Xiaomi 4 smartphone line includes several devices released in different years under different sub-brands of the company. At first glance, the number “4” in the name can be confusing: this is the flagship Mi 4 2014, and budget Redmi 4 2016, and modern. POCO F4 2022: How to make the right choice and figure out which model is right for you?
In this article, we will break down all the current and outdated Xiaomi models with the “four” in the title, compare them by key parameters: performance, cameras, battery life and price. We will focus on which devices are no longer worth buying in 2026 due to obsolescence, and which remain profitable even years after release.
If you're looking for a smartphone for specific tasks (like taking videos or working long hours without recharging), there's an interactive survey at the end of this article that will help narrow your choices, and for those who've already decided on a model, we've prepared a checklist before buying a used device.
1.All Xiaomi 4 models: a brief overview and history
The number “4” in the Xiaomi smartphone name appeared in different product lines from 2014 to 2022, and here is a full list of devices that are officially or unofficially associated with this figure:
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 4 (2014) – the first flagship of the company with a metal body.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 4i (2015 – Lightweight version of Mi 4 with plastic body.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 4c (2015 – Experimental model with USB Type-C.
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 4 / Redmi 4A / Redmi 4X / Redmi 4 Pro (2016–2017) – Budget Series.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi Note 4 (2017) – “phablet” with a focus on multimedia.
- 📱 POCO F4 / POCO F4 GT (2022 – modern gaming smartphones.
It's important to understand that not all of these devices are relevant today, like the Mi 4 and Redmi 4, which have been discontinued for a long time and are not getting upgrades. POCO F4 It's still sold with new ones. We'll go through each model in detail, but first, the key question:
Outdated models: Mi 4, Redmi 4 and other "dinosaurs"
If you find a low-priced offer for Xiaomi Mi 4, Redmi 4 or their modifications, it’s worth thinking ten times before buying.
- ⚡ No security updates. The latest version of Android for these models is 6.0-7.1, making them vulnerable to viruses.
- 🔋 Batteries on the verge of death: Lithium-ion batteries lose up to 30-40% of capacity in 5-7 years.
- 📱 Weak CPUs. Snapdragon 625 (in Redmi 4 Pro) is worse today than chips in the state-owned for 10,000 ₽.
- 📷 Cameras at the level of soapboxes. 13 MP resolution and no stabilization make photos blurry.
The only justification for buying such devices is collectible value or use as a "spare" phone for calls. For example, the Mi 4 today can be found for 3,000 to 5,000. ₽, But even in this segment there are more modern alternatives (for example, Redmi). 9A 2020).
⚠️ Note: If you are offered Xiaomi Mi 4 or Redmi 4 as new for a price above 7000 ₽ — These models have not been produced since 2017, and their real value on the secondary market does not exceed 2,000-4000. ₽.
| Model | Year of release | The latest version of Android | Cost of used goods (2026) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 4 | 2014 | 6.0 (unofficial firmware) | 3 000–5 000 ₽ | ❌ Don't buy |
| Redmi 4 Pro | 2016 | 7.1.2 | 4 000–6 000 ₽ | ❌ Collectors only. |
| Mi Note 4 | 2017 | 8.1 (informal) | 8 000–12 000 ₽ | ⚠️ Maybe if you need a big screen. |
3. POCO F4 and POCO F4 GT: Modern "four" for gamers
If you are looking for a smartphone with the number 4 in the title, then we are talking about a lineup. POCO F4, And it's a device that was released in 2022, and it's designed for gamers and high-powered tech enthusiasts, but it's also suitable for everyday tasks.
POCO F4 (standard)
- 🔥 Processor: Snapdragon 870 (flagship chip 2021).
- 📺 Screen: AMOLED, 120Hz, support HDR10+.
- 🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh with a quick charging of 67W.
- 📷 Camera: 64 MP core module (OMNIVISION OV64B).
POCO F4 GT (play-off)
- 🔥 Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (flagship 2022).
- 🎮 Retractable triggers for games (analogue of shoulder buttons on gamepads).
- 🔋 Battery: 4700 mAh with 120W charging (full charge in 17 minutes!).
- 🧊 Liquid cooling to prevent trottling.
Both models work on the MIUI 14 (based on Android 13) and will receive an upgrade to HyperOS. F4 GT conventional F4 — It is not only "iron", but also game chips, such as:
- 🎯 Game Turbo 5.0 Mode with Optimization FPS.
- 🔊 Stereodynamics with Dolby Atmos support.
- 🖥️ The ability to connect an external monitor through USB-C → HDMI.
⚠️ Attention: POCO F4 GT If you plan to play Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings for more than 1 hour, we recommend using an external cooler or playing with the on-set. FPS-limiter (60 frames instead of 90-120).
☑️ What to check before buying POCO F4 b/w
Comparison POCO F4 and POCO F4 GT: pick?
If you’re wobbling between the two models, here are the key differences to help you make the choice:
| Parameter | POCO F4 | POCO F4 GT | What's better? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Productivity | Snapdragon 870 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | ✅ F4 GT (20 to 30% faster in games) |
| Screen. | AMOLED, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz | ➖ Same thing. |
| Autonomy | 4500 mAh, 67 Wh | 4700 mAh, 120 Wh | ✅ F4 GT (17-minute charge!) |
| Price (2026) | ~25 000 ₽ (b) | ~35 000 ₽ (b/w) | ✅ F4 (Best Price/Quality Relationship) |
Who's good for it? POCO F4?
- 📸 Those who want a good camera (64 MP with a good camera) OIS) priced.
- 🎬 Video viewers (AMOLED + stereodynamics).
- 💰 Buyers with a budget of up to 25,000 ₽.
Who needs it? POCO F4 GT?
- 🎮 Avid gamers who play heavy projects (PUBG, Genshin Impact).
- ⚡ For those who need instant charging (120 watts).
- 🔧 Enthusiasts who want maximum performance without compromise.
💡
If you're not a gamer, POCO F4 — The difference in performance between the 870 and 8 Gen 1 is only noticeable in games and benchmarks, and in everyday tasks, both chips run equally fast.
5. Alternatives: Which is better POCO F4 2026?
If you are interested in Xiaomi smartphones with the number “4” in the title, but POCO F4 Not suitable for price or features, consider these alternatives:
📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G (2023)
Why is it better? POCO F4:
- 📷 200 MP camera (vs 64 MP y) F4).
- 🔋 Battery 5000 mAh (versus 4500 mAh).
- 💰 Price. ~22 000 ₽ (new ~25 000 ₽ (b/w F4).
📱 Xiaomi 13T (2023)
Why is it better? POCO F4 GT:
- 🔥 Dimensity processor 8200-Ultra (More energy efficient than Snapdragon 8 Gen 1).
- 📷 Camera with Leica optics and support 8K-video.
- 🌈 The screen supports Dolby Vision.
📱 POCO F5 (2023)
Why is it better? POCO F4:
- 🔥 Snapdragon 7 processor+ Gen 2 (newer and more economical 870).
- 📺 120 Hz screen AMOLED peak-brightness 1300 nits.
- 💰 Price. ~24 000 ₽ (new).
If you want a gaming smartphone, but POCO F4 GT It seems too expensive, pay attention to RedMagic. 7S Pro or Black Shark 5 Pro – they offer similar performance, but with better cooling and additional gamer chips (like a built-in fan).
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Before buying, check if the model supports the 5G In your area, for example, POCO F4 (The Indian version does not work with Russian operators 5G, then POCO F4 GT range-support n78 (MTS, Tele2).
6. How to choose Xiaomi 4 for your tasks?
To make sure you don't make the wrong choice, determine what you need a smartphone for. Here are some recommendations by category:
📸 For photography and video
Best choice: POCO F4 (With a 64MP camera with a OIS) Xiaomi 13T (Nothing from the old models will work, because the cameras in the Mi 4 or Redmi 4 look archaic today.
🎮 For games.
The best option: POCO F4 GT. The alternatives are RedMagic 8 Pro or Black Shark 6 Pro, but they're more expensive. POCO F4 And play on the middle settings.
🔋 For maximum autonomy
Among the Fours, the leader — POCO F4 GT (4700 mAh + But if autonomy is critical, it’s best to look towards the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ (5000 mAh or POCO M6 Pro (5030 mAh).
💰 Budget up to 15,000 ₽
In this segment, no Xiaomi 4 model is suitable.
- Redmi 12 (new, ~13 000 ₽).
- POCO M6 Pro (new, ~14 000 ₽).
- Redmi Note 11 (b/o, ~12 000 ₽).
🛠️ For repairs/modding
If you like to dig in hardware, go with the Mi 4 or Redmi 4 Pro — they have a simple design, lots of custom firmware and cheap parts, but remember that these models do not support modern versions of Android and apps.
Can you put a custom firmware on the POCO F4?
7.Where and how to buy Xiaomi 4 in 2026?
The methods of purchase depend on the model:
🆕 New smartphones (POCO F4, POCO F4 GT)
- 🛒 Official stores: mi.com, poco-store.ru, Svyaznoy, M.Video.
- 🌍 Foreign sites: AliExpress (but check the versions for your region!).
- ⚠️ Avoid Avito and Yula for new devices – high risk of running into a fake.
🔄 Used smartphones (Mi 4, Redmi 4, POCO F4 b/w)
- 🔍 Checked sites: Avito (with verification through SberMegaMarket), Yandex Market (section "with mileage").
- 🛡️ Warranty: some stores (for example, the Messenger) sell used equipment with a guarantee of 6-12 months.
- 📋 Checklist checklist: see widget above.
Prices for used Xiaomi 4 in 2026 (according to Avito):
- Mi 4: 3 000–5 000 ₽.
- Redmi 4 Pro: 4 000–6 000 ₽.
- POCO F4: 20 000–25 000 ₽.
- POCO F4 GT: 30 000–38 000 ₽.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a b/u POCO F4 GT Make sure to check the status of triggers (sliding buttons for games) that often break when used actively, and repairs cost 3,000 to 5,000. ₽. Ask the seller to record video of the triggers in the game.