Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X has become a real bestseller, thanks in large part to the combination of a metal case and powerful iron. However, when buying a device from hand or receiving it as a gift, users often face uncertainty about the internal stuffing of the gadget, the fact that at different periods of release and for different markets, the manufacturer has completed this model with two completely different platforms.
The question of which processor is inside your machine becomes critical when trying to unlock the bootloader, install custom firmware, or simply understand why certain applications are not working correctly. Misdefining the chipset can lead to incompatible software installation, with serious consequences for the device’s health.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to identify CPUs, from simple software methods to hardware feature analysis, learn to distinguish between the Snapdragon 625 and MediaTek Helio X20 versions, and understand why this knowledge is necessary for each owner of this model.
Why it is important to know the version of the Redmi Note 4X chipset
The main reason Redmi Note 4X owners are eager to learn the exact modification of the processor lies in the support of the development community. The global version of the smartphone, which has become widespread outside of China, is based on the energy-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chip, which is the platform that has provided the device with legendary autonomy and high popularity among enthusiasts of Android modifications.
However, there is also a Chinese version, as well as a number of modifications for other markets that run on the MediaTek architecture. Software created for Snapdragon cannot physically be installed on the MediaTek version, and vice versa. Trying to reflash the device in an inappropriate way often leads to a so-called "brick" when the phone stops responding to commands.
⚠️ Attention: Installing firmware designed for Snapdragon 625 on a device with a MediaTek processor is guaranteed to bring the smartphone out of order and require complex recovery through the programmer.
In addition, the performance of the graphics accelerator and support for certain camera features can vary significantly. If you plan to use the phone for games or mobile photography, understanding the SoC architecture (System on Chip) will help you realistically assess the potential of gadge.
Visual analysis of the box and back panel
The quickest way to make a diagnosis is to inspect the original package and the device itself. Although unscrupulous sellers may replace the boxes, factory labeling often contains key clues. Carefully examine the back of the box, where the barcode and basic technical information are located.
Note the model of the device. The Snapdragon version is characterized by the model number MDI1 or MCT8 (for globals), while MediaTek versions are often labeled differently, such as 2016100 in early Chinese releases. However, relying on numbers alone is risky, as they can be interrupted or replaced with a sticker.
- 🔍 Look for the Qualcomm logo or the Snapdragon Inside inscription on the box – this is a direct sign of the desired version.
- 🔍 Check the marking on the back cover: If there is small text underneath the Mi logo, it may contain revision codes pointing to the platform.
- 🔍 Note the Android version out of the box: Snapdragon versions often shipped with newer versions right away. MIUI Compared to the earlier MediaTek.
It's also worth looking at the smartphone itself. Some motherboard revisions used different layouts for different processors, but you can't see that without opening it, so you should use the visual method only as a pre-filter.
Software Methods through MIUI Settings
If the phone is turned on and you can get into the menu, the easiest way is to look at the system settings. Android operating system and MIUI shell store detailed information about hardware. Go to Settings, then select About phone.
At the top of the screen, you'll see the model name and the CPU version, and you can see the Snapdragon 625 or MTK6797 (Helio X20) here, but if the firmware has been modified or customized, this data can be changed software and not reflect the real situation.
To get more detailed information inside the About Phone menu, you need to quickly click on the MIUI version several times, which activates an extended menu where you can see more technical details, although they are not always unambiguous. A more reliable method inside the system is to use the search bar by settings.
Type the word "processor" or "CPU" into your settings. The system will give you a section that often shows the exact number of cores and clock speeds. For the Snapdragon 625, it's 8 cores at 2.0 GHz, for the Helio X20, it's a cluster architecture with different frequencies.
Use of specialized software for diagnosis
The most reliable result is from third-party applications that read information directly from the hardware identifiers registry. Standard Android tools sometimes hide details, but utilities like CPU-Z, AIDA64 or Device Info HW show the full picture.
Download the CPU-Z app from Google Play Market and launch it. On the first screen in the SoC section, you'll see the full name of the chipset. For the model you're looking for, it'll be a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 codenamed msm8953. If you see mt6797 or Helio X20, you have a version on MediaTek.
☑️ Check through CPU-Z
Note the graphics processing unit (GPU) -- in the app, this will be listed as Adreno 506 for the Snapdragon version. If it's Mali-T880, you're looking at MediaTek, which is a critical parameter that you can't tamper with software at the level of a simple application.
Another useful tool is AIDA64. It will provide information not only about the processor, but also about the types of cores. Snapdragon 625 has 8 identical Cortex-A53 cores. Helio X20 uses a unique Tri-Cluster scheme: 2 powerful cores, 4 medium and 4 energy efficient. The presence of three clusters in the core list is a hundred percent sign of MediaTek.
Hardware differences and performance tests
If software methods are in doubt or the device is unstable, indirect hardware tests can be used. Snapdragon 625 and Helio X20 processors have different architectures, which directly affects their behavior under load and in synthetic tests.
Run the popular benchmark AnTuTu Benchmark. Test scores for these platforms vary significantly. The Snapdragon 625 version typically scores between 60,000 and 70,000 in AnTuTu v6/v7. The MediaTek Helio X20 version may perform similarly or slightly better on single-core tasks, but is significantly inferior in stability and energy efficiency.
| Characteristics | Snapdragon 625 | MediaTek Helio X20 |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | 14nm | 20 nm |
| Graphics | Adreno 506 | Mali-T880 MP4 |
| Nuclei | 8x Cortex-A53 | 2x A72 + 4x A53 + 2x A53 |
| Heating. | Low. | High-pitched |
Note the heat of the case when working hard. Snapdragon 625 is famous for its cold temper thanks to the process technology of 14 nm. Helio X20, manufactured to the norms of 20 nm, is prone to faster heating and trotting (reset frequencies) under prolonged loads. If your Redmi Note 4X gets hot even on simple tasks, this can be a sign of the version of MediaTek.
Why is the Snapdragon 625 better?
Camera support is also worth checking. Snapdragon versions often have better post-processing thanks to the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor). Compare low-light shots: Snapdragon noise is usually less.
Identification through computer and ADB
For advanced users who want to access system logs at a deep level, a PC-based and USB debugging method is ideal, eliminating any software spoofing that may have been done in firmware.
You will need to turn on the developer mode on the phone (clicking 7 times on the build number in About Phone) and activate Debugging via USB. Connect the smartphone to the computer on which the ADB Driver and platform-tools are installed. Open the command line and enter the command to output information about the processor.
adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfoIn the output command, you'll see a Hardware string. For the global version, it'll contain Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. MSM 8953. If it says MT6797 or MediaTek, there's no doubt about it. It's the most technically accurate verification method.
⚠️ Note: When connecting through ADB make sure that on the smartphone screen you have confirmed the permission to debug from this computer, otherwise the command will not be executed.
You can also use the adb shell getprop ro.board.platform command, which instantly gives the platform codename: msm8953 for Snapdragon or mt6797 for MediaTek. This is a fast and reliable way for those who are friends with the command line.
Frequent questions and definition problems
Even after checking, doubts can arise, especially if the phone has been repaired or reflashed, and here are the answers to the most common questions that will help to finally dispel doubts.
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If you bought a used phone and found that the processor does not match the stated, this may be a reason to return the goods, as the characteristics have been changed.
People often ask if you can visually distinguish the boards, and yes, the labeling of the chip under the metal screen (heat sink) contains a name, but to get to it, you have to disassemble the phone, which is not warranty, so software methods are preferable.