The search for a high-quality smartphone with excellent value for money often leads users to the legendary model Redmi Note 4. Despite the fact that the device entered the market a few years ago, its popularity does not fade due to the reliable design and performance, which is still relevant for basic tasks. However, given the age of the model, the question of where it is safe and profitable to buy this gadget, becomes increasingly complex and requires careful analysis.
The challenge is that the official supply of this new model to large retailers has already stopped, with buyers having to focus on inventory balances, refurbished devices or the used market, and it is important to understand that each of these sales channels has its own risks and benefits that must be considered before placing an order.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the options available, help you distinguish the original from the fake, and tell you what technical details to pay special attention to. The most rare thing today is the new sealed version on the Snapdragon 625 processor, which is valued above its counterparts on MediaTek. The right choice of seller ensures that you get a device that will last you for many years.
Official retailers and large chain stores
The first place a potential buyer should look is at large e-hypermarkets and official brand offices. While the probability of finding a brand new Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 unit is extremely low, sometimes demos or devices returned by customers within 14 days are on sale, the advantage of such a purchase is the official store warranty and the ability to check the device before payment.
Large chains often sell discounted goods, where you can find this model with a small discount because of broken packaging. The cost in such places may be higher than the market, but you pay for peace of mind and not risk of encountering fraud. In addition, large stores are less likely to encounter outright fakes, because the reputation of the brand is more important to them than the margin from the sale of one phone.
However, be prepared for the limited range of physical points of sale. Managers can not always provide complete information about the version of the processor, if the box is already opened.
Marketplaces: Ozon, Wildberries and Yandex.Market
The modern electronics market has shifted to online platforms, where there are a lot of offers from different sellers, where you can find both new and restored smartphones on sites like Ozon or Wildberries, and the main rule here is to look carefully at the seller’s rating and the number of reviews about a particular product, rather than the store as a whole.
Often, on marketplaces, there are offers from Chinese partners who deliver goods directly from warehouses in Asia, in which case the delivery time can be from two weeks to a month, and the price will be much more attractive than that of local sellers. It is important to read the description of the lot: if you specify "Global Version", this means that the package will be a European fork and support Russian from the box.
Remember to check the status of the product: "New", "Restored" or "B / U." Refurbished devices are factory-inspected and often have a new battery and body, making them an excellent alternative to new models at a price.
How to distinguish a fraudster seller on the marketplace?
Advertising platforms: Avito, Yula and forums
Message boards remain one of the most popular places to search for discontinued models. Here you can find offers from individuals and small stores. Here the price of a used Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 will be the lowest, but the risks of buying a defective device are maximum. Before meeting, be sure to check the imei code and the condition of the screen for hidden defects.
In specialized forums like 4PDA, enthusiasts who monitor the condition of their gadgets often sell the equipment. These vendors usually write honestly about all the nuances: whether the battery has changed, whether there are scratches, whether the bootloader is unlocked. Buying from such a person is often safer than from a dealer in the market who could hide the fact that the device fell into the water.
When you make a transaction through Avito or Yulu, try to use a secure transaction or meet in crowded places with the ability to check your phone. Don't accept an advance payment if the seller is in any doubt. Always check the camera, speakers and communication modules before transferring money.
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When meeting with a vendor on Avito, take a Power Bank and cable with you. Ask to plug your phone in and run a heavy app or game for 5-10 minutes. If the battery is old or defective, it will heat up quickly or the phone will shut down under load.
Chinese sites: AliExpress, Banggood and Gearbest
Ordering from China is a classic way to buy Xiaomi equipment, which saves up to 30-40% of the Russian retail price. AliExpress has many official brand stores, such as Xiaomi Global Store or Xiaomi Mi Store, buying from them guarantees the original device with global firmware.
However, when ordering from abroad, you need to be careful about the type of version. There are "Global Version" (full global version) and "Global ROM" (Chinese version with re-flashed software); the second option is cheaper, but there may be problems with notifications and frequencies of LTE. In addition, the box may not be Russian, but only English and Chinese, which is unacceptable for many users.
Delivery times vary from 10 days to 2 months depending on the chosen delivery method and availability of goods in local warehouses (for example, in Poland or Spain). Customs duties when ordering one smartphone for personal use are usually not charged if the cost does not exceed the established limit.
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When ordering from China, always choose a delivery with a track number and insurance, which will track the location of the parcel and return money in case of loss or damage to the cargo during transportation.
What to look for when choosing a version of the processor
One of the most important features of the Redmi Note 4 is the installed processor, as it depends on the stability of the work and the ability to update the system. The model was released in two main versions: based on the MediaTek Helio X20 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 625. The version on the chip from Qualcomm is considered much better in energy efficiency and support for custom firmware.
Visually, you can tell the versions by the model number on the back cover or in the system settings. Snapdragon is characterized by the model number MDG6G, whereas the version on MediaTek is often labeled differently. When buying from hand, be sure to check this option, as sellers may not know the technical details and sell a cheaper version at the top price.
The difference in autonomy between the two processors is huge. Snapdragon 625, made on a 14-nm process technology, allows the smartphone to easily stay two days in mixed use. MediaTek, produced on a 20-nm process, warms up stronger and discharges faster, which is critical for a device of this age.
Checklist of smartphone check before buying
To avoid getting a faulty device, use this checklist when inspecting your phone to help you systematize your check and not miss out on important details that may cost you money to repair in the future.
☑️ Check Redmi Note 4 before buying
Comparison of prices and terms of purchase
For the convenience of market analysis, we have prepared a table that shows the approximate range of prices and conditions depending on the type of seller, the figures can vary depending on the current exchange rate and the condition of a particular instance.
| Type of seller | Condition of the goods | Approximate price (ruble) | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| A major retailer | New/Assessment | 12 000 - 15 000 | 1 year |
| Marketplace (local) | New. | 10 000 - 13 000 | 1 year / 3 months |
| AliExpress (China) | New. | 8 000 - 11 000 | 15 days (Ali) |
| Avito (Private) | B/O | 4 000 - 7 000 | No. |
| Refurbished (Refurbished) | Like new. | 6 000 - 9 000 | 3-6 months |