Xiaomi Redmi 4X It is still a popular budget smartphone in the secondary market, its reliability, removable battery and low price attract customers, but with the increase in demand, the number of counterfeits from rough copies from MediaTek Helio is growing. P10 Instead of the original Snapdragon 435, it's masterfully copied replicas that pretend to be the original even in tests, and in this article, we'll look at all the validation methods available, including the little-known techniques that service centers use.
Feature of Redmi 4X It was not only forged by Chinese βhandicraftβ manufacturers, but also by large factories that produced clones for local markets (for example, for India or Southeast Asia). These devices may look the same as the original, but they may have stripped-down hardware, unofficial software, or compatibility issues, and we'll teach you to recognize them before you buy them -- and save you nerves and money.
Packaging and completeness check: 5 signs of forgery
The first thing that catches your eye when you buy is a box.Redmi's original packaging. 4X It has distinct features that are difficult to fake without losing quality:
- π¦ Box material: the original is made of thick cardboard with matte lamination that does not peel off when scratched with the nail.
- π Fonts and logos: Xiaomi's original inscription is clear, without blurred edges, with uniform lines thickness. On clones, the letter "i" can be displaced or have uneven kerning.
- π Box sizes: the original packaging has dimensions 145 Γ 70 Γ 35 mm. Deviation more than by 2β3 Mmm, a reason to be wary.
- π‘ Hologram: The original box has a holographic sticker with the Mi logo that changes color when tilted. The holograms either don't have the hologram or are just a regular sticker.
- π’ Serial number: at the bottom of the box should be unique S/N, It matches the number on the sticker under the battery of the smartphone, and if the number is erased or duplicated, it's a fake.
Now, the package. In the original kit, you'll find:
| Subject matter | Original | Fake. |
|---|---|---|
| Charger | White block with exit 5V/2A, Xiaomi inscription engraved, not painted | Black or grey block, often without logo or with blurred inscription |
| USB cable | White or black cable with metal connectors, length 1 m | Thin cable with plastic connectors, length less than 80 cm |
| Paperclip for the SIM tray | Metal, with a curved end | Plastic or aluminum, often bends when first used |
| Documentation. | A brief guide in several languages (including Russian), a stamped warranty card | A4 sheet with printed text or instruction in Chinese only |
β οΈ Warning: If a vendor claims that the box is βlostβ or βthe smartphone is sold without packagingβ, this is a reason to doubt the originality. Even used devices usually retain the box β its absence often masks a fake.
External inspection of the smartphone: details that give out a clone
Let's go to the device itself. 4X And you can look at it from all sides, and it's got some unique features:
- π± Back cover: the original is matte, barely visible texture, does not slip in the hands. Fakes are often glossy or too rough. Also check the Redmi under camera - the original is clear, with uniform lighting.
- π§ Fix screws: open the back cover (it's removable!) In the original, you'll see 10 screws with cruciform slits. The fakes may have fewer of them, or they'll have flat slits.
- π‘ Antenna lines: on the original Redmi 4X They're thin and symmetrical, without breaks. On clones, the lines are often curved or intermittent.
- π Speaker and microphone: the original speaker is on the right of the microUSB port, and the microphone is on the left.
Note the camera: The original Redmi 4X The main module protrudes 1-1.5 mm above the body, and in counterfeits it is often drowned or protrudes too much. Also check the fingerprint sensor (if you have one in your version): on the original it is round, with a metal rim, and on clones it can be oval or without a rim.
Weight Test: The Original Redmi 4X weight 150 d (version with) 3/32 GB 156 d (version with) 4/64 Fakes are often easier to counterfeit. 10β20 d because of the use of cheaper materials. Weigh your smartphone on a kitchen scale if you have any doubts.
3. Checking by IMEI Serial Number: How to Calculate a Clone
The most reliable way to verify originality is to verify IMEI and serial number (S/N) It's a step-by-step guide to Xiaomi:
- Find it. IMEI: Type on the keyboard *#06# - a window with two will appear IMEI (two-way SIM-Or look at the sticker under the battery (if the lid is removable).
- Check it out. IMEI on the official website: Go to the Xiaomi verification page. IMEI, serial (S/N) If the device is original, the site will show the model (Redmi). 4X), date of production and status of guarantee.
What to do if the site does not recognize IMEI? It's a sure sign of a fake, and you should also be wary if you're a fake:
- The site shows a different model (e.g. Redmi). 5A instead 4X).
- The production dates on the site and on the box do not match.
- IMEI The system and the sticker (*#06#) are different.
βοΈ Verification IMEI and S/N
β οΈ Warning: Fraudsters sometimes fake stickers with IMEI, So check the box, not just with the system settings, if the vendor refuses to show you. IMEI Before buying, it is a reason to refuse the transaction.
Another way is to test through MIUI Forum:
- Register for the XDA Developers or MIUI Forum.
- Find a topic about Redmi 4X Ask the owners if they are the same. IMEI with your data.
- Or use utilities like this. IMEI Analyzer (available on Google Play) to know the country of origin by the first digits IMEI.
4. Software analysis: MIUI vs. fake firmware
Even if the smartphone looks like the original, it can be given out by firmware. Fakes often run on customized versions of Android with imitation. MIUI. Here's how to recognize them:
- π± Version. MIUI: Go to Settings. β The original Redmi phone. 4X slack MIUI 8 or MIUI 9 (depending on the year of issue). MIUI 10+, Most likely, the firmware is overstitched, which is already suspicious for the used device.
- π§ Build number: in the same menu, find the line Build number. The original versions are formatted V9.6.1.0.MCMMIEK (where MCM β Redmi model code 4X). For fakes, the build number can begin with ALPS or MTK (What indicates a MediaTek processor that is not typical of the original).
- π Hidden menus: type in the phone app ##4636##. MIUI The test menu will open, and the fakes may show an error or a menu in Chinese.
Performance test: run benchmark (like AnTuTu or Geekbench). original Redmi 4X The Snapdragon 435 shows the following results:
- AnTuTu: 40 000β45 000 score.
- Geekbench (Single-Core): 600-700 points.
- Geekbench (Multi-Core): 2,000β2,500 points.
If the numbers are significantly lower (for example, 20,000 in AnTuTu), it is likely that MediaTek Helio is inside. P10 or another weak chip.
How to check the processor without benchmarks?
Check through ADB (for advanced users):
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable debugging USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times tap the version).
- Enter in the command line: adb shell getprop ro.product.model adb shell getprop ro.product.brand
- Original Retrieval: ro.product.model=Redmi 4X ro.product.brand=Xiaomi can issue fakes to ro.product.brand=unknown or other model.
5.Iron Test: How to Check Screen, Camera and Battery
Counterfeiting often saves on components, so even if the software looks like the original, the hardware can give out a clone.
- πΊ Screen: The original Redmi 4X has IPS-resolution-screen 720Γ1280 (HD). Check the permission in Settings β Screen. Viewing angles: tilt your smartphone at an angle 45Β°. In the original, the colors don't invert, and the brightness drops evenly. On fakes, the screen can turn purple or green. Sensitivity: run a multi-touch test (at the same time, tap the screen). 5 In the original, all touches are recognized, clones can "loseΒ» 1β2 finger-point.
- πΈ Camera: The original Redmi 4X main-camera 13 MPP (f/2.0) frontal 5 MP: Take a low-light photo: the original will have moderate noise, the fake will have strong artifacts. EXIF-Data: Open the photo in Google Photos β Details. The original will show a model of the camera. ov13850 (primary and ov5670 (frontal).
- π Battery: The original battery has a capacity of 4100 mAh and the inscription Xiaomi with a hologram. on fakes often write 4000 mAh or do not indicate capacity. Check the time: the original at an average load lasts 1.5-2 days. If the smartphone is discharged in 6-8 hours β the battery is either fake or badly worn out.
π‘
To check the actual capacity of the battery, use the AccuBattery app (Google Play). Run 2-3 charge/discharge cycles, the app will show the exact capacity. If it is less than 3,500 mAh, the battery is either fake or needs to be replaced.
Vibration test and dynamics:
- Vibration: The original motor vibrates clearly, without rattling; on fakes, the vibration is often weak or intermittent.
- Speaker: Turn the music on at maximum volume. The original plays clean, no wheezing. Fakes can distort the sound at high frequencies.
6. Verification through service codes and hidden functions
Xiaomi added to Redmi 4X There are a few hidden codes that help verify originality:
| Code. | Checks | Original | Fake. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ##6484## | MIUI Test | The menu with the version will open MIUI and status of device | Error or blank screen |
| ##64663## | Iron test | Show information about the processor, memory, screen | It can also provide data about another chip (e.g, MT6750) |
| ##232338## | MAC-Wi-Fi address | Showing a unique MAC, starting with 78:... or B4:... | Can show 02:00:00:00:00:00 (fake) MAC) |
| ##0808## | USB mode | Shows menus with options MTP, PTP etc. | May be absent or working incorrectly |
The key is to enter the code *#06# instead of IMEI displayed "Invalid" IMEI" It's a total fake, or a zero (000000000000000000000), and it's not only not original, but it can be blocked by carriers.
Checking through Fastboot:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
- Connect to your PC and type in the command: fastboot getvar all
- The original display will show: (bootloader) product: santoni (bootloader) secure: yes A counterfeit can give you product: unknown or secure: no.
7 Where and how to buy Redmi 4X, so you don't run into a fake
Even though you know all the ways to test, you still have the risk of buying a fake if you choose a place that is not reliable, and here's a ranking of the safest options (from the most reliable to the most risky):
- Official Xiaomi store or authorized resellers (for example, Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video marked "Original products"). There are no fakes, but the price is higher than the market, and used devices can not be found.
- Large marketplaces with buyer protection (Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market). Check the reviews of the seller and demand a photo IMEI pre-purchase.
- Social media forums and groups (e.g. Avito, Facebook Marketplace, VKontakte thematic groups) are highly likely to be faked, but you can find good deals. Security rules: Demand video with *#06# and demo IMEI. Check the seller through reviews (on Avito, see sales history). Do not transfer money before checking the device in person.
Overseas sites
AliExpress
GearBest
Original Xiaomi
Price references (2026):
- New Redmi 4X (If you find it, 12,000-15,000. β½ (unlikely to be stopped in 2018).
- B/w in perfect condition: 4,000β6,000 β½.
- Used with traces of use: 2,500β4,000 β½.
- Fake (often issued as original): 1,500β3,000 β½.
β οΈ If a seller asks for payment through Qiwi, YuMoney or other systems without protection, or offers a βbeneficialβ price 30-50% below the market, this is almost certainly a fraud. Also avoid shopping with sellers who refuse to show the device live or send it βon-cashβ without prepayment.
π‘
The best way to avoid counterfeiting is to buy a Redmi. 4X Only with the possibility of personal inspection and inspection IMEI Even if the seller offers a "guarantee" or a "check," without physical verification, the risk remains high.