Xiaomi smartphones have long established themselves as a benchmark for price-performance in the crowded mobile market. One of the most iconic series that helped the brand gain a foothold in the hearts of users around the world, was the Redmi line. In particular, the Redmi 4 model became a real hit sales, offering the buyer a metal case and impressive autonomy for a very modest budget. Many users are still looking for information about this device to understand whether to buy it in the secondary market or use as a spare gadget.
When Xiaomi Redmi 4 came out, it’s not just for collectors of retro gadgets, but also for those trying to determine the age of their device to sell or buy parts. This model marks an important milestone in the sub-brand’s evolution, as the company began to actively introduce fingerprint scanners and all-metal cases into the budget segment. Understanding the timing of the device’s output helps to correctly assess its relevance in 2026-2026.
In this article, we will go through the chronology of releases, the technical nuances of various modifications, and how years of production have affected the configuration of devices. You will learn how versions differ for different markets and why release date matters when choosing a firmware.
Official date of presentation and start of sales
The official presentation of the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4 took place in China on October 25, 2016. It was on this day that the manufacturer revealed all the cards, showing the public not only the standard version, but also a more powerful modification of the Pro. For the Chinese market, the start of sales was scheduled for early November of the same year, which caused a real stir among fans of the brand.
However, the device was made available much later in the global market, including Europe and the CIS, and the international version was not delivered in the first quarter of 2017, a delay that was caused by the need to certify the equipment in different regions and adapt the software to local communication standards.
Importantly, the release date in different countries could vary within a few months. The global version often differed from the Chinese version not only in the box and charger, but also in the set of supported LTE frequencies. So when buying a device, always specify which region it is intended for.
Interestingly, the model’s success was so great that it remained in the official retail of many retailers until the end of 2017, making the Redmi 4 a centenarian on store shelves, which is a great indicator for the budget segment, users appreciated the predictability of the device and the availability of fresh standards for connectivity at the time.
Differences between Standard, Prime and Pro versions
The Redmi 4 lineup is unique in that it was divided into three distinct modifications, each targeting a different audience.The base version, often referred to simply as the Redmi 4 or Standard, got a Snapdragon 430 processor and a 720p screen.
The Redmi 4 Prime (known in some regions as the Redmi 4X) was a middle ground, also based on the Snapdragon 430 chipset, but with improved design and sometimes increased memory capacity, but the real king of the lineup was the Redmi 4 Pro, which came out simultaneously with the base model.
- 📱 Redmi 4 Standard: Screen 5 inch, IPS, 720p, Snapdragon processor 430, 2/16 or 3/32 GB memory.
- ⚡ Redmi 4 Prime: Improved design, often (gold) body color, similar to filling, but with an emphasis on style.
- 🚀 Redmi 4 Pro: Full screen HD, Snapdragon processor 625, 3/32 GB of memory, fingerprint scanner at the back.
⚠️ Note: When buying firmware or searching for drivers, it is critical to distinguish between these models.
The most popular version was the Pro. Its Snapdragon 625 processor is still considered one of the most successful and energy-efficient in the history of the mobile industry, it provided smooth interface and excellent autonomy, which was a key factor in the success of the entire series.
Technical specifications and hardware platform
When looking at the Xiaomi Redmi 4’s hardware, the company’s engineers were rational, and while competitors were saving on the body materials, Xiaomi used solid metal with antenna inserts, which not only improved aesthetics, but also improved heat sink.
The top-end version of the performance was the 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, a 14nm processor that ensured low power consumption even under load, paired with Adreno 506 graphics, which confidently pulled popular games of the time on medium settings.
The screen in the Pro version received an IPS matrix with a pixel density of 441 ppi and a protective glass of 2.5D. The color reproduction was configured in warm colors, which is typical for Xiaomi devices of that period. The battery with a capacity of 4100 mAh allowed you to safely withstand two days of moderate use.
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If you plan to use the Redmi 4 in 2026-2026, be sure to replace the battery. Over the years, the capacity of the original battery could fall to 50-60%, which will lead to rapid discharges.
The camera was equipped with a 13 MP sensor with phase autofocus. Despite the lack of optical stabilization, image processing algorithms allowed you to take decent pictures in good light. The front camera 5 MP coped with video calls and selfies for social networks.
Comparative Characteristics Table
For ease of analysis, we can summarize the main parameters of different modifications in a single table, which will help you quickly navigate differences that may not be obvious at first glance.
| Characteristics | Redmi 4 Standard | Redmi 4 Prime | Redmi 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release date (China) | October 2016 | October 2016 | October 2016 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 430 | Snapdragon 430 | Snapdragon 625 |
| Screen. | 5.0", 720p | 5.0", 720p | 5.0", 1080p |
| Memory (RAM/ROM) | 2/16, 3/32 GB | 3/32 GB | 3/32 GB |
| Imprint scanner. | No (in some versions) | There is. | There is. |
As you can see from the table, the difference between the Standard and Pro versions is significant precisely in the performance and quality of the display. The Snapdragon 625 gives a noticeable increase in speed compared to the 430th dragon, especially in heavy applications.
Also worth noting is the presence of NFC. Most global versions of Redmi 4 lacked the NFC module, which was done to make the design cheaper. However, in some specific modifications for certain markets, this module may be present, so checking for contactless payment before buying is mandatory.
☑️ Check Redmi 4 before buying used
Software and system updates
At the time of the release, Xiaomi Redmi 4 was running Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system with the MIUI 8 proprietary shell. It was a stable and functional version of the software, which received many positive reviews for its customization capabilities.
The device was later upgraded to Android 7.0 Nougat and the MIUI 9 shell, and then to MIUI 10. However, this official support from the manufacturer was terminated, which means that newer versions of Android are not officially installed on this smartphone.
⚠️ Note: Attempt to install unofficial firmware (Custom) ROM) Android 10 or 11 is possible, but requires unlocking the bootloader, which can lead to a loss of warranty (if it is still relevant) and unstable banking applications.
Users who want to extend the life of the device often turn to the XDA Developers community, where you can find ports LineageOS and other pure versions of Android, but it is worth considering that the camera and some sensors may not work correctly on custom software.
How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4?
The relevance of the software in 2026-2026 remains in question: many modern applications require newer versions of Android, so Redmi 4 may face compatibility issues.
Relevance of the model in 2026-2026
Should you consider buying or using the Xiaomi Redmi 4 in the current world? The answer depends on your needs. As a primary device for active users of social networks and mobile games, this smartphone is already obsolete. Low screen resolution and lack of support for new video codecs can be annoying.
But it has its strengths that keep it valuable: first, it's robust; its high-quality assembly and time-tested hardware make it virtually unkillable in the home; and second, the aftermarket price is so low that losing or breaking the device won't be a financial disaster.
The ideal use cases for Redmi 4 today are:
- 📞 Phone for the elderly: a large interface MIUI And loud speaker is great for the older generation.
- 🚗 Navigator in the car: Availability GPS And the performance for the cards makes it an excellent on-board computer.
- 🏠 Smart Home: Like a Smart Home Control Panel or a Music Column.
If you find it in good condition with a full screen and a live battery, it’s a great backup option, and the key is not to expect performance marvels in heavy applications in 2026.
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The Redmi 4 in 2026-2026 is the king of the budget segment, ideal as a second phone or device for specific tasks, but not as a basic smartphone for active life.