Xiaomi smartphone owners often face confusion when trying to determine the exact modification of their device, especially for the Redmi Note 4 line, which came in two completely different versions with the same names but different hardware.
The differences between the global version and the Chinese version are so significant that they are actually different devices, processors, radio modules and even the location of the plumes can be different, so you need to know exactly what kind of machine you are holding before you perform any software manipulation or repair.
In this article, we will discuss all the available methods for determining the model, from a simple inspection of the case to using the engineering menu, you will learn to read the manufacturer's codes and understand the technical specifications to avoid common mistakes.
Visual differences and marking on the body
The easiest and fastest way to know which model you have is to look at the back of your smartphone. But here lies the first trap: visually, the cases may be identical, but the labeling underneath will be different. The global version often has the MI or Xiaomi logo on the back, whereas the Chinese version may not have a logo at all or be labeled Redmi.
So, you should carefully study the little text that's in the bottom of the back cover, and that's where the model number is, which is the key, and if the sticker is erased or the case is changed, this method won't work, and you have to look inside the system.
⚠️ Warning: Don't rely on the name on the About Phone menu, as it may have been changed by a user or custom firmware. Always check the physical markings.
The global version is characterized by the model code MDG6G or MCG3G. The Chinese version, known as 4X, is marked with the code MDI6G. These letters and numbers are a unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer in the factory. If you see a code starting in MDI, you have exactly the version for the Chinese market.
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When buying a used smartphone, always check the code on the back with the code in the system menu. The mismatch may indicate a replacement case or assembly from different parts.
Verification through system settings
The standard MIUI shell interface provides enough information for the average user, but requires care. To find the data, you need to go to the settings section. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of Android, but the logic remains the same.
Open the Settings app and find the About phone item. This shows the basic information, but for a precise identification, you need to click multiple times on either MIUI Version or Kernel Version to see more detailed data. In some cases, full model information is hidden in the Device Model bar.
- 📱 Open the Settings menu → The phone.
- 🔍 Find the line "Model" or "Model".
- 📝 Write down a code consisting of letters and numbers (for example, MCG3G).
- 🌐 Compare the code with the model match table below.
If the model bar contains the MCT or MDI code, it confirms that you have a version of the Redmi Note 4X. Global versions are usually marked with MCG or MDG codes. Also worth paying attention to the version of Android that came out of the box: for the 4X it was often 6.0 or 7.0, while the global could immediately get 7.0.
Use of the engineering menu and USSD-code
To get more technical information, you can use a hidden engineering menu, which allows you to see real data about hardware that is harder to forge software, and you can enter special codes in the Phone app, which gives you access to test modes.
Dial the code ##6484## or ##4636##. The first code opens the Equipment Testing Menu (CIT) where you can check each module separately. The second code leads to the Test Information Menu, where you can display battery data and usage statistics.
##6484##You can often find information on the PCB version or the specific revision number of the device in the CIT menu, which is especially useful if the shell has been changed, and you can check the sensors that may differ in the Note 4 and 4X versions.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful in the engineering menu. Changing unknown parameters can cause the radio module to malfunction or calibrate the screen.
Another useful code is *#06#. It displays the IMEI of the device, and although the IMEI number itself won't tell you the model directly, the first 8 digits (TAC) can be used to identify the phone model through special online databases, which is a reliable way to double-check.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To make sure that the model is correct, it is best to compare the specifications of your device with the reference data, the differences between versions lie not only in the names, but also in the “stuffing”.
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 4 (Global) | Redmi Note 4X (China/Global) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio X20 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 |
| Model code | MDG6G / MCG3G | MDI6G / MCT |
| Graphics | Mali-T880 MP4 | Adreno 506 |
| Support for LTE | Depends on the region. | Full support (Cat. 7) |
The most critical difference is the processor. The global version was originally equipped with a chip from MediaTek, which had its own features in operation and heating. The 4X version received a more energy-efficient and popular chip from Qualcomm among developers. It is because of the Snapdragon 625 processor that the 4X version became more popular for installing custom firmware.
Why is the processor so important?
Also worth noting is the difference in graphics accelerators: If you plan to use your phone for games or emulators, knowing the type of GPU (Adreno or Mali) will help you understand the potential of the device.
Definition through computer and ADB
If the smartphone screen is broken or the sensor is not working, you can determine the model through a connection to the computer. This requires installing ADB drivers and enabling debugging over USB (if it was activated earlier), This method gives the most reliable information from the system files.
Connect your phone to your PC and start the command line. Enter the adb shell getprop ro.product.model command. The system will return the exact model code that will be stitched into the firmware. You can also use the adb shell getprop ro.build.product command to get an additional identifier.
adb shell getprop ro.product.modelThe computer can also define the device as a media device or debugging module. In Windows Device Manager, in the properties of the connected phone, the full model name and Vendor ID are often spelled out. This helps identify the device even without the screen turning on, if the driver is installed.
☑️ PC-based verification
Use of third-party analysis software, such as AIDA64 or CPU-Z, And it also gives you a great result. These applications read data directly from sensors and chips, and they give you a complete picture of SoC, memory and sensors. APK-file of such program, install and run.
Frequent identification issues and problems
Despite the clear instructions, users often encounter nuances that are confusing, such as why does a phone show one name and behave like another?
Often, confusion arises from firmware reflashing: If the Chinese version (4X) has global firmware installed, the menu may say "Global Version", but the model code in the system will remain Chinese, which is normal, but it requires caution when updating further.
Can you turn Redmi Note 4 into a 4X version?
Why is 4G Internet not working, even though the model is right?
Where can I find the original box if it is lost?
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Accurate knowledge of the model (Note 4 or 4X) is critical to choosing the right firmware. Mistake in choosing a file to update can completely disable the device.
In conclusion, don’t ignore the technical details of your device, and understanding what’s inside your Redmi Note 4 or 4X will save you a lot of trouble in the future, and use a combination of visual inspection, menu checks, and PC analysis to get 100% accurate results.