Choosing a smartphone in the budget segment often turns into a difficult puzzle, especially when it comes to the legendary Redmi Note series from Xiaomi. Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Note 4X, released almost simultaneously, created a real confusion among buyers.
But the internal content of these devices varies dramatically, directly affecting performance, time and user experience, and understanding these differences is critical, as overpaying for unnecessary features or saving on key features can disappoint the owner.
In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of the technical specifications so you can clearly understand which CPU is installed in your target model and why this will determine the fate of the device for the coming years of use.
⚠️ Externally, the case of the devices are almost identical, so rely only on photos when buying a used smartphone can not be – be sure to check the model in the settings of the system.
Architectural Differences: Processors and Platforms
The main watershed between the two models is the system-on-chip (SoC), which acts as the heart of the smartphone. The global version of the Redmi Note 4 is based on the MediaTek Helio X20 chipset. It is a ten-core processor designed according to the tri-cluster scheme, which was the advanced technology for its time.
In turn, the Redmi Note 4X (as well as the Chinese Redmi Note 4) received a much more popular and efficient chip from Qualcomm – the Snapdragon 625. This eight-core processor is made on a thinner 14 nm process technology, which provides a better balance between performance and power consumption.
The difference in architecture means that the Snapdragon 625 often delivers more stable results in heavy tasks, is not subject to sharp frequency jumps and is less warmed under load. The Helio X20, despite having more cores, can reach temperature limits faster, after which it resets frequencies.
For the average user, the difference may not be obvious in everyday tasks like instant messengers, but it will become noticeable when you run heavy apps or games.
Display and visual technology
Both smartphones are equipped with IPS-matrixes with a diagonal of 5.5 inches and a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. pixel density is 401 ppi, which provides high definition of the image. However, panel manufacturers and color calibration may vary depending on the lot and region of delivery.
2.5D Glass is used in both cases, creating a “glass on water” effect and improving the tactile sensation of swipes. The protective coating, as a rule, is not presented by the latest generation of Corning Gorilla Glass at the time of release, so the use of additional film or glass remains relevant.
The brightness of the screens varies, but in most tests, the Snapdragon-based version shows slightly better readability in the sun thanks to a more efficient display controller. Color rendering in both cases is tuned in warm colors typical of Xiaomi devices of the period.
- 📱 Screen size: 5.5 inches in both models.
- 🎨 Type of matrix: IPS LCD glass-plated 2.5D.
- 🔍 Resolution: Full HD (1080p) 401 ppi density.
It is worth noting that the reserve of brightness is enough for comfortable use in the room, but in direct sunlight, difficulties may arise with both devices.
Cameras: Sensors and quality of shooting
Photographic capabilities are another area where there are significant differences: the Redmi Note 4 main camera (global version) has a 13-megapixel sensor with f/2.0 aperture and phase autofocus, and the software processing here is tied to the capabilities of the MediaTek platform.
The Redmi Note 4X features Sony’s more advanced 12-megapixel module (IMX258) with f/2.0 aperture and the same PDAF phase autofocus technology. Despite lower resolution, the physical pixel size and optics quality often allow for more detailed shots with less noise.
⚠️ Attention: Photo quality is highly dependent on firmware version and image processing algorithms that can be updated, but the “iron” base remains unchanged.
The front cameras in both smartphones are identical: 5-megapixel modules with an aperture of f/2.0. They are equipped with a function beautification (improve appearance), which by default can be turned on, making the skin unnaturally smooth.
Video capture is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second for both devices, and image stabilization is electronic, but its performance leaves much to be desired when walking.
Autonomy and charging speed
Here we see one of the most significant advantages of the 4X. The Redmi Note 4X is packed with a 4100mAh battery. Combined with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 625 processor, this gives phenomenal life, often exceeding two days of active use.
The global Redmi Note 4 has a slightly smaller battery capacity of 4100 mAh (some early revisions have seen variations, but the standard is 4100 mAh, although marketing sometimes indicated different numbers for different markets, technically they are very close, but the optimization of Snapdragon gives a win).
Effect of background processes on the battery
Both devices support fast charging technology, but its implementation is different. Snapdragon features Quick Charge 3.0 support, which allows you to charge the device much faster when using a compatible power supply.
The full charging cycle for the Redmi Note 4X takes about 2.5-3 hours with a standard charger. For the Redmi Note 4, the time may be comparable, but the heating of the case during charging in the MediaTek version is usually higher.
Memory, interfaces and connectivity
In terms of storage and RAM, the devices also have different configurations. Redmi Note 4X most often came in versions of 3/32 GB or 4/64 GB. Redmi Note 4 (Global) also had similar options, but in some markets there were versions with 64 GB of internal memory as standard.
Both smartphones support microSD cards up to 128 GB (officially), although in practice they also work with larger cards. SIM, This means that you can use either two SIM-card SIM memory-cards.
The suite of wireless interfaces includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 and GPS. The Redmi Note 4X version thanks to the Qualcomm modem often demonstrates more confident cellular signal reception and more accurate positioning in navigation applications.
The charging and data port is standard Micro-USB 2.0. There is no USB Type-C support in these models, which is worth considering when buying accessories.
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 4 (Global) | Redmi Note 4X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio X20 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 |
| CPU cores | 10 cores (3 clusters) | 8 cores (1 cluster) |
| GPU graphics | Mali-T880 MP4 | Adreno 506 |
| Main camera. | 13 MP (different sensors) | 12 MP (Sony IMX258) |
| Capacity of AKB | 4100mAh | 4100mAh |
Software and updates
Both smartphones originally came with a MIUI shell based on Android, but support for updates for these devices has already been discontinued, the latest major OS versions for them were Android 7.0 Nougat and Android 8.0 Oreo (depending on the region and version of MIUI).
Snapdragon version owners have much more customization options, and the development community has created a huge number of third-party firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.) that allows you to install more recent versions of Android.
☑️ Checking before buying a b/w
For the version on MediaTek, the number of custom firmware available is drastically smaller, and the installation process is more complicated and risky due to the features of the bootloader and drivers.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi devices requires waiting (7 to 30 days) and binding the Mi Account, which should be considered when flashing.
The stability of the system on the Snapdragon 625 is traditionally higher, there are fewer random reboots and interface freezes, which is confirmed by user reports statistics.
Final verdict: what to choose?
To sum up the comparison, it's safe to say that the Redmi Note 4X is the preferred choice for most users.The combination of the Snapdragon 625 processor, Sony's quality camera and excellent autonomy makes it a more balanced device.
The Helio X20-based Redmi Note 4 may only be of interest to a narrow circle of enthusiasts or those who found it at a significantly lower price, but the savings in the long run may come off sideways due to shorter lifetimes on a single charge and potential heat problems.
💡
When buying a used device, be sure to check battery wear in the engineering menu or using applications like AccuBattery, as lithium-ion batteries degrade over time.
If you choose between these two models in the secondary market, the 4X version should be given priority. It will provide a smoother interface and allow you to comfortably use the smartphone even years after the release.
💡
The Redmi Note 4X beats the global Note 4 with a more efficient Snapdragon processor, a better Sony camera, and superior support from the development community.