When Xiaomi Redmi came out 4X: History, Characteristics and Why the Model Is Still in Demand

Xiaomi Redmi Smartphone 4X It was one of the most popular budget models in the Redmi lineup, and for good reason. Launched at a time of strong growth for the Xiaomi brand in the global market, it combined affordable pricing, balanced specs and long-term support for updates. 4X It is being bought for the secondary market, used as a spare phone or even upgraded for modern tasks.

But when did Xiaomi Redmi come out? 4X, And why was it a big time for the company? In this article, we're going to look at not only the exact timeline of the model's launch, but also the context of its creation: what technologies were used, how the model was positioned among the competition, and what has changed in the industry since then. If you are planning to buy a Redmi 4X 2026 or just interested in the history of Xiaomi smartphones – this material is for you.

Official release date of Xiaomi Redmi 4X: chronology

Xiaomi Redmi 4X It was announced on February 14, 2017, at a launch in China, but the date of the start of sales differed by region:

• 📅 China: Official sales started on February 14, 2017, the day of the announcement, and the model immediately became available on the Mi.com platform and in partner stores.
• 🌍 Global market: in India and other Asian countries, the smartphone appeared in March 2017, and in Europe – closer to April-May 2017.
• 🛒 Russia: the first batches went on sale in June 2017 through official distributors and online platforms.

Interestingly, Redmi 4X It was the successor to the Redmi 4 (released in November 2016), but with a number of improvements, and Xiaomi marketed it as a “budget flagship” with a focus on autonomy and performance. 4X, The Redmi 4 (Snapdragon 435) was sometimes used in global markets, creating confusion among buyers.

In some regions (for example, in India) the model was sold under the Redmi 4 brand, but with an index. 4X This is due to Xiaomi’s marketing strategy, which has adapted the names to local preferences.

Technical characteristics of Redmi 4X: What made it special in 2017

At the time of Redmi's release 4X It offered an impressive balance of cost and opportunity, and let's look at the key parameters that made it successful:

The 4100mAh battery deserves special attention. In 2017, even flagship models rarely offered a battery over 3,500mAh, and here we see a solution that provided 2-3 days of battery life with moderate use. MIUI and energy efficient Snapdragon 435 processor.

Another plus is the support for two. SIM-map + MicroSD: At the time, many manufacturers were forced to choose between the second. SIM-A card and memory card, and Xiaomi has offered a universal solution.

💡

If you buy a Redmi 4X Today, check the firmware version through Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. The last updates for this model came out in 2020, but custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) can extend the life of the device.

Like Redmi. 4X It is similar to other models of the Redmi line of 2017

In 2017, Xiaomi released a series of smartphones Redmi, and Redmi. 4X He's got a special place in it. Let's compare him to his close relatives":

• 📱 Redmi 4 (released in November 2016): equipped with a Snapdragon 430 processor, had a battery of 4100 mAh, but the case is made of metal (in the case of the snapdragon). 4X — metal-coated).
• 📱 Redmi 4A (December 2016: the most budget option with Snapdragon 425 and a battery 3120 mAh. 4X Offered better performance and autonomy.
• 📱 Redmi Note 4X (February 2017: Big Brother with 5.5 screen, Snapdragon 625 processor and similar battery priced 30 to 40 higher%.

Redmi 4X He took a niche between Redmi 4A (ultrabudget and Redmi Note 4X (The middle segment, its main trump cards:

1. Price: 20-25% cheaper than Note 4X similarly autonomous.
2. Compromise size: 5-inch screen is more comfortable than 5.5" for one hand.
3. Optimization: MIUI 8 and later MIUI (9) worked for 4X smoother than 4A.

Interesting fact: in India, Redmi 4X It was sold under the name Redmi 4 (without the X index), which caused confusion, but technically it was the same model, but with a different name to simplify marketing.

The Relevance of the Redmi 4X in 2026: Should I Buy?

7 years after the release of Redmi 4X You can still find it on the secondary market at a price of 3,000 to 6,000 rubles (depending on your condition). But how relevant is it today? Consider the pros and cons:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi officially stopped supporting Redmi updates from 2021 4X. Last version MIUI — MIUI 11 (based on Android 7.1 Nougat) This means no patch security and no compatibility with new apps.

Pros of buying in 2026:

• 🔋 Autonomy: 4100 mAh is still enough for 1.5-2 days at base use (calls, instant messengers).
• 🛠️ Repairability: Cheap parts, screen or battery replacement is easy.
• 📦 Compact: 5-inch body is convenient for a pocket and one hand.

Cons and risks:

• 🚫 Android 7.1 does not support modern versions of WhatsApp, YouTube, banking applications.
• 📸 Camera: 13 MP f/2.0 They are losing even to the public sector. 2020+ year-end.
• ⚡ Performance: Snapdragon 435 brakes on heavy apps and games.

Who will the Redmi 4X be for today?

• 👴 Older people are like a simple phone for calls and WhatsApp.
• 🔄 As a backup device.
• 🛠️ Enthusiasts of custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) 16/17).

Battery condition (capacity should not be lower than 70% of 4100 mAh)

Performance of the sensor and buttons

Availability of the box and documents (the warranty has long been invalid, but it is a sign of careful use)

Firmware version (last official version — MIUI 11.0.2.0)-->

How to Upgrade or Modify Redmi 4X modern use

If you want to bring Redmi back to life 4X, You have several ways:

1. Installation of custom firmware

Official updates have long since stopped, but the developer community offers alternatives:

• 🔄 LineageOS 17.1 (Android 10) is the most stable version with support for modern applications.
• 🛡️ Havoc-OS or Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface similar to Pixel.

The installation will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 72 hours).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (Santoni version) codenamed Redmi 4X).
3. Sweep ZIP-firmware TWRP.

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick. Before you start, check the model of the device in Settings → The phone. → Model (should be 2017117 or 2017118 for global version).

Replacement of the battery

The average battery life is 3-4 years. 4X Replace the battery with a new one (original artwork. MBP04HY or analogues from Baseus, Xiaomi. The cost is about 1,000-1,500 rubles.

3. Optimization of the current firmware

If you don’t want to risk with custom firmware, try:

• 🧹 Remove unnecessary applications through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Disable animation in Settings → Additionally. → For developers (enable developer mode by clicking 7 times on the Version) MIUI).
• 🔋 Use applications such as Greenify to hibernate background processes.

💡

Castom firmware can extend the life of Redmi 4X It takes 2-3 years, but it requires technical skills. If you're a beginner, start by changing the battery and optimizing the current battery. MIUI.

Where to buy Xiaomi Redmi 4X 2026: Tested sites

The new Redmi 4X Not available for sale for a long time, but used models can be found at the following sites:

Buying tips:

• 🔍 Check it out. IMEI IMEI.info helps to avoid stolen phones.
• 📸 Ask for photos/video of your phone (especially screen, cameras, connectors).
• 💰 Don’t overpay: The maximum reasonable price for Redmi 4X 2026 - 5,000 rubles.

If you want an original box and accessories, look for lots marked "Back" or "Full Set." But remember, even in perfect condition, Redmi. 4X It will not replace the modern smartphone.

Redmi's frequent troubles 4X And how to solve them.

Over the years, Redmi has been in operation. 4X They found the typical diseases. These are the most common ones and the ways to eliminate them:

One of the most frustrating problems is the mic dump (the sound in conversation disappears or gets distorted) and it's related to the oxidation of the contacts on the motherboard.

1. Take the phone apart and clean the contacts with alcohol.
2. If it doesn’t work, replace the microphone (details are worth it). ~300 ₽).

Critical information: if after the fall of Redmi 4X It's stopped turning on, but it vibrates when you plug in the charge -- most likely, the battery plume has gone away. Don't try to disassemble the device yourself, because in this model, the plume is attached with fragile latches that are easy to break.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Xiaomi Redmi 4X