Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Note 4X: what’s the difference and which model to choose in 2026?

Why is the Note 4 and Note 4X still relevant?

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Note 4X smartphones were released just months apart (December 2016 and February 2017, respectively), but are still causing confusion among users, with nearly identical design, similar specs, and even names that differ only in one letter.

In 2026, both smartphones remain in demand in the secondary market due to their reliability, maintainability and low price (from 3000 to 7 000 rubles depending on the condition). But which one should buy today? In this article, we will analyze all the differences — from the processor to firmware support — and give recommendations for choosing for specific tasks: games, photography, long work without recharging.

Spoiler: If you want a smartphone for modern games (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), neither model is right — but there is a clear leader in performance. And if the priority is maximum autonomy, then the winner is the other.

1.CPUs: Snapdragon vs Helio - who's stronger in 2026?

The main difference between the Redmi Note 4 and Note 4X lies in the “heart” of devices. Note 4 is equipped with a processor MediaTek Helio X20 (decadian chip with architecture 2x Cortex-A72 + 8x Cortex-A53), while the Note 4X received Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (eight-core Cortex-A53 with clock speeds up to 2.0 GHz).

Performance comparison:

• 🎮 Games: Snapdragon 625 in Note 4X confidently bypasses Helio X20 in modern games. PUBG Mobile on the minimum settings of Note 4X It gives you a stable 30. FPS, The Note 4 is suffering from friezes, and the reason is because of the more efficient Adreno 506 graphics subsystem. Mali-T880 MP4.
• 📱 Multitasking: Snapdragon 625 is better optimized for MIUI (Especially on newer versions of firmware. X20 It is often “suspended” when switching between 5 and 5.+ applications.
• 🔋 Energy efficiency: Here wins Note 4 – Helio X20 It is built on a 20-nm process technology, but its architecture allows you to spend more energy economically on simple tasks (social networks, calls). Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) warms up stronger when loaded.

Important for 2026: Snapdragon 625 is still supported by most custom firmware (like LineageOS 18), while for the Helio X20, the choice of software is extremely limited, which means that the Note 4X can be “reanimated” with fresh Android 11, and the Note 4 – not.

2. Batteries: same capacity, different resource

Both models have a 4100mAh battery, but in practice battery life is 15-20% different, and the reason is the optimization of the processors and firmware versions.

🔋 Why does the Note 4 keep the charge longer? X20, It's less voracious in the background, but when you're using it, you're using it (games, navigation) 4X It gets ahead with better Snapdragon optimization and Quick Charge 3.0 support (charges 30% faster).

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi Note 4/4X, Check the battery status through the AccuBattery app. 3000 The mAh is a reason to bargain or not buy, and the batteries of these models rarely live longer. 3–4 years.

3.Cameras: megapixels vs real quality

On paper, the cameras of both models are identical:

• 📸 Basic: 13 MP, diaphragm f/2.0, phase-focus
• 🤳 Frontal: 5 MP, diaphragm f/2.0

But in practice, the Note 4X takes more detailed shots thanks to a better image processing processor (Qualcomm Spectra ISP vs MediaTek Imagiq ISP).

Comparison of photos in real conditions:

• 🌄 Daylight: The difference is minimal, but Note 4X a little better at working out the shadows.
• 🌃 Low light: Note 4 suffers from noise and blur, while Note 4X maintains acceptable detail.
• 🎥 Video: Both models shoot videos in Full HD 30 FPS, But the Note 4X fewer artifacts when moving.

4.Displays: same size, different quality

Both models received 5.5-inch IPS-resolution-screen 1920×1080 (Full HD), But there's nuances:

• 🔍 Brightness: The maximum brightness of the Note 4X Up to 450 nits compared to 400 nits in the Note 4.
• 🎨 Color rendering: Note screen 4X It is closer to the sRGB standard, while the Note 4 has a cold hue out of the box».
• 🛡️ Protection: Both screens are covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, but the Note has a 4X oleophobic coating lasts longer.

⚠️ Attention: B 2026 Replacement of the display with Redmi Note 4/4X cost 2 500–4 000 If the screen crashes, check the integrity of the sensor - often with the display fails and touch screen.

5. Memory and firmware: what is important to know before buying

Both models were available in versions with 2/3/4 GB of RAM and 16/32/64 GB of ROM, but there are critical differences:

• 🖥️ Type of memory: Note 4X The Note 4 uses a faster eMMC 5.1, whereas the Note 4 uses eMMC 5.0.
• 📦 Memory card slot: Hybrid (instead of the second one) SIM) Both models support cards up to 256GB.
• 🤖 Firmware: Note 4X officially MIUI 11 (based on Android 7.1) and Note 4 stuck on MIUI 10 (Android 6.0) Custom firmware for the Snapdragon 625 is still out.

6. Design and assembly: who's more reliable?

The externally identical smartphones are: metal body, rounded edges, fingerprint scanner on the back, but there are differences in the build:

• 📏 Dimensions: Note 4X 0.3 mm thinner (8.45 mm vs 8.75 mm) and 2 grams lighter.
• 🔊 Speakers: The Note 4X speaker is 10-15% louder (due to better amplifier settings).
• 📡 Antennae: Note 4X better catches signals in basements and on the outskirts of cities (due to optimization of the Snapdragon modem) X9 LTE).

💡

If you buy a Redmi Note 4/4X for a child or an elderly person, be sure to stick a protective film on the screen and the back panel.

7 Prices in 2026: What is the best thing to buy?

In the secondary market (Avito, Yula, local forums) prices vary depending on the state of:

• 💰 Redmi Note 4 (3/32 GB): 3 000–4 500 RUB (as new state) - up to 5 500 ruble.).
• 💰 Redmi Note 4X (3/32 GB): 4 000–6 000 The version with 4/64 GB's up to 7 000 ruble.
• 🔄 Repairability: Parts on Note 4X 10-15% cheaper (because of the popularity of the model).

💡

In 2026, the Redmi Note 4X is a better buy if you want to work with modern applications. Redmi Note 4 should be taken only for calls, social networks and simple tasks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 4 note 4X