Xiaomi Redmi 4: year of release, how to find out the date of production and differences in versions

Xiaomi Redmi 4 remains one of the most popular budget devices of the brand, despite the release of newer models. Users often wonder what year this model is to understand its relevance, compatibility with modern applications or the possibility of updating the firmware. In this article, we will analyze not only the official year of release of Redmi 4, but also learn how to determine the exact date of production of a particular instance by serial number or box.

It's important to understand that the year of the model and the date of production of a particular smartphone are different things, the first indicates the period when Xiaomi announced and began selling the device, and the second indicates when your particular device was assembled. 2-3 years, and your Redmi 4 could have been assembled as 2016, so 2018 We'll show you how to test it.

Also in this article, you will find a comparison of all versions of Redmi 4 (Standard, Prime, Pro), their key differences and tips for choosing a used device, if you are planning to buy - this information will help to avoid fraud and overpayment.

Official release year of Xiaomi Redmi 4

Xiaomi Redmi 4 was announced on November 4, 2016 in China, and was a budget model designed to replace its successful predecessor, the Redmi. 3S. The story of the Redmi 4 line is a little more complicated than it seems:

• 📅 Redmi 4 Standard – Basic Released November 2016.
• 📅 Redmi 4 Prime - improved modification with fingerprint, Released in August 2016 (previously the standard version!).
• 📅 Redmi 4 Pro – flagship version of the series, Released in November 2016 with Standard.
• 📅 Redmi 4X — Updated version of 2017 with Snapdragon 435 processor.

Fun fact: Redmi 4 Prime came to market earlier than the standard version, which is not typical for Xiaomi, because initially it was planned only Prime, and Standard was added later as a simplified alternative. 4X (2017), which was positioned as the successor to the entire lineup.

Official sales in Russia began in the first quarter of 2017, but some versions (such as Prime) appeared at unofficial sellers in late 2016, serial production of all modifications was completely stopped by the end of 2018, when they were replaced by the Redmi 5 and Redmi Note 5 models.

How to find out the exact year of production of your Redmi 4

If you need to determine what year your Xiaomi Redmi 4 smartphone is, and not the model as a whole, use one of the proven methods (IMEI or SN) and on the factory sticker.

The most reliable method is to decipher the serial number.

• 📱 On a box (on a barcode sticker).
• 📱 Under the battery (if the back cover is removed).
• 📱 In the phone settings: Settings → The phone. → General information → Serial number.

Xiaomi serial number format: ABCD123456789, where:

• 4th character (D) is the year of production (number or letter).
• 5-symbol (1) — month (1-9 = January-September, A = October, B = November, C = December).

Example: serial number XM6D37A12345 It stands for April 2016 (D)=2016, 3=Below is a table of the correspondence of symbols to years:

If your Redmi 4 serial number starts with XM6E..., So it was made in 2017, and that's true for most Redmis. 4X, which were supplied to Russia.

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If the serial number is erased or not readable, check the production date through the IMEI Enter the code *#06# to find out IMEI your phone.

Redmi 4: Standard, Prime, Pro and 4X

The Redmi 4 lineup included four major modifications that are often confused, and let’s break down their key differences so you can identify your model accurately.

1. Redmi 4 Standard (model number: 2016010):

• 🔹 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 (8 cores, 1.4 GHz).
• 🔹 RAM/ROM: 2/16 GB 3/32 GB.
• 🔹 Battery: 4100mAh.
• 🔹 Body: metal + plastic insert.
• 🔹 Features: no fingerprint scanner, 13 MP camera.

2. Redmi 4 Prime (model number: 2016011):

• 🔹 Processor: Snapdragon 625 (8 cores, 2.0 GHz).
• 🔹 RAM/ROM: 3/32 GB.
• 🔹 Battery: 4100 mAh (fast charging).
• 🔹 Body: full metal.
• 🔹 Features: fingerprint scanner, 13 MP camera with phase autofocus.

3. Redmi 4 Pro (model number: 2016012):

• 🔹 Processor: Snapdragon 625 (like Prime).
• 🔹 RAM/ROM: 3/32 GB 4/64 GB.
• 🔹 Display: 5.5" Full HD (others — HD).
• 🔹 Camera: 13 MP + 5-MP frontal (others – 5 MP).

4. Redmi 4X (model number: 2016013):

• 🔹 Processor: Snapdragon 435 (newer than the Standard).
• 🔹 RAM/ROM: 2/16 GB, 3/32 GB 4/64 GB.
• 🔹 Battery: 4100 mAh (no quick charging).
• 🔹 Features: the most common version in Russia, released in 2017.

To find out the exact model, look at the sticker under the battery or type in the settings ##44336## – the menu with hardware information will open.

Redmi 4 in 2026: Should I Buy It?

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is a smartphone from 2016 to 2017, and it's obsolete in 2026, but that doesn't mean you can't use it.

✅ Advantages:

• 💰 Low price (1.5-3 thousand rubles in the secondary market).
• 🔋 A large battery (4100 mAh lasts for 1.5-2 days with moderate use).
• 🛠️ Easy repair (parts are cheap, many workshops know the model).
• 📦 Complementary (often sold with a box and a zoo).

❌ Deficiencies:

• 🐢 Weak processor (Snapdragon) 430/435 slows down in modern games and applications).
• 📵 No support. 5G New Wi-Fi standards (maximum Wi-Fi 4).
• 📸 Obsolete camera (13 MP without night mode and stabilization).
• 🔄 No updates. MIUI (last-of-the-line firmware — MIUI 11 based on Android 6-7).

Who will be the best Redmi 4 in 2026?

• 👵 Elderly people for calls and messages.
• 🎮 Children for simple games (such as Minecraft) PE minimally).
• 🔧 As a spare phone or for experiments (firmware customization) ROM).
• 💼 For working with office applications (Word, Excel, mail).

Buying Tips: If You Want to Buy Redmi 4, Choose Redmi. 4X s 3/32 GB 4/64 GB is the most balanced version. Avoid older instances 2017 year (serial number with symbol D), as their batteries have already deteriorated.

How to authenticate Redmi 4 and avoid counterfeiting

The aftermarket is often a fake Xiaomi Redmi 4, especially among the cheapest offerings.

1. Checking by IMEI:

• 📱 Enter *#06# - 15-digit should be displayed IMEI.
• 🔍 Check it out at imei.info. The original model will be listed as Xiaomi Redmi 4 (or a specific modification).

Apparent signs:

• 🔍 The Mi logo on the back should be clear, without blurring.
• 🔍 Body seams – the original has no gaps between metal and plastic.
• 🔍 The camera should not protrude (fakes often have a lens sticking out).

Programme audit:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
• 🔍 The original in the version section MIUI The official firmware will be indicated (for example, MIUI Global 11.0.2.0).
• 🔍 In condition SIM-maps should be displayed IMEI, boxy.

Performance test:

• 📊 Install AnTuTu Benchmark. The original Redmi 4 (Snapdragon 430) scores 40,000-45,000. The fakes on MediaTek show 20,000-30,000.
• 🔋 Check the time: the original with the new battery holds 6-8 hours of screen.

1. Serial number on the box and on the phone (must match).
2. IMEI under-battery and under-set.
3. Test results from AnTuTu.

If the seller refuses to provide this data, there is a high probability of fraud.-->

⚠️ Frequently, scammers sell copies based on MediaTek under the guise of Redmi 4 MT6580. These devices are similar in appearance, but they run 2-3 times slower and do not support updates. CPU-Z!

Redmi 4’s Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them

Even the original Redmi 4, after 5 to 7 years of operation, begins to “catch up”: here are the typical faults and ways to fix them:

1. Fast battery discharge

• 🔋 Cause: battery degradation (capacity drops to 60-70% of the original).
• 🛠️ Solution: Replacement of battery (cost) ~500-800 rubles. Original battery has articular BM47.
• 🔧 Temporary fix: Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, charge to 100% without interruptions).

Overheating and brakes

• 🔥 Reason: clogged cache, outdated firmware or thermal paste.
• 🛠️ Solution: Reset settings: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset: Install a custom core (e.g. FrancoKernel) for better cooling. Replace the thermopaste (at the service center).

3. The fingerprint scanner is not working (for the Prime/Pro)

• 👆 Cause: damage to the plume or failure of the software.
• 🛠️ Solution: Reset your phone. Remove and add the print again. If it doesn't work, get it repaired. ~300 rubles).

4. Not included or stuck on the logo

• 🔄 Cause: firmware failure or damage to the charging connector.
• 🛠️ Solution: Squeeze the Power + Volume Up on the 10 Check the charger (use the original one on the Mi Flash Tool) 5V/2A).

If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons, connect it to the PC and try flashing it in mode. EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account).

Where to buy parts and accessories for Redmi 4

If you need original or quality compatible parts for Xiaomi Redmi 4, here are the proven sources:

Original parts:

• 🛒 Mi Store Official (official Xiaomi store in Russia).
• 🛒 AliExpress (sellers rated 98%+, russian).
• 🛒 Beru.ru (company service centers).

2. Analogues (quality copies):

• 🔋 Battery: BM47 (original or Remax (analogue).
• 📱 Screen: OEM-matrix with digital verification (for example, the seller Xiaomi Parts Store on AliExpress).
• 🔊 Original Xiaomi Speaker (Article) 1604-0135).

Accessories:

• 🔌 Charger: The Original Xiaomi 5V/2A (articular MDY-08-EM).
• 📱 Covers: Spigen or Ringke (shock protection).
• 🔋 Power Bank: Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 (10,000 mAh).