direct text, it does show technical identifiers that an experienced user can use to search for a panel type.

Phone Info SAM (yes, it's for Samsung, but it works for Xiaomi) or its counterparts like Device Tester can also be useful. They collect data on all components of a smartphone, and if the manufacturer has sewn in the driver general data, the application will show general information.

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When installing diagnostic applications, pay attention to the permissions requested. They usually need access to device information to work, but they don't need access to contacts or a microphone and can be a sign of spyware.

Comparative table of matrix types in Xiaomi smartphones

Understanding the differences between technologies will help you better navigate the data you get. Redmi and Xiaomi devices have different types of screens, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the most common matrices.

Type of matrixContrastEnergy consumptionTypical application
IPS LCDMedium (1000:1)High (constant illumination)Budget Redmi Note
AMOLEDHigh (infinite)Low (black doesn't glow)Flagships and the middle class
E-inkGreat in the sun.Minimum (only on change)Book phones (Moaan)
OLED (Flex)Very high.Medium/LowTop Xiaomi with a curve

IPS matrices are still popular in the budget segment because of their low cost and lack of flickering at low brightness (in some cases). However, AMOLED screens win in color saturation and the ability to implement the Always On Display feature. When choosing parts or evaluating a phone, always consider which type is installed in a particular model.

It’s also worth mentioning DC Dimming, which is often found on Xiaomi’s screen menus, which reduces screen flickering at low brightness, which is especially important for sensitive-eye users, and often depends on the type of matrix installed and the version of the drivers.

Frequent Xiaomi Display Problems and Their Solutions

Even if you know the type of screen you have, you can run into problems. One of the common problems is the green bar on AMOLED arrays after you update your firmware, which is a physical plume defect that is caused by overheating or manufacturing defects, and is rarely treated software, and only a replacement module helps in such cases.

Another problem is the uneven backlighting or the "tint effect" (green or pink on a white background), which is a feature of many budget IPS and AMOLED panels. If the defect is not noticeable in normal use, this is considered a variant of the norm for this price segment, but if it is strong, you can try to replace the device under warranty.

⚠️ Warning: When buying a used Xiaomi smartphone, be sure to check the screen for burnt out pixels. AMOLED Matrices are a common problem: static interface elements (status strip, navigation buttons) can be β€œimprinted” on the screen over time.

To check for broken pixels, you can use online services or just carefully consider monochromatic images of different colors (black, white, red, green, blue). The presence of black dots on a white background or glowing on a black indicates a matrix defect.

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Knowing the type of matrix and its supplier is not just technical reference information, but the key to understanding the real quality of your device and the argument when warranty maintenance or buying spare parts.

Can a firmware update change the type of screen?
No, a software update can't physically change the matrix, but it can change the way you control it (the driver), which sometimes leads to changes in color, brightness, or artifacts. In rare cases, after an update, the vendor may be misidentified in the system logs, but the physical panel remains the same.
Does the type of screen affect the autonomy of the work?
Absolutely. AMOLED screens consume less power when displaying dark themes and black, because individual pixels are turned off. IPS screens are illuminated entirely, so their power consumption is more linearly dependent on brightness, rather than the content of the picture.
Why are there different screens in the same Redmi model?
Xiaomi uses a multisourcing strategy to protect itself from component shortages and get a better price, so Redmi Note phones can accidentally get matrices from Tianma, BOE or CSOT, while quality is controlled within acceptable standards.