Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: how to find out the processor and not make a mistake when running the firmware

Owners of the popular smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 often face the need to accurately determine the model of the installed processor, as this critically depends on the future of the device. The fact that this gadget was released in two completely different hardware versions: global with a Snapdragon 625 chip and Chinese with Helio X20. The confusion in this matter can lead to the installation of incompatible firmware, which is fraught with the transformation of the phone into a “brick”.

These modifications are almost identical, but their internal design and recovery methods are radically different. If you plan to get root rights, unlock the bootloader or just upgrade the MIUI, you need to know exactly what the "stuffing" is inside your case. In this article, we will discuss all available software and physical ways to identify the chipset without risking damage to the device.

Understanding the variations between versions will help you avoid fatal firmware errors. We'll look at the system's built-in tools, third-party diagnostic tools, and even physical markers on the body. Only the Snapdragon 625 version supports unlocking the bootloader with the official Mi Unlock method, making this a key issue for enthusiasts.

Why it’s important to distinguish between Redmi Note 4 versions

The main reason users are wondering which processor is on their Redmi Note 4 is due to the software update procedure.The global version (Global) is based on Qualcomm’s energy-efficient Snapdragon 625, while the Chinese version is equipped with the more powerful but less stable MediaTek Helio X20.

If you try to install a Snapdragon ROM on a device with a MediaTek chip, the installation process will be interrupted in the early stages, or worse, the phone will stop booting. Recovering from such an error on MediaTek requires the use of specific tools like the SP Flash Tool and finding accurate scatter files, which is a difficult procedure for a beginner.

There is also a difference in support for third-party custom ROMs; the development community is much more supportive of the Qualcomm-based version, releasing Android updates even for newer versions of the operating system; MediaTek version owners are often limited to the latest official updates from the manufacturer.

⚠️ Warning: Never use firmware files marked as "Global" on a Chinese-based device, and vice versa).

Also worth noting is the difference in performance and heat. the Snapdragon 625 is famous for its "coldness" and excellent battery life, while the Helio X20 can significantly heat up under load, despite higher benchmarks.Knowing its "iron" allows you to properly adjust the cooling system or choose the right energy-saving profile.

Identification through MIUI system settings

The easiest and safest way to know the type of processor is to look at the standard smartphone settings menu, but Xiaomi doesn’t always write the name of the chip in plain text, so you need to pay attention to indirect features such as screen resolution or build number.

Go to the Settings menu, then select About Phone. In some shell versions MIUI (And especially the older ones, the CPU model could be displayed as the model name. If it says "Octa-core," look at the line "Version." MIUI». If the letter N is at the end (for example, 9.6.11.0.NBGMIFD), This is the version on Snapdragon (codename markw).

For MediaTek (Helio X20) versions, the code name in the firmware version bar will contain the letter M (e.g. 8.5.2.0.MBFCNED, codename prada). This is a reliable software marker that is difficult to forge without deep interference. You can also target screen resolution: the Snapdragon version often has FullHD (1920×1080), whereas the MediaTek version can have HD (1280×720), although there have been exceptions in different regions.

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Note the firmware release date in the About Phone menu.Snapdragon versions have been updated longer and have more recent security patch dates than the MediaTek version, which was discontinued earlier.

Another method inside the system is to use an engineering menu, and type in the code ##6484## to enter the test mode (CIT) in the ringer, and then go to Version or Device Information, and you can find technical details that point to the platform, and look for references to MSM8953 (which is the Snapdragon 625) or MT6797 (this is the Helio X20).

Use of third-party applications for diagnosis

If the standard settings don’t give a clear answer, specialized utilities from the Google Play Store will come to the rescue, these applications read data directly from the system files of the kernel and provide complete information about the SoC (System on Chip), which is the most reliable software method.

One of the most popular and informative programs is CPU-Z. After installing and running the application, on the first tab "SoC" you will see the full name of the processor. For the global version, there will be Snapdragon 625 with ARMv8 architecture and 14 nm process technology. For the Chinese version, Helio X20 (MT6797) with a 20 nm process technology.

• 📱 CPU-Z: Shows detailed information about the cores, frequency and manufacturer of the chip in real time.
• 📊 AIDA64: Provides comprehensive data not only about the processor, but also about sensors, battery and system.
• 🔍 Device Info HW: Specializes in displaying information about the camera and processor, often showing more technical details than competitors.

Another useful application is AIDA64, which will clearly show the model in the CPU section (CPU), and in the System section, you can see the code name of the device. If you see markw, you have Snapdragon. If prada is MediaTek, these code names are unique identifiers for developers and do not overlap between platforms.

It is important to download such applications only from official sources to avoid the introduction of malware. Once information is received, it is recommended to remove diagnostic utilities, as they can consume resources in the background, although minimally.

Checking through computer and ADB

For advanced users with access to a PC, a great way to do this is to use USB debugging and the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) utility, which allows you to access system files that are hidden from regular applications and ensures you get accurate data.

First, activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI Version 7 times. Then, in the “Additional” or “Extended Settings” menu, turn on “Debugging over USB.” Connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable.

Open the command line on your PC in the ADB folder and type the following command to get a list of all system properties:

adb shell getprop | grep ro.product.board

In the answer, you'll see the line [ro.product.board]: [markw] or [ro.product.board]: [prada]. This is definitive proof of the platform. You can also use the adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfo command, which will display detailed information about the processor, including its name and core characteristics.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through ADB Make sure that the smartphone screen has confirmed the connection to the computer. Without confirmation of hash keys, the command will not execute.

Physical differences and box marking

If the phone doesn't turn on or you buy a used device without the ability to fully verify it, look for physical markers. Although the cases are identical, the factory box always shows the processor model or code name.

On the barcode sticker on the box, look for the line "Model." For the Snapdragon version, it's usually MDG1 or MDG2. For MediaTek's 2016100 version, the Chinese version, and the sticker itself can be directly marked with "CPU: Snapdragon 625" or "CPU: MT6797."

Another nuance - a tray for SIM-Some early versions of the Redmi Note 4 may have had a microscopic engraving with the model number on the metal tray, although this was not seen in all assembly plants. MDG 2016100.

Also worth considering is the region of purchase: Officially, Russia, Europe and CIS countries were exclusively supplied with the Snapdragon 625 version. If the phone is bought in an official store in the CIS, the probability is 99% that you have a global version.

Compatibility and firmware issues

Understanding the differences between processors is critical when choosing custom firmware: On resources like 4PDA or XDA Developers, all files are strictly divided into Markw (Snapdragon) and Prada (MediaTek) branches, which cannot be confused, which will lead to checksum verification errors or, in the worst case, damage to the loader partitions.

Owners of the Snapdragon version have access to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool.This opens the door to installing TWRP Recovery and any custom OS. For owners of MediaTek, official unlocking is impossible, paid services or exploits are required, which makes the process difficult and risky.

In addition, the drivers for the computer are also different. Recovery/FASTBOOT mode uses Qualcomm standard drivers on Snapdragon. MediaTek requires a specific MTK VCOM driver, which is often not signed with Windows digital certificates, which requires disabling the driver signature verification for successful installation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Accurate knowledge of the processor model is the foundation of safe operation of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4. Always check the code name (markw/prada) before any actions with the system.