The question of the cost of the popular smartphone from Xiaomi is often confusing, since under the name “Xiaomi 4” users can mean completely different devices. This can be the classic flagship Mi 4, released a few years ago, or more modern budget series Redmi Note 4 and Redmi 4. The mobile electronics market is dynamic, and the prices of these models vary depending on the condition, configuration and region of sale.
It is now almost impossible to find a new device in official retail, as most 4-index devices have already been stopped, but the secondary market is full of offers where you can find both collectibles ideally and spare parts, where pricing depends on a variety of factors, including the state of the battery and the availability of the original box.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how much each version of the “four” costs, what to look for when buying and whether it is worth contacting these models in the current realities.
Diversity of models: which four are you looking for?
Before we talk about specific numbers, we need to clearly define the model. Xiaomi has released several devices that are popularly dubbed the “four”. Mi 4 is a premium smartphone of 2014 with a metal frame and a screen of 5 inches. Redmi Note 4 (and its version 4X) is a “people’s” hit with a metal body and a powerful battery. Finally, Redmi 4 and 4A are ultra-budget entry-level solutions.
Confusion is common, because these devices may look like inexperienced users, but their hardware and therefore market value are very different. If you're offered a Xiaomi 4 for a new budget, it's probably a fake or a fraud. The real cost depends on the specific modification.
It's important to understand that even within a lineup, there can be different versions. For example, the Redmi Note 4 was released on MediaTek and Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, which affected performance and price. The Snapdragon 625 version is still valued higher due to better energy efficiency and support for custom firmware.
Xiaomi Mi 4: the flagship of the past
The Mi 4 is of interest to collectors or enthusiasts looking for a compact phone with a metal body. Since the device is many years old, its price in the used state ranges from 1500 to 3500 rubles. Finding a new sealed instance is extremely difficult, and its price can be unreasonably high due to its rarity.
Costs are heavily influenced by color and memory. Black and white versions are more common and cheaper. Special editions, such as limited-edition colors or engraved versions, can cost many times more at auction. However, for everyday use in 2026, this device is already unusable due to the lack of Android updates and a weak battery.
⚠️ Note: Buying Mi 4 today, be prepared for the fact that many modern applications (banks, instant messengers) may work slowly or not run at all due to an outdated version of the operating system.
When assessing the condition of the device, it is critical to check the screen for the presence of a matrix burnout (especially in AMOLED analogs of the time, although here IPS) and residual battery capacity. Battery degradation is a major problem of older smartphones, and replacing the battery can cost almost half the cost of the phone itself.
Why is the Mi 4 still being searched for?
Pricing on Redmi Note 4 and 4X: the legend of the budget segment
The most popular model in this segment remains the Redmi Note 4X. Even years after the release, this smartphone retains liquidity due to reliable hardware. In the secondary market, prices range from 2500 to 5000 rubles depending on the condition of the case and configuration. The version with 3/32 GB of memory is cheaper than the 4/64 GB configuration.
The CPU is a key factor in price here. The Snapdragon 625 models (often labeled as 4X) are valued higher than the MediaTek Helio X20 versions. This is because the Dragon heats less and holds charge better. When buying, be sure to check the CPU model in the settings or box, as they are visually identical.
Demand for this model is fueled by the possibility of using it as a first smartphone for a child, a device for navigation in the car or a media player.The metal body provides good strength, but also makes the phone heavier than plastic counterparts, which is worth considering.
☑️ Check Redmi Note 4 before buying
If you find a new Redmi Note 4, check the packaging carefully, often under the guise of new ones, refurbished devices assembled from used parts in unauthorized services can be significantly lower than the original.
Budget segment: Redmi 4 and 4A
Redmi 4 and 4A models were marketed as entry tickets to Xiaomi’s smartphone world, with a price tag of 1,000 to 2,500 rubles on the secondary market, with plastic body and simpler screens, but they’re still capable of performing basic functions like calling, WhatsApp, YouTube in low-resolution.
The 4A version is cheaper because of its all-plastic body and less capacious battery than the regular Redmi 4, which had a metal back. For those looking for a phone "just to be" or as a "caller" for older relatives, this is the best choice for price-performance ratio.
When buying such low-cost devices, it is important to check the touchscreen throughout the area and the absence of phantom presses. Cheap matrices can lose sensitivity at the edges over time, and there is also a common problem with sticking navigation buttons, which requires dry cleaning or replacing the plume.
Comparative table of characteristics and prices
For convenience of comparison, we have prepared a table that will help to orient in the average price range in the used market and key differences in models.
| Model | Year out | Processor | Average price (b/y) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi 4 | 2014 | 5.0" IPS | Snapdragon 801 | 2,000 to 3,500 rubles. |
| Redmi Note 4 (Global) | 2017 | 5.5" IPS | Helio X20 / SD 625 | 3,000 - 4,500 rubles. |
| Redmi Note 4X | 2017 | 5.5" IPS | Snapdragon 625 | 3,500 - 5,000 rubles. |
| Redmi 4 / 4A | 2016 | 5.0" IPS | Snapdragon 430 / 425 | 1,500 - 2,500 rubles. |
The table shows that the Redmi Note 4X is the most expensive on this list among the “people’s” models, which confirms its high status and liquidity.The Mi 4 stands alone as a retro device, and the Redmi 4/4A remains in the lower price segment.
Where to buy and how not to run into scammers
Buying older Xiaomi models is safest at trusted ad sites with a guarantee system or in electronics commission stores. On Avito or Yule, the risk of encountering an unscrupulous seller is higher. Scammers often sell phones with broken screens replaced with cheap copies, or with a blocked Mi Account.
⚠️ Warning: Never buy a phone if the seller refuses to log out of their Mi Account before a deal.Resetting such a device to factory settings will turn it into a "brick" that cannot be activated without the owner's password.
When meeting, be sure to check. IMEI-code by dialing *#06# in the dialer, and check it against the number on the box and under the battery (if it is removable). Also check for all the original accessories: the charger labeled Xiaomi, cable and paper clip. The lack of original charging may indicate that the phone was opened or it was bought in a “gray” delivery without warranty.
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Use the CPU-Z or AIDA64 app when checking your phone, which will show you the real hardware and help you identify the cross-stitched Chinese versions that pose as global.
Should you buy Xiaomi 4 in 2026?
Buying a 4-series smartphone today is a trade-off, and if you want a phone for a kid who hasn't learned how to handle things, or a device for listening to music in the garage, the Redmi 4/Note 4 is a great choice. It's not a pity to break them up, and there's still enough functionality for basic tasks.
However, expect full use as a main smartphone for working with documents, navigation in heavy applications or mobile photography in the future. 2026 Moral obsolescence is making itself felt: modern versions of Android and shells MIUI/HyperOS No longer optimized for these processors.
If you have a budget but need a modern device, consider newer entry-level models like the Redmi 12C or Redmi 13C, which are new on the market, and will provide support for current versions of Android and data security, which is critical in today’s digital world.
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Xiaomi Series 4 is a great choice for second roles (auto, cottage, child), but a risky option as the main smartphone due to the age of hardware and software.