Which memory card to choose for Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: compatibility, speed and intricacies of installation

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X is still a popular budget smartphone, especially among those who value the balance of performance and price. However, its internal memory (16/32/64 GB depending on the modification) often becomes a bottleneck - photos, videos, apps and games quickly take up free space. The solution is obvious: installing a microSD card. But not everything is so simple: not every card will work, and the wrong choice can lead to brakes, write errors or even file corruption.

In this article, we will discuss in detail:

  • πŸ” What are the specifications of a memory card for the Redmi Note 4X (including supported volumes and speed classes).
  • πŸ“Š Top.-5 Proven map models from SanDisk, Samsung and other brands with a comparative table.
  • βš™οΈ Step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring a microSD as an internal or external drive.
  • ⚠️ Common Mistakes That Lead to Failures (and How to Avoid Them).

We’ll focus on the hidden nuances of why UHS-I cards might be slower than expected, how to verify microSD authenticity before buying, and what to do if your smartphone doesn’t see a new drive. If you’re planning to use the card to record 4K video or install heavy games, this guide will help you avoid disappointments.

Technical requirements: which memory cards supports Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

Xiaomi Redmi Note Smartphone 4X equipped with a hybrid slot for two SIM-card SIM + MicroSD means you can't use two at the same time. SIM And the memory card, you have to choose, but the main thing is, which cards are compatible?

The official specifications of the device indicate support for:

  • πŸ“ Form factor: microSD only (not miniSD or microSD) SD!).
  • πŸ’Ύ Maximum volume: up to 256 GB (but with reservations – see below).
  • ⚑ Speed class: minimum Class 10 (or UHS-I U1), videotape β€” U3 or V30.
  • πŸ”„ File system: FAT32 (up to 32 GB) or exFAT (over 32 GB).

An important point: the manufacturer claims support up to 256 GB, in practice with cards with a capacity of 128 GB and above can be problems - from slow operation to complete incompatibility. This is due to the limitations of the memory controller in Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, which is installed in the Redmi Note 4X. The optimal choice is 32-64 GB cards from trusted brands.

⚠️ Attention: Maps UHS-II or UHS-III They will fit physically into the slot, but they will work at speed. UHS-I (It's not worth paying for them to 95 MB/s.

Top.-5 Memory cards for Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: comparison-table

We tested dozens of models and selected the best options for price/quality, all cards on the list are guaranteed to be compatible with the Redmi Note 4X and were authenticated (no counterfeits!).

ModelVolume.Class speedWrite/read speedPrice (exemplary)Best application
SanDisk Ultra microSDXC64GBA1, UHS-I U1up to 100/90 MB/s~1 200 β‚½Games, apps, photos
Samsung EVO Plus32GBUHS-I U3, V30up to 100/90 MB/s~900 β‚½4K video, frequent recording
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus128GBA2, UHS-I U3170/90 MB/s~2 500 β‚½The Great Game (Genshin Impact, PUBG)
Silicon Power Superior64GBA1, UHS-I U185/45 MB/s~800 β‚½Budget option for photo/music
Lexar Professional 1066x64GBUHS-I U3, V30up to 160/120 MB/s~1 800 β‚½Professional video shooting

πŸ’‘ Tip: If you plan to install games on the map, choose models with labeling A1 or A2 β€” They're optimized for random I/O operations (e.g., level loading in games.

πŸ“Š What memory card do you use in your smartphone?
SanDisk
Samsung
Kingston
Another brand
I don't use it.

How to install a memory card in Redmi Note 4X: step-by-step instructions

Install microSD in Redmi Note 4X requires accuracy - the slot is located next to the tray for SIM-It's easily damaged by careless handling:

  1. Turn off your smartphone (required!) Removing the card when the device is on can damage the file system.
  2. Take a paper clip or a special key to remove the tray. Put it in the hole on the side panel (near the volume button).
  3. Take the tray out carefully if you use two. SIM-cards, remove one - the hybrid slot.
  4. Place the microSD in the appropriate groove (mark up!). Make sure the card sits down before the click.
  5. Put the tray back to the end. Turn on your smartphone.

Once turned on, a notification will appear about the new memory card. Click on it to configure the use:

  • πŸ“± Portable storage: the card will only be used for files (photos, videos, music).
  • πŸ”„ Internal memory: the card will become part of the system (you can install applications!

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for microSD installation

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: When choosing the option "Inner memory" smartphone formats the card in ext4 or f2fs. After that, it will not be possible to read it on a PC without special software!

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the right memory card, there can be failures, and let’s look at typical situations and ways to fix them:

1.The smartphone doesn't see the memory card

Causes and solutions:

  • πŸ”Œ Bad contact: Remove the card, wipe the contacts with an eraser (no alcohol!) and paste back in.
  • πŸ› οΈ Incompatible file system: format the card into FAT32 or exFAT via PC.
  • 🦠 Software glitch: Restart your phone or reset your storage settings in Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Reset.

2.The map is determined, but the files are not read

Probable reasons:

  • πŸ“› Fake card: check the real volume with the utility H2testw (Windows or F3 (Linux/Mac).
  • πŸ’₯ Damaged sectors: complete formatting (not fast!) SD Formatter.
  • πŸ”’ Write Protection: Check the switch on the adapter (if any) or format the card.

How to verify the card for authenticity?
Download the H2testw utility (https://www.heise.de/download/product/h2testw-50539). Run a write/read test. If the actual volume is less than the stated volume, you're a fake. For example, the "128 GB" can actually be 16 GB with a re-flashed controller.

3. slow operation of the card (brake during writing/reading)

What to do:

  • ⚑ The speed class does not correspond to the tasks: for games and 4K-video U3/V30.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ File Fragmentation: Copy Data to PC, Format the Map, and Return Files Back.
  • πŸ”‹ Overheating card: When recording intensively (such as shooting a video), let it cool down.

πŸ’‘

If the card started to brake after the MIUI update, try rolling back the firmware or resetting the storage settings. Some versions of MIUI 12+ have bugs with microSD.

Can I use the memory card as an internal memory card in the Redmi Note 4X?

Yes, the Redmi Note 4X supports Adoptable Storage (in Android 6.0+), which allows microSD to be used as part of internal memory.

Pros:

  • πŸ“² The ability to install applications on the card (saves space in the internal memory).
  • πŸ”„ Automatic data forwarding (cache, updates) to microSD.

Cons:

  • 🚫 The card cannot be removed without data reset (it is encrypted and linked to the device).
  • ⚠️ Application speeds can slow down (even with maps) A2).
  • πŸ”§ When resetting the phone to the factory settings, the map will have to be formatted again.

πŸ”Ή How to turn it on?

  1. Put the card in and wait for the notification.
  2. Click "Configure" β†’ "Use as internal memory".
  3. Confirm the formatting (all data will be deleted!).
  4. Once completed, restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: If you use the card as internal memory, do not remove it to transfer files to the PC through the card reader - this can cause data corruption. USB-cable.

Speed of work: what is more important – class or brand?

Many users mistakenly believe that a brand (like SanDisk or Samsung) guarantees high speed, but in fact the key parameter is speed class and technology.

MicroSD speed classes:

  • Class 2/4/6/10: Minimum write speeds of 2/4/6/10 MB/s respectively. For the Redmi Note 4X, only Class 10 is suitable.
  • UHS-I U1/U3: U1 is at least 10 MB/s, U3 is 30 MB/s. For 4K video, you need U3.
  • V6/V10/V30/V60/V90: classes for video recording. V30 (30 MB/s) is the best choice for Full HD/4K.
  • A1/A2: optimized for applications. A2 (4000/2000 IOPS) is better for gaming.

πŸ“Š Real speed comparison (Redmi Note tests) 4X):

Class classReading (MB/s)Recording (MB/s)Example of use
Class 108010Photos, music
UHS-I U19020Video: Full HD
UHS-I U3 (V30)100504K video, games
A216090Heavy applications

πŸ”Ή Conclusion: For most tasks (photo, video Full) HD, Easy games - enough maps UHS-I U1 or U3 from a proven brand. 4K-Video and modern games (e.g. Genshin Impact) U3/V30 or A2.

πŸ’‘

Brands are only important in terms of reliability (guarantee, no counterfeits), speed is determined by the class of the card, not the logo on the package.

Can I use a 512GB memory card in the Redmi Note 4X?
Theoretically, the slot supports cards up to 2 TB, but in practice, the Redmi Note 4X only works stably with cards up to 128 GB. Cards 256 GB and above can be detected incorrectly or work with errors due to the limitations of the memory controller in the Snapdragon 625 processor.
How to transfer applications to a memory card?
If the card is configured as internal memory: Go to Settings β†’ Applications. Select the app β†’ Storage. Click Change and specify the memory card. Important: Not all applications support portability. System applications and some games (such as PUBG Mobile) cannot be moved.
Why did the memory card stop working after the MIUI update?
Some versions of MIUI (especially 12.5+) have microSD-enabled bugs. Solutions: Reverse to the previous firmware version. Reset the storage settings to Settings β†’ Memory β†’ Reset. Format the card to exFAT via PC.
Can I record 4K video on a Class 10 card?
Technically, you can, but there will be a lot of artifacts and slowdowns. 4K requires a minimum of UHS-I U3 or V30. When you write to Class 10, the bitrate of video will automatically decrease, which will degrade the quality.
How to recover data from a damaged memory card?
Use Recuva (Windows) to recover deleted files; PhotoRec (cross-platform) to scan deeply; DiskDigger (Android) if the card is still determined by your smartphone; Important: Don't write new files to the map until you recover them; if you're physically damaged, go to the lab (e.g., ACE Lab).