Have you bought a smartphone second-hand, found an old device in a desk drawer, or simply forgotten its name? Determining the model of an Android device is a task that every user faces. Without this information, it is impossible to download the correct firmware, find a case, order spare parts, or even sell the gadget. Fortunately, there is at least 7 ways find out the exact model - from standard system functions to little-known engineering teams.

In this article we will analyze all the methods - from the simplest (viewing in settings) to advanced (using ADB and service codes). You will learn where to look for information about the phone if it does not turn on, how to decipher complex factory designations (for example, SM-G975F/DS among Samsung) and what to do if the model is not detected correctly. And at the end you will find FAQ answers to frequently asked questions about the differences between modifications of the same device.

Important: some methods require access to a working Android system. If your phone does not turn on, immediately go to the section “How to recognize the model by external signs.”

1. The fastest way: Android settings

Any Android-based smartphone (regardless of the manufacturer) stores model information in the system settings. This method works on Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Google Pixel and other brands, including little-known Chinese devices.

Instructions:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Scroll down and select the section About phone (sometimes called Phone information or About device).
  3. Find lines Model or Model number. The full name will be indicated here, for example:
    • 📱 Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (SM-S918B)
    • 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G (23043RPB3C)
    • 📱 Google Pixel 7 Pro (GVU6C)

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (especially from Xiaomi and Realme) in this section can only be displayed code name (for example, davinci instead of Redmi K20). data-i="65">code name

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If the "About phone" section is missing, try entering the query "model" in the settings search - the system itself will suggest the path.

2. Through the box, stickers and documentation

If the phone turns on, but you cannot find the model in the settings (for example, due to a reset or screen breakdown), check:

  • 📦 Original box: it always indicates the full name of the model (often on a sticker with a barcode). The exception is devices purchased without packaging (for example, by hand).
  • 🏷️ The sticker under the battery: there is a label on the removable batteries (outdated models) or under the back cover (if it is removable). data. Look for the lines Model, Model No or Type.
  • 📄 Warranty card or receipt: the model must be indicated in the documents from the store. If you bought online, check the email with the order confirmation.

🔍 Where else to look? On some phones (for example Samsung or LG) the model is duplicated on on the back side. case in small print under the brand logo. Take a magnifying glass or take a magnified photograph of this area.

What to do if the sticker is worn off?

If the label under the battery is unreadable, try wiping it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Sometimes this helps restore blurred symbols. If that doesn’t work, use other methods from this article.

3. Engineering codes to determine the model.

Android supports service USSD codesthat display technical information about the device. This method works even on locked phones (if the screen is not damaged).

Enter the following in the application Phone combinations:

Code What it shows Example of result
##4636## Information about the phone, battery, network usage Model Number: SM-G988B
*#06# IMEI + model (on some devices) IMEI: 123456789012345
Model: RMX3363
##2664## Display test + model (on Samsung) Device: Galaxy S22+
##1111## Software version + model (on HTC) Model ID: 2PZC10000

⚠️ Attention: On phones with dual SIM card code *#06# can show two IMEIs. The model is usually displayed under the first number. If the code did not work - your operator or firmware is blocking the engineering menu.

📊 Which method helped you determine the model?
Through settings
By box/sticker
Service code
App from Play Market
Another method

4. Applications for determining the model

If the standard methods do not work, install one of the specialized applications. not only will they show the model, but will also provide complete technical characteristics (processor, memory, Android version, etc.).

Top 3 proven utilities:

  • 📲 CPU-Z —shows the model in the section Device (line Model). Suitable for all brands, including Meizu and Oppo.
  • 📲 AIDA64 - in the section System displays Device model and Code name (for example, beyond2lte for Galaxy S10+).
  • 📲 DevCheck - minimalistic application with a section Hardware, where the model and serial number are indicated.

🔧 How use? Download any application from Google Play, open it and find the section with information about the device. Usually the model is indicated on the first screen. If the application is in English, look for the words Model, Device or Product.

Download CPU-Z from the Play Market|Open the "Device" tab|Find the "Model" line|Check the name with the box (if any)|Write or copy the data-->

5. How to find the model if the phone does not turn on

If it is a smartphone does not respond to the power button, discharged or damaged, use external signs and technical data:

  • 🔍 By design: compare your phone with the photo in GSMArena or 4PDA. on:
    • Arrangement of cameras (vertical, horizontal, under the “island”)
    • Shape of the screen cutout (drop, “bangs”, hole)
    • Case material (glass, metal, plastic)
    • Color and brand logo
  • 🔋 By). battery: if the battery is removable, it indicates the voltage (for example, 3.85V) and capacity (for example, 4000mAhThis data will narrow the search.
  • 🔌 By charger: original power supplies are often marked with supported models (for example, For Samsung SM-G973F).

💡 Tip: Take a photo of the phone from different angles (especially the back panel) and upload the photo to Google Images or Yandex.Pictures. The system will find visually similar devices.

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If the phone does not turn on, but responds to charge (the indicator lights up), try holding the power button for 10-15 seconds - sometimes this helps to start the device in emergency mode.

6. How to decipher the model code (using the example of Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei)

Manufacturers often use factory codeswhich are difficult to remember. For example, SM-G991B is Samsung Galaxy S21, and M2007J3SG — Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro. The decoding will help you understand which modification you have in your hands.

Examples of designations:

Brand Code example Decoding
Samsung SM-G973F/DS
  • SM - smartphone (Smart Mobile)
  • G973 - model (Galaxy S10)
  • F - version for Europe
  • DS — Dual SIM
Xiaomi 2201116SG
  • 2201 —year/month of certification (January 2022)
  • 116 — internal index (Redmi Note 11)
  • SG — region (Global)
Huawei POT-LX1
  • POT — series (P Smart)
  • LX1 — modification for Europe

🔎 Where can I find complete decoding tables?

What does the letter at the end of the Samsung code mean?

The last letter in the code (for example, SM-G975F) indicates the region:

F — Europe, A — USA/Latin America, N — Korea, C —China.

7. Checking via IMEI (if other methods did not help)

Each phone has a unique identifier. — IMEI. You can use it to find out the model, even if the phone does not turn on:

  • On the box (under the barcode).
  • Under the battery (on the sticker).
  • In the settings (O phone → Status → IMEI).

How to check:

  1. Copy IMEI (15 digits).
  2. Enter it on one of the services:
  • Get a report with data including exact model and year of manufacture.

    • ⚠️ Attention: Some services may show incorrect information for Chinese phones (for example, Realme or Oppo), if they have been re-flashed for the global version. In this case, check the data with the box or sticker.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Android models

    🔹 Why is the incomplete model name displayed in the settings (for example, only "RMX3363" instead of "Realme 9 Pro+")?

    These are factory code. data-i="222">🔹 Is it possible to determine the model by the serial number? devices. Manufacturers often use internal designations, especially on phones for the Chinese market. To find out the full name, enter the code in a search engine or check on the brand's website (section "Support") For example, RMX3363 is Realme 9 Pro+ 5G.

    🔹 Is it possible to determine the model by serial number?

    Yes, but not on all devices. The serial number (S/N) is usually indicated on the box or in the settings (About). phoneTo check:

    1. Copy the serial number.
    2. Go to the manufacturer's website in the "Warranty check" section (for example, Samsung Members or Mi Service).
    3. Enter the number - the system will show the model and activation date.

    ⚠️ On phones Huawei and Honor the serial number may not work due to restrictions after sanctions.

    🔹 What is the difference between models with letters at the end (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra SM-S918B vs SM-S918U)?

    The letters indicate regional versions:

    • B — international version (Europe, Asia).
    • U — USA/Latin America (without support for some 4G/5G bands).
    • N — Korea (often with unique features, such as support Samsung Pay for local banks).
    • C — China (without Google services).

    Important: firmware for different regions incompatible. Install the software only for your version!

    🔹 How to find out if a phone is original by model?

    Check the model with the official list of brand devices:

    1. Go to the manufacturer's website (for example, mi.com for Xiaomi).
    2. Find the "Support" section or "Products".
    3. Enter your model into the search. If it is not in the catalog, it is a fake or a clone.

    Additional signs of a fake:

    • No model on the box or sticker.
    • IMEI starts with 00000 or repeating numbers.
    • An unknown brand is displayed in the settings (for example, Goophone instead of iPhone).
    🔹 Why does a different model appear when checking by IMEI?

    This happens for three reasons:

    1. Flashing: if the phone was flashed with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), services may identify it as a different model.
    2. Clone: Chinese copies (for example, iPhone on Android) often have fake IMEI.
    3. Database error: rarely, but it happens that the service provides incorrect information. Check the IMEI on 2-3 sites.

    🔧 Solution: Check the data with the box or sticker under the battery If. there are discrepancies - contact the service center.