The processor is the “brain” of your Android device, on which performance, speed, and even compatibility with applications depend. But how can you find out which chip is installed in your smartphone? This information will be useful if you want to check compatibility with games, compare characteristics before buying a new gadget, or just out of curiosity.

Unlike the iPhone, where Apple uses a limited set of its own chips, the Android world is diverse: here you can find processors from Qualcomm, Mediatek, Samsung Exynos, Huawei Kirin and other manufacturers. Fortunately, you can find out the CPU model on Android in several ways - from standard settings to specialized utilities. In this article we will analyze all the current methods, including those that work without root access.

1. Through standard Android settings

The easiest way is to look into the system settings. This method does not require the installation of additional applications and is suitable for most devices on Android 8.0 and later.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu).
  • 🔍 Go to the section About phone (sometimes called About device or Information about phone).
  • 📝 Find the item Processor model, Processor or Hardware information. On some devices (for example, Samsung) this section may be called Equipment.
  • 🔎 If the CPU model is not in the main list, tap on Build number or Kernel version 7 times to unlock Developer mode, then return to the main settings menu and find the new section For developers.

On devices Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO the path may look like this: Settings → About phone → All characteristics. Here you will see a line Processor indicating the model (for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or Mediatek Helio G99).

💡

If the settings display only the processor frequency (for example, 2.84 GHz), but not the model, this is normal for budget devices. In this case, use the methods from the following sections.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) information about the processor may be hidden by the manufacturer. In this case, proceed to method No. 2 or No. 3.

2. Using the CPU-Z application

CPU-Z is a free utility that displays in detail the technical characteristics of the device, including the processor model, number of cores, architecture, and even temperature. versions of Android and does not require root access.

How to use:

  1. Download CPU-Z from Google Play (developer - CPUID).
  2. Open the application and go to the tab SoC (System on Chip).
  3. B line Model or Processor name you will see the full name of the chip, for example: Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
  4. On the tab CPU you can find out additional details: number of cores, clock speed, architecture (ARMv8, ARMv9).

Advantages CPU-Z:

  • 🔍 Shows real model the processor, not the marketing name (for example, not “Exynos 2200”, but “S5E9925”).
  • 📊 Displays information about cache, GPU and even chip manufacturer (TSMC, Samsung Foundry).
  • 📱 Works on all devices, including tablets and TV boxes.

Make sure that the application has access to information about the device|Check the processor model with the official specifications of the manufacturer|View the CPU temperature (the "Thermal" tab)|Save a screenshot of the characteristics for comparison with other devices-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) CPU-Z may show an incorrect processor model. In this case, use ADB (method No. 5).

3. Through the AIDA64 application

AIDA64 - another powerful utility for diagnosing Android devices. Unlike CPU-Z, it provides more detailed information about the system, including data about it. sensors, battery and even performance tests.

How to find the processor model:

  • 📲 Install AIDA64 from Google Play.
  • 🔧 Launch the application and go to the section CPU (CPU).
  • 📋 The line CPU type will indicate the model, for example: Mediatek MT6893 Dimensity 1200.
  • 🔍 For additional details, scroll down: displayed here CPU instructions (ARMv8-A), cache size and even chip revision.

AIDA64 also useful if you want:

  • 🔋 Check battery condition (section Battery).
  • 📡 Find out model modem (section Network).
  • 🖥️ Conduct processor stress test (tab Tests).

CPU-Z|AIDA64|DevCheck|Other|I don’t use-->

Please note: in AIDA64 the processor model can be displayed in two formats - marketing (for example, Snapdragon 888) and technical (for example, SM8350). To search for specifications, it is more convenient to use the technical name.

4 Through the engineering menu (USSD codes)

If you do not want to install third-party applications, you can use hidden engineering menu. This method works on most devices, but the menu interface may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Instructions:

  1. Open the application Phone.
  2. Enter one of the following codes:
    • ##4636## — universal code for Android (will open the menu Testing).
    • #0# —works on devices Samsung (will open display and sensor test, but sometimes shows information about the processor).
    • ##2255## — for some devices on Mediatek.
  • In the menu that opens, find the tab Device information or Hardware Info.
  • Scroll down to lines Processor or CPU Model.

    • Example of display in the engineering menu:

    Manufacturer Code What it shows
    Qualcomm ##4636## SoC model (for example, MSM8998 for Snapdragon 835)
    Mediatek ##2255## Full name of the chip (for example, MT6785 Helio G90T)
    Samsung Exynos *#0011# Information about modems, sometimes about the processor
    Huawei Kirin ##2846579## Project menu (selection required Background Settings → Hardware Test)
    ⚠️ Attention: Not all codes work on custom firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi can block access to the engineering menu Also avoid entering random USSD codes - some of them can reset settings or block the device.
    What). what to do if the code does not work?

    If nothing happens after entering the code, try:

    1. Add asterisks at the beginning and end (for example, *#06# instead of #06#).

    2. Use an alternative code for your manufacturer (see table above).

    3. Enter the code in the "Phone" application from Google, and not in the stock dialer.

    5. Using ADB (for advanced users)

    If you are familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can find out the processor model through the command line. This method is suitable for devices with debug mode and. works even on locked bootloaders.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Enable developer mode (tap on Build number 7 times in the settings).
    2. Activate USB debugging in the section For developers.
    3. Connect the device to the PC and open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
    4. Enter the command: 
      adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfo
    5. Find the line Hardware or Processor. For example: 
      Processor   : AArch64 Processor rev 4 (aarch64)

      or

      Hardware    : Qualcomm Technologies, Inc MSM8953

      6. For more detailed information, use the command:

      adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abi

      It will show processor architecture (for example, arm64-v8a for 64-bit chips).

      If you need exact SoC model, enter:

      adb shell cat /proc/device-tree/compatible

      In the output, find a line with the name of the chip, for example: qcom,sm8250 (this Snapdragon 865).

      💡

      ADB commands show “raw” information about the processor, which is often used by developers. For ordinary users, applications like CPU-Z are more convenient, but ADB is irreplaceable if you need to find out the details on a device with non-standard firmware.

      6. Through the file system (without root)

      Android stores information about the processor in system files that can be read without root access. This method requires a file manager with access to root folders (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).

      Instructions:

      • 📁 Install a file manager with support root-view (not to be confused with getting root access!).
      • 🔍 Go to the folder /proc/.
      • 📄 Open the file cpuinfo (you can use the built-in text viewer).
      • 🔎 Find the lines:
        • model name — processor model (for example, Kryo 680 for Snapdragon 888).
        • Hardware —platform (for example, qcom for Qualcomm).
        • Serial —chip serial number (rarely useful).

      Example content cpuinfo:

      Processor       : AArch64 Processor rev 1 (aarch64)

      BogoMIPS        : 38.40
      

      Features        : fp asimd evtstrm aes pmull sha1 sha2 crc32
      

      CPU implementer : 0x41
      

      CPU architecture: 8
      

      CPU variant     : 0x1
      

      CPU part        : 0xd08
      

      CPU revision    : 1
      

      Hardware        : Qualcomm Technologies, Inc SM8450

      In this example SM8450 is the technical name Snapdragon 8 Gen 1To decipher the code, use the table. correspondence from Qualcomm or Mediatek.

      ⚠️ Attention: Not all file managers show the folder /proc/ by default. If it is not in the list, try manually entering the path in the address bar.

      7. According to the smartphone model (database)

      If none of the above methods worked, you can find out the processor model by model of the smartphone itself. To do this:

      1. Find out the exact model of the device:
        • In the settings: About phone → Model (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G).
        • On the box or under the battery (if removable).
    6. Enter the model into the search engine with the request specifications or cpu. For example: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G processor.
    7. Use databases:
      • 🌍 GSMArena —enter the model in the search and go to the tab Hardware.
      • 📱 DeviceSpecs —shows detailed specifications, including processor.
      • 🔧 CPU-World — if you know the serial number of the chip (for example, SM8475).

    Example: for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra the database will show Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (model SM8550-AC). Please note that one smartphone may have several processor options depending on the region (for example, Exynos for Europe and Snapdragon for the USA).

    💡

    Databases are useful if you buy a used smartphone and want to check whether its processor has been replaced with a less powerful one. Compare the data from the database with what applications like CPU-Z show.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about processors on Android

    ❓ How can I learn how many cores are in my processor?

    Open CPU-Z or AIDA64 and go to the CPUtab. data-i="261">the number of cores will be indicated. You can also use the ADB command: Cores the number of cores will be indicated. You can also use the ADB command:

    adb shell nproc --all

    For example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has 8 cores (1×3.2 GHz + 2×2.8 GHz + 2×2.8 GHz + 3×2.0 GHz).

    ❓ Why does the settings display a different processor model than in CPU-Z?

    Manufacturers sometimes hide technical details behind marketing names. For example, in the settings it may be written Exynos 2200, but in CPU-Z - S5E9925This is normal. data-i="268">is the internal designation of the chip, and S5E9925 is the internal designation of the chip, and Exynos 2200 is the name for consumers.

    ❓ Is it possible to find out the processor model on a locked phone?

    Yes, but the methods are limited:

    • 🔍 If the phone responds to touches, use engineering menu (USSD codes).
    • 📱 On some devices, the CPU model is displayed when booting (on the screen with the logo).
    • 🔧 If the phone connects to a PC, try ADB (if debugging was previously enabled).

    ❓ How to check if the processor in my smartphone is fake?

    Fake processors are extremely rare, but if you suspect fraud (for example, when purchasing used phone), do the following:

    1. Compare the data from CPU-Z with the official specifications of the model.
    2. Check the performance in benchmarks (Geekbench, AnTuTuIf the results are much lower than expected, this is a reason for doubt.
    3. Run a stress test in AIDA64 (tab Tests). Fake chips often overheat or produce errors.

    ❓ Where to see which processor is best for gaming?

    For gamers, three parameters are important:

    • 🎮 GPU model (for example, Adreno 740 in Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).
    • 🔥 Throttling (how much the processor reduces the frequency when heated).
    • 📊 Benchmark results (compare in AnTuTu or 3DMark).

    Best processors for games in 2026: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Dimensity 9300, Exynos 2400.