Why it is important to know the processor model on Xiaomi
The processor is the brain of your Xiaomi smartphone, which is crucial for performance, compatibility with games and even the ability to install custom firmware. For example, the flagship models of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in Xiaomi 13 Ultra support ray tracing in games, while the budget Helio G85 in Redmi Note 10 barely pull Genshin Impact at medium settings.
โ Choose the best settings for games (permission, FPS, graphics).
โ Check Compatibility with Custom Recovery (TWRP) or the squashing (LineageOS).
โ Estimate the real cost of the device when buying used - scammers often give Redmi 9 with Helio G35 Redmi Note 9 Pro with Snapdragon 720G.
In this article, weโll break down 5 working ways to know the processor on any Xiaomi device, from the old Mi A1 to the new POCO F6.The methods work on all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), as well as on devices with custom firmware.
Method 1: Using standard MIUI settings (without applications)
The fastest and safest method is to use the systemโs built-in tools, and itโs suitable for all Xiaomi devices, including Redmi, POCO, and Mi, regardless of MIUI or Android version.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to About Phone (in some versions โ About Device).
- Slip on the item All characteristics (or characteristics of the device).
- Find the CPU or CPU Model string and the exact model will be specified (e.g. Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+).
โ ๏ธ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO X3 NFC) This menu only shows the CPU frequency, not the model. If you only see numbers like 2.2 GHz, use the following method.
โ๏ธ What to do if there is no processor model in the settings
Method 2: Diagnostic applications (CPU-Z, AIDA64, DevCheck)
If the standard settings don't show the chip model, specialized utilities will come to the rescue, not only displaying the name of the processor, but also giving details about its cores, frequencies, manufacturing technology and even temperature.
Top.-3 apps:
- ๐ CPU-Z โ It shows the processor model, architecture (ARMv8), The number of cores and their loading in real time.
- ๐ AIDA64 โ Provides advanced data, including support for instructions (NEON, AES) And cache information. Useful for overclockers.
- ๐ ๏ธ DevCheck - in addition to CPU pattern GPU (Adreno 642L), Driver version and even battery data.
How to use (in the example of CPU-Z):
- Install the application and open it.
- Go to the SoC tab (or CPU in older versions).
- The Model or Hardware bar will specify the model (e.g., MediaTek Dimensity 1200).
- For detailed information, tap the name of the processor - a page with characteristics will open.
Important: On some Xiaomi devices with a locked bootloader (e.g., global versions of Redmi Note 12), applications may show incomplete data. In this case, use Method 4 (Engineering Menu).
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If the app shows an unknown CPU model (e.g., โmsm8998โ instead of the Snapdragon 835), copy that value and find its transcript on Kimovโs website โ there is a database of codenames for Qualcomm and MediaTek chips.
Method 3: Using code ##4636## (Hidden Android Menu)
Android has a hidden system menu that is available through the USSD-It shows phone, battery and usage statistics. For Xiaomi, this menu often contains CPU data, even if it's not displayed in the standard settings.
Instructions:
- Open the phone (calling) application.
- Enter the combination: ##4636## (no spaces).
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
- Scroll down to the Hardware Information block โ there may be a CPU model specified.
๐ What to do if the code doesnโt work:
- ๐ Try the alternative code: ##225## (shows the kernel version and calibration information).
- ๐ฑ On certain devices (e.g, POCO M4 Pro menu opens, but no processor data. In this case, use Method 2 (applications).
- ๐ If the code doesn't work at all, it's possible that the manufacturer has blocked access.
Why is the #4636### code not working on Xiaomi?
Method 4: Engineering menu (for advanced users)
The Engineering Mode is a hidden tool for testing hardware components, which allows you to get the most accurate information about the processor, including its code name, revision and even data about the production batch. Careful: the wrong actions in this menu can lead to failures!
How to open the engineering menu on Xiaomi:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code: ##36446337## (or #4636## โ Engineering menu).
- Go to Hardware Testing (or MTK Settings if you have a MediaTek processor).
- Find the Info or Processor CPU, and it will have all the information.
๐ What to learn in the Engineering Menu:
| Parameter | What does it mean? | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Model | Exact model of the processor | Qualcomm SM8450 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1) |
| CPU Revision | Chip revision (important for overclocking) | 3.0 |
| CPU Cores | Number of kernels and their configuration | 1+3+4 (1x Cortex-X2, 3x Cortex-A710, 4x Cortex-A510) |
| CPU Max Freq | Maximum frequency of nuclei | 3000 MHz |
โ ๏ธ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g., Redmi Note 11 with Dimensity 810), the engineering menu may include overclocking options. CPU. Do not change the values if you do not understand the consequences โ this can lead to overheating and failure of the chip!
Method 5: Through ADB (for developers and enthusiasts)
If your Xiaomi device doesnโt turn on or you prefer to work through a computer, you can find out the processor model using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to a PC and enabling debugging over USB.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings โ About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings โ Additional โ Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
Connect your phone to your computer via USB (use the original cable!).
adb devicesMake sure your device is listed.
adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfoFind the Hardware or Processor line.
๐ก Example of output for Xiaomi 12T (Dimensity 8100-Ultra):
Processor : AArch64 Processor rev 4 (aarch64)
Hardware : mt6895Here. mt6895 โ The name of the device is MediaTek Dimensity 8100.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you are using MIUI Android 13 based+, work ADB Additional confirmation on the phone (a permission pop-up) may be required without this commands will not be executed.
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ADB is the only way to know a processor model on Xiaomi that doesnโt turn on (for example, after a failed overclocking or firmware). To do this, plug your phone into Fastboot mode and use the command fastboot getvar cpu.
Xiaomi processor comparison: how to know which chip is better
Knowing the model of the processor, you can compare it with other chips on key parameters, which will help you assess whether to upgrade or buy a particular model Xiaomi.
๐ Basic criteria for comparison:
- ๐ฅ Performance: Rated by benchmarks (AnTuTu, Geekbench). e.g. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (700K+ AnTuTu is much more powerful than Helio G88 (200K).
- ๐ฎ Support for games: Flagship chips (Dimensity 9000)+) support HDR 120 FPS In the games, while budget (Helio) G36) โ 30 FPS low-set.
- ๐ Power efficiency: 4nm processors (e.g. Snapdragon 7)+ Gen 2 consumes less energy than 12 nm (Helio) G95), What affects the time of autonomous work.
- ๐ก Network support: Snapdragon chips X65 (Xiaomi 12S Ultra support 5G mmWave, and budget Helio G-series โ only 4G LTE.
๐ Comparative table of popular Xiaomi processors (2023โ2026):
| Processor model | Xiaomi devices | AnTuTu (note) | Process technology (nm) | Support for 5G support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Xiaomi 14 Ultra, POCO F6 Pro | 1 900 000+ | 4 | โ (mmWave) |
| Dimensity 9200+ | Redmi K60 Ultra | 1 750 000 | 4 | โ |
| Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 | POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 Turbo | 1 200 000 | 4 | โ |
| Helio G99 | Redmi 12, POCO M6 Pro | 380 000 | 6 | โ |
๐ How to check the benchmark of your processor?
Install AnTuTu Benchmark or Geekbench 6 from Play Market and run the test. Compare the results to the table above โ if your chip is significantly behind, you may want to consider upgrading.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When defining a processor model on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems.
โ Error 1: Applications show an incorrect processor model (e.g., a processor model, MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 instead).
๐น Decision: MSM8953 โ This is the codename Snapdragon 625, and to decrypt it, use the database on Qualcomm or MediaTek.
โ Error 2: There is no processor data in the engineering menu.
๐น Solution: Try the alternative code ##225## or use it. ADB (Method 5).
โ Error 3: After the update MIUI The processor characteristics are no longer displayed.
๐น Solution: This is a bug of some versions MIUI 14. Set it up. CPU-Z Or go back to the previous version of the firmware.
โ Error 4: The lock screen or settings display a CPU model from another device (e.g., Exynos instead of Snapdragon).
๐น Solution: This is a sign of a fake or an unofficial firmware. IMEI Device code *#06# and compare it to the data in the box.
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If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, be sure to check the CPU model through CPU-Z before payment.Crooks often sell Redmi 9A (Helio G25) under the guise of Redmi Note 9 Pro (Snapdragon 720G), re-adhesive stickers.