Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Note 4X: 10 Key Differences That Will Affect Your Choices

In 2017, Xiaomi released two models that still cause confusion among buyers of used equipment – Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Note. 4X. At first glance, these smartphones seem almost identical: the same design, similar screens and even names that differ only in one letter. But under the hood hide fundamental differences that directly affect performance, battery life and even the possibility of future updates.

Today, we're going to take a look at all the technical and practical differences between these models so you can make an informed choice, and this is especially true for those considering buying a used device in 2026, because it's a model that determines whether you can install modern software or replace the battery without any problems. Let's start with the most important thing: processors and hardware, which determine 80% of the user experience.

Both models were in the budget segment, but the Redmi Note was not. 4X It was marketed as an "updated version" with improved features, but in practice some "improvements" have been controversial, as we'll discuss later. If you already own one of the models, this article will help you understand what features of your device can be revealed with firmware or upgrades.

1.CPUs: Snapdragon vs Helio - which is better in 2026?

The main architectural difference between the models lies in chipsets. - Redmi Note 4 It was equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 625 (8 nuclei Cortex-A53, 2.0 GHz, while Redmi Note 4X Mediatek Helio X20 (10 nuclei: 2×Cortex-A72 + 8×Cortex-A53, before 2.3 On Helio paper. X20 It looks more powerful due to more cores and higher frequency, but real performance depends on optimization.

In benchmarks (e.g., AnTuTu), the Snapdragon 625 has often shown more stable results, especially over the long term.

• 🔥 Heating: Helio X20 warms up more when loaded (games, video editing), which leads to trolling (resetting frequencies).
• 🎮 Snapdragon 625 is better at handling PUBG Mobile is on medium settings, while Helio X20 It can even "spoo" on low.
• 🔄 Updates: Snapdragon version received support MIUI 12 (based on Android 9) whereas Helio X20 stuck MIUI 11 (Android 7).

V 2026 The difference is even more noticeable this year: Snapdragon 625 Supports unofficial firmware based on Android 12-13 (For example, LineageOS, while for Helio X20 The reason why modern custom software is so limited is because Mediatek is so closed, and if you care about the relevance of software, the choice is obvious.

⚠️ Note: When buying a Redmi Note 4X check the condition of the thermopaste - due to overheating, it often dries up, which worsens the performance of the heater. 30-40%. In the Snapdragon version, this problem is less common.

2. Screen and design: where are the catches hidden?

Both models received 5.5-inch IPS-resolution-screen 1920×1080 (Full HD), But there's nuances:

• 🌈 Color rendering: The Note 4X screen a little colder (6500K against 6300K Note 4, which is not something everyone likes.
• 🔦 Brightness: The maximum brightness of the Note 4 is 450 nits, and 4X — 400 nits. The difference is noticeable in the sun.
• 🛡️ Protection: Both screens are covered with glass 2.5D Gorilla Glass 3, but the 4X oleophobic coating is washed away faster.

Externally, smartphones are identical except for the location of the IR port:

• 📶 Redmi Note 4: IR port to the right of the 3.5 mm connector.
• 📶 Redmi Note 4X: IR port to the left of the 3.5 mm connector.

Also 4X The frame is slightly thinner than the frame around the screen (2.1 mm vs. 2.3 mm in the Note 4), but this is noticeable only when compared directly. 4X heavier than 5 grams (165 g vs 160 g).

3.Cameras: megapixels vs real quality

On paper, the models' cameras are the same:

• 📸 Basic: 13 MPP, f/2.0, phase-focus (PDAF).
• 🤳 Frontal: 5 MPP, f/2.0.

But in practice, there is a difference – and it is related to the processor.

Redmi Note 4 (Snapdragon) is used in the ISP from Qualcomm, which better handles noise and white balance.In Note 4X (Mediatek image processing algorithms are less advanced, which is why:

• 🌃 At dusk, the Note 4 retains more detail in the shadows.
• 🎭 Colors on the Note 4X They are often oversaturated (especially red and green).
• 📹 Video on Note 4 is more stable due to the better work of the gyroscope with Snapdragon.

Examples of difference (taken under the same conditions):

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 4X video-shot 1080p Sometimes artifacts appear in the form of green pixels - this is a famous Helio bug. X20, firmware-free.

4. Battery and autonomy: who lives longer?

Both models are equipped with 4100 mAh batteries, but the operating time is different due to:

1. Processor: Helio X20 consume 15-20% more energy when loaded.
2. Optimization: MIUI Snapdragon 625 better manages background processes.
3. Screen: The Note 4's brighter display is offset by the chipset's efficiency.

Test results (average values):

• 📞 Conversations (3G): Note 4 - 28 hours, Note 4X — 24 hours.
• 🎬 Video (YouTube, 720p): Note 4 - 14 hours, Note 4X — 11:00.
• 🎮 Games (PUBG, Medium settings: Note 4 – 5.5 h, Note 4X — 4 hours.

Important nuance: in 2026 The original batteries of both models are already worn out (even with careful use, the capacity falls on the head). 30-40% post 5-6 When replacing the battery with a Note 4X More often there are problems with calibration of the charge due to bugs in the Mediatek power controller.

Battery wear in AccuBattery (should be) < 300 cycles)

No bloating (check the plane of the back cover)

Original battery (on the label should be) QR-code)

Charging speed (0-50% should ~40 minute)

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5. Memory and productivity: where are the bottlenecks?

Both models were produced in variants. 3/32 GB and 4/64 GB, but there are critical differences:

• 💾 Note 4 uses eMMC 5.1, Note 4X — eMMC 5.0 Difference in read/write speed ~15%.
• 🔄 Multitasking: Helio X20 worse manages background applications - when 3 GB RAM is already through 5-6 The running applications start hanging out.
• 🔌 Slot for map: In Note 4X hybrid slot (or 2) SIM, 1 SIM + MicroSD, whereas Note 4 supports 2 SIM + MicroSD simultaneously.

Speed of work in everyday tasks:

If you plan to use your smartphone as a secondary device (for example, for a navigator or a music player), the difference is not critical.

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To speed up the Redmi Note 4X, Turn off animation in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Scale of animation → put out 0.5x).

6. Communications and Networks: LTE, Wi-Fi and GPS

Here, the Redmi Note 4 has an undeniable advantage thanks to the Snapdragon 625 chipset, which supports:

• 📶 LTE: Category 7 (up to 300 Mbps) vs Category 6 (up to 150 Mbps) in Helio X20.
• 📡 Wi-Fi: Dual-band 802.11ac (5 GHz vs. 802.11n (Only 2.4 GHz for the Note 4X.
• 📍 GPS: Support GLONASS and BeiDou vs. just GPS note 4X (in the city the difference is up to 10 meters).

If you use mobile internet or navigation a lot, the Redmi Note 4 will be more reliable. 4X It can “lose” the signal in tunnels or between high-rises, whereas the Snapdragon version keeps the communication more stable.

Another important thing is that VoLTE is supported, and both models are officially voice-enabled. 4G, but in practice:

• ✅ Redmi Note 4: VoLTE works out of the box on most firmware.
• ❌ Redmi Note 4X: VoLTE often shuts down after updates (especially on custom firmware).

7. Software: What firmware is available?

At the time of release, both models were MIUI 8 powered by Android 6.0, but further updates split their fates:

• 🔄 Redmi Note 4 (Snapdragon): Official Updates to MIUI 12 (Android 9) Unofficial ports LineageOS 20 (Android 13), Pixel Experience. Support GSI-Firmware (Generic System Image).
• 🚫 Redmi Note 4X (Helio: Official updates have stopped at MIUI 11 (Android 7).Castom firmware is limited to Android 10 (due to Mediatek's closure). TWRP — Often the touch does not work after installation.

In 2026, Redmi Note 4 can be turned into a nearly modern device with Android 13, while Note 4X It will be permanently stuck on legacy software with security vulnerabilities, which is critical if you use your smartphone for payments, social media, or corporate email.

Instructions for installing custom firmware on Redmi Note 4:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding).
2. Install TWRP via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. Make a backup in TWRP (Please keep the Continue section!).
4. Sweep through the firmware (such as LineageOS) and GApps.

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If you need current apps (like modern versions of WhatsApp or Google Maps), choose only Redmi Note 4 on Snapdragon.

8 Repairability and spare parts in 2026

Both models have removable back covers (mounted on latches) and replaceable batteries, but there are differences in the availability of spare parts:

• 🔧 Screens: Matrixes for Note 4 cheaply 20-30% (near 2500 ruble 3500 rub 4X).
• 🔋 Batteries: Original batteries for Note 4 are still available 4X more often than not, fakes.
• 📱 Motherboards: Snapdragon 625 repaired more often (more donors) than Helio X20.

Typical problems after 5+ service:

If you are buying a used device, be sure to check:

• 🔍 The state of the flex cable of the screen (with bends, stripes may appear).
• 🔊 The speaker is working at maximum volume (in 4X squeaky).
• 📶 Sensitivity GPS (note 4X The module can "blind" after falling).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 4X When replacing the battery, settings are often confused IMEI — This is due to a bug in Mediatek. IMEI through MTK Engineering Mode (##3646633##).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 4 and 4X