Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 vs 4X: How to distinguish models in 2 minutes

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Note 4X look like two drops of water, but under the hood hide fundamental differences. The first is equipped with a MediaTek Helio X20 processor, and the second is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, which affects performance, firmware compatibility and even price in the secondary market. If you bought a used device or doubt the honesty of the seller, this article will help you once and for all to understand the differences without disassembling the device.

To make matters worse, both models were produced in parallel (2016-2017), had identical boxes in some markets, and sellers often deliberately confused them by giving the 4X to the more expensive Note 4. We have collected all the working methods of verification, from visual to software, that work even on broken phones.

1. Visual differences: what to look for on the case

So, to start with the obvious, the external features, and despite the identical design, there are 3 key details that will give the model away before it's even turned on:

• 🔍 The Redmi Note 4X has Dual Cameras engraved under the camera (even if the camera is one!). The original Note 4 doesn't have that inscription.
• 📏 Microphone location: On 4X the second microphone (for noise reduction) is located to the right of the main speaker. On the Note 4, to the left.
• 🎨 Color options: The Note 4 was only available in black, gold and gray. 4X added pink and blue hues (but they are easy to repaint, so it's a secondary feature).

⚠️ Warning: Sellers often stick a sticker over the Dual Cameras label or erase it with solvent. Check the microphone, it's harder to fake.

2. Check on the box and configuration

If you still have the original packaging, it makes it easier. The manufacturer has labeled the boxes, but there's some nuances.

• 📦 Sticker article: In Note 4 it starts with MDG5 (e.g., MDG5S for 3/32 GB). In 4X it starts with MZB6 (e.g., MZB6348IN for the Indian version).
• 🔋 Charger: Note 4 is equipped with 5V/2A (10W) RAM, and 4X with 5V/2A or 9V/2A (18W) with Quick Charge 3.0 support (but only in Chinese versions).
• 📄 Documentation: The instruction for 4X mentions the Snapdragon processor, and for the Note 4, the MediaTek Helio X20.

⚠️ Warning: In the secondary market, boxes are often replaced, and if the sticker article is erased or pasted, it's a reason to question the seller's honesty. Check the font on the box, too: the original Xiaomi packages have clear, blurry, and clear.

Another life hack: light a flashlight on the box at an angle. The original package has the Mi holographic logo that changes color when tilted, and fakes do not reproduce this effect.

3. Definition of the firmware and software model

If the phone turns on, the most reliable way is to look at the system settings.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the Model line. It says Redmi Note 4 for MediaTek (MTK) and Redmi Note 4X for Snapdragon (SD).

Processor

The core

Note 4

Helio X20

4X

MSM8953

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters can swap system files by masking 4X as Note 4. To rule out forgery, use the CPU-Z app (available on the Play Market) to show the real hardware:

• The SoC tab is MediaTek MT6797 (Helio X20) or Qualcomm Snapdragon 625.
• The Device tab is either the mido model (codenamed Redmi Note 4X) or the nikel (Redmi Note 4).

If you have custom firmware (like LineageOS), the system settings can lie, and only hardware testing or AIDA64, which reads data directly from the chip, will help.

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Download APK- file CPU-Z from the official website (cpuid.com) if the Play Market is not available. This will eliminate the risk of installing a fake application with viruses.

4. Hardware methods: what is hidden under the cover

If the phone doesn't turn on or you suspect a deep flashing, you just have to look inside.

1. Remove the back cover (a mediator or plastic card will be required).
2. Carefully disconnect the battery (it is on duct tape).
3. Find the marking on the motherboard: The Redmi Note 4 (MTK) board is labeled MSM8953 - that's a manufacturer's mistake! It's actually the Helio X20, not the Snapdragon. The Redmi Note 4X board has the inscription SDM625 (Snapdragon 625).

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling the phone will void the warranty (if it's still valid) and may damage the plumes. If you're not sure about your skills, you'd better go to a service center. Alternatively, use USB- debugging and command ADB:

adb shell getprop ro.product.model


adb shell getprop ro.product.board

The first command will return the model name (Redmi Note 4 or Redmi Note 4X), the second - the code name of the board (nickel for MTK, mido for SD).

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If you saw a board labeled MSM8953 when you were disassembling, but the phone is defined as a Redmi Note 4X, it's 100% fake, and that's the most reliable way to tell the difference between the original.

5. Comparison of characteristics: which is better to choose

Now that you know how to distinguish the models, let's figure out which one is preferable in 2026, and despite similar prices in the secondary market, the difference in hardware is significant:

The advantages of the Redmi Note 4 (MTK):

• ⚡ Higher CPU clock speed (2.1 GHz vs 2.0 GHz).
• 📸 Better camera sensor (Sony IMX258 gives clearer low-light shots).

The advantages of the Redmi Note 4X (SD):

• 🔄 Better firmware optimization (Snapdragon works more consistently with MIUI).
• 📶 Wide support for 4G- frequencies (important for travel).
• 🛠️ More custom firmware and mods.

For most users, the Redmi Note 4X is a better choice because of the stability and support of the community, but if you are critical of the camera or you found the Note 4 cheaper by 20-30%, the difference in performance will be small.

6. Frequent fakes and how to recognize them

In the market of used technology there are not only re-labeled 4X, but also full-fledged fakes under the Redmi Note 4.

• 🔋 Battery: The original has a capacity of 4100 mAh and is marked BYD or Coslight. Counterfeit batteries are often equipped with 3000-3500 mAh batteries labeled Made in Vietnam.
• 📱 Screen: The original has a matrix IPS 72% supportive NTSCClones have cheap ones. TN-A screen with poor viewing angles.
• 🔊 Speaker: The sound is loud and clear in the original. In fakes, it often wheezes at maximum volume.
• 🔑 IMEI: Check it out at IMEI.info. The original model will be listed as Redmi Note 4 or Redmi Note 4X.

⚠️ Warning: Especially often, the Redmi Note 4 is faked with 4/64 GB of memory. Fraudsters install low-end cheap eMMC flash memory (e.g., Kingston A1 instead of Samsung KLUDG4U1EM-B0B1) that slows down after a year of use. Check the memory with AIDA64 (Memory tab → Internal memory).

7 Where to buy the original and how much it costs

In 2026, the new Redmi Note 4/4X is no longer in production, but can be found in the secondary market.Average prices (according to Avito and Yula as of May 2026):

• 📱 Redmi Note 4 (3/32 GB): 3 500-5 000 ₽.
• 📱 Redmi Note 4 (4/64 GB): 5 000-7 000 ₽.
• 📱 Redmi Note 4X (3/32 GB): 4 000-5 500 ₽.
• 📱 Redmi Note 4X (4/64 GB): 6 000-8 000 ₽.

Where to look:

• 🛒 Avito/Yula: Check the seller's reputation and demand live photos (not stock!).
• 🌍 AliExpress: Only vetted sellers with a rating of 98%+. Pay attention to the reviews with photos.
• 🏬 Local commission shops: Ask for a check or warranty card (even if the warranty is over).

⚠️ Avoid buying from sellers who:

• Refusing to show the phone in the on state.
• It is said that the phone is new, but without a box.
• Ask for advance payment without an appointment (a frequent sign of fraud).

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Before you buy, ask the seller to take a video showing the camera, fingerprint sensor and charging, which will help to identify hidden defects.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions