Top 10 ways to determine the smartphone model

In the past, older mobile phones used to have a distinct label on their bodies that clearly indicated the manufacturer. Additionally, when these smartphones were turned on, their home screens would display the model name, serving as a sort of signature identifier for the device. However, as time went on, manufacturers gradually abandoned these explicit designations. This decision has made it increasingly difficult to ascertain the exact model of a phone. Yet, knowing this information can be crucial, especially when it comes to repairs or determining the appropriate firmware for a specific device, particularly if the phone is not functional, off, damaged, locked, or lacking proper documentation.

Here is a comprehensive guide that can be applied to all Android and iOs devices including but not limited to Alcatel, Asus, Lenovo, Meizu, Philips, Nokia, Oppo, Phillips, Prestigio, Sony Xperia, HTC, Samsung, Xiaomi (Redme), ZTE, BQ, Vertex, Micromax, Digma, Fly, Umidigi, Oukitel, Texet, Leagoo, Dexp, Doogie, Huawei (Honor), HomTom, Chinese No-Name devices that are often sold under the brands Megafon, Beeline, MTS. This guide is also relevant for tablets, Android stereos, and TV set-top boxes.

The easiest ways

It is evident that a considerable number of users are familiar with the specific model of their smartphone. This is understandable since they are the ones who made the decision to acquire it in the first place. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that there might be certain variations between devices, even within the same product line. For instance, Samsung phones come with additional letter designations that provide information about the inclusion or exclusion of certain features. Therefore, it becomes all the more crucial to accurately identify the device, especially when handling it or considering reprogramming it.

In the settings menu

To find out information about the model, the easiest way is to search in the device settings. This method will be useful if you are purchasing a secondhand device or from a consignment store.

1. First, go to the main "Settings" on your smartphone.
2. Next, locate and tap on the "About phone" or "About smartphone" option.
3. Information and technical specifications will appear, so look for the "Model name" line.

Typically, the requested information will be a combination of numbers and letters. It’s important to note that the same model may have slightly different letter designations, especially when purchased from overseas.

The model can be identified on the factory box with a sticker or inscription placed next to the manufacturing brand’s name. In any situation, the precise model name will be present on the product specification sticker, where you can also find the serial number, IMEI, and certification for the product under CIS.

On the case or under the battery

Following the introduction of the iPhone, smartphone manufacturers have adopted a new trend of labeling the model on the rear cover. Some manufacturers may opt for an inscription or sticker indicating the model on the front. This practice is particularly common among Chinese brands. However, in most cases, the manufacturer’s name and code are printed on the back cover of the device.

An alternative option is to check the information located underneath the battery. Typically, the battery compartment contains general details regarding certification, serial number, and model name. This method proves effective if the back panel and the battery can be removed from the smartphone. It is advisable to disconnect the device beforehand and remove the SIM cards to ensure nothing is accidentally damaged.

By serial number

To use this method, you will need to have the smartphone’s IMEI number. Open the dialer (where you make phone calls) and enter a combination of numbers and symbols: * + call button. The phone will then display a 15-digit code. In some cases, the software may display two codes if the phone has two SIM cards. You can determine the model of the phone by using the IMEI number:

1. Visit the website https://sndeep.info/ru. Enter the IMEI number in the field provided and click on the "Verify" button. After a short period of time, the system will display all the information about the phone.
2. There is another service that functions in a similar way, called https://xinit.ru/imei/.
3. This service is specifically for checking Apple devices.

Users have the convenience of inputting the IMEI number into the search engine. With this information, the system will display comprehensive details about the manufacturer’s country, model, and year of production.

The Android ecosystem is connected to a Google account and Gmail. If you have your device connected to a Google account, you can perform the following actions:

1. Sign in to your email or account from another device that is not linked to the account.
2. You will receive an email from Google’s security team in your inbox.

The email will inform you about the potential risks of logging out from a new device and will include the device’s model name.

With the help of a computer

When your phone has a cracked screen, it can be difficult to determine the model of the smartphone. However, there are two methods to find out this information:

1. By connecting the smartphone to your PC using a USB cable, information about the new connection and the device name will appear in the tray.
2. By accessing the "Control Panel" on your PC, then navigating to "Device Manager" and finally "USB Devices". One of the connected devices will be your smartphone.
3. By going to "My Computer" where the connected device will be displayed in the "Devices and disks" section.
4. By using specialized utilities through the command line on your computer.

Please note that the engineering menu is recommended for use by experienced users only. It is advised to work in the engineering menu only if you are an experienced technician in a service center environment. Making incorrect actions in this menu may result in malfunctioning of your smartphone and damage to the operating system.

Firstly, you will need to enable developer mode on your phone:

1. Go to "Settings" and navigate to the "About phone" section.
2. Tap on the "build number" line about 7 times. The system will notify you that "you are now a developer".
3. Go back to the "Settings" menu and you should see the "For Developers" option. Select it and enable the checkbox.

To access the service menu, enter the following code in the dialer: "**»; «*#**#*" (without quotation marks). In some cases, you may need to enter: "*#**#*". Next, look for the lines that say "SW add HW version" or "Device View". These lines will display the desired information.

If the codes do not work, you can try installing either the "MTK Engineering" or "Mobile Uncle Tools" applications. These apps can help you identify the model of your smartphone. You can find the download links below.