Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 often face a situation when the once-hardy smartphone ceases to hold charge. Time inexorably affects the chemical composition of lithium-ion cells, and even the most careful operation is not able to extend the life of the battery forever. It is at this point that the user faces the question of the cost of restoring the autonomy of the device, since buying a new device is not always justified.
The price of a service can vary widely, and it's not just a whim of the craftsmen, but a consequence of the variety of components on the market, and the cost is influenced by many factors, from the quality of the battery used to the skill of the specialist who will make the replacement, and it's important to understand that the savings on spare parts in the case of this model can lead to additional costs in the future.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the pricing policy of service centers, analyze the difference between original details and quality analogues. You will learn what the total check amount is made up of and what Redmi Note 4 allows you to save, and where you can not save.
Factors affecting the final cost of repairs
The first thing that determines the price is the class of parts used, the market is full of offers that feature the terms "original", "OEM" and "copy", but behind them hide fundamentally different products with different costs. The original battery is always more expensive, because it passes strict quality control and meets the factory specifications of energy consumption.
The second important aspect is the complexity of the dismantling and the type of body design. While the Redmi Note 4 is not the most difficult to disassemble smartphone, neatly removing the back cover requires certain skills and tools to avoid damaging the plumes. The work of the master is evaluated separately from the cost of the part, and in authorized centers it will be higher than that of private owners.
⚠️ Warning: The excessively low replacement price often indicates the use of refurbished batteries that have old batteries inserted into them.
The price is also affected by warranty and after-sales service, services that provide long warranty periods put risks in the cost, but give the client confidence in reliability, cheap repairs "without a check and warranty" can turn into a repeat visit in a month.
Price range: original vs. quality analogues
The difference in price between the original battery and its counterpart can be as high as 30-40%, which significantly affects the repair budget, but the concept of "analogue" is also different: there are proven third-party manufacturers whose products are almost as good as the factory, and the outright "Chinese consumer goods".
The original battery for Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (model BN41) has a capacity of 4100 mAh and is equipped with a controller that correctly displays the percentage of charge in the system. Cheap copies often have a real capacity of 2500-3000 mAh, although the sticker will indicate 4100.
How to distinguish a quality analogue from a fake?
The choice should be based on branded batteries from well-known component manufacturers, which cost less than the original Xiaomi, but provide stable operation without the risk of bloating. The table below shows an approximate comparison of the cost of components.
| Type of battery | Estimated price of detail | Real capacity | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Xiaomi | Tall. | 4100mAh | Minimum |
| Branded analogue (Nohon, Deji) | Medium | 3900-4100 mAh | Low. |
| Chinese copy (NoName) | Low. | 2500-3000 mAh | Tall (bloating) |
The cost of the master’s work and the complexity of disassembly
Replacing the battery in the Redmi Note 4 is a neat process, as the back cover is attached to a two-piece glue and has a fingerprint scanner, the plume of which is easily damaged. The cost of the master's work is usually from 30% to 50% of the cost of the part itself, if repaired in the service center.
Private craftsmen can offer a lower price for the work, because they do not incur the cost of renting space and taxes. However, if the plume of the fingerprint scanner or screen is damaged by a careless autopsy, there will be no one to compensate for the damage. The scanner plume is a vulnerability of this model, and it costs additional money to replace it.
Some services include battery calibration and a charge controller check, an important procedure that allows the system to correctly display the remaining percentage of power, and without calibration, the phone can turn off when it displays 15-20% of charge.
☑️ Checking the quality of the work of the master
Hidden costs and possible complications
Sometimes a simple battery replacement can incur additional costs due to the condition of other components of the smartphone.Diagnostics may reveal that the Micro-USB charging connector is shattered or oxidized, and its replacement will become inevitable for the full operation of the new battery.
Another expense is replacing the adhesive back cover, and the old glue loses its properties when you open it, and if you don't apply the new one, the lid will luft, and dust will get inside. A good adhesive base is inexpensive, but some craftsmen are trying to save money and use double-sided tape, which is unacceptable.
In rare cases, the problem may not be in the battery, but in the power controller on the motherboard. If the phone does not charge or discharges quickly after installing a new battery, more complex and expensive repairs will be required.
⚠️ If the master damaged the fingerprint scanner plume during disassembly, the unlock function will stop working forever, since the scanners in Xiaomi are tied to the board at the factory.
Self-Replacement: Savings or Risks?
Many users are considering a self-substitution option to save on the work of a wizard. The cost of a battery + tools kit in online stores can be 40-50% lower than the price of a turnkey service.
For disassembly Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 It requires heating of the back cover (with a hair dryer or heating pad), special suction cups, mediators and screwdrivers. Inept handling of heating devices can lead to overheating of the display and the appearance of yellow spots on the matrix. 80-90 degree.
The main risk of self-repair is damage to the plumes and the battery itself. A puncture of a lithium-ion battery with a sharp tool causes instant ignition with a caustic smoke, and self-replacement deprives you of the guarantee on the part itself if it suddenly turns out to be defective.
💡
Use a plastic card or a special mediator to peel off the lid so as not to damage the aluminum body and antenna inserts. Metal tools can cause short circuit.
Where to replace the battery better
The choice of the repair site depends on your priorities: speed, price or warranty. Xiaomi official service centers will offer the original part and retain the warranty, but the timeframe may be delayed due to waiting for delivery.
Specialist phone repair shops are the middle ground, and they often use quality phone repairers like Nohon, Cameron Sino, give their warranty and repairs within an hour, and bargain here, especially if you leave your old battery.
Private announcements and field craftsmen are an option for those who value time, the master will come to your home or office, but it is difficult to check the quality of the spare parts and the qualifications of the master by eye. Always demand a check or at least a receipt indicating the date and type of part installed.
💡
The best choice for the Redmi Note 4 is a specialized service using a brand analogue (Nohon/Deji), The original is difficult to find and the risk of a fake is high.