Xiaomi Redmi 4A — One of the most legendary budget smartphones from the Chinese giant, which is still in the hands of users. But what year of release is this model? If you're planning to buy a used device or just interested in the history of the brand, this question is important: The date depends on the relevance of firmware, compatibility with modern applications and even the market value.
In this article, we will not only name the exact year of the release of Redmi. 4A, But we'll also see why this model became so popular, what modifications it had (including versions for different markets), and whether it should be bought in 2026. 4A from fakes by serial number and production markers - this is critical when buying from hand.
Spoiler: The release date may surprise you! Despite its modest specs, the smartphone has been on the assembly line for longer than many flagships. Now, the details.
Official year of release of Xiaomi Redmi 4A: When the smartphone came out?
Xiaomi Redmi 4A It was announced in November 2016 and went on sale in December of the same year, but there is a caveat: production of the model continued until 2018-2019 for some regions (for example, India and China). This means that the date on the box or in the device settings may be different from the initial announcement.
Why did this happen? - Redmi. 4A became a hit of sales due to the balance of price and opportunity: at the time of release it cost about 5 000-6 000 rubles (depending on the course), offering at the same time:
- 🔋 Battery at 3120 mAh (record for public sector workers of that time)
- 📱 5-inch HD-colour-screen
- 🚀 Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor (albeit not the top, but energy efficient)
- 📷 13MP camera with phase autofocus (rare for budget)
In China, the model was sold under the name Xiaomi Redmi 4X (with slight differences in design, but for the global market there is still a version 4A. This often causes confusion when checking the year of release by serial number.
How to find out the exact year of your Redmi production 4A?
If you already own a smartphone or are considering buying a used one, you can determine the date of production in several ways (IMEI or SN) on the box or in settings (Settings) → The phone. → General information).
Xiaomi serial number encodes production date in format YYWW (where YY — year, WW — For example, the number 1735123456789 means that the device was released in the 35th week of 2017 (that is, in August-September:
| First 2 digits of the serial number | Year of production | Example of date (week) |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 2016 | November-December (pre-series games) |
| 17 | 2017 | Mass production (most common) |
| 18 | 2018 | Late batches for India and Asia |
| 19 | 2019 | Rarely, only for some regions |
⚠️ Warning: If the serial number starts at 20 or later, it's most likely a fake.Official production Redmi 4A It was completely stopped by the end of 2019.
Please check further:
- 📦 Date on the box: Usually listed in format MM/YYYY (month-year).
- 🔍 Battery tag: The original battery has a date sticker in format YYYY-MM-DD.
- 📱 Version. MIUI: B Settings → Look at the phone's firmware version. MIUI 12, the device is not exactly original (official support ended at the end of the MIUI 11).
What to do if the serial number is erased?
Redmi's differences 4A By year: have the characteristics changed?
Despite the long production time, Xiaomi has made almost no changes to the specifications of Redmi. 4A. However, there are several nuances related to the region and the time of release:
Versions for different markets:
- 🌍 Global version (Redmi) 4A): It was sold in Europe, Russia, India, and it supported all the major markets. 4G-ranges.
- 🇨🇳 Chinese version (Redmi) 4X): It had a different rear panel design (metal insert) and slightly different camera settings.
- 🇮🇳 Indian version: Often came with pre-installed local services (e.g. Jio).
Changes in firmware:
The devices released in 2017-2018 were originally supplied with MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.Late batches (2018–2019) already had MIUI 9 and Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box, but all versions got upgraded to the new version. MIUI 11 (last official firmware).
Battery:
In late batches (2018-2019), batteries from other suppliers could be installed (for example, Desay instead of the battery). ATL). It didn’t affect capacity, but sometimes it affected durability.
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All versions of Redmi 4A, Regardless of the year of release, they had the same processor (Snapdragon). 425) memory (2/16 GB 3/32 The only differences are in firmware and small details of the configuration.
Is Xiaomi Redmi relevant? 4A 2026?
7-8 years after the release of Redmi 4A You can still find it on the market (usually used for 2,000 to 4,000 rubles), but should you buy it today:
✅ Advantages:
- 💰 Ultra-low price: Perfect as a backup phone or for elderly relatives.
- 🔋 Long operating time: A 3,120 mAh battery with a modest processor provides 1-2 days of autonomy.
- 🛠️ Ease of repair: spare parts are cheap, and the design is collapsible (unlike modern monoblocks).
❌ Deficiencies:
- 🐢 Outdated hardware: Snapdragon 425 and 2GB of RAM won’t pull modern games or heavy apps.
- 🚫 No updates: The latest official firmware — MIUI 11 on Android 7.This means security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues (for example, new versions of WhatsApp or banking apps may not work).
- 📶 Weak Wi-Fi Module: Supports only the standard 802.11n (No 5GHz or Wi-Fi 6).
⚠️ Note: If you are planning to use Redmi 4A for Internet banking or instant messengers, make sure that it has custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) with the current Android 10+. Otherwise, the risk of encountering locks due to an outdated OS.
Who's good for?
- 👵 Older people: Simple interface, large icons, long work without recharging.
- 🎮 Gamers on emulators: cope with GBA, NES or PS1 (via RetroArch).
- 🔧 Enthusiasts: Suitable for firmware experiments (there are unofficial Android 12 ports).
💡
Before buying a used Redmi 4A Check the battery status through the AccuBattery app. If the capacity drops below 2000 mAh, the phone will not last long.
How to distinguish the original Redmi 4A forgery?
The popularity of the model has brought many clones to the market (especially from China).
Design and materials:
- 📏 Body thickness: Original 8.5 mm, fakes are often thinner or thicker.
- 🖼️ Logo: Redmi's inscription on the back should be clear, without blurring.
- 🔍 Camera: The original camera lens slightly protrudes, clones often flush.
Firmware and software:
The original Redmi 4A has:
- 📱 MIUI with branded wallpaper: At the first inclusion there should be an animation of the download MIUI.
- 🔑 Link to Xiaomi account: In the settings there is a Mi Account item.
- 🔄 Updates by air (OTA): B Settings → The phone. → Update of the system should be offered an update (albeit the old one).
Technical tests:
Install the AIDA64 app and check:
- 📊 Processor model: It should be Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425.
- 📡 IMEI: Must match the number on the box and under the battery.
- 🔋 Battery capacity: The Battery section should be 3120 mAh (for counterfeits, often 2500-2800 mAh).
⚠️ Note: Counterfeiting often gives off a low price (below 1,500 rubles) and the lack of the original box. Also check if the red charge indicator is on when connected to the network - in clones it is often blue or green.
☑️ Checking the originality of Redmi 4A
Redmi's frequent troubles 4A And how to solve them.
Even the original Redmi. 4A It starts to "glut" over time. TOP-5 problems and solutions:
1.The battery goes down fast.
Reasons:
- 🔋 Battery wear (after 3-4 years, the capacity drops to 60-70%).
- 📱 Background processes (especially if unofficial firmware is installed).
Decision:
- ⚡ Replace the battery (the original is worth it) ~800–1,200 rubles).
- ⚙️ Turn off autosynchronization in Settings → Accounts.
- 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
2. Brakes and lays
Reasons:
- 🐢 Lack of RAM (2 GB is not enough for modern applications).
- 🗑️ Scored memory (the system requires a minimum of 1-1.5 GB of free space).
Decision:
- 🧹 Remove unnecessary apps and clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes).
- 🔧 Install a light firmware (for example, MIUI Lite or Pixel Experience).
- 🚫 Turn off animation in Developer Settings (include through 7 taps by build number).
3. The camera is not working.
Reasons:
- 📷 Camera plume damaged (frequent problem after falls).
- 🔧 Firmware failure (especially after updates).
Decision:
- 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → Safe regime).
- 🛠️ If it does not help - bring to the service (repair of the plume is worth it) ~500-800 rubles).
4. Not catching the net (4G/3G)
Reasons:
- 📡 The communication module is damaged (for example, after falling).
- 📶 Outdated firmware (operators disable support for old standards).
Decision:
- 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest official (MIUI 11).
- 📶 Manually select the network in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network.
- 🔧 If nothing helps, check it out. IMEI (must match the box).
5. Not included
Reasons:
- 🔋 Battery is completely discharged (you need to hold on charging for 10-15 minutes).
- 🔌 Failed charging connector or cable.
- 💥 The power controller burned (often after using non-original RAMs).
Decision:
- ⚡ Try charging from another cable/power supply.
- 🔄 Press the power button for 10-15 seconds.
- 🛠️ If it doesn’t help, bring it to the service (controller repair is worth it). ~1,000–1,500 rubles).
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Most of Redmi's problems 4A This is due to battery wear and outdated firmware, and regular memory cleaning and the use of original memory will prolong the life of the device.
Where to buy spare parts and accessories for Redmi 4A 2026?
Despite the age of the model, spare parts for the Redmi 4A They're still available. That's where they're looking:
Batteries:
- 🛒 AliExpress: Original and non-original batteries (price: 500-1 200 rubles). 4A battery original".
- 🏬 Local services: Million-dollar cities often have spare parts stores for Xiaomi (e.g., "Mi Service").
Screens and touchscreens:
- 📱 Original: Cost 1,500-2,500 rubles, sold on AliExpress or in service centers.
- 🔧 Copies: Cheaper (800-1,200 rubles), but the quality is worse (possible to be poor sensitivity).
Shells and glass:
- 🛡️ Rear covers: AliExpress or Ozon (price: 200-500 rubles).
- 🔮 Security Glasses: Any one is suitable for a 5-inch screen (e.g. from Redmi) 3S).
Firmware and software:
- 📥 Official: The latest version — MIUI 11 (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).
- 🔧 LineageOS 16 (Android 9) or Pixel Experience (Android 10) – search the forum 4PDA.
⚠️ Note: When buying a battery, pay attention to the capacity - the original should be exactly 3120 mAh. Batteries labeled 2800 mAh or 3000 mAh - fake or remarked.