If ever you wondered What are the actual parts of your Android phone and does everything work properly?You're not alone. The manufacturer's specifications or what's on the box usually only tell part of the story, especially with second-hand, refurbished, or older phones.
With the right apps you can X-ray your smartphone as if it were in a repair shop: see the exact CPU and GPU model, memory type, sensors, cameras, battery, network… and even run stress tests, benchmarks and guided diagnostics to detect hardware failures, replaced parts or underperformance.
What are hardware information and diagnostic apps used for on Android?
These types of tools function as a Full medical review of the phoneThey go far beyond the typical Settings > Device information menu and are able to check or display data about screen, touch, sound, battery, sensors, connectivity, memory or storage, among other key components.
With them you can review audio system (speakers, microphones, earphones), touch system and LCD/OLED screen, GPS, WiFi, mobile data, Bluetooth, NFC, sensors, RAM and internal or external storageSome even indicate whether the main parts are OEM (original manufacturer parts) or third-party replacements, a critical detail in repaired mobile phones.
All of this is especially useful when Buy or sell a second-hand mobile phoneA clear report prevents you from having to deal with a broken battery, a lower quality replacement screen, non-original cameras, or a device with intermittent faults in antennas, sensors, or charging ports.
They also come in handy when they appear unusual problems such as app crashes, game freezes, inaccurate GPS, unstable WiFi, or dead zones on the touchscreenBefore performing a factory reset willy-nilly, a diagnostic pass helps determine if the problem is hardware-related, software-related, or both.
Built-in diagnostics in Android: secret codes and tools from the manufacturer
Before installing anything, it's worth knowing that many manufacturers include hidden diagnostic menus or pre-installed apps which allow you to perform a quick initial hardware check without resorting to third parties.
On many Android phones it is possible to mark * # * # * # * # 4636 in the dialer to view advanced network, battery, or usage statistics information. On some Samsung Galaxy devices, the code * # 0 * # It opens a very comprehensive menu with tests for screen, colors, touch, sensors, vibration, cameras, speakers and more, all in a fairly technical diagnostic panel.
In the ecosystem Xiaomi Codes like these often work * # * # * # * # 6484 o * # * # * # * # 64663 that launch a menu of guided tests to check the screen, touch, sensors, cameras, connectivity and other internal components without having to install external apps.
Some operators, however, These hidden menus are disabled or restricted.And in some countries, they aren't even available. If nothing happens when you enter the codes, you'll have to use diagnostic apps or contact the manufacturer's official support.
On mobiles Motorola The pre-installed app is typical Device Helpwhich includes a "Device Diagnostics" section to test battery, audio, cameras, connectivity (WiFi, data, Bluetooth), touch screen or sensors in a guided manner.
The Google Pixel They don't have a single standard: some models support basic internal code, but Google usually defers to its own. help communitywhere you can start self-diagnostic flows by entering your Google account and the phone's IMEI (located in Settings > About phone or on the box).
En Huawei The hidden utility is included. HwMMITestAccessible from Settings > Applications by enabling the system app view and searching for it by name. Allows you to run guided hardware testsHowever, it usually requires the battery to be between a certain percentage (for example, 55%-80%) and may even require restarting in bootloader mode or following a special process depending on the model.
Device Info HW: the deepest X-ray of your Android
If you want to get to the maximum level of detail in each piece, HW device info It is one of the most complete and technical utilities available on Android, highly appreciated by advanced users, developers and people who cook ROMs or kernels.
It aims detect and list each component of the phoneThe app includes information on the screen (LCD/OLED), touch panel, cameras, sensors, memory types, storage chip (eMMC/UFS), audio, NFC, charger, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, battery, and much more. Everything is organized into tabs with quick navigation, and many fields are clickable to jump to related sections.
In the part of LCD screen It attempts to identify the model and manufacturer. In recent Android versions, root access is sometimes required to read this data, but it still allows you to perform a... color test to detect dead pixels, spots, or light leakage. The test of multi-touch It lets you check how many fingers the panel supports and if there are areas that don't respond.
The cameras show hardware data (sensor model, vendor, actual resolution) and software data via APIIf you cannot identify a single model, you can list the sensors compatible with its features so you know what options the device handles.
In the tab CPU and GPU It displays the SoC model, number of cores, clusters, CPU family, architecture, ABI, governor, frequencies (minimum, maximum, and current), as well as the GPU model, vendor, OpenGL version, frequency, and list of supported extensions. Clicking on the frequency opens a real-time monitor to see how the processor scales.
The system section groups Firmware data: Android version, build, security patches, bootloader, kernel information, and other internal details that do not normally appear in standard menus.
Regarding memory, Device Info HW indicates RAM type (e.g., LPDDR4/5) and, in some models, its operating frequencyIt also identifies the storage chip (eMMC or UFS, manufacturer, interface) and in the memory tab you see RAM usage, internal storage and partitions with their size.
Battery doesn't just stay at the percentage and little else: for many devices it shows real-time discharge current, charging speed (input current minus consumption), manufacturer's consumption profile, kernel profile, and specific battery modelWith this data, the actual health can be better estimated and problematic chargers or cables can be detected.
There are specific tabs for Temperatures (thermal sensors), sensors and their tests, user and system app lists, drivers, partitions, PMIC voltage regulators, WiFi information, Bluetooth capabilities, input devices, audio/video codecs and DRM, as well as USB peripherals detected by OTG.
As an extra feature for very advanced users, the app can display I2C/SPI addresses of the chipsOpen engineering menus on MediaTek or Xiaomi devices, list CPU codenames for Qualcomm, MediaTek, or HiSilicon SoCs, and other internal curiosities that you'll only see in tools of this level, including references to HIDL.
Device Info HW includes a online database (also accessible via the web) where information on different models is uploaded for comparison, to review similar drivers, or to help improve detection. The PRO version unlocks light/dark/black themes. HTML or PDF reports ready to share, long-press text copy, advanced battery graphics, and a separate I2C/SPI device list.
That said, on many modern devices Certain information is protected And it can't be read unless you have root access and enable the corresponding option in settings. Even without root, it remains one of the most comprehensive utilities for understanding what's inside your Android device.
The best apps to view hardware information on Android
Besides Device Info HW, there are several well-established tools on Google Play that focus on show everything that can be known about the hardware and the system without the need for complex interactive tests. Many are true classics that have been recommended for years.
AIDA64 It's probably the most recognized name. Originally developed for PC (with legendary versions like Everest and AIDA32) and adapted for Android, this app shows Extremely detailed information about CPU, GPU, memory, battery, network, sensors, screen, cameras and softwareIt is capable of measuring CPU and GPU frequency in real time, detailing physical dimensions and panel resolution, pixel density, battery status and type, WiFi and mobile networks, list of installed apps and system directories.
One of its strong points is that It very accurately identifies the SoC, buses, system libraries (zlib, for example), kernel version, bootloader, and internal components.It doesn't run benchmarks per se; its specialty is reading and presenting data. It's widely used to check if a phone performs as expected, if the specifications match the advertised information, or to compare models technically. All of this is offered in a lightweight app, neatly organized with tabs, and compatible with Android phones, tablets, TVs, and watches.
Another veteran is CPU-Z for AndroidAn adaptation of the legendary Windows tool. Here, the focus is on CPU, RAM, battery and sensorswith tabs for CPU, System/Device, Memory, Battery, and Sensors. You'll see the SoC model, number of cores, frequency of each core, architecture, supported instructions, GPU, amount of RAM and current usage, temperatures, and electrical voltages.
The beauty of CPU-Z is that It doesn't need any unusual permissions to display much of this information, and it's perfect if you want very technical processor data, temperatures of specific components, or if you want to confirm that the hardware matches what you were sold.
La app DevCheck opts for a modern Material Design-style interface and real time monitoringUpon opening it, you instantly see the load on each core, CPU and GPU frequencies, SoC and battery temperatures, total and free RAM, storage usage, and more. It has dedicated sections for device model, cameras, connectivity, sensors, operating system, and GPUwith details such as Bluetooth support, mobile networks (including dual SIM), type of memory used, etc. With root access, even more internal metrics are unlocked, ideal for those who want to monitor the phone's behavior under load down to the millimeter.
Android Hardware Info organize the data into classic tabs System, Device, Memory, Camera, Temperature, Battery, and SensorsIt's not the most visually appealing interface, but it does a very good job of listing chipset, manufacturer and model, build number, architecture, total memory, storage space, cameras, and temperatures. Its key differentiator is that It allows you to export hardware information to a fileThis is very useful for attaching to a second-hand sale, documenting a repair, or keeping a real technical data sheet for the device.
My Device – Device Info It seeks a balance between simplicity and detail. It displays data from manufacturer, model, serial number, screen resolution, Android version, CPU, RAM, battery status, temperature, and free/occupied spaceas well as sensors and installed applications (user and system). Its information is very well classified into clear categories, so with a couple of taps you can find exactly what you're interested in without getting lost in overly technical parameters.
An alternative with a similar approach is Device Info by Toralabs, which centralizes everything in one place CPU, RAM, operating system, storage, battery, Bluetooth, screen, cameras, sensors, temperature, codecs, input interfaces, and app listIt stands out for its user-friendly design and for grouping everything related to the device into a single app, without needing to combine several utilities.
Lastly, Castro It combines a very careful design with quite complete technical information on hardware, software, networking, battery, temperature, RAM and internal storageUpon launching, it displays a general overview of the phone's status, and from a side menu, you can access increasingly detailed sections. It's especially useful for monitoring how RAM and storage usage changes as you open and close apps.
Apps to physically test the hardware and health of the device
The previous apps focus on displaying data. If what you're looking for is Test the components to see if they respond as expected.You need interactive testing tools that guide you step by step.
Test Your Android It is one of the classic options for performing Quick tests of touchscreens, speakers, microphones, sensors, cameras and other basic terminal functions. It also aggregates system information, so it works like a small diagnostic center in a single app.
It includes extra utilities such as barcode scanner, sound level meter, and flashlightIts main drawbacks are the number of pop-up ads, the lack of detailed reports at the end of the tests, and a somewhat slow defective pixel detection mode. Even so, it does the job for a quick check before buying a phone or after a hard fall.
Phone Doctor Plus It takes another leap into the realm of diagnosis and optimizationIt checks sensors such as GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, as well as CPU, 3G/4G connectivity, battery, and other components. It offers More than forty types of tests, both automatic and manual, with which you can thoroughly check the actual condition of the device and detect deterioration over time, especially in the battery.
Within the Dr.Fone suite of tools there is the module Phone Verificationdesigned to generate a structured report on global health and performanceIt analyzes storage capacity and usage, battery status and temperature, overall health, available RAM, and other key indicators. It is widely used by both individual users and stores that check used phones before selling them.
In the professional field it stands out Phonechecka diagnostic and certification solution geared towards wholesalers, refurbished stores and technical servicesUnlike domestic apps, Phonecheck launches over 80 automated hardware and software tests which include audio, batteries (including actual vs. theoretical capacity), cameras, GPS, LCD screen, connectivity, sensors, NFC, physical buttons, touch, etc.
A key function of this type of software is the verification of component authenticityIndicate whether the screen, cameras, battery, or motherboard are OEM or aftermarket parts. This is crucial because aftermarket parts are usually cheaper, can void warranties, and often offer lower quality.
Phonecheck also generates detailed device history reports with brand, model, IMEI, status in databases of stolen or lost mobile phones, outstanding debts with operators, company blocking, production and sale dates, warranty status and, when known, repair history.
As if that weren't enough, it certifies that the phone is Fully functional, with certified secure erasure (e.g., ADISA), restored, unlocked, and ready to activateThe results are uploaded to the cloud, can be exported as PDFs, and even printed as labels to stick on the device itself, increasing buyer confidence and helping to justify the price.
Benchmark tools for measuring the actual performance of the hardware
Looking at the specifications is fine, but many people want to know How does your phone really perform under pressure?That's where benchmarks come in, which subject the device to intensive loads to score the power of the CPU, GPU, RAM and storage, and compare it with other models.
Antutu Benchmark It's one of the most high-profile names. It offers comprehensive or customized tests for CPU, GPU, RAM, UX (user experience) and IO (storage)The overall score, while not an absolute truth, is very useful for comparing phones: a device with 20.000 points should perform approximately twice as well as one with 10.000 within the test itself.
Antutu maintains a public ranking of results With a multitude of smartphones, it's easy to see where your phone stands against the competition and whether it's above or below the average for its range.
Geekbench 5 has become standard for measuring CPU power in single and multi-core applicationsIt runs tasks that simulate real-world workloads (from light workloads to heavy multitasking) and generates two main scores: single-core and multi-core performance. It also includes Compute Benchmark, which evaluates the device's graphics capabilities using APIs such as OpenCL or Metal (depending on the platform).
Geekbench is cross-platform, so it allows Compare an Android to an iPhone, a PC, or a Mac.Along with the scores, it shows details of the CPU (name, cores, frequencies), device model, motherboard, and other technical data.
3DMark is especially geared towards pure and simple graphics performance, which primarily affects games. It incorporates tests such as Wild Life, Wild Life Extreme and Sling Shot / Sling Shot Extreme, which pose different workloads to measure performance and stability.
Wild Life applies a balanced graphics load representative of current games and offers a quick benchmark or extended stress test for simulate long sessionsWild Life Extreme takes that load to another level, ideal for high-end devices where it's often difficult to overcome the 15 FPSSling Shot and Sling Shot Extreme are more suitable for comparing slightly older or mid-range devices.
The app is free and no adsIt also generates graphs and rankings that show how the device behaves under load, how it responds to system updates, and whether it's up to the task of running the games you want.
GFXBench Benchmark It is another very powerful tool for Evaluate GPU performance, long-term stability, rendering quality, and power consumptionIt offers a huge battery of tests, many with cross-API support between Vulkan and OpenGL.
Among its best-known tests are Aztec Ruins, Car Chase, Manhattan 3.1, Manhattan, T-Rex and other synthetic tests such as ALU, Texturing, Driver Overhead, Fill Rate, etc. Aztec Ruins, for example, simulates loads similar to modern games with dynamic global illumination, HDR, real-time shadows, and SSAO.
In addition to the graphics, it includes battery and stability tests These reports show how performance degrades with heat and how much power the GPU consumes during test sessions. They allow for easy comparison of results with other devices and include a section listing the smartphone's graphics capabilities.
PCMark for Android It adopts a different philosophy: instead of relying on unrealistic synthetic loads, it is based on real-world tasks and APIsIt doesn't analyze CPU, GPU, and storage as separate islands, but the entire system, simulating what you do every day with your mobile phone.
His star test, Job 3.0, evaluates performance in Web browsing, video editing, document writing, data manipulation, and photo editingThis generates a score that is much more representative of everyday performance. Furthermore, PCMark monitors the hardware during testing to show how the load is distributed and how the brand manages thermal throttling.
Also includes a battery life test based on real-world usageThis is very useful if you want to compare how many hours your mobile phone lasts against other models running similar tasks.
Among the apps that combine information and light testing we have CPUX, which combines CPU speed data, cores, RAM, camera and sensors with practical utilities such as internet speed monitoring, battery temperature and amperage, tech news, and a test panel for microphone, Bluetooth, headphones, volume, flashlight, etc. It even adds widgets, ruler, spirit level, compass and emergency signal, being a kind of pocket toolbox.
If you're specifically concerned about disk performance, Disk Speed It facilitates measuring read and write speeds in internal memory, external storage, USB drives, or custom pathsChoosing the test size will give you more reliable results. It's lightweight (around 1,5 MB) and allows you to adjust the load to avoid overloading your device.
In the field of artificial intelligence, it appears AI Benchmark, which focuses on to evaluate the power of AI accelerators in modern SoCsIt runs 46 tests across 14 sections, simulating facial recognition, image classification, text prediction, blemish correction, and other neural network algorithms. It leverages NPUs and AI accelerators from Snapdragon, Exynos, Kirin, Dimensity, and other chips, and in its PRO mode, it even allows you to load your own TensorFlow Lite models to measure their performance.
RAM, memory, and tools that don't work on Android
In some listings you will see classic PC tools mentioned such as MemTest86 or HWiNFOvery powerful for computer diagnostics but that They don't have a working version for Android.They are cited as a historical reference of what can be done on a desktop, but they won't work on your mobile device.
MemTest86 It's a legendary PC RAM testing program, capable of performing multiple passes and detecting faults even in high-capacity modules (64 GB or more). It boots from USB and runs independently on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. While relatively easy to use, it's not available for Android, so for mobile devices you'll have to rely on indirect stability tests and benchmarks.
HWiNFO (formerly Hardware Info) It is another very powerful utility for Hardware analysis and monitoring in Windows and DOSIt contains comprehensive information on the CPU, motherboard, monitors, network, sensors, etc. Currently, there is no functional version for Android, so its place on mobile devices is taken by apps like AIDA64, DevCheck, CPU-Z, or Device Info HW.
Regarding memory in Android, there are solutions such as RAM booster, focused on Display the total physical and virtual RAM capacity and the percentage usedIn addition to offering automatic cleaning when a configured threshold is reached, these tools also show how much RAM the device actually has and its usage level. It's important to keep in mind that... Modern versions of Android already manage memory very well on their own.And aggressive "boosters" can worsen performance by closing apps that the system will then reopen.
When to use each type of tool on your Android
With so many apps available it's easy to get lost, but actually choosing the right one is a matter of Be clear about what you want to know or check. in every moment.
If your goal is View detailed specifications and system statusThe best thing to do is to rely on apps like AIDA64, DevCheck, CPU-Z, My Device, Device Info (Toralabs), Device Info HW or CastroThey'll give you a complete overview of the hardware and software, ideal for tinkering or verifying that the phone they're selling you is what they promise.
When what worries you is physically verify that everything is working properly (especially with second-hand or repaired mobile phones), opt for tools like Test Your Android, Phone Doctor Plus, Dr.Fone's verification modules or the manufacturer's built-in diagnostics (Samsung/Xiaomi secret codes, Motorola Device Help, Huawei HwMMITest, Pixel self-help flows, etc.).
If what you want is Compare your phone's performance with other models or see if an update has improved or worsened its performanceNothing beats benchmarks: Antutu, Geekbench, 3DMark, GFXBench, PCMark, PassMark, AI Benchmark or Disk Speed for storage. They are also very useful if you suspect You're experiencing aggressive throttling and want to monitor your FPS rate during gameplay..
In the professional environment, for second-hand shops, refurbishers and wholesalers, solutions such as Phonecheck They make the difference: they automate dozens of tests, certify the authenticity of components, generate PDF reports and labels, and upload all the information to the cloud to have a complete history of each device and set prices wisely.
Combining Information apps, interactive diagnostic tools, and benchmarks You can find out with considerable accuracy what's inside your Android device, how it behaves under different loads, which parts are faulty or have been replaced, and whether its performance matches the manufacturer's claims. Whether you're a curious user or someone who frequents the secondhand market, knowing these tools will save you from unpleasant surprises and allow you to get the most out of your phone with the data at your fingertips.
