How to distinguish Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 from Redmi Note 4X: 7 proven ways

Why do you confuse the Redmi Note 4 and 4X?

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Note 4X are some of the brand’s most popular budget models, released just months apart (December 2016 and February 2017, respectively), and their similarities and identical names (except for the “X”) are often misleading, especially when buying used devices, where sellers may intentionally or mistakenly pass one model over another.

The differences between devices are not limited to the processor: the differences are in the camera, the battery, the frequencies supported, and even the design of antenna lines. In this article, we will examine all visual and software identification methods, including hidden markers that are not written in the official specifications. You will learn how to identify a model in 30 seconds even without the smartphone being turned on, which is critical when checking before buying.

1. Visual differences: what to watch first

So to start with the obvious, the look, and despite the 90 percent similarity, the models have key design differences that are visible to the naked eye.

• 📱 Antenna lines on the back: The Redmi Note 4 has them on the edges of the case (like the iPhone 6), and the Redmi Note 4X — It's closer to the center, forming an inverted "U." It's the most reliable visual marker.
• 🔋 Battery inscription: The original Note 4 battery has a capacity of 4100 mAh, and the Note 4X — 4000 mAh (although the characteristics of both models are 4100 mAh).
• 📏 Body thickness: Note 4 thinner by 0.3 mm (8.45 mm vs 8.75 mm y) 4X), But the difference is hard to see without the rod.

Pay attention to the color options: Redmi Note 4 was released in black, gold and gray, and Note 4X additionally received pink gold and matte black. If you are offered a smartphone in rose gold, it is guaranteed 4X.

Technical specifications: comparison table

If you can't visually distinguish models, you can use hardware analysis to help you. Here are some key technical differences that you can't fake:

Critical difference: Redmi Note 4X supports Band 20 (800 MHz) - this is the European 4G range that is important for roaming in the EU.If you plan to use a smartphone abroad, checking Band 20 support via the NetMonster or CellMapper app will help avoid communication issues.

IMEI and serial number check

The most reliable way to identify is by analyzing IMEI, which works even on a device that is turned off (you just need to look at the sticker under the battery or on the box).

1. Find the IMEI on the box, under the battery, or enter *#06# in the dialer.
2. Go to IMEI.info or the official Xiaomi service.
3. Type in IMEI and check the model in the results. For the Note 4, the title will be mido, for the Note 4X it will be mido (yes, both have the same code!), but they differ in the firmware version (see next section).

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If the seller refuses to show the IMEI before buying, it is a reason to be wary. Check the device through the Mi Verify service to make sure it is not blacklisted (stolen/lost).

Attention! Some scammers fake IMEI stickers. Always check the number on the box, under the battery and in the system (Settings → Phone) If any of them don't match, you're 100% fake or a "gray" rebrand.

4. Analysis of firmware and software markers

If your smartphone is on, check the firmware, which will give you a 100% guarantee of identification. Open Settings → About the phone and note:

• 📱 Redmi Note 4 will be designated as mido and Note 4X — It's like mido. But we're going to look at it...
• 🔧 Version. MIUI: Note. 4X The letter X will be present in the firmware number, for example: MIUI 12.5.3 Stable (MIDOXM...).
• 🔍 Android kernel: Enter ##4636## in dialer, then select Phone Information. Note 4 will have a Linux 3.18.19 kernel, and Note will have a Linux 3.18.19 kernel. 4X — Linux 3.18.31.

For advanced users: connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command in ADB:

adb shell getprop ro.product.model


adb shell getprop ro.product.device

The Note 4 will have a Redmi Note 4 and mido in response, while the Note 4X will have a Redmi Note 4X and mido (but with a different version of MIUI).

Confirm IMEI box-and-system|Check the name of the model in "About the phone"|Make sure there are no root rights (Root Checker app)|View the update history (whether there is a rollback to the old version)-->

5 Performance Test: benchmarks and real work

If you have access to the device, run performance tests. The difference in processors (Helio X20 vs Snapdragon 625) is manifested in:

• 🎮 Games: Note 4X Snapdragon 625 shows more stable FPS into PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact (in low settings).
• 🔋 Heat: Helio X20 Note 4 warms up more with prolonged loads (test in the 3DMark Geekbench).
• 📶 Network speeds: Note 4X supportive 2CA (carrier aggregation) in networks 4G, giver +20-30% Internet speed.

Launch AnTuTu Benchmark or Geekbench 5:

Redmi Note 4 (Helio X20): ~60,000-70,000 points in AnTuTu.

Redmi Note 4X (Snapdragon 625): ~75,000-85,000 points in AnTuTu.

The difference is particularly noticeable in multithreaded performance and graphics tests.

Checking the battery and charging

The batteries are identical, but they have different charging controllers.

1. Capacity: The original Note 4 battery has a capacity of 4100 mAh (BM47 marking), and the Note 4X has a capacity of 4000 mAh (BM48 marking).
2. Fast charging: Connect the original Xiaomi RAM (5V/2A). Note 4X will charge 30-40% faster thanks to Quick Charge 3.0 support.
3. Temperature: When charging, the Note 4 heats up more (especially around the camera).

If a seller claims that the smartphone supports fast charging, but the specs are Redmi Note 4 (without the "X") is a hoax. Note 4 on the Helio X20 is physically unable to work with Quick Charge.

7 Frequent counterfeiting and how to avoid it

In the market for used technology, there are often "hybrids" - devices where the box and stickers from the Note 4X, and inside there is a Note 4 (or vice versa). Fraudsters exploit the similarity of models to sell a less productive version at the price of a flagship.

• 🚩 Inconsistency IMEI box-and-system.
• 🚩 Lack of original RAM (especially if the seller says that the charge is lost").
• 🚩 The price is too low for the Note 4X (Differences between models in the secondary market — ~1500–2000 ₽).
• 🚩 Autopsy marks on the back cover (may indicate battery or motherboard replacement).

Before buying it is necessary:

1. Check the IMEI through the official Xiaomi service.

2. Run CPU-Z or AIDA64 to analyze the processor.

3. Make sure the serial number on the box matches what in Settings → About Phone → All specs.

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If the seller refuses to provide the box or documents, it is an excuse to refuse the deal, even if the device is original, the absence of the box deprives you of the warranty on the battery and components.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions