Redmi 4X and Redmi Note 4X: What’s the difference?

Choosing a budget smartphone from Chinese giant Xiaomi often turns into a maze because of the similarity of model names. Two devices, the Redmi 4X and Redmi Note 4X, released almost at the same time, can really confuse even an experienced user. At first glance, it seems that the difference is only in the console “Note”, but technically they are devices of completely different weight categories.

Both gadgets have a metal body and work on the basis of Qualcomm processors, but their target audience and capabilities are radically different. the Redmi 4X was positioned as a compact “working” phone, while the Redmi Note 4X claimed to be a multimedia center with a focus on the screen and camera. Understanding these differences is critical before buying, especially in the secondary market, where these models are still in demand.

In this article, we will explore the hardware, ergonomics, and software features of both devices, explaining why one is considered a legend of autonomy and the other is the benchmark of budget performance of its time, and comparing them to help you make informed choices without overpaying for unnecessary features or sacrificing important features.

Design and ergonomics of housings

Visually, both smartphones are made in the corporate style of Xiaomi of the period, assuming the use of aluminum alloy. However, the Redmi 4X immediately stands out for its compact size. The screen size of 5 inches makes it ideal for controlling with one hand. The body thickness is only 7.7 mm, which for a battery of 4100 mAh is a great engineering solution.

The Redmi Note 4X, on the other hand, is a classic 5.5-inch lopatophone, and its design is more utilitarian, with a more characteristic antenna insert on the ends of the metal cover, weighing 165 grams compared to 145 grams for its younger sibling, and for some users, this difference in weight and dimensions is a decisive factor in daily use.

It's worth noting the build quality. Both use anodized aluminum, which is nice to the touch and good for heat dissipation. However, glossy inserts around the camera lens on the Note 4X can get micro scratched over time, while the matte 4X back looks more resistant to wear. Both devices lack a protruding camera, which has a positive effect on the ease of carrying in your pocket.

Screens and image quality

The display is the main window of interaction with the device, and here the differences between the models are enormous. - Redmi Note 4X fitted IPS-resolution-matrix 1920×1080 points HD). The density of pixels is 401 ppi, which provides a crystal clear picture, where the individual points are indistinguishable by the eye, color reproduction is rich, and the margin of brightness allows you to comfortably read text even in the direct sun.

Redmi Junior. 4X got a permit panel 1280×720 (HD). Diagonally 5 inch density 294 This is quite enough for the budget segment, but after a high-quality Full. HD The difference is obvious in the note screen, the fonts may seem less smooth, and the interface has less workspace. HD-matrixes are also inferior, with a strong tilt, an inversion of colors is observed.

💡

When buying a used device, be sure to check the screen for the presence of “broken” pixels and uniformity of the backlight, including white and black pictures at maximum brightness.

An important aspect is the protective glass. Both smartphones are covered with 2.5D glass, which has rounded edges. This not only improves the tactile sensation of swipes, but also visually makes the image deeper. However, it is worth remembering that this is not the Gorilla Glass of the last generations, so the use of a protective film or glass is still recommended to prevent scratches.

Performance: Snapdragon 435 vs Snapdragon 625

The heart of any smartphone is the processor, and here lies one of the most important differences: the Redmi Note 4X is based on the Snapdragon 625 chipset. This octa-core 14nm processor has become a hit with the perfect balance between performance and energy efficiency, it easily copes with heavy applications and even modern games at mid-range settings.

Redmi 4X is powered by the Snapdragon 435, an 8-core chip, but with a lower series and less powerful Adreno 505 graphics cores. In everyday tasks (social media, instant messengers, YouTube), the difference is almost invisible thanks to optimization of the MIUI shell. However, when you run heavy games or multitasking mode, the SD 435 begins to lose ground, demonstrating lower FPS and long downloads.

⚠️ Note: Despite having the same number of cores (8 pieces), the architecture and frequency of the processors are different.Snapdragon 625 has cores Cortex-A53 Up to 2.0 GHz, whereas the Snapdragon 435 is limited to 1.4 GHz. Don't let the number of cores mislead you when estimating power.

In synthetic tests such as AnTuTu, Redmi Note 4X steady-point 80-90 Thousands of points, while Redmi 4X stops at the mark 45-50 That's almost a double the difference in computing power, and if you're planning to use your phone not just for calls, but as a mainstream multimedia device, the Note's performance margin is a little bit more than a few years old. 4X will be a tangible advantage.

Cameras: Capabilities of shooting

Photography is another area where the older model is showing its superiority. The main camera Redmi Note 4X has a resolution of 13 megapixels and high-speed optics f/2.0. The presence of phase autofocus (PDAF) allows you to take pictures instantly, without the characteristic of public sector "twist" in finding focus. the quality of the photo during the day is excellent, with good detail and dynamic range.

The camera module in Redmi 4X is also claimed as 13 MP, but it is physically simpler. The aperture is already here (f/2.2), and most importantly, there is no phase autofocus. Shooting in motion or in low light is given to the smartphone hard: lubricants and digital noise. The image processing algorithms in the cheaper device are also simpler, which affects color reproduction and HDR operation.

Front cameras are both 5MP in resolution, and are suitable for video calls and selfies in good light, but the Note 4X, thanks to its more powerful image processing (ISP), is better at dealing with noise cancellation and face retouching in real time.

Autonomy and working time

The issue of autonomy is key for many budget smartphone buyers.Redmi 4X equipped with a battery capacity of 4100 mAh. HD-And with a screen and a less powerful processor, this machine is phenomenal, and it can easily withstand two days of moderate use or a day and a half of active use.

The Redmi Note 4X has a 4,000mAh battery. The 100mAh difference seems insignificant, but the brighter, more energy-intensive Full HD screen and the more powerful chipset are doing their job. The smartphone lives a little less, about 1.5 days, with active use.

Both devices support Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology, but both included standard 5V/2A (10W) chargers. To take advantage of fast charging, you need to purchase a separate power supply. Full charging takes about 2.5-3 hours with a standard adapter.

💡

The Redmi 4X benefits in autonomy with a less bright screen and less powerful processor, becoming the king of survival away from the outlet.

Comparative Characteristics Table

For ease of perception, we will bring the main technical parameters of both devices into a single table, which will allow you to quickly assess the difference in numbers and draw final conclusions.

Software and updates

Both smartphones originally shipped with a MIUI shell based on Android 6.0 or 7.0. They received several major updates during their life cycle, and official support for both devices ended with MIUI 11 (based on Android 9 Pie), which means they no longer receive official security updates and new versions of Xiaomi's Android.

But thanks to a huge community of developers, there are a lot of custom firmware available for these models, and enthusiasts have even ported Android 10 and 11 to them through projects like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and if you're willing to spend time flashing, these devices can have a second life with modern software.

⚠️ Note: Install custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which is officially possible only after waiting 168 hours (7 days) from the moment of binding the Mi Account.

In everyday use, the MIUI interface on both devices behaves identically. The only difference is the Redmi Note 4X with its large amount of RAM (the top versions were 4 or 6 GB) better keeps applications in the background. On the Redmi 4X with 2 or 3 GB of RAM, the system more often unloads background tasks, requiring reloading of applications.

Final verdict: what to choose?

To sum up the comparison, the Redmi Note 4X is objectively stronger, and it benefits in screen quality, interface speed, photo quality, and faster memory, and for most users, it was and remains the preferred model, if size allows.

The Redmi 4X is a choice for a narrow audience, ideal for those looking for a compact phone for calls, a navigator in a car or a device for a child/elderly person, and its trump card is the incredible autonomy and convenience of one-handed control, which in the era of giant screens is becoming rare.

If you’re choosing between these models in the secondary market today, look at the battery status, as both are a few years old.Otherwise, the 4GB RAM Redmi Note 4X is still capable of performing basic tasks better than many entry-level budgeters today.