How to distinguish the original Xiaomi Redmi 4X from a fake: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 4X

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Redmi 4X

Compounding the problem, the exterior copies are often indistinguishable from the original: the same dimensions (139.2×70×8.7 mm), the same design with a metal body, and even the Mi logo on the back. But inside, cheap components, simplified board and firmware with viruses. How not to run into fake when buying from hand or in an unofficial store? We collected 7 working methods of verification, including hidden markers, which are silent sellers.

Pay special attention IMEI-The code and the serial number are the most commonly counterfeited, and if the vendor refuses to provide the device for verification before payment, this is a cause for suspicion.

Verification of packaging and configuration

The original Redmi 4X box is the first authentication indicator, and fraudsters often save on packaging using low-quality cardboard or reglued stickers.

• 📦 Box material: the original has a matte coating with clear embossing of the Mi logo (not a sticker.
• 🔍 Serial number: must match the number on the battery sticker and in the Settings menu → The phone is laser-painted on the box, not printed.
• 🔋 Charger: Original ROM marked MDY-08-EM (5V/2A) Fakes often come with universal memory without branding.
• 📄 Documentation: Included must be a manual in Chinese/English (for the global version) and a warranty card with a hologram.

⚠️ Warning: If the seller claims the box is "lost" and the phone is "new but unpackaged" - the probability of counterfeiting is 85%. 4X They were sold only in the boxes.

For clarity, compare the original and fake boxes in the table:

If the box is suspicious, go to check the device itself. Even the perfect packaging does not guarantee originality - some scammers order empty boxes on AliExpress and pack fakes in them.

Verification of IMEI and serial number

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code that is assigned to each original device. The Redmi 4X has it in three places:

1. On the box (barcode sticker).
2. Under the battery (stick on the phone).
3. In the Settings menu → About the phone → General information.

To check the IMEI:

1. Dial on the phone keyboard *#06# and the number will appear on the screen.
2. Compare it to the numbers on the box and under the battery, and if one character doesn't match, it's 100% fake.
3. Check the IMEI on the official IMEI.info website or through the Mi Account service ("Device Check").

Compare the codes on the box, phone and menu | Check via *#06#| Use the official Xiaomi| service Make sure the model matches (Redmi 4X, encoding 2017012)

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⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters have learned to fake IMEI If the codes match but the phone is suspicious (heating, braking), use additional verification methods.

The serial number (S/N) must also be the same in three places:

• 📦 Sticker on the box (format: L7Nxxxxxxxxxx global version).
• 📱 Settings menu → The phone. → Serial number.
• 🔋 Under the battery (stick on the body).

If the serial number starts with an L7A or L7B, it may indicate a "grey" import (such as a device for the Chinese market, cross-stitched to the global version), such phones often have issues with updates and warranty.

External inspection of the device

Redmi 4X fakes usually give themselves away through the finer details of the design.

• 🔧 Back cover: the original has a metal case with plastic inserts for antennas (top and bottom).Fakes are often completely plastic or with rough metal processing (burrs, uneven edges).
• 📸 Camera: the original lens slightly protrudes above the body, and around it is a metal ring.
• 🔊 Speaker and microphone: the original grille speaker has 7 The microphone is one round (near the connector). USB). Forgeries may have 5-6 hole-box.
• 🔑 Buttons: The volume and power buttons on the original are clearly moving without backlash. They often hang around or creak in copies.

Pay special attention to the Mi logo on the back:

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To check the build quality, press the back cover slightly near the camera. The original should not have deflections or creaks.

Another test is the weight of the device. The original Redmi 4X weighs 150 grams (the 3/32GB version) or 156 grams (4/64GB version). Counterfeiting is often 10-20 grams easier because of cheap materials. Weigh the phone on a kitchen scale for accuracy.

4. Checking firmware and software

Firmware is a key marker of originality, and counterfeits often come with custom (and insecure) versions of Android or stripped-down shells.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Check the following settings: Device model: Redmi 4X (codename santoni) must be specified. MIUI version: original global devices have firmware marked Global (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.1). Chinese versions (China) can be reflashed. Android kernel: must comply with official releases (e.g. Android 6.0.1 for early versions or 7.1.2 for upgrades).

Settings → Updating the system

⚠️ Note: If the menu on the phone is specified MTK67xx (for example, MTK6737) Instead of Qualcomm Snapdragon 435, you're looking at a fake MediaTek-based version. 4X It only works on Snapdragon 435 (code) MSM8940).

For a deep firmware check:

1. Install the AIDA64 app from Google Play.
2. Go to System → Android and check: Baseband Version (should start with MPSS.DI for Snapdragon). Build Number option (e.g. NRD90M for Android 7.1.2).

5. Testing of hardware components

Redmi 4X counterfeits are often equipped with cheap iron counterparts that pass themselves off through performance and stability.

• 🔋 Battery: The original battery has capacity 4100 mAh (marking) BF47 or DM47). Fakes are often issued 3000-3500 mAh (checked through AIDA64 The original battery has a hologram with the Mi logo and production date.
• 📱 Display: The original has IPS-resolution-matrix 720×1280 density 294 Ppi. Counterfeiting can be used TN-matrix with the worst viewing angles and color rendering (check whether the screen fades when tilted).
• 🎮 Performance: Launch AnTuTu Benchmark.Original Redmi 4X pick up 40 000–45 000 Counterfeiting on MediaTek rarely exceeds 30 000. Check out multitasking: Open up 10+ And then you switch between the apps, and the fakes start to slow down after that. 5-6 applications.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is warmer than 45°C in normal use (checked through the CPU The Monitor, a sign of a cheap processor or a bad thermal paste, should not overheat in everyday tasks.

To check the camera:

1. Take a photo at maximum resolution (13 MP).
2. Close the image: the original camera retains details, the fakes give a "soap" (strong loss of field).
3. Check the autofocus: on the original it works in 0.3-0.5 seconds, on copies - with a delay or is absent at all.

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If the phone passes all the tests, but the battery goes down in 3-4 hours at an average load, this is a sure sign of a fake battery or power controller.

6. Check through official Xiaomi services

The most reliable way is to use tools from Xiaomi itself.

1. Checking with Mi Account: Go to the Mi Account site. Enter the serial number or IMEI under "Device Check." The system will show the status of the device: Original, Not Original or Not Found (if the IMEI is fake).
2. Checking with Mi Cloud: If your phone is on, try linking it to your Mi Cloud account. Original devices are automatically detected by the system. Counterfeitings give an error This device is not supported.
3. Checking through the service center: Find the nearest authorized service center Xiaomi. Provide IMEI or serial number – specialists will check the device against the database.

⚠️ Note: If the seller refuses to provide IMEI And when you look at the official services, it's a source of suspicion, and 90 percent of the time, these devices are fake or stolen.

7. Hidden authenticity markers

The original Redmi 4X manufacturers add a few hidden markers that only experts know about.

• 🔍 Sticker under the battery: The original has two stickers: one with IMEI and the serial number, the second with QR-Counterfeiting often has only one sticker or QR-The code leads to a non-existent page.
• 🔧 Screws on the back cover: Original screws have Torx cruciform slits T3 (Counterfeiters often use conventional cross screws (Phillips). PH00).
• 📡 Antenna lines: The original antenna lines (plastic inserts on the metal body) have clear boundaries and are symmetrical.
• 🔊 Speaker: Turn on the music at maximum volume. The original speaker makes a clear sound without wheezing. Fakes often wheez or make a squeaky sound because of the cheap speaker.

Another secret test is the check through the engineering menu:

1. Type on the keyboard ##4636##.
2. Go to the phone information section.
3. Check the settings: IMEI - must match the sticker. RF Band - the original supports LTE Band 1/3/5/7/8/20/38/40. Build Fingerprint - must contain Xiaomi/santoni.

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If the engineering menu does not include an “RF Band” section or non-existent bands (such as Band 99) are listed, it is a fake.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 4X checkout