Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: Which battery is better - BN41 or BN43? Full guide to choose from

Why choosing a battery for the Redmi Note 4X is not so easy

If your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X starts to run out in a couple of hours or refuses to keep the charge longer than your morning coffee, it’s time to think about replacing the battery. But here, the classic question is: which of the two popular options, the BN41 or BN43, will work better? At first glance, the difference is only in the numbers on the label, but in fact, these models have fundamental differences that affect the performance of the smartphone.

Many users mistakenly believe that the BN43 is just an "improved" version of the BN41, but it's not quite true. Both batteries are original, but are designed for different versions of the Redmi Note 4X (particularly for versions with Snapdragon 625 and Helio X20 processors). Moreover, installing the "wrong" battery can lead not only to quick discharge, but also to problems with charging or even damage to the power controller. In this article, we will understand how not to make a mistake and what to do if you have already bought the wrong option.

Specifications: BN41 vs BN43 in numbers

So to start with the obvious, let's compare the official specifications of both batteries, and despite the similarities, they have different parameters, and that has a direct impact on the autonomy of the smartphone.

The most notable difference is the capacity: BN43 is 600 mAh more, which in theory should give +15-20% autonomy. However, in practice, the difference may be smaller due to the optimization of power consumption in the firmware. Important nuance: BN43 is physically thicker by ~0.5 mm, so when you install in the case of Redmi Note 4X, you may need to easily bending the contacts or replacing the back cover (if it is already deformed).

Another key point is firmware compatibility. Smartphones on the Snapdragon 625 (MCT modification) are for BN41, and on the Helio X20 (MTK) for BN43. If you install a non-native battery, the system may misrepresent charge levels or limit maximum charging current. You can check your modification in the Settings menu → About the phone → The kernel version: if there is a mention of msm8953, you have a Snapdragon, if mt6797 is a Helio X20.

How to determine what kind of battery is needed for your smartphone?

To avoid guessing on the coffee grounds, use one of the proven methods of identification:

• 🔍 Look at the old battery: the original battery always has its code (for example, the battery code, BN41 or DM-07 for BN43). If the label is erased, pay attention to the color of the contacts: BN41 They're usually golden, BN43 — silvery.
• 📱 Check the processor model: as mentioned above, through Settings → The alternative is to install an app. CPU-Z And look at the SoC section.
• 🛠️ Use it. IMEI: first 8 IMEI (If you see it on the box or under the battery, you'll see it modified. For example, 2016117 is the Snapdragon, and 2016118 is the Helio. X20.
• 🔋 Pay attention to the charging behavior: if the smartphone charges up to 100% in 1.5-2 hours, most likely you have a smartphone. BN41. If the process takes 2.5-3 hours, this is BN43 (because of the greater capacity).

If you buy a battery blindly (for example, via the Internet), be sure to check with the seller what modification of the Redmi Note 4X is intended for the battery. honest sellers usually indicate this in the description, for example: "BN43 only for MTK (Helio X20)".

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If you are not sure about modifying your smartphone, take a picture of the old battery and show the photo to the seller – it will save you from mistakes when buying.

Can BN43 be installed instead of BN41 (and vice versa)?

Technically, both batteries fit the Redmi Note 4X connector, but the implications may be different.

• ⚡ BN43 Smartphone with Snapdragon 625 (needed) BN41): The system will show an incorrect charge level (for example, 100% at a real 80%); charging can stop by 80-90% due to the limitations of the controller; in rare cases, overheating due to mismatch of currents may occur.
• ⚡ BN41 smartphone X20 (need BN43): Autonomy will be reduced by 15-25% (depending on the load); Quick Charge can be unstable; when used intensively, the battery will run out in 3-4 hours.

The most dangerous scenario is the use of fakely labeled batteries, which often have an understated real capacity (for example, 2500 mAh instead of the declared 4100 mAh) and can swell after 2-3 months of operation. To avoid this, buy batteries only from official Xiaomi distributors or trusted sellers with a guarantee.

Where to buy the original BN41 or BN43 battery? Prices and verified sellers

Xiaomi's original batteries are sold under the Mi Power Bank brand or in branded hologram packaging.

• 🏬 Official Xiaomi stores (Mi Store): here the original is guaranteed, but prices are above average (from 1200 to 1800 rubles).
• 🌍 AliExpress: Look for sellers with a 98 rating%+ The average price is 800-1,200 rubles. Pay attention to the photo of the package: there should be a hologram and a serial number.
• 🛒 Yandex Market / Ozon: filter by the "Original" option and read reviews. Be careful with sellers who have too cheap offers (below 700 rubles).
• 🔧 Service centers: many SCs sell original parts with a guarantee, the price will be higher (1500-2000 rubles), but you will get a check and the possibility of exchanging them.

When buying, be sure to check:

1. The presence of a hologram on the package (at an angle it changes color).
2. Serial number on the battery label (should match the number on the box).
3. Production date (fresh batteries are 2023-2026, old batteries can be recharged before sale).

Hologram on the package changes color when tilted

The serial number on the battery matches the number on the box.

The weight of the battery corresponds to the original (± 2 g)

Contacts have no traces of oxidation or soldered compounds-->

If you’re buying a used battery (like an Avito), ask the seller to send you a photo of the smartphone with the battery installed and a screenshot from the AccuBattery app showing the actual capacity, which will help you avoid buying a dead battery.

Step-by-step: how to replace the battery in the Redmi Note 4X yourself

Replacing the battery in the Redmi Note 4X does not require a soldering iron, but requires accuracy and a minimum set of tools. If you have never disassembled smartphones, it is better to contact the service center (cost of work is 500-800 rubles).

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-memory-card.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (60–70°C) for 2-3 minutes to soften the glue.
3. Put the cover on a plastic blade or mediator, starting at the bottom edge (where the charging connector is).
4. Disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard (it is fixed by a latch - carefully lift it).
5. Remove the old battery by pulling it around the corners. If it swells, don't puncture it!
6. Install a new battery, connect the plume and assemble the smartphone in reverse order.

Important nuances:

• 🔧 Use only plastic or wooden tools – metal can damage plumes.
• 🔋 If the new battery doesn’t come in tightly, check if there are any pieces of old glue left.
• 📱 Calibrate the battery after replacement: completely discharge the smartphone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

(1) Density of the battery contacts.

(2) Connection of the plume to the motherboard.

(3) The presence of damage on the flexible cable.-->

Frequent problems after battery replacement and their solution

Even if you did everything right, you might have problems after you replace the battery, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after the battery change, the smartphone turns off on its own at 20 to 30 percent charge, the problem is probably calibrating the controller to reset it:

1. Discharge the phone before automatically shutting down.
2. Connect to charging and wait 100% (do not turn on!).
3. Turn off the charging, turn on the smartphone and again wait for full discharge.
4. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

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If after replacing the battery, the smartphone became slower to work, reset the cache through Recovery (press Power + Volume up when turned on).

FAQ: answers to popular battery questions for Redmi Note 4X

If your question isn’t covered in the FAQ, check out thematic forums (such as 4PDA or Mi Community) where users share their experience of replacing batteries with Redmi Note 4X. Remember: a properly selected battery will extend the life of your smartphone for several more years!