The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Global has long been considered a benchmark for autonomy in the budget segment. Many users are still wondering what kind of battery provides such impressive survivability of the device. The answer lies in the combination of high capacity and optimization of power consumption of the Snapdragon 625 processor.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the specifications of the standard battery, its marking and the differences from the Chinese version of the smartphone. You will learn not only how much volume is declared by the manufacturer, but also how to correctly diagnose wear to understand whether it is time to replace.
Understanding the specifics of your gadget’s power system will help extend its life and avoid common operating errors, and we’ll look at nuances that are rarely mentioned in official manuals, but which are critical for owners of this legendary device.
Technical characteristics and battery capacity
The standard battery installed in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Global has a capacity of 4100 mAh – a significant figure even by modern standards, not to mention the standards of 2017, when the device first came to market, which allows you to confidently withstand two days of active use without recharging.
The nominal voltage of the battery is 3.85 V, which is the standard for lithium polymer batteries of the period. The energy capacity in watt hours is 15.78 Wh. It is important to note that the actual capacity may differ slightly from the declared one depending on the batch and operating conditions.
The Li-Polymer technology used in this cell provides high energy density with a relatively thin profile. Unlike older lithium-ion analogues, polymer batteries are less susceptible to the memory effect and have more stable discharge characteristics.
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The real battery capacity of the Redmi Note 4 Global is 4100 mAh, which is 100 mAh more than in the Chinese version of the smartphone (3000-3500 mAh in early revisions or 4000 mAh in the standard).
BM37 Marking and Version Differences
The original battery model for the global version of the smartphone is labeled BM37, which is the code you need to look for when buying a replacement to ensure compatibility and claimed performance, confusion often arises due to the existence of the Chinese version of the device.
China’s Redmi Note 4 (MDG16) was often packed with a 4,000 mAh battery or less in early batches, and its connector and shape may have been different. Installing the battery from the Chinese version into the global unit can cause incorrect charge display or physical mismatch of the mounts.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a new battery, be sure to check the connection plume. BM37 For Global, the plume has a specific shape and location of contacts, different from Chinese counterparts. BM44 or other modifications.
Also, there are many BM37-labeled copies on the market that have a real capacity that is less than the original. The original battery weighs about 60-65 grams, whereas cheap fakes can weigh 40-50 grams due to the use of less dense materials.
Software diagnostics are available to verify authenticity, but physical inspection remains the most reliable method. Pay attention to the quality of the Mi logo print and the presence of holograms on the package if you buy a battery in a box.
Diagnosis of battery status
Before you ask for a replacement, you need to objectively assess the current state of the power unit.The Android system and the MIUI shell provide the basic tools for monitoring, but they don't always show an accurate percentage of wear.
You can use the engineering menu to get detailed information ##6485##. In the list of parameters you are interested in values MB_06 (battery status; and MF_02 (charge-cycle).
- 🔋 MB_06: It should show "Good," which means normal, and if it says "Bad" or "Poor," the power supply needs to be replaced urgently.
- 🔢 MF_02: It shows the number of complete recharge cycles. 500-600 cycles after which the capacity falls below 80% nominally.
- 📉 MB_00: Current percentage charge level, which may differ from that displayed in the status bar when calibrated.
Hidden codes for diagnosis
The signs of degradation are also important, because if the back of the smartphone has started to move away from the body, or if the device itself has stopped lying on a flat surface and rotates like a yule, this is a sure sign of bloating. It is strictly forbidden to operate a ballooned battery because of the risk of fire.
Instructions for replacing the battery with your own hands
Replacing the battery in the Redmi Note 4 Global requires care and a minimal set of tools. The design of the smartphone involves accessing the insides through the removal of the rear cover, which is glued around the perimeter.
Before starting work, be sure to turn off the device. To disassemble, you will need a hair dryer or heating panel to soften the glue, a plastic spatula (mediator), a suction cup and a cross screwdriver. Do not use metal tools to crack the lid so as not to damage the glass.
☑️ Replacement tools
The dismantling process begins by heating the perimeter of the rear panel to a temperature of 60-70 degrees Celsius. After warming up, gently apply the cover to the mediator in the area of the USB connector or camera and lead the tool along the body, gradually peeling off the panel.
Once you remove the lid, you'll see a metal frame covering the plumes, which is secured by a few screws that you need to unscrew, then you shut down the main camera plume and the battery plume, and the battery in this model is also locked in adhesive, so you need to be careful about removing it.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to tamper with a metal screwdriver or knife. A puncture of a lithium polymer cell will cause an instant chemical reaction, emitting smoke and fire. Only use plastic blades and heat.
Installation process and calibration
The new battery is installed in reverse disassembly order, and before sticking the new battery, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of special glue (for example, B-7000) or use double-sided tape, which comes with the parts, to prevent the battery from moving when falling.
Once the plume is connected and the housing is assembled, a calibration procedure is needed to help the system correctly display the percentage of charge and avoid sudden shutdowns. Without calibration, the smartphone can show 20% and sharply turn off or charge for a long time at the end of the cycle.
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To calibrate, discharge the phone until it is completely turned off, then charge it when it is off to 100%. After that, turn it on without removing it from charging for another 1-2 hours.
The correct calibration algorithm is this: completely discharge the device before it turns off automatically. Put it on charge until it reaches 100%. Without turning off the cable, turn on the phone. Wait until the indicator returns to 100%, and then disconnect the charger.
For the first few charge-discharge cycles, try not to interrupt the process abruptly. Let the power controller learn new characteristics of the chemical element. Usually, 3-5 full cycles are required to fully stabilize the readings.
Comparison of characteristics of the original and analogues
There are many battery options available in the spare parts market for the Redmi Note 4. To make sure you don't make the wrong choice, it's important to understand the difference between original parts and quality counterparts. Below is a table comparing key parameters.
| Parameter | Original Xiaomi (BM37) | Quality analogue (Nohon, Deji) | Cheap copy (NoName) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (claimed) | 4100mAh | 4000-4200 mic | 4500+mAh (often lies) |
| Real capacity | ~4,000 mAh | ~3800 mAh | 2000-2500 mAh |
| Cycle resource | 500-800 cycles | 400-600 cycles | 100-200 cycles |
| PCB protection | Full (from KZ, overheating) | Basic | Absent or ineffective |
Original batteries, even when removed from disassembly, often last longer than new Chinese counterparts of dubious origin. Branded parts from well-known battery manufacturers (such as Nohon) are a worthy alternative if the original can not be found.
Cheap, brandless replicas often fall foul of over-labeled capacity, and the "5,000 mAh" label on a 3mm battery is a physical nonsense of technology at the time, and buying such items leads to frustration and quick re-repair.
Operational rules for extension of service life
To make a new or even an old battery last as long as possible, you need to follow certain rules of operation. Lithium polymer cells do not like extreme states of charge.
Try not to drain your smartphone to zero regularly. Deep discharge is bad for battery chemistry. Optimal range for everyday use is from 20% to 80-90%. At least once a month, it is useful to do a full cycle to calibrate the controller.
- 🌡️ Temperature: Don't leave your phone in the sun or in a cold car.High temperatures break down the electrolyte the fastest.
- 🔌 Charging quality: Use certified cables and power supplies. Cheap charging can give voltage surges that are harmful to the controller.
- 🎮 Charging load: Avoid heavy games while charging.This causes overheating, which is critical for battery longevity.
The myth of fast charging
Compliance with these simple guidelines will allow your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to remain in service for many years to come.This smartphone has earned a reputation as a “long-lived”, and the right care of its power system fully justify this status.