In the world of budget smartphones, it rarely happens that two models with almost the same names cause as much controversy among users as the Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Note 4X. At first glance, this is a classic case of rebranding, where the company simply changes the name for different markets, but in this case the situation is much more complicated and interesting. In fact, we are dealing with two completely different devices that combine only the name of the series and the screen diagonal, but differ “under the hood”.
The confusion has arisen from Xiaomi’s marketing strategy, which released a global version of its bestseller under the 4X name while retaining the original Note 4 for the Chinese market and some other regions. For the average buyer looking for a reliable mid-range device, the differences between the two can be a deciding factor in choosing.
In this article, we will discuss the specifications in detail so that you can understand which of these two modifications is right for you. We will touch on the issues of performance, energy efficiency, camera quality and software features, Understanding these nuances will avoid disappointment after purchase and choose a device that will last for many years.
Architectural differences: Snapdragon vs MediaTek
The most fundamental difference that determines the entire user experience is the installed processor. The original Redmi Note 4 is based on the MediaTek Helio X20 chipset. It is a ten-core processor that was considered a pretty powerful solution at the time of release, capable of handling difficult tasks. However, the three-cluster architecture often led to suboptimal resource allocation and increased heat generation.
In turn, the Redmi Note 4X (global) version received the more popular and beloved chipset from Qualcomm Snapdragon 625. This eight-core processor is made on a thinner 14 nm process, which provides excellent energy efficiency and stable operation without overheating. It is the presence of the Snapdragon 625 that made the 4X model a legend among fans of custom firmware and modifications.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a smartphone with your hands, be sure to check the processor model in the About Phone section.Sellers can give the MediaTek version for a rarer and more valuable version on Snapdragon, as they are identical on the outside.
The performance difference is felt less in synthetic tests than in everyday stability. The Snapdragon 625 keeps frequencies under load better, whereas the Helio X20 is prone to trottling (reducing frequency) when heated. For games and heavy applications, this is a critical parameter that cannot be ignored.
Body design and ergonomics of devices
Despite the different internal components, Xiaomi engineers tried to keep the same design language for both models: the case is made of metal with characteristic plastic inserts for antennas at the top and bottom of the rear cover, which was dictated by the need to pass the radio signal, since the metal shields the communication.
The dimensions of the devices are almost identical, making them interchangeable in terms of accessories. Covers, protective glass and films are suitable for both versions without any restrictions. However, there are differences in color shades and coating texture that can be noticeable when directly comparing the two devices side by side.
- 📱 Materials: Aluminum alloy with matte coating, pleasant to the touch and not collecting fingerprints.
- 🔘 Location of elements: Volume and power buttons, 3.5 mm connector and IR port are identical on both models.
- 🎨 Color gamut: The versions could differ in available colors depending on the region of supply (gold, gray, black, blue).
The ergonomics of both smartphones are highly valued for their rounded edges and optimal weight distribution. The device doesn't seem too heavy, despite its metal body and impressive battery, and they lie confidently in their hand, with minimal sliding thanks to the high-quality surface treatment.
Comparison of screens and multimedia capabilities
Both models are equipped 5.5-inch IPS-resolution-screen 1920×1080 The density of the pixels is 401 ppi, which provides a clear and rich picture, which does not show the "grain" effect. IPS It ensures excellent viewing angles and correct color reproduction, which is rare for the budget segment of the time.
The screen is protected by oleophobic glass, which can, however, wear off over time when used actively, and is bright enough for use in the sun, although on a very bright sunny day there may be slight readability difficulties, and the contrast and brightness margin of both devices are at comparable levels.
💡
To protect your eyes and save power, activate the Reading mode in the screen settings, which adds a warm filter and reduces the strain on your eyes when you view text.
Multimedia experience is complemented by stereo speakers (main and spoken), although there is no full stereo sound here. The sound is loud enough and clean, without explicit wheezing at maximum volume. Support for codecs and video formats is standard for Android devices of this generation, there are no problems with playing content from the network.
Autonomy and battery life
One of the big things about the Redmi Note series has always been autonomy, and both models are no exception: they have a 4,100 mAh battery, which is a significant amount even by modern standards, and for the release time of smartphones, it was a reference value.
Here lies the second important nuance of the comparison: With the more energy-efficient Snapdragon 625 processor, the Redmi Note 4X is able to live on a single charge significantly longer than its counterpart on MediaTek, the difference can be anywhere from 10 to 20% of screen time depending on use cases.
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 4 (Helio X20) | Redmi Note 4X (Snapdragon) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4100mAh | 4100mAh |
| CPU process technology | 20 nm | 14nm |
| Opening time (screen) | ~5-6 hours | ~7-8 hours |
| Support for QC | Quick Charge 2.0 | Quick Charge 3.0 |
Also worth noting is the support for fast charging technology: The 4X version implements the more modern Quick Charge 3.0 standard, which allows you to charge the device faster and with less heat than the QC 2.0 in the original model.
Cameras: photo and video
The main camera in both smartphones has a 13 MP matrix with an aperture of f/2.0 and phase autofocus. On paper, the characteristics are identical, but the quality of the images may vary due to different image processing algorithms that are “sharpened” for a particular processor.
During the day, photos are detailed, with good dynamic range and natural colors. Xiaomi traditionally relies on rich "marketing" colors that most social media users like without the need for additional processing. Macrograph works correctly, allowing you to focus on objects within a few centimeters of the lens.
In low light conditions, there is a difference in noise cancellation. The Snapdragon 625 traditionally copes better with digital noise, keeping more detail in the shadows. Video is recorded at Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second, electronic stabilization, which gives an acceptable, but not ideal, result when walking.
Secrets of improving photos
Software and Community Support
Software-wise, both smartphones originally came with an Android-based MIUI shell, but the 4X version became a cult development experience, and a huge community of enthusiasts created thousands of custom firmware, cores and modifications for the Snapdragon platform.
If you plan to use your smartphone not only for calls and social media, but also want to experiment with software, install pure Android or the latest versions of the system, the choice is obvious. For the version on MediaTek, community support was significantly less, and it is more difficult to find current software builds for it.
- 🛠 Unlock: Both models require unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock service with an account binding.
- 🔄 Updates: Official support for both devices has long been discontinued, so the relevance of the software depends only on the efforts of the community.
- 📲 Compatibility: Some applications can be optimized for Snapdragon architecture, which gives a slight advantage in speed.
⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware (Custom) ROM) It cancels the warranty and risks turning the device into a brick if you do the wrong thing.
Final verdict: what to choose in 2026
To sum up the comparison, it's safe to say that the Redmi Note 4X is the preferred choice in most scenarios.The combination of an energy-efficient processor, better community support and more modern fast-charging technology makes it more relevant even years after its release.
However, if you find the original Redmi Note 4 at a significantly lower price and don’t care about the autonomy or the ability to flash it, it’s still capable of performing basic functions.
☑️ Criteria for choosing a used smartphone
Remember that when you bought a device a few years ago, you should be prepared to wear out your battery. Either way, replacing your battery is a standard procedure that will breathe new life into any of these smartphones.
💡
The Redmi Note 4X beats the original Note 4 with the Snapdragon 625 processor, which provides the best balance between performance and autonomy.