When the Xiaomi Redmi 4X came out: release date, features and why it became a legend

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is still one of the most talked about budget models of the brand, despite the fact that it has been several years since its release, this device became a real bestseller thanks to the combination of affordable price, balanced characteristics and reliability. But when exactly did the Xiaomi Redmi 4X come out, and why was its release so eagerly awaited? In this article, we will examine not only the exact date of the presentation, but also the context in which the model appeared on the market, its key features and how it influenced the further strategy of Xiaomi in the budget segment.

If you're planning to buy a Redmi 4X or just wondering about the history of smartphones, this information will be useful, and we'll also compare it to its predecessors and competitors to see why it's still in demand among users who appreciate practicality. And for those who want to delve into the technical details, we have a section with detailed specifications and firmware nuances.

Official release date of Xiaomi Redmi 4X

Xiaomi Redmi 4X It was announced on February 14, 2017, at a presentation in China, and its sales started a few days later - on February 20. 4X, And that's caused some confusion among buyers. 4X It was positioned as a more compact and affordable option, while the Note was a more affordable option. 4X It offered a larger screen and an improved camera.

In Russia and other CIS countries, the smartphone was introduced a little later, in March-April 2017, with official deliveries going in parallel with the “gray” imports, which led to differences in prices and trim levels, for example, in some regions sold versions with global firmware MIUI Global, and in some places – with the Chinese MIUI China, which created additional difficulties for users.

Importantly, the Redmi 4X was the latest model in the Redmi 4 lineup, completing its evolution: its predecessors were the Redmi 4 (released in November 2016) and the Redmi 4A (December 2016), but it was the 4X that gained the most popularity due to the optimal balance of price and capabilities.

⚠️ Note: When buying a redmi 4X Check the firmware region through Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Chinese versions (CN) You may not support Google Services and may have language restrictions.

Why is the Redmi 4X so popular?

The model’s success is attributed to several key factors that made it the ideal choice for the budget segment:

• 💰 Price: At the start of sales in China, the smartphone cost about 699 yuan (≈$100), making it one of the most affordable devices with a metal case and a fingerprint scanner.
• 🔋 Battery: Capacity 4100 mAh was a record for compact smartphones of the time and provided up to 2 days of battery life.
• 📱 Design: Metal body (unlike plastic Redmi) 4A) The fingerprint scanner on the back gave the model a premium look.
• 🚀 Performance: Snapdragon 435 chipset wasn't the most powerful, but optimization MIUI It allows you to work comfortably even with resource-intensive applications.

Xiaomi also pushed the model through flash sales, creating a surge in demand, with more than 250,000 devices sold at Mi.com in the first hours of sales, a record for the budget segment at the time.

Marketing strategy also played an important role: Redmi 4X was positioned as a “smartphone for young people”, which attracted an audience of 18-25 years old. Bright colors of the case (black, gold, rose gold) and aggressive advertising on social networks did their job.

Technical Specifications: What's Under the Hood?

Let’s take a closer look at the Redmi 4X to see why it’s still relevant for many users.

The battery deserves special attention: despite the compact size of the case, Xiaomi engineers managed to place the battery at 4100 mAh, which is 20% more than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy J2 or Huawei Y6.

The downsides include the lack of USB Type-C (microUSB used) and support for fast charging, and some users complained about the mediocre quality of low-light shooting, which was typical of budget smartphones of the time.

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If your Redmi 4X is running out quickly, try calibrating the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.

Comparison with other models of the Redmi 4 series

The Redmi 4 lineup included three models: Redmi 4, Redmi 4A and Redmi 4X. Let’s compare their key differences to understand why the 4X was the most successful.

• 📏 Redmi 4:5.0 screen, metal case, Snapdragon 430, battery 4100 mAh, but no fingerprint scanner.
• 💸 Redmi 4A: The most budget option is a plastic case, Snapdragon 425, a battery of 3120 mAh, price ~$70.
• ⭐ Redmi 4X: The combination of a metal case, fingerprint scanner and a 4100 mAh battery for a price slightly higher than that of the 4A.

Compared to the Redmi Note 4X, the latter offered:

• 📺 Larger screen - 5.5" Full HD (vs 5.0" HD bal 4X).
• 📸 Best camera ever — 13 MP f/1.9 (vs f/2.0).
• 🔋 Same battery (4100 mAh), but with fast charging Quick Charge 3.0.
• 💰 The price ~30% higher.

The Redmi 4X was the only model in the lineup that combined a metal body, fingerprint scanner and a 4100 mAh battery in a compact format – this determined its success.

The Relevance of the Redmi 4X in 2026: Should I Buy?

7 years after the release of the Redmi 4X, it's still available in the secondary market. But how relevant is it today? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of buying in 2026.

Advantages:

• 🔋 Long operating time: Battery 4100 mAh, even taking into account wear, will last longer than many modern public sector employees.
• 🛠️ Repairability: Parts are cheap and widely available, and the design makes it easy to replace a screen or battery.
• 💰 Price: On the secondary market, the model can be found for 3,000–5,000 rubles (depending on the condition).

Disadvantages:

• 🐢 Performance: Snapdragon 435 does not cope well with modern games and heavy applications.
• 📶 Network: No support 5G and some ranges 4G (The Band 20 is a very important one for Europe).
• 🔒 Xiaomi no longer releases security updates for this model, making it vulnerable to new threats.

Who will the Redmi 4X be for today?

• 👵 Older people – a simple interface, long battery life.
• 🎓 Students/Students for social media, calls and easy tasks.
• 🔧 Customization enthusiasts – the model is well supported by custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).

⚠️ Note: When buying a redmi 4X Check the battery status through AccuBattery if the capacity has dropped below 70% of the original capacity, you will need to replace it.

Fingerprint scanner malfunction|Battery condition (capacity) > 70%)|Operational capacity of all cameras|Absence of yellow pixels on the screen|Maintaining the right ranges 4G-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

Like any smartphone with a long history, the Redmi 4X has a number of common malfunctions, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Check background processes in Settings → Battery. Turn off autosynchronization for unnecessary applications. If it doesn't work, replace the battery (cost) ~1,000 rubles).
• 📱 Hangouts and lags: Reset the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. Install a light firmware (e.g, MIUI If 2GB of RAM, limit the number of applications running.
• 📶 Network problems: Update your settings APN In Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks, see if your version of the model supports the desired ranges 4G. In extreme cases, reflash the modem through Fastboot.

One of the most frustrating problems is the failure of the fingerprint scanner, most often due to wear and tear of the plume or contamination of the sensor.

1. Clean the sensor with an alcohol napkin.
2. Re-register fingerprints in Settings → Lock and Protection.
3. If it does not help, you need to replace the plume (cost ~ 1,500 rubles).

For enthusiasts who are ready to experiment, it is possible to install custom software. For example, LineageOS 16 firmware (based on Android 9) significantly improves performance and adds modern features.

Redmi 4X: What to choose instead?

If the Redmi 4X isn’t right for you, consider these budget alternatives (new and used):

If you need a smartphone for basic tasks (calls, instant messengers, the Internet), the Redmi 4X is still a good option, but for games, photography or long-term use, it is better to consider newer models, such as the Redmi 9A or Poco C31.

For those looking for maximum autonomy, the Redmi 10C (5,000 mAh battery) or Poco M5 (18W fast charging) are more expensive, but offer significantly better performance and support for modern communication standards.

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The Redmi 4X is only for basic tasks, and if you want games, a quality camera, or long-term update support, choose a model that is not older than 2020.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions