In the world of budget smartphones, there are models that become legends, going through many generations of devices. It is such “people’s” gadgets that the Xiaomi Redmi 4X is still interesting for users who are looking for a reliable device for pennies or want to remember the history of the brand. The question of what year this device often arises when buying used equipment or finding compatible accessories and firmware.
Many people confuse it with newer or older models of the lineup, so it is important to clearly understand the time frame for the release of the device. Release date is a key factor in determining the relevance of software and the availability of spare parts for repair. In this article, we will discuss in detail the chronology of the gadget and its features.
Understanding the age of the device will help you make an informed decision about whether to purchase it in the current realities of the electronics market. Despite its age, the device is still available on sale, and it can perform certain functions, which we will also talk about.
Release history and release date of the model
The official presentation of Xiaomi Redmi 4X took place in early 2017, the specific date of launch of sales in China is considered to be February 28, 2017. The global version, which reached the markets of Europe, Russia and CIS countries, appeared a few months later, around May-June of the same year.
The smartphone was a direct successor to the popular Redmi 4 series, but received a number of significant changes in design and hardware, the main feature was the use of a metal case with characteristic plastic antenna inserts, which distinguished it from its predecessors with an all-aluminum rear cover.
The device came at a time when the market was saturated with budget solutions, and Xiaomi was trying to keep the lead in the segment up to $ 150, which is why the model received an updated processor and optimized shell MIUI based on Android.
For those who follow the company’s history, it’s important to note that it was one of the last smartphones to get a classic design with physical navigation buttons under the screen before the industry massively shifted to on-screen gestures.
Technical specifications and iron
At the heart of the smartphone is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor. At the time of release, it was a great balance between energy efficiency and performance for the budget segment.
The amount of RAM varied depending on the modification: the basic version offered 2 GB of RAM, while the more expensive version received 3 GB. The built-in storage also had options for 16 and 32 GB, which was considered the norm for 2017.
The screen of the device is made by IPS technology with a diagonal of 5 inches. The resolution of the matrix is 1280 by 720 points. The pixel density is not a record, but for such a diagonal, the picture looks quite clear and pleasant to the eye.
The main camera received a sensor at 13 MP with an aperture of f/2.0. Front camera for selfies has a resolution of 5 MP. the quality of shooting during the day was acceptable, but night photography was given to the device with difficulty due to the lack of optical stabilization.
- 📱 Screen: 5.0" IPS, 1280x720 pixel
- ⚙️ Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 (8 cores)
- 💾 Memory: 2/16 GB 3/32 GB + microSD
- 🔋 Battery: 4100 mAh with fast charging
- 📷 Camera: 13 MP (main) + 5 MP (frontal)
Body design and ergonomics
The look of the device became one of its main trump cards: metal unpainted body (in some versions) or high-quality coating created a sense of premium, the dimensions of the smartphone allowed you to comfortably control it with one hand, which is now less common.
The front panel featured a physical home button that also served as a fingerprint scanner, and the speed and accuracy of fingerprint recognition in the Redmi 4X was praised by many observers of the time.
The ends of the device were rounded, providing a nice grip. However, smooth metal could slide in the hand, so many users immediately purchased protective cases. The weight of the device was only 145 grams, which by modern standards is a very easy indicator.
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The metal case can shield the cellular signal, so try not to overlap the antenna inserts in the lower part with weak network coverage.
The connectors are located classically: 3.5 mm for headphones on the bottom, micro-USB It's also a charger from the bottom. SIM-The card is located on the lower end, which requires the use of a paper clip to extract.
Software and updates
At the time of release, the smartphone was running a shell MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Subsequently, the device received an update to MIUI 9 and MIUI 10, based on Android 7.0 Nougat.
This has stopped the official support of the operating system from the manufacturer, which means that newer versions of Android will not officially be installed on this phone, but the development community has created many custom firmware.
⚠️ Note: Installation of unofficial firmware (Custom) ROM) It can lead to loss of warranty (if it was still in force) and unstable operation of banking applications.
Users who own this device today often face a lack of relevance apps.Many modern programs require Android versions above 7.0, making phone use limited to only basic features.
Should I upgrade MIUI to Redmi 4X?
The relevance of security patches is also a thing of the past, which poses certain risks when using a device for online payments or working with sensitive data in 2026-2026.
Battery and autonomy of operation
One of the main advantages of the model was the battery capacity of 4100 mAh. In combination with the energy-efficient processor Snapdragon 435 and low-resolution screen, the smartphone showed outstanding results of autonomy.
In active use, the device could last up to two days without recharging, while in standby mode, the charge was minimal, making the Redmi 4X an excellent choice for travelers or people who do not like to charge the gadget often.
Support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology allowed for fast enough power to be recharged for the budget segment, and it took about 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge with a standard complete unit.
| Parameter | Meaning | Comparison with analogues |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4100mAh | Above average (2017) |
| Talk time. | 25 hours | Excellent indicator |
| Video | 12 hours | Average result |
| Web surfing | 10:00 | Good result. |
It is worth considering that when buying a used instance, the battery condition can be critical. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, even if the phone is not used.
Camera: Opportunities and Limitations
The 13 megapixel core camera module was equipped with phase autofocus, which allowed for sharp enough shots of static objects in good light, and the color reproduction was typical of Xiaomi at the time, a bit oversaturated.
In low light conditions, the quality of the images dropped dramatically, digital noises appeared, and the shutter speed increased, which led to lubrication of the frames. The video device shot at Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second, but without stabilization, the picture shook.
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The Redmi 4X is suitable for documentary and bright light photography, but don’t expect it to be a nighttime miracle.
The 5MP front camera had a fixed focus and was designed for video calls and simple selfies, and the facial enhancement feature (beautification) worked aggressively, which not everyone liked.
- 📸 Regime. HDR: Eat (working slowly)
- 🌙 Night mode: No (software processing only)
- 🎥 Video: Full HD 1080p, 30 fps
- 🤳 Selfie: 5MP, fixed focus
Cost and feasibility of buying today
Today, it is almost impossible to find the new Xiaomi Redmi 4X on official sale, the market is filled with refurbished or used devices, and the price varies depending on the condition and configuration.
Buying this phone in 2026-2026 as a primary device makes sense only in a few cases: a very limited budget, the need for a “caller” for a child or an elderly person, or use as a navigator or remote control.
⚠️ Note: When buying a redmi 4X be sure to check the operation of the touchscreen throughout the area and the state of the battery, as wear over the years of operation can be significant.
For today's heavy-duty applications, banking software and high-resolution multimedia, the power of the device is no longer sufficient, IP-Camera or music player, it can still be useful.
☑️ Checking Redmi's used-in 4X pre-purchase
If you are looking for an inexpensive smartphone for full use in modern conditions, it is better to pay attention to newer models of the budget segment that have the latest versions of Android and support for 4G/5G networks.