Why is the Redmi 4X still in demand?
Xiaomi Redmi 4X, launched in early 2017, is still one of the most talked-about budget models in the aftermarket. Despite the fact that more than 7 years have passed since its premiere, the device continues to be actively bought - not only as a spare phone, but also as a main gadget for everyday tasks.
First, the Redmi 4X became the benchmark for the price-quality ratio in its time: a metal case, a 4100 mAh battery, a Snapdragon 435 processor and a 13 MP camera – all this was offered for ridiculous money by today’s standards. Second, the model received long-term support for MIUI, which allowed many users to upgrade to Android 7.1.2 (and informal firmware pulls and Android 10). Finally, the Redmi 4X is the latest Xiaomi smartphone with a removable battery in the Redmi line, which makes it an ideal option for repair and modernization.
But the price is the main thing. In 2026, you can buy a Redmi 4X for the equivalent of a flagship case, but there are also pitfalls, from scammers on bulletin boards to worn-out batteries and drowned ones, and in this guide, we will examine how much the Xiaomi Redmi 4X is really worth today, where it is most profitable to buy and what to look for to avoid running into a cat in a bag.
Current prices for Xiaomi Redmi 4X in 2026
The price of the Redmi 4X varies greatly depending on condition, configuration and place of purchase, below are the average price tags for June 2026 (in rubles, taking into account the rate and inflation).
| Status. | Avito/Yula | AliExpress | Service centres (b/u) | New (sealed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worker, scratched. | 2 500 — 3 500 ₽ | 3 000 — 4 500 ₽ | 3 500 — 4 000 ₽ | — |
| Excellent (as new) | 4 000 — 5 500 ₽ | 5 000 — 6 500 ₽ | 4 500 — 5 000 ₽ | 7 000 — 9 000 ₽ |
| Defective (screen broken, battery broken) | 1 000 — 2 000 ₽ | 1 500 — 2 500 ₽ | 1 800 — 2 200 ₽ | — |
| For spare parts (excluded) | 500 — 1 200 ₽ | 800 — 1 500 ₽ | 600 — 1 000 ₽ | — |
It is important to understand that AliExpress prices are often inflated due to delivery and intermediaries. For example, a new Redmi 4X in original packaging on Chinese sites can cost up to 10,000 ₽, but these are usually “gray” deliveries with the risk of customs problems. On Russian bulletin boards, it is more profitable to look for options with manual transmission, so you can touch the phone before buying and check its health.
Where to buy Xiaomi Redmi 4X cheaper: comparison of sites
The choice of site depends on your goals. If you want a work phone "here and now", you should consult the proven options.
- 📱 Avito/Yula is the most popular way. Pros: you can haggle, you can look at your phone before you buy, you often get honest salespeople. Cons: you have a high risk of running into fraudsters (especially when you prepay) or a phone with hidden defects.
- 🛒 AliExpress / Taobao — suitable for those who are willing to wait for delivery for 2-4 weeks. Pros: sometimes come across new phones at a used price.
- 🔧 Service centers -- they often sell refurbished phones with a 1-3 month warranty, plus: proven condition, warranty. Cons: higher than the price of private owners.
- 🤝 Telegram chats and forums (e.g. 4PDA) — you can find rare modifications (e.g. Redmi 4X with 4GB of RAM). Pros: expert community, you can ask questions before buying. Cons: it is difficult to check the reputation of the seller.
⚠️ Warning: Avito and Yula often feature ads with photos copied from the Internet. Always ask the seller to send a fresh photo with the current date (for example, on a leaflet next to the phone) or a video with a demo of the work.
If you buy a phone for repairs or upgrades (for example, to replace the battery or firmware), look for lots marked "for parts": Often these phones are sold with a faulty screen or battery, but with a working motherboard - they can be restored for pennies.
Xiaomi Redmi 4X: Is the game worth the candle?
Before you buy a Redmi 4X in 2026, it’s worth looking at its capabilities, which is a weak smartphone by modern standards, but it’s perfect for certain tasks.
- 📱 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 (8 cores, 1.4 GHz) is weak for modern games, but will cope with social networks and YouTube.
- 🧠 RAM: 2 or 3 GB (depending on the modification). 2 GB today is very small, but for calls and instant messengers enough.
- 📸 Camera: Main 13 MP (f/2.0), Front 5 MP. In 2026 year, this is weak, but for daytime photos will do.
- 🔋 Battery: 4100 mAh is one of the main advantages of the model, and it lasts 1.5 to 2 days in moderate use.
- 📀 Memory: 16 or 32 GB (microSD extends to 256 GB). 16 GB today is critically low, it's better to look for a 32 GB option.
- 📶 Network: supports 4G, but not all bands (e.g., may not catch Band 20 that uses Tele2).
The Redmi 4X is a removable battery, which is a rarity in 2026, and many people buy a phone just to get a quick battery replacement, and it also supports OTG, which allows you to plug in flash drives and mice without adapters.
⚠️ Warning: Many vendors claim that you can put Android 10 or Android 11 on the Redmi 4X via custom firmware. This is true, but only for modifications with a Snapdragon 435 processor (rather than the 430 that was put in some batches). Before buying, check the processor model through the → About Phone Settings.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi Redmi 4X?
What to look for when buying a used Xiaomi Redmi 4X
Buying a used phone is always risky, but with the Redmi 4X, there are specifics to check out.
Check it out. IMEI originality|Examine the body for dents and traces of falls|Run the battery test (should be held) ≥ 70% of the original capacity)|Check the operation of all sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer)|Make sure your phone is not blacklisted (locked by the operator)-->
Pay special attention to the following nuances:
- Battery: Even if the seller claims that the battery is “like new,” its capacity could drop to 50-60% in 7 years of use. Check through the AccuBattery app or in the service menu (#4636##).
- The Redmi 4X is equipped with a IPS- matrix with a resolution of 720×1280. Check for broken pixels and yellowness (a common problem in this model).
- Charging port. Many of them have a microUSB connector that can hold no charge or shut down when the cable moves the slightest.
- Network. Make sure the phone catches 4G in your area. Some modifications don't support the Band 20 (800 MHz), which uses Tele2 and Yota.
If the seller refuses to provide the phone for inspection or insists on 100% prepayment, this is a reason to be wary, and avoid ads with wording like “phone after the baby” or “a little sunk” – such devices often have hidden defects.
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Before buying, ask the seller to take a screenshot of the Settings → About phone menu and send it to you. This way you make sure that the firmware is original, not custom (which may indicate an attempt to hide the problems).
Should you buy a Xiaomi Redmi 4X in 2026?
The answer depends on your goals. Let's look at who's the Redmi 4X for, and who's the best option to consider.
Who's good for it?
- 📞 Those who need a spare phone for calls and instant messengers.
- 🔧 Repairmen and experimenters — the model is ideal for training firmware and soldering.
- 🎮 Those who want a retro gadget for emulators of older games (e.g. GBA or PS1).
- 🔋 Those who need a phone with a removable battery and long run time.
Who doesn't?
- 📸 For those who want a good camera, 13 MP in 2026 is very weak.
- 🎮 Gamers – Snapdragon 435 won’t pull up to modern games even at minimal settings.
- 🚀 For those who want fast work, 2-3 GB of RAM is not enough for comfortable multitasking.
- 📲 For those who plan to use the phone for longer than 1-2 years, firmware support has long been discontinued and the hardware is obsolete.
If you need a budget phone for basic tasks, but the Redmi 4X seems too weak, consider the alternatives:
- 📱 Redmi 9A (2020) — The new one can be bought for 6,000–8,000 ₽, and is significantly more powerful in terms of performance.
- 📱 Poco C31 is another budget phone with modern hardware and support for Android 12.
- 📱 B/w Redmi Note 8 (2019) – often sold for 8,000–10,000 ₽, but in terms of sky and earth capabilities compared to 4X.
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The Xiaomi Redmi 4X in 2026 is a very narrow-purpose phone that will be a temporary fix, a spare gadget, or a device for experimentation, but not a full-fledged smartphone for every day.
How to extend the life of Xiaomi Redmi 4X: tips for optimization
If you have already bought a Redmi 4X or are planning to do so, a few simple tips will help make it work more comfortable.
- Install the lightest firmware. The official MIUI Android 7-based firmware slows down even on a clean phone. Alternatives: 📱 LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) is the most stable custom firmware. 📱 Havoc-OS (Android 10) requires unlocking the bootloader, but provides a modern interface.
- Turn off animations. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to turn on developer mode). Then to Settings → Additional → For developers, install: Windows Animation – Off. Transition animation – Off. Animation Scale – 0.5x
- Use lightweight apps. Replace heavy messengers with the Lite version: 📱 Facebook Lite instead of regular Facebook. 📱 Messenger Lite instead of the standard Messenger. 📱 YouTube Go instead of the main YouTube.
Replace the battery.
Redmi 4X
If the phone is getting too slow, try resetting it to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset) and this will remove all the garbage and temporary files that have accumulated over the years of use.
Xiaomi Redmi 4X Problems and How to Solve Them
Even if you bought a Redmi 4X in perfect condition, the problems typical of the model can occur over time, and here are the most common ways to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone's off. | Battery discharged, power controller burned | Put it on charge for 30 minutes. If it doesn't work, check the battery and port. |
| No network (no 4G) | Problems with antenna or firmware | Check the APN settings or reflash the modem. |
| The screen flashes or spontaneously presses | The plume has gone or the matrix has been damaged. | Take the phone apart and check the plume connection. |
| The battery goes down fast. | Battery wear or background processes | Replace the battery or calibrate it through AccuBattery. |
| The camera's not working. | Firmware flew or the plume went away. | Check the phone or check the camera connection. |
If the phone stops turning on after falling or getting moisture, don’t try to repair it yourself – take it to the service center.The cost of repairing the Redmi 4X usually does not exceed 2000-3000 ₽, which is comparable to the price of the phone itself.
⚠️ Warning: One of the most common problems Redmi 4X has is the mic dump (it stops working during calls) because of the weak soldering contact on the motherboard, and if you know how to solder, you can solder the mic yourself, otherwise it's 800-1,500 ₽.