How to find out the release date of the Xiaomi Redmi 4X phone: all ways with explanations

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017. However, even this model has different batches of production, which affects the quality of components, the firmware version and even the warranty period. Knowing the exact release date will help you avoid buying a restyled version with stripped-down characteristics, check the originality of the device or plan a battery replacement.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods for determining the production date of the Redmi 4X, from decrypting the serial number to analyzing the factory packaging. We will focus on common errors that lead to incorrect conclusions, and explain why some online services give conflicting results. If you buy a phone from hand or plan to sell, this information will save you time and money.

Why is it important to know the Redmi 4X release date?

At first glance, the difference of a few months between batches may seem small, but for the Xiaomi Redmi 4X, it is critical for three reasons:

• 🔋 Battery: early batches (until mid-2017) were equipped with batteries from the battery ATL, The latter are considered less durable by Sunwoda.
• 📱 Screen: Xiaomi changed its matrix supplier at the end of 2017, which led to a change in color rendering (colder tones in new batches).
• 🔄 Phones released after August 2017 originally came from the MIUI 9, whereas early models required manual upgrades.

In addition, the production date directly affects the balance of the factory warranty (if the phone was officially purchased) and the market value on resale. For example, the 2017 Redmi 4X (first half) in the secondary market can cost 10-15% more than a similar device from the end of 2017 – beginning of 2018.

⚠️ Warning: If a seller claims a phone is released in 2018 or later - that's cause for doubt.Official production of Redmi 4X was issued in December 2017 and all later dates may indicate forgery or relabeling.

Method 1: Decoding of serial number (S/N)

The most reliable method is to analyze the serial number that is printed on the box, under the battery (if it is removable), or in the settings of the phone. 4X serial number XXXXXXXXXAA, where (AA) code for month and year of release.

To find the serial number:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → General information.
2. Scroll down to Serial Number (or Serial Number).
3. Write down the last two letters (e.g. 7C, 8A, etc.).

Decoding of the letter code:

Exception: if the serial number ends in "8A" or later, it's a sign of forgery or relabeling. Xiaomi didn't officially release the Redmi 4X in 2018.

Find the number in the settings or on the box

Write down the last two letters.

Contrast with the decryption table

Check for compliance with the release date (no later than 2017)

Make sure there are no signs of forgery (stickers, glued stickers)

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Method 2: Analyze IMEI through an engineering menu

IMEI-The number also contains the date of production, but decrypting it requires access to an engineering menu, a method suitable for phones with an unreadable serial number (for example, if the sticker is erased).

Instructions:

1. Type the code ##4636## on your phone keyboard.
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the IMEI block and write down the first 15-digit number.
4. Use the online service IMEI.info (check date section) to decrypt the date.

Example of IMEI decryption for Redmi 4X:

• 📅 86374904XXXXXXX → March 2017 (7th digit "7", 8th "3").
• 📅 86952709XXXXXXX → September 2017 (7th digit "7", 8th "9").

⚠️ Note: Some online services mistakenly determine the date of the IMEI This is because the decryption algorithm is universal and doesn't take into account the specifics of Xiaomi's production!

Yeah, always.

Only if I buy by hand.

No, I don't see the point.

I didn't know it was possible.

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Method 3: Checking the factory packaging

The original Redmi 4X box contains several production date markers, but you need to be able to read them.

• 📦 Serial number on the sticker (similar to the number on the phone).
• 🏭 Location code (e.g. 1725) → Week 25 of 2017).
• 📅 Date of printing (may be specified in format) YY/MM/DD or YY.WW, where WW — week-long).

Examples of decoding the batch code:

Notice the color and print quality of the code: on fake boxes, the numbers are often blurred or printed in a different font. The original Redmi 4X boxes have a matte coating and clear outlines of the Mi logo.

Method 4: Checking through MIUI (for phones with original firmware)

If the phone has official MIUI firmware installed (not custom), the release date can be found through hidden system files.

1. Install the Engineer Mode (MTK) app from Google Play.
2. Open the app and go to Hardware Testing → Version Info.
3. Find the Manufacture Date (YYYY/MM/DD format).

Alternative method (without third-party applications):

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, press 7 times).
2. Enter in the PC command line: adb shell getprop ro.boot.ddr The answer will be in 20170515 (May 15, 2017).

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware phones (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), this method will give the wrong result.

adb shell cat /proc/cmdline

In the conclusion, find the parameter mdss_mdp.panel= — The date of the assembly in the format may be indicated YYYYMMDD.

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Method 5: Online services for verification (pros and cons)

There are several online tools available to verify Xiaomi’s release date, but their accuracy varies, and we tested popular services and found the following features:

Recommendations for the use of online services:

• 🔍 First, check the serial number through Xiaomi Verify – this will confirm the originality of the device.
• 📊 Use the date for the date. SNEI or IMEI.info, but check the result with the decryption table from Method 1.
• 🚫 Avoid little-known sites that ask for a check-up fee – they often show random data.

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Frequent Mistakes and Myths About Redmi 4X Release Date

When determining the production date, users often encounter misinformation, and let's take a look at the most common misconceptions:

1. Myth 1: “Date in phone settings (Settings)” → The phone. → Production date) always correct." ❌ Reality: This date is easily forged through engineering menus or custom firmware, and can only be trusted if the phone is bought in an official store and never was flashed.
2. Myth 2: "If" IMEI Starts with 86, the phone is released in China and newer." ❌ Reality: Prefix 86 only indicates country of registration IMEI (China, but not by date.Redmi 4X For the global market (prefix 869) can be produced in parallel with the Chinese versions.
3. Myth 3: Phones with a Snapdragon 435 processor are newer than those with a Snapdragon 430." ❌ Reality: Redmi 4X The Snapdragon 435 is always included, and the mention of the Snapdragon 430 is a sign of forgery or confusion with the Redmi 4 (without the X index).

Another common mistake is the confusion with models, such as the Redmi 4X, which is often confused with:

• Redmi 4 (without the X index) is another model with the Snapdragon 430.
• Redmi 4A is a budget version without a fingerprint scanner.
• Redmi Note 4X is a more powerful device with Snapdragon 625.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions