Have you ever wondered what processor is installed in your Android smartphone? This information can be useful in a variety of situations: from choosing compatible games and applications to diagnosing performance or preparing to sell a device. Unfortunately, manufacturers rarely indicate the chipset model on the box or in the basic settings of the phone, so users have to look for it on their own.

In this article we will look all possible methodshow to find the name of the processor on Android - from standard system tools to specialized applications and even hidden engineering menus. You will learn what methods work for Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other popular brands, as well as how to interpret the data obtained. We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices with custom firmware and older versions of Android.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced user - here there is a solution for any situation. And if you need not only the name, but also detailed characteristics of the chipset (for example, the number of cores or technological process), we will show you how to get them as quickly as possible.

1. Standard Android settings: where to look for information about the processor

Let's start with the most obvious - the built-in tools of the operating system. In most cases, information about the processor can be found in the “About phone” section, but the location of the menu item may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer’s shell.

Here is a universal path for most devices:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon in the menu or on the desktop).
  2. Scroll down and select About phone (sometimes called About device or About phone).
  3. Find subsections like Hardware information, Model information or Status.
  4. Look for lines with names: Processor model, Chipset, Processor or Hardware.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy with shell One UI) the path will be others:

Settings → Device maintenance → Phone information → Hardware information
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If the settings display only the smartphone model (for example, Redmi Note 11), but not the processor, don’t despair: many manufacturers hide detailed information about the hardware in the standard one. interface.

It is important to understand that even if you find a line with the name of the processor, it may be incomplete. For example, instead of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 you will only see Snapdragon or a code name like MSM8998. In this case, you will need an additional search in the code (more about this). we'll tell you in the section about decoding titles).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go (a simplified version for weak smartphones), the section with hardware information may be missing altogether. In this case, proceed to the next method.

2. Applications for viewing characteristics: top 5 utilities

If the standard settings do not produce results, third-party applications will come to the rescue. They will not only show the name of the processor, but also provide complete information about its characteristics: the number of cores, clock speed, architecture, supported technologies and even the current temperature.

We tested dozens of utilities and selected 5 of the most reliable:

  • 📱 CPU-Z - a classic application with detailed data about the processor, memory and other components. It even shows the voltage on the cores and supported instructions (ARMv7, ARMv8, etc.).
  • 🔍 AIDA64 - a professional diagnostic tool Displays not only the chipset model, but also information about it. motherboard, sensors, battery.
  • 📊 DevCheck —a convenient application with data visualization. Shows the processor in the context of other characteristics (for example, compares with flagship models).
  • 🛠️ Hardware Info —a minimalistic utility without unnecessary fuss. Ideal for quickly viewing the processor model and loading it in real time.
  • 🔧 Droid Hardware Info — displays data in structured form with the ability to export to a file. Useful for technical support or selling a device.

How to use any of these applications:

  1. Download and install the utility from Google Play.
  2. Open it and provide the necessary permissions (usually requires access to device information).
  3. Go to section CPU, Processor or Hardware.
  4. Find the lines Processor, Chipset or SoC (System on a Chip).

Full name of the processor (for example, Mediatek Helio G99)

Number of cores and their clock speed frequency

Architecture (ARMv8, ARMv9, etc.)

CPU temperature at idle and under load

Supported technologies (5G, NPU, Ray Tracing)

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Please note that some applications (for example, CPU-Z) may show processor code name instead of the trade name. For example, instead of Snapdragon 888 you will see SM8350. To decipher such a code, use the table in the next section.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid applications with suspiciously high permission requirements (for example, access to SMS or contacts). To view processor characteristics, access rights to device information are sufficient (android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE).

3. Processor code names: how to decipher

Chipset manufacturers often use internal designations that do not match the trade ones. names. For example, Qualcomm marks its processors with series SM (Snapdragon Mobile), MSM (Mobile Station Modem), and Mediatek with series MT or Helio. means SM8450 or MT6893, use our table:

Code name Trade name Manufacturer Year release
SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Qualcomm 2021
MT6893 Dimensity 1200 Mediatek 2021
Exynos 2100 Exynos 2100 Samsung 2021
Kirin 9000 Kirin 9000 Huawei 2020
MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 Qualcomm 2017

If your code is not in the table, use online databases:

  • 🌐 Kimovitz — catalog of chipsets Qualcomm with decoding of codes.
  • 🌐 NotebookCheck —database of processors for smartphones and tablets.
  • 🌐 Nanoreview — comparison of chipsets in terms of performance and energy efficiency.

Important: The processor code name may differ depending on the chip revision. For example, Snapdragon 865 has options SM8250 (standard) and SM8250-AC (overclocked for games).

Qualcomm Snapdragon

Mediatek Dimensity/Helio

Samsung Exynos

Huawei Kirin

Other (Unisoc, Google Tensor, etc.)

I don’t know

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4. Engineering menu and hidden codes: for experienced users

If you are not afraid to “dig deeper,” you can use hidden Android service menus. They contain low-level information about the hardware, but require. caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of the device.

The most common methods:

  • 📞 Code ##4636## - opens the menu Testing or Phone informationGo to the tab Device information and find the line Hardware.
  • 🔧 Code #0# — display and sensor test (on some devices displays information about the processor at the top of the screen).
  • 🛠️ Code ##225## — calibration menu on some devices Samsung (shows information about the chipset).
  • 📡 Code ##197328640## — service menu for devices based on Mediatek (section Version contains data about the processor).

Warning: Not all codes work on all devices. For example, on Google Pixel most service menus are blocked, but on Xiaomi they may require you to enter a password.

What to do if the code does not work?

If nothing happens after entering the code, check:

1. The typing is correct (the characters * and # must be at the beginning and end).

2. spaces between characters.

3. Code compatibility with your smartphone model (some codes only work on certain brands).

4. Having superuser rights (root) - some menus require root access.

For devices Samsung there is a separate engineering menu that opens through the app Phone INFO ★Samsung★ (available in Google Play). It shows detailed information about the chipset, including its revision and supported modems.

⚠️ Attention: Do not change parameters in the service menus if you are not sure of their purpose. For example, incorrect modem settings can lead to network loss.

5. Via ADB: for developers and enthusiasts

If you are familiar with the developer tools, you can find out the processor model via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for devices with a debug bridge and the option enabled. data-i="168">Enable USB Debugging.

Instructions:

  1. Install Platform Tools to your computer (Windows, macOS or Linux).
  2. Turn on USB debugging on your smartphone: 
    Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times)

    Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging

  3. Connect the phone to the computer via USB and confirm trust in the device.
  4. Open a terminal (or command line) and enter: 
    adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfo

    Or for more detailed information:

    adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abi

    adb shell getprop ro.chipname

B command output cat /proc/cpuinfo look for the lines:

  • Processor — architecture (for example, ARMv8).
  • Hardware — platform code name (for example, qcom for Qualcomm).
  • model name — kernel model (for example, Kryo 680 for Snapdragon 888).

For devices with processors Mediatek the command is useful:

adb shell cat /proc/mtk_cpuinfo
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ADB method is universal and works even on devices with a locked bootloader. However, it requires a computer and basic knowledge of the command line.

If you often work with it. ADB, you can create a batch file (script) to automatically collect information about the processor. Example script for Windows:

@echo off

adb shell "echo 'Processor model:'; cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep 'Hardware' | uniq; echo ''; echo 'Cores:'; cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep 'processor' | wc -l; echo ''; echo 'Architecture:'; cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep 'CPU architecture' | uniq"


pause

6. By smartphone model: databases and specifications

If none of the previous methods worked, you can determine the processor by phone model.

  1. Find out the exact model devices: 
    Settings → About phone → Model

    (for example, SM-G991B for Samsung Galaxy S21).

  2. Enter the model into the search engine along with the word specs (for example, SM-G991B specs).
  3. Go to sites with characteristics:

On these sites you will find not only the name of the processor, but also:

  • 📊 Benchmarks (performance estimates in AnTuTu, Geekbench).
  • 🔋 Autonomy tests (battery life).
  • 🎮 Technology support (for example, Ray Tracing or AV1 decoding).

For devices Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO useful site MIUI Device Catalog, which contains the official specifications indicating the chipset.

⚠️ Attention: There may be errors in the specifications on some sites, especially for little-known brands. Always check the data with the official website of the manufacturer.

7. Features for devices with custom firmware. data-i="209">If your smartphone is running unofficial firmware (for example,

If your smartphone is running unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI EU), standard methods may give incorrect results. Here's what you need to know:

  • 🔄 In applications like CPU-Z the name of the processor may be displayed. firmware, and not real hardware. For example, on Redmi Note 8 Pro with firmware Havoc OS instead of Mediatek Helio G90T may be shown Snapdragon 855.
  • 📝 In the service menus (##codes##) data can be hidden or changed by firmware developers.
  • 🔧 ADB commands (cat /proc/cpuinfo) usually show real information about the processor, as they read data directly from the core.

To accurately determine the processor on a custom firmware:

  1. Use ADB (described in section 5).
  2. Check the original device model via fastboot: 
    fastboot getvar product
  3. Compare the resulting model with the official specifications (section 6).

If you are not sure about the processor model, but know the original device firmware, you can find its file (stock ROM) and study the contents of the file build.prop. It usually contains lines like:

ro.product.cpu.abi=arm64-v8a

ro.chipname=mt6785

8. Why is it important to know the processor model and what to do with this information

Knowing the exact processor model will help in the following situations:

  • 🎮 Selection of games and applications: Some games (for example Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) have minimum chipset requirements. If your processor is weaker Snapdragon 660 or Helio G80, the game may not start or run with lags.
  • 🔧 Firmware update: Custom firmware is often tied to specific chipsets. For example, firmware for the Snapdragonversion Samsung Galaxy S10 is not suitable for the Exynosversion.
  • 🔋 Performance optimization: Knowing the processor model, you can select the optimal settings for the cores (for example, disable weak cores via Kernel Adiutor to save battery).
  • 💰 Selling or buying a used device: The processor is one of the key factors influencing the price. For example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 more expensive Dimensity 9000 on the secondary market.
  • 🛠️ Repair: When replacing the motherboard or chipset, the technician needs to know the exact model to select compatible parts.

Also, the processor model is useful for:

  • Support checks 5G (not all chipsets are equipped with a 5G modem).
  • Compatibility assessments high-resolution cameras (for example, Snapdragon 865 supports cameras up to 200 MP, and Helio G85 only up to 48 MP).
  • Support checks virtualization technologies (needed to run emulators like Termux or UserLAnd).
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If you plan to overclock the processor (overclocking), first check its TDP (thermal package) and supported frequencies. For example, Snapdragon 888 heats up more Snapdragon 870 at the same frequencies due to a different architecture.

Finally, knowing the processor model will help avoid fraud when buying a used device. For example, unscrupulous sellers can pass off Redmi Note 10 s as the model. s Snapdragon 678 for model with Snapdragon 732G, although these are different chipsets with different performance.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about processors on Android

Is it possible to find out the processor model without installing applications?

Yes, there are several ways:

  1. Through Settings → About phone (section 1 of the article).
  2. Through the engineering menu (codes ##4636## or #0#).
  3. Via ADB (if available computer).
  4. By smartphone model on sites like GSMArena.

However, applications like CPU-Z give the most complete and structured information.

Why does CPU-Z display the wrong processor model?

This could occur for the following reasons:

  • Custom firmware with a modified kernel is installed.
  • The application has not been updated for a long time and does not recognize new chipsets.
  • The manufacturer has hidden real information about the hardware (found on some Chinese devices).
  • The device is fake (for example, a clone iPhone on Android with spoofed data).

To check the real processor, use ADB or compare the data with the official specifications of the model.

How to find out which processor is better: Snapdragon or Mediatek?

Comparison Qualcomm Snapdragon and Mediatek Dimensity/Helio depends on the specific models and your tasks:

Criterion Snapdragon Mediatek
Game performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (best optimization for Adreno GPU) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (good, but there may be lags in new games)
Energy efficiency ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (good, but some models get hot) ⭐⭐⭐ (depends on the model, Dimensity 9000 more economical Helio G95)
5G support ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (all flagship models) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (there are budget chipsets without 5G, for example, Helio G88)
Device price ⭐⭐ (more expensive due to licensing fees) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (cheaper, therefore popular in budget smartphones)

For an objective comparison, look at the benchmarks at Nanoreview or AnTuTu.

Is it possible to replace the processor in a smartphone?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is:

  • 💰 Very expensive (replacement cost may exceed the price of the device).
  • 🔧 Technically difficult (requires soldering equipment and experience).
  • ⚠️ Risky (you can damage the motherboard).
  • 📵 Useless (the processor is soldered to the board, and replacing it is equivalent to replacing the entire board).

In 99% of cases, it is easier and cheaper to buy a new smartphone than to try to replace the processor. The exception is rare cases of warranty repairs, when the chipset is changed due to a manufacturing defect.

How to check whether the processor was overclocked by the previous owner?

Signs of overclocking (overclocking) of the processor:

  • 🌡️ Increased temperature during idle time (above 40°C with no load).
  • 🔋 Rapid battery discharge (even at minimal load).
  • 📉 Unstable operation (spontaneous reboots, lags).
  • 🔧 In applications like CPU-Z core frequency exceeds the rated values (for example, 2.8 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz for Snapdragon 730G).

To return standard frequencies, you need to reset the core settings through applications like Kernel Adiutor or reflash the device.