Xiaomi Redmi Note 4

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was one of the standout devices in Xiaomi’s lineup when it was released in 2017. It quickly became a favorite among budget-conscious consumers due to its impressive specifications and affordable price. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4:

Overview:

The Redmi Note 4 followed the success of its predecessor, the Redmi Note 3, and aimed to offer even more value for its price. With a metal body, efficient processor, and a large battery, it was positioned as a mid-range powerhouse.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), later received updates.
2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (in the global version) and MediaTek Helio X20 (in the Chinese version).
4. Memory: Options of 2/3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, phase detection autofocus, and dual-LED flash. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A substantial 4100 mAh non-removable battery.
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, infrared port, and dual SIM support.

Pros:

1. Battery Life: The combination of the Snapdragon 625’s efficiency and the large 4100 mAh battery resulted in excellent battery life.
2. Performance: The Snapdragon 625, while not a flagship chipset, offered smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
3. Build Quality: The metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel, which was impressive given its price point.
4. Price: The device offered a lot of value for its price, making it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.

Cons:

1. Camera Performance: While adequate for its price, the camera struggled in low-light conditions.
2. MIUI Bloat: While MIUI offered many features, it also came with a fair amount of bloatware and ads in certain regions.
3. Lack of Quick Charge: Despite having a large battery, the device did not support Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi Note 4 faced competition from:

• Moto G5 Plus: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
• Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Exynos 7870, and a metal unibody design.
• Nokia 6: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 430, and an aluminum unibody design.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was announced in August 2016 for the Chinese market (with the MediaTek processor) and in January 2017 for the global market (with the Snapdragon processor).

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Screen Ghosting: Some users reported temporary screen burn-in or ghosting, especially after prolonged static display.
2. MIUI Updates: While the device did receive MIUI updates, the underlying Android version remained outdated for many users.
3. Micro-USB Port: At a time when many devices were moving to USB-C, the Redmi Note 4 still used the older Micro-USB port.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was a testament to Xiaomi’s ability to offer high-value devices at affordable prices. Its combination of solid build quality, good performance, and impressive battery life made it a favorite in the mid-range segment. While it had its shortcomings, especially in the camera department, the overall package was hard to beat for the price, making it one of the best-selling devices in its category.