Are you buying a used Xiaomi Redmi 4 or planning to buy one, but you're not sure if it's standard or Pro? The difference between the two isn't always obvious: both look almost identical, run on the same MIUI firmware, and even have the same dimensions. But under the hood, there are key differences that affect performance, battery life, and even the cost of the device.
In this article, we’ll look at all the visual and technical features that distinguish Redmi 4 from Redmi 4 Pro, from the body markings to the engineering menu, and learn what parts to check first to avoid a fake or relabeled device, and how to avoid hand-held mistakes.
1. External differences: what can be seen with the naked eye
At first glance, both smartphones look like twins: the same metal body, rounded edges and even the location of the buttons. But if you look closely, there are 3 key visuals that will give the Pro version.
The most obvious difference is the headphone jack. The Redmi 4 Pro has it on the top of the body, whereas the base model has it on the bottom, next to the microUSB. This nuance is often overlooked, even though it's visible in ads photos. Also, look at the infrared port: in the Pro version, it's shifted closer to the front camera, and in the standard model, it's a little bit to the right.
- 🔍 3.5mm connector: Redmi 4 at the bottom, Redmi 4 Pro at the top.
- 📶 Infrared port: in the Pro version closer to the camera, in the base - to the right.
- 🔋 Battery marking: the original Pro-model battery has an inscription BH41 (standard — BH40).
Another nuance was the color options. Redmi 4 Pro came in three colors: black, gold and rose gold. The base model had an additional gray hue (Dark Gray), which is not in the Pro line. If you are offered a smartphone "gray" with the inscription Pro on the box, it is 100% fake.
Technical specifications: comparative table
The main differences lie in the “stuffing” of the devices. Redmi 4 Pro received a more powerful processor, increased RAM and improved camera. Below is a table with key parameters that will help identify the model.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Redmi 4 | Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (8 cores, 1.4 GHz) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 (8 cores, 1.4 GHz) |
| RAM/ROM | 2/16 GB or 3/32 GB | 3/32GB or 4/64GB |
| Main camera. | 13 MP, f/2.0, no phase autofocus | 13 MP, f/2.0, with phase autofocus |
| Battery | 4100 mAh (BH40 marking) | 4100 mAh (marking BH41) |
| 4G support | DiT (Dual 4G VoLTE) | DiT (Dual 4G VoLTE) + improved antenna |
Note the processor markings. In the engineering menu (#4636###), the Redmi 4 Pro will have the MSM8940 (Snapdragon 435) and the base model will have the MSM8937 (Snapdragon 430), which works even if the seller has refurbished the device.
⚠️ Note: Some vendors deliberately underprice the Redmi 4 Pro as the base model. Always check the serial number through the official Xiaomi website - this is the only way to verify the authenticity of the modification.
IMEI and serial number check
The most reliable way to distinguish models is to check the IMEI or serial number through official Xiaomi services.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → General information.
- Copy the IMEI (15 digits) or serial number.
- Enter it at mi.com/global/verify.
The system will show the exact model of the device. An alternative method is to use the *#06# command to display the IMEI on the screen, and if the seller refuses to provide the IMEI or the box, this is a reason to be wary.
Check IMEI on the box and in the phone | Check the serial number on the Xiaomi| Website Make sure the model matches in the settings | View the marking on the battery-->
Another way is to look at the sticker under the battery: Redmi 4 Pro in the Model Number box will be listed 2016101 (for 3/32 GB) or 2016102 (for 4/64 GB). The base model is 2016010 (2/16 GB) or 2016011 (3/32 GB).
4. Differences in firmware and settings menu
Even if the smartphones are identical, they can be distinguished through the settings menu and the firmware version. Redmi 4 Pro will indicate in the About Phone section:
- 📱 Model: Redmi 4 Pro or Redmi 4 Prime for some regions).
- 🔧 Version. MIUI: Firmware for the Pro model has the letter P in the code (for example, V9.2.1.0.MALMIED — basic, V9.2.1.0.MALMIPD — pro).
- 🔄 Updates: In the update settings, the Pro version has branded firmware marked Prime.
You can also use the engineering menu:
- Enter the code ##4636##.
- Go to the Hardware Info section.
- Look at the Model line, and it will have the exact name of the model.
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If a vendor claims that the smartphone is “striped for Pro” but the engineering menu lists the Snapdragon 430, you have a regular Redmi 4 with fake firmware, and it’s easy to spot that fraud through IMEI.
5. Performance test: how to determine the model by benchmarks
If you don't have access to the box or settings, you can use performance tests. Install the AnTuTu Benchmark or CPU-Z app and compare the results:
- 📊 AnTuTu: Redmi 4 pick up ~40-45 Thousand points, Redmi. 4 Pro — ~48-52 thousand.
- 🔧 CPU-Z: In the section CPU The Pro model will be specified Snapdragon 435 (MSM8940), The base one is the Snapdragon 430 (MSM8937).
- 🎮 Redmi 4 Pro holds 30 stable FPS into PUBG Mobile is on medium settings, while the base model starts to slow down.
Note multitasking: Redmi 4 Pro with 4 GB of RAM is able to hold up to 10-12 applications in memory without rebooting, while the 2 GB version of the base model is only 4-5.
⚠️ Warning: Some vendors artificially understate the test results on the Redmi 4 Pro to pass it off as the base model. IMEI or visual inspection of the 3.5 mm connector.
Disassembly of the device: hidden marks on the board
If you're willing to go to extreme lengths (like buying a non-working repair machine), you can take your smartphone apart and find the tags on the motherboard. On the back of the Redmi 4 Pro board, you'll see:
- 🔧 Marking: Inscription MSM8940 near the processor (the base — MSM8937).
- 📌 The Pro version of the board has a reddish tint (due to a different composition of the textolite), the base - green.
- 🔋 Battery connector: The Redmi 4 Pro has a 2mm wider battery and has an extra contact for fast charging.
Also on the Redmi 4 Pro board is the PM8941 chip, which is not in the base model, which is 100% accurate but requires care, and if you disassemble carelessly, you can damage the plumes.
What if the seller refuses to show the fee?
7.Price and market tricks: how not to overpay
In the secondary market, the price difference between the Redmi 4 and the Redmi 4 Pro can be as high as 30-50%, but unscrupulous sellers often use tricks:
- 💰 "Pro firmware: Refram the base model, changing the name in the settings. IMEI!
- 📦 Fake box: Model name stickers are easy to fake. check the serial number on the box and on the phone.
- 🔋 Battery replacement: Insert the battery from Redmi 4 Pro (marked) BH41) Check the processor through the base model. CPU-Z.
Average prices for 2026:
- Redmi 4 (2/16 GB) — 3 000–4 500 ₽
- Redmi 4 (3/32 GB) — 4 500–6 000 ₽
- Redmi 4 Pro (3/32 GB) — 6 000–8 000 ₽
- Redmi 4 Pro (4/64 GB) — 8 000–10 000 ₽
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If the price of the Redmi 4 Pro is below 5,000 ₽ — It's almost guaranteed fraud. Even used machines in perfect condition don't cost less than 6,000. ₽.