In 2017, Xiaomi released two popular budget smartphones, the Redmi 4X and Redmi Note 4X. At first glance, they seem almost identical: the same design, the same Snapdragon 435 processor, even the names differ by just one word, but in practice the difference between them is significant - from screen size to battery life.
Now that both models are long gone, they remain relevant in the secondary market due to their low price and good performance for basic tasks. However, before buying, it is important to understand what each one is better for. For example, Redmi Note 4X is more likely to be chosen by gamers because of the larger screen, and Redmi 4X is those who appreciate compactness and lightness. In this article, we will analyze all the key differences so you can make an informed choice.
1. Design and dimensions: compactness vs convenience
The first thing that catches your eye is the size of the devices. The 5-inch Redmi 4X weighs only 150 grams and fits easily in one hand. It's ideal for those who prefer miniature smartphones or carry a phone in tight pockets. It's made of metal-coated plastic, giving it a premium look at the expense of the budget.
The Redmi Note 4X is already a phablet โ it's 5.5 inches and weighs 165 grams. The 15-gram difference may seem small, but it's felt over long periods of time. The larger display is more convenient for watching videos, playing games, and documenting. Both have the same back design: rounded edges, a camera in the upper left corner, and a fingerprint scanner on the back.
- ๐ฑ Redmi 4X: 139.2 ร 70 ร 8.7 mm, 150 g โ conveniently held with one hand
- ๐ฑ Redmi Note 4X: 151 ร 76 ร 8.5 mm, 165 g is better for multimedia
- ๐จ Both have a metal case with plastic antenna inserts
- ๐ Fingerprint scanner is positioned the same way on the back.
If you're a compact person, the choice is obvious, but the Redmi 4X is less typing-friendly because of its small screen, because the keyboard occupies almost the entire display area, leading to frequent errors in typing.
2. Screen: resolution, technology and image quality
The Redmi 4X is equipped with a HD- screen (1280ร720 pixels) with a density of 296 ppi. For its time, this was normal, but today this resolution is considered low - pixels are visible on closer inspection, and the text looks slightly "grainy." IPS technology provides good viewing angles, but the brightness leaves much to be desired: in the sun the image dim.
The Redmi Note 4X, in turn, received a Full HD- display (1920ร1080 pixels) with a density of 403 ppi. The difference in clarity is enormous: the text looks perfectly smooth and the picture is detailed. In addition, it uses Sunlight Display technology, which automatically adjusts contrast in bright light, which makes the smartphone much more convenient for use on the street.
| Parameter | Redmi 4X | Redmi Note 4X |
|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 5" | 5.5" |
| Permission | 1280ร720 (HD) | 1920ร1080 (Full HD) |
| Pixel density | 296 ppi | 403 ppi |
| Technology | IPS, no protection | IPS, Sunlight Display, 2.5D glass |
Another important aspect is screen protection: The Note 4X uses a rounded-edge 2.5D- glass, which gives the smartphone a more modern look and improves the tactile sensation of slipping your finger. Redmi 4X did not have such "fine things."
โ ๏ธ Warning: Both smartphones do not have official water and dust protection (standard IP68). Even a brief ingress of moisture can render them inoperable.
Performance: One processor, but different optimization
On paper, both devices are identical: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 eight-core 1.4GHz processor, the Adreno 505 graphics accelerator and 3GB of RAM (in the basic versions). However, in practice, the Redmi Note 4X runs smoother.
- Screen resolution: Redmi 4X with HD-display loads the GPU less than Note 4X with Full HD. But in games and heavy applications, the difference is leveled - both smartphones begin to "brake".
- MIUI optimization: The Note 4X used a more recent version of the firmware with improved memory management. Today, after numerous updates, the difference is almost invisible.
In benchmarks (like AnTuTu), both devices show similar results, around 40,000-45,000, enough to:
- ๐ฑ Social networks (Vkontakte, Telegram, Instagram)
- ๐ฎ Clash Royale, Brawl Stars, Among Us
- ๐บ Watch Full HD (Note 4X without lags)
- ๐ธ Shooting photos and videos (but not in 4K
But with modern games like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile at maximum settings, both smartphones do not cope well. You have to reduce the graphics to a minimum and put up with friezes. For gamers, it is better to consider newer models, such as the Redmi Note 10.
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If your Redmi 4X/Note 4X is getting a lot of brakes, try rolling back the firmware to MIUI 9 โ many users have noticed that newer versions are slower on these models.
Camera: megapixels vs real quality
On paper, the cameras at the devices are the same: the main 13 MP (aperture f/2.0, phase autofocus) and the front 5 MP. But in practice, the Redmi Note 4X takes better pictures thanks to:
- ๐ธ Larger screen โ more convenient to crop and view photos
- ๐ฆ Better processing in firmware (more saturated colors)
- ๐ Automatic support HDR (on 4X it must be manually enabled)
In daylight, both smartphones shoot well: level clarity, natural colors. But at dusk or at night, Redmi 4X loses โ photos are noisy, and autofocus longer catches sharpness. The front camera of both models is weak: 5 MP is only enough for video calls, and selfies on social networks are better to retouch.
| Parameter | Redmi 4X | Redmi Note 4X |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera. | 13 MP, f/2.0, phase autofocus | 13 MP, f/2.0, phase autofocus + better processing |
| Front camera. | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Full HD 30 fps | Full HD 30 fps |
| Additionally. | Manual HDR | Auto-HDR, the best color reproduction |
The Redmi Note 4X supports Beauty 3.0 mode with more flexible retouch settings, while the Redmi 4X only has a basic version of this mode.
5. Battery and autonomy: who lives longer without an outlet?
Here, the Redmi Note 4X is definitely winning. Despite the larger screen, it has a 4100 mAh battery, whereas the Redmi 4X has only 4100 mAh... Stop, that's a typo! In fact, the Redmi 4X has a 4100 mAh battery, and the Note 4X has 4100 mAh battery, too. But why is autonomy different?
It's all about optimization and screen:
- The ๐ Redmi 4X with the HD- display uses less power to light up, but because of the compact body, the battery heats up faster, which reduces its lifespan.
- The ๐ Redmi Note 4X has the same battery, but more efficient cooling due to a larger body area, and it also features Quick Charge 3.0 technology (although the charging package is standard, on 5V/2A).
Based on the test results:
- ๐ฑ Redmi 4X: Up to 1.5 days with moderate use (social media, calls, instant messengers).
- ๐ฑ Redmi Note 4X: Up to 2 days in the same scenario thanks to better optimization MIUI.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If you buy a used smartphone, be sure to check the battery status through the AccuBattery app. The batteries in these models often lose up to 30-40% of capacity after 3-4 years of use.
Turn off autobrightness|Use dark themes.|Close background applications|Do not discharge below 20%-->
6.Memory, communication and additional functions
Both models support two nano-SIM cards or one SIM + microSD (up to 256 GB).
- The ๐ถ Redmi Note 4X has VoLTE support (voice over 4G), whereas Redmi 4X only has this feature in late firmware and is unstable.
- ๐ก Both smartphones are equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11n modules (without support for 5 GHz in the basic versions) and Bluetooth 4.2.
- ๐ต The Note 4X uses a better speaker with better volume and less distortion at maximum power.
As for memory:
- ๐พ Basic version of Redmi 4X: 16 GB (of which ~10 GB is available) + 2 GB of RAM.
- ๐พ The base version of the Redmi Note 4X: 32 GB (~25 GB available) + 3 GB of RAM.
Today, 16GB is critically low, and even after you install WhatsApp, Telegram and a couple of games, there's almost no room left, so the 32GB Redmi Note 4X looks like a better buy.
How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4X/Note 4X?
7.The price on the secondary market in 2026: which is more profitable?
As of today (June 2026) prices for used models are:
- ๐ฐ Redmi 4X (16/2 GB): 3 000-4 500 โฝ
- ๐ฐ Redmi 4X (32/3 GB): 4 500-6 000 โฝ
- ๐ฐ Redmi Note 4X (32/3 GB): 5 000-7 000 โฝ
- ๐ฐ Redmi Note 4X (64/4 GB): 7 000-9 000 โฝ
Should you pay more for the Note 4X?
- โ Choose the Note 4X if: you want a bigger screen, a better camera and longer battery life.
Pay attention to the condition of the device: often sellers do not indicate that the battery is worn out or the screen has "broken" pixels.
Battery status (capacity and charge cycles)| Performance of all buttons and connectors | Absence of yellow pixels on the screen | IMEI purity (check via *#06#) | Original charging-->
8. Alternatives in 2026: Should we buy these models today?
Despite all the advantages, the Redmi 4X and Redmi Note 4X are obsolete, and in 2026, you can buy more modern smartphones with better specs for the same money.
- ๐ฑ Redmi 9A (2020) โ Helio G25, 6.53" HD+, 5000 mAh, price ~6000 โฝ.
- ๐ฑ Redmi 10A (2022) โ Helio G25, 6.53" HD+, 5000 mAh, NFC, price ~7000 โฝ.
- ๐ฑ POCO C31 โ Helio G35, 6.53" HD+, 5000 mAh, price ~8000 โฝ.
Advantages of the new models:
- ๐ More capacious batteries (5000 mAh vs. 4100 mAh).
- ๐ธ The best cameras (even the budget 2020+ year models have 13+2MP instead of 13MP).
- ๐ฎ More modern processors (Helio G25/G35 vs. Snapdragon 435).
- ๐ถ Supports Wi-Fi 5GHz and Bluetooth 5.0.
The Redmi 4X/Note 4X is a good example of this.
- ๐ ๏ธ Those who like to repair and modify smartphones (for these models, there are many custom firmware).
- ๐ฆ Collectors of Xiaomi retro equipment.
- ๐ฐ For those looking for the cheapest phone for calls and instant messengers.
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If you want a smartphone for gaming, photography or long-duration autonomy, consider models no older than 2020. the Redmi 4X/Note 4X in 2026 will be suitable only for basic tasks or as a spare phone.