Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the brand's most popular smartphones, Released in various versions from 2016 to 2019. But how do you know what year your device is? It depends on supported firmware, compatibility of accessories and even the market price in the secondary market.
- the exact release dates of each version (Chinese, global, Indian);
How to distinguish the Redmi Note 4 2016 from the Redmi Note 4X 2017 and later versions
- where to watch the year of production by serial number or box;
Why is the release year important when buying used and updating software?
If you’re planning to buy or sell this smartphone, or just want to get a handle on its history, this article will help avoid mistakes. For example, the 2016 Chinese version with a Helio X20 processor won’t get a MIUI 12, unlike the 2017 global model on the Snapdragon 625.
Official release dates of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: chronology by region
The embarrassment with dates begins with Xiaomi releasing several devices called "Note 4" for different markets.
- 📅 August 2016 — Redmi Note 4 (Chinese version, code nikel), processor MediaTek Helio X20. Sold only in China.
- 📅 January 2017 — Redmi Note 4X (Chinese version, code mido), Snapdragon 625 processor. Replaced the first version.
- 📅 February 2017 – Redmi Note 4 (Indian version, code mido), the same Snapdragon 625, but with different LTE- bands.
- 📅 May 2017 — Redmi Note 4 Global (code mido), for Europe and other regions, distinguished by firmware and certification.
- 📅 2018-2019 — reissues of the same models under different articles (for example, for telecom operators).
Important: All post-2016 versions (including the Note 4X and global models) are built on the Snapdragon 625 platform, while the original 2016 Chinese version is built on MediaTek, a key difference in identification.
How to determine the release year of your Redmi Note 4: 4 reliable ways
If you’re holding a smartphone or considering buying a used one, here’s how to know its age:
By serial number (IMEI or SN)
The serial number (SN) or IMEI (on the box or in settings along the Settings path → About phone → General information) contains an encrypted production date.
- 🔢 The first 2 digits after the letter prefix are a year (e.g. 7A... = 2017).
- 📅 The next 2 digits are week (e.g. 7A15... = 15th week of 2017).
Example: Serial number 8B34... stands for 2018, 34th week (August 2018).
2.Back and sticker box.
The original Xiaomi box contains:
- 📦 Model article (e.g., MZB5860IN for Indian version) The first letters indicate region (IN for India, missing letters for China).
- 🏭 Production date on the back sticker (format YYYY-MM-DD or WW-YY, where WW is weekly).
Example of decoding an article
3.According to firmware and MIUI version
The firmware version (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version) indirectly indicates age:
| Model | Max, MIUI version. | Year of release |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 4 (Helio X20) | MIUI 10 | 2016 |
| Redmi Note 4X (Snapdragon) | MIUI 12.5 | 2017 |
| Redmi Note 4 Global | MIUI 12.5 | 2017–2019 |
If your smartphone has upgraded to MIUI 11 or newer, it’s guaranteed to be a model on the Snapdragon 625 (2017–2019).The MediaTek version (2016) is stuck on MIUI 10.
4. On the hardware specifications
Visually and functionally, the versions are as follows:
- 🔋 Battery capacity: 4100 mAh (all versions) or 4000 mAh (early batches 2016).
- 📡 Support LTE: The 2016 Chinese version does not work with Diag.20 (800 MHz), an important Russian version.
- 🎯 Camera: The 2016 version has the 13 MP (f/2.0 main module), the later versions have the 13 MP (f/2.2) with improved processing.
💡
If the camera settings have a Manual Shutter Adjustment Pro Mode, it’s a 2017 version or later. The 2016 model doesn’t have that mode.
Why the Year of Release Matters: 5 Key Reasons
In the secondary market, a difference of one or two years can mean:
⚠️ Warning: 2016 smartphones (on MediaTek Helio X20) do not support modern versions of Google Play Services and many banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) due to the outdated processor architecture.
- 💰 Price: The 2019 version may cost 30-50% more than the 2016 version.
- 🔄 Updates: 2017-2019 models received MIUI until 2022, and 2016 only until 2019.
- 🔌 Charging: In late batches, problems with the power controller (a common cause of sudden shutdowns) are fixed.
- 📶 Network: Global versions of 2017+ work better with Russian operators (Dig.20 support).
- 🔧 Repairs: Parts for 2016 versions (like displays) are harder to find.
When buying used, check the serial number - if the seller claims that the phone is 2018, and the SN shows 2016, this is an excuse to bargain or refuse the deal.
Redmi Note 4 version comparison: difference table
To avoid confusion, we have summarized the key differences in one table:
| Parameter | Redmi Note 4(2016, Helio X20) | Redmi Note 4X / Global(2017–2019, Snapdragon 625) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Helio X20 (10 cores) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (8 cores) |
| LTE-ranges | No Diag. 20 (800 MHz) | Support for Diag. 20 (important for Russia) |
| Max, MIUI version. | MIUI 10 (no more updates) | MIUI 12.5 (updates to 2022) |
| Camera. | 13 MP (f/2.0), no Pro Mode | 13 MP (f/2.2), with Pro Mode |
| Used price (2026) | 2 000–3 500 ₽ | 3,500–6,000 ₽ (depending on condition) |
Note that all versions are of the same design and size (151×76×8.4 mm), so you can't tell them from the outside.
💡
If you need a smartphone for modern tasks (banking, games, current applications), choose only versions on the Snapdragon 625 (2017-2019), the 2016 model is suitable only for calls and simple tasks.
Frequent problems of 2016 vs 2017-2019 versions: what breaks more often
The year of release directly affects the "diseases" of the device, and this is typical for each modification:
Redmi Note 4 2016 (Helio X20)
- 🔥 Overheating: The MediaTek Helio X20 processor warms up more than the Snapdragon, especially when charging.
- 📵 Network problems: The absence of Diag.20 leads to poor signaling in rural areas.
- 🛠️ Complex repairs: Parts (such as touchscreens) are less common.
Redmi Note 4 2017–2019 (Snapdragon 625)
- 🔋 Battery bloating: after 3-4 years of operation (typical for all versions).
- 🎧 Problems with 3.5 mm connector: oxidation of contacts due to moisture.
- 📱 Touchscreen detachment: 2017 models more often than 2019 models (due to glue).
⚠️ Warning: If you see a Redmi Note 4 with a Helio X20 processor priced above 4,000 ₽, it's overpriced. These models are cheaper because of the legacy hardware and lack of updates.
The IM on the box matches the IM on the phone (*#06#)
Serial number indicates year 2017 or newer
The phone supports Diag. 20 (check in Settings → SIM- Cards and Mobile Networks → Network Ranges)
The battery holds a charge ≥ 70% of the original (checked in Settings → Battery → Status)
No traces of battery bloating (check by pressing on the back cover - there should be no bulges)-->
Where to buy parts for Redmi Note 4 in 2026
If your Redmi Note 4 needs repair, consider:
- 🛒 Batteries: Original (capacity 4100 mAh) sold on AliExpress (search by Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 battery mido). Cost: 800-1 200 ₽.
- 📱 Displays: For the 2016 version (Helio X20), it's harder to find -- look for nikel. Snapdragon versions (mido) are more of a choice.
- 🔌 Charging nests: universal for all versions (type Micro-USB). Price: 200-400 ₽.
Tip: Before buying a spare part, check the model code in the settings (Settings → About Phone → Model). For example, if it says Redmi Note 4X, look for parts for mido, not nikel.
To replace the battery or display, we recommend contacting service centers, since the Redmi Note 4 has fragile plumes that are easily damaged when self-repair.