When a smartphone starts to slow down, overheat or discharge quickly, the first thought is “something is wrong with the hardware.” But how can you determine exactly which component is causing the problem? Unlike a PC, where diagnostics are carried out through the BIOS or specialized utilities, on Android everything is more complicated: manufacturers often hide low-level information, and standard settings show only basic data.

In this article we will look 7 working methods for checking hardware from built-in tools to professional applications. You will learn how to test processor, RAM, storage, battery and even sensors without root access. And also - which hidden engineering codes will help you get data that is not available through regular menus.

Important: some tests may load the device, so before diagnostics, charge the battery at least 50% and close all background applications. If, after checking, critical errors are revealed (for example, bad memory blocks or overheating of the chip), it is better to contact a service center - independent repairs without experience often aggravate the problem.

1. Built-in Android tools: what you can find out without applications

Even without third-party software, Android provides basic information about the hardware. Most of the data is hidden in the menu Settings → About phone, but there are also deeper sections.

For example, in Samsung there is a tab Software information → Kernel versionwhere information about the processor and system core is indicated. On Xiaomi it is useful to look at Settings → All parameters → Advanced settings → MIUI version the chipset model is sometimes displayed there. But the owners Google Pixel were less fortunate: here hardware data is reduced to a minimum.

  • 📱 Device model and chipset: Settings → About phone → Model (sometimes with indicating the processor, for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).
  • 🔋 Battery condition: on some firmware (for example, ColorOS or One UI) is shown Wear level percentage.
  • 📊 Memory usage: Settings → Memory (but here is only the total volume, without details about the speed or health of the drive).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the data in the menu About. phone may be inaccurate or absent altogether. In this case, you will have to use third-party utilities.

If you need more detailed information, go to the next method - engineering codeswhich work on most devices regardless of brand.

📊 What is the brand of your Android device?
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2. Hidden engineering codes for hardware diagnostics

Manufacturers of Android platforms leave in the system service codeswhich provide access to hidden menus with detailed information about the hardware. These codes are entered through a standard dialer - no root access is needed.

Important: not all codes work on all devices. For example, codes for Samsung often do not work for Xiaomi, and vice versa. If nothing happens after entering the code, then your firmware does not support it.

Code Description Supported brands
##4636## Testing menu (information about the battery, network, usage statistics) Most Android devices
##232338## Wireless modules test (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS) Samsung, LG, some Xiaomi
#0# Display test (colors, sensor, camera) Most brands, except Google Pixel
##3264## RAM firmware version (shows the type and amount of RAM) Samsung, Huawei (not on all models)

The most universal code is ##4636##. After entering it, a menu with tabs will open:

  • 📊 Phone information: model, operating time, network type.
  • 🔋 Battery statistics: charge level, temperature, voltage.
  • 📡 Usage statistics: operating time screen, process data.
⚠️ Attention: Do not enter codes found on dubious forums - some of them may reset settings or block the device. The above codes are safe, but if after entering the screen goes dark or the device reboots, do not panic: this is normal behavior on some firmware.
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If the code does not work, try entering it without asterisks or with spaces between characters (for example, # # 4636 # # ).

3. Applications for in-depth hardware diagnostics

Standard Android tools and engineering codes provide only superficial information. full verification you will need specialized applications. We have selected the 5 most reliable utilities that work without ROOT and do not contain advertising (or allow you to disable it).

All apps on the list are available in Google Play, but some features may be limited on devices with MIUI or EMUI due to manufacturer policies. If you need maximum accuracy, consider the option with unlocking the bootloader (but this is a separate topic that requires caution).

  • 🔧 AIDA64 is an analogue of the famous utility for PC. Shows processor model, clock. frequency, temperature, information about sensors and even driver versionthere are performance tests.
  • 📈 CPU Throttling Test - checks whether the processor (reduced frequency due to overheating) is useful if the smartphone suddenly slows down. during games. throttles processor (reduced frequency due to overheating). Useful if your smartphone suddenly slows down while playing games.
  • 🔋 AccuBattery - analyzes battery health, shows the actual capacity and discharge rate Works in the background for several days to collect statistics.
  • 💾 DiskInfo - tests internal memory and SD card for the presence of bad sectors. Can predict the imminent failure of the drive.
  • 🎯 Sensors Multitool - checks all device sensors: gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, illuminance and others.

Example report from AIDA64:



Device model: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (SM-S908B)


Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4x2.8 GHz + 3x2.4 GHz + 1x1.8 GHz)


GPU: Adreno 730 @700 MHz


RAM: 12 GB (LPDDR5, 3200 MHz)


Storage: UFS 3.1 (256 GB)


Temperature: 38°C (norm for idle)
⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, CPU Throttling Test) are very load the processor, which can lead to overheating. Do not conduct tests longer than 5-10 minutes and monitor the temperature in AIDA64.

Close all background applications|Charge the battery at least 50%|Disable energy saving mode|Put on a case (for overheating test)|Connect to charger (if the test is long)-->

4. Testing the processor and graphics: stress tests and benchmarks

If the smartphone lags in games or when multitasking, the problem may lie in processor or graphics accelerator. To identify a malfunction, you need stress tests and benchmarks.

The most popular benchmarks for Android:

  • 🏆 AnTuTu Benchmark —a comprehensive test of CPU, GPU, memory and UX. Gives a general assessment of performance, but does not show details.
  • 🎮 3DMark — specializes in graphics. Useful for gamers, as it tests OpenGL and Vulkan.
  • 🔥 Geekbench 6 - evaluates multi-core performance and single-threaded tasks. You can compare the results with other devices.

Testing algorithm:

  1. Install Geekbench 6 and run the CPU test.
  2. Compare the results with the reference ones for your model (can be found on the website Geekbench Browser).
  3. If the readings are 20–30% lower, this may indicate throttling (reduction in frequency due to overheating or wear).
  4. Run 3DMark in Wild Life Stress Test - it checks the stability of the GPU under load.

Example: if Wild Life Stress Test FPS drops from 120 to 40 after 5 minutes, this is a sign thermal throttling (overheating). Solutions:

  • 🧊 Clean the device from dust (especially important for folding smartphones).
  • 🔄 Replace thermal paste (requires disassembly).
  • ⚙️ Roll back the firmware (sometimes throttling causes errors in updates).
What to do if the benchmark does not start?

If the application displays an error like "Unsupported device", this may mean:

1. The device is in sleep mode (disable it). energy saving).

2. The manufacturer has blocked benchmarks (relevant for some models Huawei and Xiaomi).

3. Unofficial firmware with limitations is installed.

In this case, try running the test through ADB or use alternative benchmarks like PCMark for Android.

5. Checking RAM and storage

Application failures, sudden reboots or errors like "The application has stopped" are often related with RAM problems or internal storage. Diagnosing them is more difficult than CPU, but possible.

An application is suitable for testing RAM MemTest86 (there is a ported version for Android), but it requires ROOT. You can get by without superuser rights. data-i="212">load AIDA64 or CPU-Z, but they will only show memory capacity And loading, not her health.

Drive testing algorithm:

  1. Install DiskInfo or Storage Test.
  2. Run a read/write test. Normal speed for UFS 3.1 — 1000–1500 MB/s (read) and 500–800 MB/s (write).
  3. If the speed is lower by 40%. writes reduce flash memory resource. Do not carry them out more than once every 3-6 months. memory wear.
  4. Check section Health - if there are warnings about bad blocks, the drive needs to be replaced.
⚠️ Attention: Write tests reduce flash memory resource. Do not perform them more than once every 3–6 months.

If the tests show errors, but the warranty is still valid, contact the service center. Independently replacing the drive on most modern smartphones (for example Samsung Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 7) requires special equipment and can lead to loss of water protection.

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If the reading speed of the internal memory has dropped below 300 MB/s, and the device is less than 2 years old, this is a reason for warranty repair.

6. Battery diagnostics: how to find out real wear

The battery is the most vulnerable component of a smartphone. After just a year of use, its capacity can decrease by 15–20%, and after two – by 30–40%. But how can you accurately find out the degree of wear?

Methods for checking the battery:

  • 🔋 Built-in tools: on Samsung and Huawei in the menu ##4636## there is a tab Battery information with data about health (health).
  • 📊 AccuBattery: shows real capacity, discharge rate and number of charging cycles.
  • 🔌 Charging test: connect the smartphone to the original charger and detect charging time from 20% to 80%. Normal - 30–50 minutes for fast charging.

Signs of critical battery wear:

  • ⚡ Battery life has been halved compared to new device.
  • 🔥 The smartphone gets very hot when charging (higher 45°C).
  • 📉 Capacity is AccuBattery less 70% from the original one.
  • 🔌 Charging it runs jerkily or is interrupted.

If the battery is worn out, it needs to be replaced. On most modern smartphones (for example, iPhone 15 or Xiaomi 13), this can be done at a service center for 1–3 hoursThe cost of replacing the battery is:

  • Samsung Galaxy S23: 3 000–5 000 ₽.
  • Google Pixel 7: 4 000–6 000 ₽.
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: 1 500–2 500 ₽.
⚠️ Attention: Do not buy cheap batteries in the markets - they often have a lower capacity and can swell. Original batteries are sold only in authorized services.

7. Checking sensors and peripherals (camera, speakers, microphone)

If your smartphone does not respond to screen rotations, has poor GPS reception, or distorts the sound in the speakers, the problem may be sensors or peripheral. devicesyou can check them without special tools.

Diagnostic methods:

  • 🎤 Microphone: Record a voice memo and check the sound quality. If you hear wheezing or background noise, the microphone is dirty or damaged.
  • 🔊 Speakers: Play a test sound (can be done via YouTube) at maximum volume. Jumping or distortion is a sign of a problem.
  • 📷 Camera: Take photos in different lighting conditions. If there are artifacts (colored dots, blur), the camera module is damaged.
  • 🧭 Sensors: use Sensors Multitool to check gyroscope, accelerometer and compass.

If the sensors do not work correctly, the reasons may be different:

  • 🔧 Software failure — resetting the settings will help (Settings → General → Reset).
  • 💥 Physical damage —for example, after a fall. In this case, repair is needed.
  • 🦠 Virus or malware - check the device via Malwarebytes.

Example: if gyroscope shows incorrect data, games and VR applications (for example Google Cardboard) will not work correctly. In this case, calibration will help. engineering menu (##0*## on some devices).

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If after resetting the settings the sensors still do not work, the problem is hardware. Do not try to disassemble the smartphone yourself - modern models (for example, iPhone or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold) have fragile cables.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking hardware on Android

❓ Is it possible to check hardware without installing applications?

Yes, but the information will be limited Through Settings → About phone and engineering codes (for example, ##4636##) you can find out the processor model, memory size and battery status. However, for deep diagnostics (performance tests, checking sensors), applications are necessary.

❓ Why do benchmarks show different results?

Results depend from:

  • Device temperature (performance drops when overheated).
  • Background load (close all applications before testing).
  • Firmware versions (updates can optimize or, conversely, worsen performance).

For objectivity, carry out tests 2-3 times and take the average value.

❓ How to understand that the smartphone’s hardware is failing?

Signs of hardware problems:

  • Smartphone spontaneously reboots or turns off.
  • Applications crash even after reinstallation.
  • Device gets very hot in simple mode (for example, when viewing video).
  • Battery life sharply decreased (from 8 hours to 2-3).
❓ Is it possible to restore iron programmatically?

No. Software methods (reset, firmware, optimization) can eliminate system lags, but will not fix:

  • Battery wear.
  • Damaged memory blocks.
  • Burnt transistors in the processor.

In such cases, component replacement is required.

❓ Which smartphones break down more often?

According to service center statistics, most often problems with hardware arise in:

  • Budget models (for example, Redmi 9A, Samsung Galaxy A03) due to cheap components.
  • Folding smartphones (Galaxy Z Flip, Huawei Mate X) - they have a complex design and fragile cables.
  • Device with active cooling (ROG Phone, Black Shark) - fans become clogged with dust over time.

The most reliable in terms of hardware are flagships Google Pixel i iPhone (despite iOS, their hardware rarely fails in the first 3-4 years).