Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: release date, history of the model and why it is still remembered

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X is one of the most talked about models in the line of Redmi, which became a real bestseller in 2017. Despite the fact that since its release has been several years, the device still interests users: some are looking for it to buy in the secondary market, others are compared with modern public sector, and still others are simply nostalgic for the era of “golden” Xiaomi smartphones with removable batteries and metal cases.

But when exactly did the Redmi Note 4X come out? Why is it often confused with the Redmi Note 4, and what are the fundamental differences between these models? In this article, we'll look at not only the exact release dates for different markets, but also the technical details that made the device so popular.

If you’re planning to buy a Redmi Note 4X or just wondering about Xiaomi’s smartphone history, this article will help you put it all together, and we’ve gathered official data, user reviews, and even little-known facts about the development of the model.

Official release date of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X was announced on January 17, 2017, at a press conference in China, but it wasn’t the first time the device was unveiled: back in August 2016, the company unveiled the Redmi Note 4 (without the “X” prefix), which became exclusive to the Indian market, and it was this confusion with the names of thelater that led to a lot of questions among users.

Redmi Note 4X launched in China on February 24, 2017, and the global release (including Russia) took place a little later – in March of the same year. Interestingly, the model came in several versions, differing processor and memory, which also added confusion, for example, in China sold the version with Snapdragon 625, and for India and the global market was prepared version with Helio X20 from MediaTek.

Importantly, the Redmi Note 4X was the first Xiaomi smartphone to officially go on sale in Russia through the company’s partners, a significant step for the brand on the path to global expansion.

Redmi Note 4X: Why are there two models?

Many users still confuse the Redmi Note 4 and the Redmi Note 4X as the same model, but they are actually two different devices, although they have a lot in common.

• 📅 Redmi Note 4 was released in August 2016 (India only) and Redmi Note 4X — January 2017 (globally).
• 🔧 Processor: Indian version ran on Snapdragon 625, and global Note 4X — Helio X20 (except the Chinese version).
• 📶 Network support: Note 4X better support LTE-ranges for European and Russian operators.
• 🎨 Color options: Note 4X It offered more body shades, including a limited series of Black Onyx".

Why did Xiaomi launch two nearly identical models? The reason lies in the company's strategy: the Redmi Note 4 was designed for the Indian market, where the Snapdragon was in great demand, and the Note was in great demand. 4X Adapt to global standards, including support for more LTE-range.

⚠️ Note: If you see an announcement about the sale of the Redmi Note 4 without specifying the "X", check with the seller which version is offered. 4G!

What makes the Redmi Note 4X special?

The Redmi Note 4X was one of the first Xiaomi smartphones to combine a metal body, removable battery and a powerful (at the time) filling.

The battery was particularly prominent: the 4100 mAh was one of the most capacious batteries in the segment at the time, and it was removable, which was rare even for budget smartphones, and it also had an infrared port for controlling the appliances that smart home users appreciated.

The downsides are the lack of NFC support (which was odd for 2017) and the not-so-brightest screen compared to the flagships, but for its price (from 12,000 rubles at the start of sales in Russia), the Redmi Note 4X offered an incredible price-performance ratio.

💡

If you're buying a Redmi Note 4X, be sure to check the battery status. The removable battery is a plus, but over 5-7 years of use, its capacity could have decreased significantly. Use applications like AccuBattery for diagnostics.

History of sales and popularity of the model in Russia

In Russia, the Redmi Note 4X became one of the best-selling smartphones of 2017.

• 💰 Price: at the start of sales, the model cost less than most competitors with similar characteristics (for example, Samsung Galaxy). J5 Huawei P9 Lite).
• 🛡️ Reliability: metal case and removable battery made the device repairable.
• 📱 MIUI: firmware MIUI 8 (later updated to MIUI 11) offered a bunch of useful chips that were not in the stock Android.
• 🔄 Xiaomi has supported the model with updates longer than many competitors.

Fun fact: In 2018, a year after its release, the Redmi Note 4X still held top positions in sales rankings on Yandex.Market and AliExpress, which was unusual for a smartphone that was already considered “obsolete” by industry standards.

There were problems, too, such as some users complaining about the Helio X20 overheating under prolonged loads, and the first batches of defective pieces with flaking camera glass, but the overall model received high marks from both experts and ordinary buyers.

💡

The Redmi Note 4X was the first Xiaomi smartphone to be sold in Russia through official channels, which helped the brand gain a foothold in the market and paved the way for more expensive models such as the Mi 6 and Mi Mix 2.

2026: Should I Buy the Redmi Note 4X Today?

It's been 7 years since it was released, and the Redmi Note 4X is long gone, but in the secondary market (for example, on Avito or Yula), it can still be found at a price of 3,000 to 6,000 rubles. Should I buy this smartphone today? Let's figure it out.

Pros of buying in 2026:

• 🔧 Repairability: removable battery, availability of spare parts and ease of disassembly.
• 🎮 For non-demanding tasks: calls, instant messengers, YouTube on 720p, play-off.
• 💡 Secondary use: can be used as a backup phone, media player or smart home device (thanks to the IR port).

Cons and risks:

• ⚠️ Outdated software: the latest version MIUI for this model — MIUI 11 based on Android 7. Many modern applications (e.g. banking) may not work.
• ⚠️ Performance: Helio X20 Today, it is weaker than budget chips. 2023-2026 years (e.g. Snapdragon) 4 Gen 1).
• ⚠️ Security: Lack of security updates makes your device vulnerable to viruses.

If you need a smartphone for basic tasks and are willing to put up with outdated firmware, the Redmi Note 4X may be an option, but for everyday use, it’s better to consider more modern models, such as the Redmi Note 12 or the Poco M6 Pro.

⚠️ Note: When buying a Redmi Note 4X check IMEI Some devices may have been stolen or blocked by the operator!

Frequent problems and how to solve them

If you already own the Redmi Note 4X or are planning to buy it, you should know about the typical problems of the model and how to fix them:

1. Fast battery discharge: removable battery plus, but over the years it loses capacity, the solution is to replace it with a new one (cost ~ 1000 rubles).
2. Overheating in games: typical for versions with Helio X20, helps reduce screen resolution and turn off background processes.
3. Wi-Fi/4G problems: sometimes resetting network settings (Settings → Network and Internet → Reset Wi-Fi / mobile network) helps.
4. Hanging on MIUI: cleaning the cache through Recovery mode or flashing it to custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

For advanced users, there is the option to install custom firmware, such as Pixel Experience based on Android 10. This will give a more recent version of the OS, but will require unlocking the bootloader and having firmware skills.

All buttons and connectors are correct | Battery condition (capacity not lower than 70%)| Camera operation (no artifacts in the photo)|No yellow spots on the screen (maritar burnout)|IMEI in settings coincides with the sticker under the battery-->

Alternatives to the Redmi Note 4X in 2026

If the Redmi Note 4X seems too outdated, but you need a reliable budget smartphone, consider these alternatives:

All of these models support modern communication standards (5G or improved 4G), have current versions of Android and offer better performance, but if you care about a removable battery or an infrared port, the Redmi Note 4X is still a unique offering in the market.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the Redmi Note 4X