Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of those models that, despite their age, continue to amaze with their survivability. This smartphone, released in an era of strong growth of the Xiaomi brand in the global market, became a real bestseller due to the balance of price, performance and battery life. But what year is considered official for the Redmi 4X? And why is this information important when buying a used device or finding spare parts?
In this article, we will not only answer the question about the year of release, but also understand how to determine the original date of production of a particular instance, what pitfalls can wait when buying a used Redmi. 4X Spoiler: Despite her age, she has a few trump cards that make her relevant even after 7.+ years!
Xiaomi Redmi 4X: myths and facts
Many sources on the Internet give different information about the release date of Redmi 4X. Some claim that it is 2016, others insist on 2017.
The Xiaomi Redmi 4X was officially announced on February 14, 2017 at the launch in China, but the first batches of devices began to go on sale a little later - in March 2017. This is important to consider, since the announcement date and the start date of sales can vary by 1-2 months. For example, if you see in the specifications the year 2016, it is likely a mistake or confusing with another model (for example, with the Redmi 4/4A, which actually came out in 2016).
Interesting fact: Redmi 4X became the first Xiaomi smartphone, which officially went on sale in Russia through partners of the company.
How to find out the exact year of production of your Redmi 4X?
Even if the model came out in 2017, your particular device could have been released later - for example, in 2018 or even 2019.The fact is that Xiaomi often extended production of popular models due to high demand. 4X, Take advantage of one of the ways:
- 📅 By serial number (S/N): first 4 letter-letter S/N on the box or in settings (Settings) → The phone. → General information) indicates the week and year of production, for example, 7A123456 signifier 2017 year, 12-I'm a week (March) 2017).
- 📦 By date on the box: the original Xiaomi packaging always shows the month and year of production (see barcode sticker).
- 🔍 Through IMEI: Services like IMEI.info can show the date of activation of the device, which indirectly indicates the year of release.
⚠️ Note: If the serial number on the box and the phone are not the same, this may be a sign of a fake or replacement motherboard, in which case you should check the device using ##4636##* (test menu) or Mi Account service.
Also, look at the revisions. The Redmi 4X had several hardware versions that differed in processor and memory modules, like the early batches came with the Snapdragon 435 chip, and the later ones with the Snapdragon 430, which affects performance and compatibility with custom firmware.
How to tell a fake Redmi 4X?
Redmi 4X: Why is the model still relevant?
Although the Redmi 4X was released in 2017, its hardware is still capable of handling basic tasks.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 (8 cores, 1.4 GHz) / Snapdragon 430 (in later versions) |
| RAM | 2/3 GB of LPDDR3 |
| Built-in memory | 16/32GB (supports microSD up to 256GB) |
| Screen. | 5.0" IPS LCD, resolution 720×1280 (294 ppi) |
| Battery | 4100 mAh (non-removable, support for fast charging 5V/2A) |
The main advantages of the model:
- 🔋 Battery on 4100 mAh -- even today, that's not bad for a compact smartphone. 4X hold up 1.5-2 day-to-day.
- 📸 13 MP camera with phase autofocus - for its time it was more than worthy, and today allows you to shoot acceptable photos in good lighting.
- 🛡️ Metal case - unlike many modern plastic state employees, Redmi 4X It looks solid and resistant to scratches.
Of course, compared to modern smartphones, the model has weaknesses: the lack of NFC, a weak processor for heavy games, and microUSB instead of Type-C. However, for the secondary market or as a spare phone, the Redmi 4X remains one of the best options.
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The main advantage of the Redmi 4X in 2026 is the ratio of price (from 3 000 rubles. b / d) and battery life. For the elderly, children or as a workhorse for calls and instant messengers, the model is ideal.
Why is the Redmi 4X the best competitor?
In 2017, the Redmi 4X competed with models such as the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017), Huawei Y6 (2017) and Lenovo K6 Note. Let’s take a look at why Xiaomi’s smartphone became the top seller:
| Model | Battery | Processor | Price at launch (2017) | Used price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi 4X | 4100 mAh | Snapdragon 435 | ~ 10,000 rubles. | 3,000-5,000 rubles. |
| Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) | 2400 mAh | Exynos 7570 | ~12 000 rubles. | 4000-6000 rubles. |
| Huawei Y6 (2017) | 3,000 mAh | Snapdragon 425 | ~11,000 rubles. | 3,500-5,500 rubles. |
As you can see from the table, the Redmi 4X won on three key parameters:
- Battery capacity is 4100 mAh against 2400-3000 mAh from competitors.
- Price/performance ratio is a more powerful processor at a lower cost.
- Custom firmware support – the developer community is still releasing updates for Redmi 4X (e.g. LineageOS 18.1 based on Android 11).
Today, Redmi 4X is often cheaper and in better condition than its predecessors, making it one of the best-selling options in the used smartphone segment up to 5,000 rubles.
The current challenges of the Redmi 4X in 2026: what to look for?
Despite all the advantages, the Redmi 4X has a few typical problems that come with age. If you're planning a purchase, be sure to check:
- 🔌 Charging connector: due to microUSB and heavy use, contacts often become oxidized or loosened.
- 📵 Module Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: in some batches of Qualcomm chip WCN3610 It flies off over time, which causes the connection to go missing, and it's only treated by replacing the motherboard.
- 🔋 Battery bloating: after 5+ The battery may swell over the years, causing the screen to detach.
- 🎵 Speaker and microphone: often clogged with dust, which makes the sound worse.
⚠️ Note: If you are buying Redmi 4X seller refuses to show the job GPS, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is a cause for concern, and there is a risk that the device has hardware problems with the communication module, which manifest themselves over time.
Another common complaint is overheating during long-term loads (for example, in games or when recording videos), this is due to passive cooling and wear of the thermal paste, the solution is to limit resource-intensive tasks or replace the thermal paste (in service centers it costs ~ 500 rubles).
IMEI Serial number (must match on the box and on the phone)|Battery status (C Settings) → Battery. → Status)|The operation of all sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor)|Quality of communication (calling to another phone, checking) 4G)|The presence of the original memory (charging from Xiaomi) 5V/2A)-->
Can I flash Redmi 4X to Android in 2026?
Xiaomi officially ended support for Redmi 4X in 2019, settling on MIUI 10 (based on Android 7.1 Nougat), but thanks to an active development community, the device can be upgraded to more recent versions of Android.
Here are the options available:
- 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is the most stable custom firmware and supports most features, including VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling (on some carriers).
- 🔄 Pixel Experience (Android 10) - firmware with pure Android and features from Google Pixel. a good choice for those who don't like it MIUI.
- ⚡ Havoc-OS (Android 10) – firmware with a lot of settings for fans of customization.
To install custom firmware will require:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 720 hours to wait!).
- Install TWRP Recovery (version 3.5.2 or later).
- Switch the selected firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
⚠️ Note: When you are running Redmi 4X There is a risk of “bricking” the device if you use incompatible versions. TWRP For example, trying to install LineageOS 19 (Android 12) will lead to a logo hanging. Always check compatibility on the XDA-Developers forum.
If you are not ready to take risks, you can limit yourself to optimizing standard firmware:
- Turn off animations in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then Developer → Windows animation).
- Install Greenify to hibernate unnecessary apps.
- Use SD Maid to clean up cache and debris.
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Before you run your firmware, make sure to backup your data via TWRP (Backup section) or Mi PC Suite, which will save your data if something goes wrong. Also check if your Redmi 4X version (with Snapdragon 435 or 430) supports the firmware you choose.
Should I Buy a Redmi 4X in 2026?
So let's summarize: Does it make sense to buy the Redmi 4X today, 7 years after its release?
Pros:
- ✅ Price - one of the cheapest smartphones with a metal case and a large battery (from 3 000 rubles. used).
- ✅ Autonomy – 4100 mAh is still enough for 1.5-2 days with moderate use.
- ✅ Repairability – spare parts are cheap and widely available (screen) ~1,500 rubles, battery ~800 rubles.).
- ✅ Support for custom firmware – you can install Android 11 and use modern applications.
Cons:
- ❌ Outdated processor – Snapdragon 435 poorly pulls modern games and heavy applications.
- ❌ Absence NFC — You cannot use contactless payments.
- ❌ MicroUSB is inconvenient compared to Type-C, cables are harder to find.
- ❌ No official updates - latest version MIUI 10 Dates to 2019.
The critical point is that if you want a smartphone for social media, calls, and easy tasks (navigator, music, photos), the Redmi 4X in 2026 is a great budget option, but if you want modern games, multitasking, or long-term update support, you better look at the Redmi 9A or Poco C31 (they cost a little more used).
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The Redmi 4X in 2026 is like the Zhiguli of smartphones: reliable, cheap to repair, but already obsolete, optimal for those who are looking for maximum autonomy for minimal money.