Choosing between the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro and the Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro in 2026 is no easy task. Both models are long gone, but remain popular in the secondary market due to their reliability and affordable price. If you are looking for a budget smartphone for everyday tasks or a backup device, it is important to understand what key differences between these devices remain relevant years later.
On the one hand, the Redmi Note 3 Pro (2016) offers a metal case, a removable battery and a more powerful processor. On the other hand, the Redmi 4 Pro (2017) is smaller, has an improved front-facing camera and optimized firmware. In this article, we will discuss 10 benchmarks that will help determine the choice from performance to relevance of MIUI updates in 2026.
We’ll focus on the issues of used devices, such as battery wear, support for modern applications, and compatibility with SIM- cards from new carriers, and if you’re planning to buy one of these smartphones today, this information will save you time and money.
1. Design and materials: metal vs metal coated plastic
Externally, the Redmi Note 3 Pro and Redmi 4 Pro belong to different eras of Xiaomi design. The first model is made of a single aluminum body with rounded edges, which gives it a premium look. The second uses a plastic base with a metallized coating, making it lighter (150 g vs. 164 g), but less durable when falling.
Key differences:
- 📏 Redmi Note 3 Pro: 151×76×8.7 mm, weight 164 g, removable back cover (under the battery - microSD slot)
- 📏 Redmi 4 Pro: 141×69.6×8.7 mm, weight 150 g, non-removable battery, hybrid slot (2 SIM or 1 SIM + microSD)
- 🎨 Note 3 Pro is available in gray, silver and gold; 4 Pro in black, gold and pink gold
Removable battery Note 3 Pro — a great advantage for the used market: it can be replaced for 500-800 rubles, while the 4 Pro will require a complete disassembly of the device (the cost of replacement — 1500-2000 rubles).
⚠️ Warning: Redmi 4 Pros with bloated batteries are common in the secondary market. Check the case for warping before buying - if the back cover is curved, this is a sign of an urgent need for a battery replacement.
2. Screen: size vs color quality
The differences are fundamental: the Redmi Note 3 Pro features a 5.5-inch IPS- Full HD resolution display (1920×1080), while the Redmi 4 Pro has a 5-inch screen with a resolution HD (1280×720).
| Parameter | Redmi Note 3 Pro | Redmi 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Diagonal | 5.5" | 5.0" |
| Permission | 1920×1080 (Full HD) | 1280×720 (HD) |
| Pixel density (PPI) | 403 | 296 |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD (with improved color rendering) |
| Brightness (max.) | 450 nits | 400 nits |
Despite the lower resolution, the Redmi 4 Pro has better color reproduction thanks to the updated matrix. its screen feels warmer and richer, which many users like. However, for watching high-resolution video or working with text Note 3 Pro is definitely preferable.
Important for 2026: Both smartphones do not support HDR and have low maximum brightness, making them uncomfortable to use in the sun.
3.Performance: Snapdragon 650 vs Snapdragon 435
Under the hood, the devices have completely different processors. Redmi Note 3 Pro runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 (6 cores: 2×1.8 GHz Cortex-A72 + 4×1.4 GHz Cortex-A53), while Redmi 4 Pro features Snapdragon 435 (8 Cortex-A53 cores at 1.4 GHz).
- 🎮 Note 3 Pro confidently pulls games like PUBG Mobile at low settings (20–30 FPS), while the 4 Pro delivers 10–15 FPS with lags
- 📱 In everyday tasks (social networks, messengers) there is no difference - both cope equally smoothly.
- 🔋 Snapdragon 650 warms up stronger, but has better energy efficiency at high loads
In benchmarks (AnTuTu 2026), the gap is ~30% in favor of the Note 3 Pro:
- Redmi Note 3 Pro: ~85,000 points
- Redmi 4 Pro: ~55,000 points
However, for modern applications (Telegram, Vkontakte, YouTube) this is enough with a margin.
⚠️ Warning: Both smartphones run on a 32-bit architecture, which means that some modern games (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile after the 2023 updates) are not supported.
4 Cameras: megapixels vs real quality
On paper, the cameras of devices are comparable:
- 📷 Redmi Note 3 Pro: basic 16 MP (f/2.0), front 5 MP
- 📷 Redmi 4 Pro: basic 13 MP (f/2.0), front 5 MP (soft flash)
But in real-world conditions, the Note 3 Pro delivers better detail thanks to its higher resolution and more advanced image processing processor.
Daytime comparison:
- 🌞 Note 3 Pro: retains more detail in grass/foliage, less aggressive smoothing
- 🌞 4 Pro: More saturated colors, but loses detail in shadows
Shooting at night: Both smartphones show weak results without night mode, but the 4 Pro does worse at handling noise due to the smaller sensor size.
The front camera in the Redmi 4 Pro has a software flash (the screen is illuminated white), which improves selfies in the dark.The Note 3 Pro does not have this feature.
Examples of photos from both models
Battery and autonomy: removable vs non-removable battery
Both models are equipped with 4100 mAh batteries, but the approach to their implementation is fundamentally different:
- 🔋 Redmi Note 3 Pro: removable battery (type BL-473), Quick Charge 2.0 support (18W)
- 🔋 Redmi 4 Pro: non-removable battery, no fast charging (max. 10W)
In 2026, this is a critical parameter:
Replace the battery in the Note 3 Pro can be 10 minutes on your own (the cost of a new battery is ~ 600 rubles).
In 4 Pro replacement requires disassembly of the device and costs 2-3 times more expensive.
The difference in everyday life is not the same, both hold 1.5-2 days at moderate load, but the Note 3 Pro has the advantage of fast charging support: 0-50% in 30 minutes versus 1.5 hours on the 4 Pro.
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Before buying a used Redmi Note 3 Pro, ask the seller to remove the back cover and show the date of battery production (printed on the label).If the battery is older than 2020, its capacity is likely to have dropped below 70%.
6.Memory and support for modern applications
Both smartphones are available in 2/16 GB and 3/32 GB variants. In 2026, the minimum recommended configuration is 3/32 GB, as:
WhatsApp takes ~500MB with cache
Telegram – from 1 GB in active use
Google Play Services Updates Require ~1.5GB of Free Space
Key limitations:
- 🚫 Both devices do not support Android 11+ and current versions of MIUI 13/14.
- 🚫 No official support for 64-bit apps (for example, newer versions of Chrome or Instagram may not be installed)
- 🚫 Maximum microSD capacity is 256GB (but cards >128GB may not work well)
Bypassing restrictions: Both smartphones can be customized firmware like LineageOS 16 (Android 9), which will extend their life by another 1-2 years, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and risks canceling the warranty (if it is still valid).
Ask the seller to reset to factory settings | Check IMEI for originality (imei.info) | Run a battery test using ##4636##| Make sure the microSD slot works (insert test card)
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7 Network Compatibility and SIM- Cards in 2026
Both smartphones support 4G networks, but there are important nuances for modern carriers:
| Parameter | Redmi Note 3 Pro | Redmi 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Support for VoLTE | ❌ No (calls via 3G) | ✅ Yes (on firmware MIUI 10+) |
| 4G- bands (Russia) | B3, B7, B20 (full support) | B3, B7 (no B20 – coverage problems in regions) |
| Double SIM | ✅ 2 Nano-SIM + microSD | ❌ Hybrid slot (or 2 SIM, or 1 SIM + microSD) |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
Critical issue for 2026: Redmi 4 Pro doesn’t support the B20 (800 MHz) band that MTS and Tele2 are actively using in the regions, meaning that in some areas you’ll only have 3G or EDGE.
If you live in a big city, you won't feel the difference, but for trips around Russia, the Redmi Note 3 Pro is a more reliable choice.
8.The price on the secondary market (2026) and what to choose?
The cost of used devices varies depending on the state:
- 💰 Redmi Note 3 Pro 3/32 GB: 4 000–6 000 RUB (in good condition with new battery)
- 💰 Redmi 4 Pro 3/32 GB: 3 500–5 000 RUB
The difference of 1,000-1,500 rubles is justified only if you are critically important compact size or VoLTE.
Who will be the Redmi Note 3 Pro?
Maximum performance for old games
- Removable battery and fast charging are important
Live in a region with poor 4G coverage (B20 required)
Plan to use your smartphone as a media player (Full HD screen)
Who will be the best Redmi 4 Pro?
Looking for the most compact device possible
Priority: Front camera for selfies
- Don't play hard games.
- Live in a city with good 4G- coverage (no B20 bands required)
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In 2026, the Redmi Note 3 Pro is objectively winning in price/opportunity ratio, if you don’t consider the compactness. The only time you should choose a Redmi 4 Pro is if you need a small smartphone for calls and social networks.