When choosing a smartphone, one of the key parameters that users pay attention to is the size of the display. It is the diagonal of the screen that determines the comfort of watching videos, playing games and working with text. Xiaomi Redmi 4, released a few years ago, is still in demand in the secondary market and as a budget solution for certain tasks. Many potential buyers ask: how many inches in this model and how convenient it is to use with one hand?
The answer to this question is not as clear as it may seem at first glance, since the Redmi 4 lineup included several modifications with different technical characteristics. The standard version, as well as the more powerful Prime modification, had identical body dimensions, but could differ in the type of matrix used and the density of pixels. Understanding the exact dimensions is necessary not only for assessing ergonomics, but also for the selection of protective glasses or cases, which are often versatile for the entire series.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the physical parameters of the display, compare them to modern standards, and find out why this size was considered the “golden mean” in its time, learn how diagonal affects the autonomy of the device and why 5 inches became the benchmark for compact smartphones of the period, and also touch on the nuances of resolution, which directly affect the clarity of the picture.
Exact diagonal and physical screen sizes
The main metric most users are interested in is the screen size. For all versions of the Xiaomi Redmi 4 smartphone (including the regular, Prime and Pro), the manufacturer installed a matrix with a diagonal of exactly 5.0 inches. This is a classic size that ensures the balance between the compactness of the case and sufficient area to display content.
The physical dimensions of the device also depend on the size of the screen and the thickness of the bezels. In the case of Redmi 4, the frames are not ultra-thin by modern standards, which was the norm in 2016. The case of the smartphone has dimensions of 141.3 mm in height, 69.6 mm in width and 8.9 mm in thickness.
⚠️ Note: When buying protective glass or film, make sure that they are designed specifically for the 5-inch version of the Redmi 4, as for the Redmi model. 4X, having a screen of 5 inches, but a different body, accessories may not fit due to differences in the location of the speakers and the camera.
It is worth noting that the concept of “5 inches” refers exclusively to the visible area of the matrix. If you consider the entire body, the device takes up much more space in the pocket. However, Xiaomi engineers have tried to minimize the indentations, making the smartphone comfortable for everyday wear.
Matrix Technologies: IPS vs. Other Types
So, after you've figured out how many inches the Xiaomi Redmi 4 has, it's important to go to image quality. IPS (In-Plane Switching has become the de facto standard for mid- and low-end smartphones, thanks to its excellent viewing angles and color rendering. TN-matrix, IPS-Redmi 4 screen does not invert colors when tilted.
The display resolution is 1920 by 1080 pixels, which gives a pixel density of about 441 ppi (pixels per inch), a high figure even by today's standards, providing a clear font and no grain when viewing images. Support for multi-touch up to 10 touches allows you to work comfortably with the interface and play games that require simultaneous use of multiple contact points.
The brightness of the screen and the color gamut are also at a decent level for their class. AMOLED-The saturation, naturalness of colors attracts many users tired of the oversaturated shades of competitors, IPS-matrixes are less prone to burnout over time, which is important with prolonged use of static interface elements.
- 📱 Type of matrix: IPS LCD super-angled.
- 🎨 Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080) high-pixel density.
- 👆 Multi-touch: Support for up to 10 simultaneous touches.
- 🛡️ Protection: Oleophobic coating that reduces the number of prints.
It's important to understand that image quality is not just a matter of the matrix itself, but also of the calibration. In the MIUI shell, which is mounted on Redmi 4 out of the box, users can choose color schemes, and Standard, Saturated and Paper modes are available, allowing you to tailor the display to personal preferences or specific tasks, such as reading books.
Comparison of versions: Redmi 4, Prime and X
The Redmi 4 lineup is complicated by the presence of several modifications that came out almost simultaneously, the main difference between them lies in the processor and the amount of RAM, but the screens of the basic version and the Prime version are identical. IPS-full-matrix HD The only difference is that the Prime version often came with better screen calibration.
The Redmi 4X is often confused with the regular Redmi 4 because of the similar name, but the X version has a smaller screen size of 5.0 inches (though it seems smaller visually due to the frames) and HD+ resolution (1280×720). This is an important difference: if you are critical to font clarity and detail, the regular Redmi 4 and Prime will be preferred because of Full HD.
| Model | Diagonal (inches) | Permission | Type of matrix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 4 Standard | 5.0 | 1920×1080 | IPS |
| Redmi 4 Prime | 5.0 | 1920×1080 | IPS |
| Redmi 4X | 5.0 | 1280×720 | IPS |
| Redmi 4 Pro | 5.0 | 1920×1080 | IPS |
So when you ask how many inches the Xiaomi Redmi 4 has, you see a uniformity in the size of the main lineup. All models named Redmi 4 (without the X) have a five-inch screen, which makes it easier to choose accessories, but requires attention when buying protective glasses, since the notches for the speaker and camera may differ depending on the regional version of the smartphone.
Why did the 5 inches disappear?
The Effect of Screen Size on Autonomy
One of the hidden benefits of the 5-inch screen in Redmi 4 is its effect on battery life: A smaller physical size and Full HD resolution matrix (compared to 2K on larger screens) consumes less power. Combined with the energy-efficient Snapdragon processor, this allowed the smartphone to deliver impressive battery life results.
The Redmi 4 Prime, for example, had a 4100mAh battery pack. For a 5-inch body, that's a very high number, and optimizing the energy consumption of the screen was a key factor. Users could expect 2 days of active use without recharging, which in the modern world of smartphones with their “voracious» AMOLED-The displays seem fantastic.
And also, having a smaller backlight area means less heat for long-term use, especially for navigation or reading books at night, and the phone didn't tire its hands and eyes as quickly as modern "phablets" do with their huge, luminous surface.
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To maximize your Redmi 4 runtime, use dark read themes. While the IPS matrix doesn’t turn off black pixels like AMOLED, reducing the overall brightness of the backlight saves a lot of charge.
Ergonomics and ease of use with one hand
In an era where smartphones are pushing for mini-tablet sizes, the Redmi 4's 5-inch is seen as a breath of fresh air for compact fans. The device fits easily into any jeans pocket or a small jacket pocket. One-handed control becomes not just possible, but truly convenient: the thumb easily reaches any corner of the screen without having to intercept the device.
The weight of the smartphone also plays a role. With its metal body and relatively small diagonal, the phone doesn't seem heavy. However, it's worth noting that metal can slip in your hands, so using a case is not just a matter of style, but also a matter of safety. The dimensions allow you to comfortably type with two thumbs while holding the phone on weight.
For people with a small palm or those who appreciate minimalism, this form factor remains ideal. The lack of protruding camera blocks (which have become the norm for thicker modern models) also makes pocket storage more enjoyable - the phone does not sway the fabric or create discomfort when sitting.
- 🖐️ Comfort: It fits perfectly in the palm of a medium sized hand.
- 🎒 Portability: Takes up a minimum of space in your bag or pocket.
- ⌨️ Print: Comfortable typing with two thumbs without interception.
- ⚖️ Balance: Equal weight distribution thanks to symmetrical design.
Display settings and calibration in MIUI
The software part of the screen work in Redmi 4 is implemented through the MIUI shell. In the settings menu, the Settings → Screen section is available, where the user can find many useful options. Here the color temperature is adjusted, which allows you to make the picture warmer or colder depending on the time of day and personal preferences.
One of the cool features is the Paper mode, which when activated, goes into a monochrome mode with increased contrast, simulating an e-book, which reduces eye strain when reading texts and saves battery power, as some subpixels are turned off, and you can activate it through the notification curtain or in the screen settings.
The path to reading mode: Settings -> Screen -> Reading modeAdjusting font size and interface elements is also available. Since a 5-inch diagonal does not have the largest workspace, being able to enlarge the font without losing the layout of the menu is an important feature for people with visual impairment. The system allows you to choose from 5 font sizes, making the text readable even without glasses.
⚠️ Warning: It is not recommended to set the maximum brightness of the screen for a long time when working from the battery.This not only quickly discharges the Redmi 4, but can also lead to overheating of the matrix and the appearance of temporary image artifacts.
☑️ Checking the quality of the screen when buying used
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5-inch screen Redmi 4 is a compromise that turned out to be winning: Full HD resolution on such a diagonal gives high definition, and the dimensions remain comfortable for your control.