Mobile devices of the famous Chinese company Xiaomi are well known to advanced users and are deservedly popular. The next smartphone that appeared on the market, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, aroused genuine interest in it, and in order to understand its features and advantages, it is necessary to consider the presented model in detail.
The smartphone goes on sale in a compact white cardboard box with an image on the cover of the device itself, the company logo and the model name.
Inside there is a standard set: the device itself in a protective film, documentation, a two-amp charger, a black wire USB micro and a paper clip.
Design
The main task of the manufacturer was to correct the shortcomings of the previous version of the mobile device - to make an excellent design and high-quality assembly so that users would have nothing to complain about. They succeeded; according to these parameters, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 phone is not inferior to Samsung and Apple products. Stylish appearance, a nice-looking smartphone surprised users. The undoubted advantage of Redmi Note 4 – use of aviation aluminum as a material for the body. Looking at the new product, it is difficult to classify this device as a budget mobile device. The phone fits comfortably in your hand and looks elegant and stylish. The case does not contain plastic inserts that spoil the appearance. They were replaced by elegant stripes, expertly matched to the metal.
On the back panel, in the top center, there is the main camera, under it there is a bright multi-colored LED flash, and just below there is a fingerprint scanner that works clearly and quickly. Here you can see the company logo.
The front panel of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 smartphone is decorated with a 2.5D screen. It contains illuminated control buttons and led indicator events. Front panel color black or white. Many people prefer the first option, since the black frames around the screen are not visible, unlike the white model.
The hybrid tray, consisting of two slots, is located on the side on the left side. You can insert 2 SIM cards into it. Instead of nano- SIM cards You can insert SD micro.
On the opposite side of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 there are 2 buttons: volume and power. They are very conveniently located, they are easy to feel blindly.
The USB connector, surrounded by grilles for the speaker, is located in the usual place - on the bottom end of the phone.
An auxiliary microphone for noise suppression, a small headset jack, and an infrared transmitter are located on the top end of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 device.
The design and assembly of the device is excellent. It looks decent, despite the fact that its weight is 175 grams, dimensions: 151x76x8.35 mm. The phone is available in three colors: light and dark gray, and gold. Fingerprints are not very visible on the case, due to the fact that the metal case is almost matte.
Display
Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 ( unofficial brand name) has a 5.5-inch screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It is created by IPS technology. We are pleased with the excellent viewing angles; a clear picture is ensured even when the device deviates strongly from the vertical and horizontal. The brightness is higher than the Redmi Pro model, which has an OLED panel, at 450 nits, but the blacks are less deep. The white color is also not pronounced and has a slightly pinkish tint, but this is the case if the sun is shining brightly. Overall the screen is pretty good and supports 10 touches simultaneously. The display is protected by an oleophobic coating, but there is no point in talking about the high resistance of the glass to scratches. If necessary, the user can set the brightness to manual mode. The proximity sensor locks the screen when you hold the phone to your ear. By tapping on the glass you can turn the display on and off.
Performance
Manufacturers have released the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 smartphone ( unofficial brand name) in two modifications, differing in the volume of built-in and random access memory. The device runs on a Helio X20 processor with 10 cores. The Mali-T880 MP4 accelerator is equipped with 4 cores. The RAM in the phone is 2 or 3 GB, the built-in memory is 16 and 64 GB, respectively. The performance of the device is quite enough to perform everyday tasks and games that are undemanding in terms of graphics at medium settings. Otherwise, there will be braking, which will not give the user pleasure. The maximum heating of the case is 44 degrees, this is especially noticeable when watching video files, during games and video shooting.
Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (unofficial brand name) works on operating system Android 6.0 Marshmallow with official English-Chinese firmware MIUI 8.0. If the first devices did not have a Russian-language version, now for this model you can download the official “global” or make custom firmware. The phone is constantly updated to current version. Because the Google services are not available on the phone, they can be installed using the company’s application store.
The smartphone has several beautiful screensavers for the lock screen, which the user can set independently; they will change automatically. Using the icon located in the lower left corner of the screen, you can easily launch the application for the IR transmitter. You can also immediately turn on the camera directly from the device screen. Using the search bar that appears in the settings menu, you can quickly find the item you need without scrolling.
Camera
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 ( unofficial brand name) is equipped with a main and front camera of 13 and 5 megapixels, respectively. The quality of the images is quite decent, if you shoot in the daytime, the colors are close to natural shades. With HDR mode turned on, even in dim lighting, the pictures are of good quality. In the software part front camera There are settings that will help improve the quality of selfies.
Battery and charging for Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 smartphone accumulator battery non-removable. Its capacity is 4100mAh. Experts assess the autonomy of the mobile device as average. With active use, the phone will last only 5 hours without charging, as shown by testing results. It will take 2.5 hours to fully restore the battery.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 prices
Results
Based on the results of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 review, it is clear that fans of the Chinese company’s products should like the phone. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 device has quite decent characteristics for performing basic daily tasks. Among the advantages, the following advantages can be noted.
pros
- stylish design;
- excellent build quality;
- good sound;
- support for two SIM cards, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, built-in GPS, GLONASS system, etc.;
- good user-friendly screen and interface.
Minuses
- low autonomy;
- need for firmware;
- small amount of memory in one version of the device.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 - powerful and affordable smartphone With big screen. In August 2016, the official announcement of the device took place. At the same time, the gadget went on sale in the fall of the same year.
Appearance and ergonomics
Compared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 smartphone has received an updated design. Thanks to the beveled and thin edges, the device fits very comfortably in the hand. There is a stylish 2.5D glass covering the screen. If you run your finger across the display, you will feel exactly smoothness. Under the metal body there is a 4100 mAh battery. On the back side at the top and bottom there are shiny dividing lines, which are made of anodized aluminum. As for the speakers, they are located at the bottom end for better convenience.
It is worth highlighting the beveled frame, which creates a sophisticated silhouette. The device has a premium appearance, which is confirmed by the quality of the materials used. The round fingerprint scanner is located in a convenient place - on the rear panel. There are three navigation indicators on the front touch buttons. Available colors: grey, gold and black. Dimensions: height - 151 mm, thickness - 8.4 mm, width - 76 mm, weight - 175 g.
Display
The high-quality and large 5.5-inch screen in Redmi Note 4 has a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. This IPS matrix supports 10 simultaneous touches and is also covered with an elegant protective glass with an oleophobic coating. The display is of the highest quality, as it does not fade in the sun, and the color palette remains contrasting and rich. Due to the high resolution, the detail of the picture is at a decent level. Through the settings you can freely change the color scheme, or activate the reading mode.
Hardware and performance
The new Redmi Note 4 is equipped with a progressive mid-class processor represented by the Snapdragon 625 chip. It consists of eight cores and is also implemented using one of the most advanced technologies (14 nm FinFET). Clock frequency This processor from Qualcomm is 2000 MHz. The amount of RAM is 4 GB, the storage capacity for files is 64 GB. There is also a cheaper version with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. If necessary increase free place, this is done using MicroSD cards up to 128 GB. Out of the box, the user is greeted with Android 6.0, but it is possible to upgrade to a more recent version of the OS. MIUI 8 acts as a proprietary interface. There are no restrictions on the number of desktops, and programs can be placed in specific folders. The user is allowed to duplicate the interface. The smartphone confidently runs all games, but only some of them begin to slow down at maximum graphic settings.
It is worth noting that Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 also exists in another modification, namely with the MediaTek Helio X20 processor. This chip operates at a frequency of 2100 MHz and also has ten cores. In the AnTuTu test, the device reaches 80,000-85,000 points. This applies to both modifications of the device, which have approximately the same performance.
Communication and sound
Although the slots on the bottom end of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 are intended for two multimedia speakers, here the sound element is presented in a single copy (the second is for the microphone). At the same time, the speaker has solid power and a large volume reserve. Voice calls occur without obvious problems. There is support for VoLTE networks, and for two SIM cards.
Camera
The Redmi Note 4 uses a 13-megapixel camera with reverse illumination and phase detection automatic focusing. There is also a dual flash, which will definitely come in handy at night. The module has an aperture ratio of 2.0 and consists of 5 lenses. As for the pixels, they are larger, allowing more light to be captured. The camera performs well in low light conditions. And the built-in image processing system significantly improves each individual frame. There are also quite flexible settings. On the front there is a 5-megapixel front camera with several modes for creating perfect self-portraits. The front module has acquired live filters, as well as facial recognition indicating age and gender.
conclusions
Redmi Note 4 turned out to be a thoughtful evolutionary smartphone. It not only inherited almost all the best features from its successful predecessor, but also acquired some completely new features. For its price (about $200), the device looks very decent. We especially need to highlight the excellent performance, chic design, high-quality materials and a nice large screen.
Pros:
- Aluminum body with sleek appearance.
- Large and contrasting display.
- Very good performance.
- Fast and convenient fingerprint scanner.
- Really powerful battery.
Minuses:
- Limited hybrid SIM slot.
- A lot of different versions of this smartphone.
Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
| General characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Model | Redmi Note 4 |
| Date of announcement and start of sales | August 2016 / August 2016 |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 151 x 76 x 8.4. |
| Weight | 175 g. |
| Available colors | grey, silver, gold |
| operating system | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) + MIUI 8 |
| Connection | |
| Number and type of SIM cards | two, Micro-SIM+Nano-SIM, dual stand-by |
| Communication standard in 2G networks | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Communication standard in 3G networks | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Communication standard in 4G networks | LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500) |
| Carrier Compatibility | MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2, Yota |
| Data transfer | |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, WiFi Direct, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | yes, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| NFC | No |
| Infrared port | There is |
| Platform | |
| CPU | ten-core Mediatek MT6797 Helio X20 Deca-core 2.1 GHz |
| GPU | Mali-T880 MP4 |
| Inner memory | 16/32/64 GB |
| RAM | 2/3/4 GB |
| Ports and connectors | |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go |
| 3.5mm jack | There is |
| Memory card slot | microSD, up to 128 GB |
| Display | |
| Display type | IPS LCD capacitive, 16M colors |
| Screen size | 5.5 inches (~72.7% of the front surface of the device) |
| Display protection | Oleophobic coating |
| Camera | |
| Main camera | 13 MP, f/2.0, autofocus, dual-LED (dual tone) flash |
| Functionality of the main camera | Geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, HDR, panorama |
| Video recording | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Front-camera | 5 MP, f/2.0, 720p |
| Sensors | |
| Illuminance | There is |
| Approximations | There is |
| Gyroscope | There is |
| Compass | There is |
| Hall | No |
| Accelerometer | There is |
| Barometer | No |
| Fingerprint scanner | There is |
| Battery | |
| Battery type and capacity | Li-Po 4100 mAh |
| Battery mount | non-removable |
| Equipment | |
| Standard kit | Redmi Note 4: 1 USB cable: 1 SIM tray eject clip: 1 User manual: 1 Warranty card: 1 Charger: 1 |
Prices
Video reviews
Deca-core model with 5.5-inch screen in a metal case
The Chinese company Xiaomi released the Redmi Note 4 model, presenting it almost simultaneously with the new flagship Redmi Pro. The modification, one might say, is passable; it will be quite difficult for it to compete with the Redmi Note 3 Pro, which quickly became a hit. At the same time, its release also annoyed some users who had recently acquired the previous model Redmi Note 3, and then the update was already released. In general, the manufacturer has produced so many models this season that it’s time to talk about internal competition between Xiaomi products. However, at this point it is worth noting that not all of them are officially intended for the international market, even despite the availability of global firmware for them. This is exactly the hero of today’s review: unlike Redmi Note 3, Redmi Note 4 is produced exclusively for the domestic market, the model is not even presented among the company’s products, although Redmi Note 3 is there.
In any case, we will not now indulge in analytical discussions about the actions of the manufacturer in conditions of fierce competition, and even in our own market, but will simply begin a detailed study of all the capabilities of the new product. Users will decide for themselves whether to purchase Redmi Note 4 or wait for the next update, because Xiaomi is now releasing these updates at such an alarming speed...
Main characteristics of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
- SoC MediaTek Helio X20 (MT6797), 10 cores: [email protected] GHz (ARM Cortex-A53) + [email protected] GHz (ARM Cortex-A53) + [email protected] GHz (ARM Cortex-A72)
- GPU ARM Mali-T880
- Operating system Android 6.0, MIUI 8
- Touch display IPS 5.5″, 1920×1080, 401 ppi
- Random access memory (RAM) 2/3 GB, internal memory 16/64 GB
- Support Nano-SIM (1 pc.), Micro-SIM (1 pc.)
- MicroSD support up to 128 GB
- GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks (900/1800/1900 MHz)
- WCDMA/HSPA+ networks (850/900/1900/2100 MHz)
- LTE FDD Band 1/3/5/7/8 networks
- Networks TDD Band 38—41, TD-SCDMA B34/B39
- Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz)
- Bluetooth 4.2
- GPS, A-GPS, Glonass
- USB 2.0, OTG
- Camera 13 MP, autofocus, f/2.0, video 1080p
- Front camera 5 MP, f/2.0, fixed. focus
- Proximity sensors, lighting sensors, magnetic field, fingerprint, accelerometer, gyroscope
- Battery 4100 mAh, non-removable
- Dimensions 151×76×8.35 mm
- Weight 175 g
Contents of delivery
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 smartphone is released in a small box made of matte hard cardboard, decorated in the style familiar to the company's latest products. And yes, this is not at all the industrial style of yellowish oiled paper that the manufacturer used a couple of years ago. Now Xiaomi seems to have completely lost interest in it.
The small box contains the minimum possible set. It barely fit the smartphone itself, a miniature charger with a maximum output current of 2 A at a voltage of 5 V, a connecting cable and a key for removing cards.
Appearance and ease of use
Appearance Xiaomi smartphones with each new model It's getting better and better. Plastic has finally disappeared, and there is even more metal. Now there are not even plastic inserts, the entire body is all-metal (unibody), and the antennas are placed in external thin grooves covered with composite material.
The shape of the case is classic, it is a little less streamlined and more angular than most of the modern universally recognized beauties, since there are clearly defined flat side edges. Due to their sharp edges, the smartphone is held more securely in the hand, and the strong one-piece body does not allow the device to make the slightest creak.
The smartphone has a large 5.5-inch screen, but it fits quite comfortably in the hand due to the overall small dimensions of the case, in which, apparently, they managed to reduce the weight and overall thickness of the profile through the use of more durable materials. The metal surface is matte, but not so rough that one can say that it is securely held in the fingers - the device can be quite slippery.
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The rear part is usually given over to a camera module with flash and a fingerprint scanner. The camera module does not protrude beyond the surface of the case; the device lies stable on the table and does not sway when touching the screen. The camera is equipped with an LED flash consisting of two multi-colored LEDs, the flash is very bright. The fingerprint sensor clearly responds to touches, works quickly and accurately, there are no complaints about it.
The front panel of the smartphone is covered with a 2.5D screen with sloping edges, which is now fashionable among manufacturers. Although for a body that does not look streamlined from all sides, this does not play a special role. There is an LED event indicator on the front panel, and the touch buttons under the screen are backlit. The color of the front panel varies depending on the overall color of the case: it can be white or black.
The card tray is inserted into the smartphone from the side; it is hybrid and has two slots for Micro-SIM cards, Nano-SIM and microSD, and a microSD card can be inserted instead of Nano-SIM. It is worth especially noting a very useful detail related to the use of adapters: the Nano-SIM in a “frame” conveniently fits in place of the Micro-SIM, since there is a tray on one side of the tray, and this entire structure does not fall out anywhere. Hot swapping of cards is supported.
The power and volume buttons are located on the opposite side edge; the keys are quite elastic, have a rather harsh action, and are easy to feel blindly. The placement of the buttons does not cause dissatisfaction, everything is in order.
A universal Micro-USB connector located at the bottom supports connectivity external devices in USB OTG mode. For some reason Xiaomi will not come to unified standard, installing in different models either Micro-USB or Type-C. The connector is surrounded by two grilles, but only one of them hides the speaker; no sound comes out through the second.
A 3.5 mm mini-jack at the top is adjacent to an infrared transmitter used to emulate a remote control remote control. Here you can also notice a small hole for the second, auxiliary microphone for the noise reduction system.
The device is available in light and dark versions: in the case of golden and light gray colors, the front panel is white, and in the dark gray version it is black. The colors are carried in in this case exclusively tasteful, since the metal of the case in all variants remains practical matte and does not collect dirt and fingerprints.
Screen
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is equipped with touch display IPS with dimensions 68x121 mm. Diagonal - 5.5 inches, resolution - 1920x1080 pixels, pixel density is approximately 401 ppi. The frame on the sides is thinner than the average, only about 3 mm, because of this the device fits well in the hand. Its body is not as wide as, for example, the same 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus.
The display brightness can be adjusted manually or automatically adjusted based on the ambient light sensor. The AnTuTu test diagnoses support for 10 simultaneous multi-touch touches. When you bring the smartphone to your ear, the screen is adequately locked and unlocked using the proximity sensor. The function of turning the display on and off by tapping on the glass has been implemented.
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A detailed examination using measuring instruments was carried out by the editor of the “Monitors” and “Projectors and TV” sections Alexey Kudryavtsev. Here is his expert opinion on the screen of the sample under study.
The front surface of the screen is made in the form of a glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface that is scratch-resistant. Judging by the reflection of objects, the anti-glare properties of the screen are no worse than those of the Google Nexus 7 (2013) screen (hereinafter simply Nexus 7). For clarity, here is a photo in which a white surface is reflected in the switched off screens (on the left - Nexus 7, on the right - Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, then they can be distinguished by size):
The screen of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is only slightly brighter (brightness according to photographs is 112 versus 111 for the Nexus 7). Doubling of reflected objects in Xiaomi screen Redmi Note 4 is very weak, this indicates that there is no air gap between the layers of the screen (more specifically, between the outer glass and the surface of the LCD matrix) (OGS - One Glass Solution type screen). Due to the smaller number of boundaries (glass/air type) with very different refractive indices, such screens look better in conditions of intense external illumination, but their repair in the case of cracked external glass is much more expensive, since the entire screen has to be replaced. The outer surface of the screen has a special oleophobic (grease-repellent) coating (even better in efficiency than that of the Nexus 7), so fingerprints are removed much more easily and appear at a lower speed than with regular glass.
When manually controlling brightness and when displaying a white field in full screen maximum value brightness was about 400 cd/m², the minimum was 0.8 cd/m². The maximum brightness is not very high, but given the excellent anti-glare properties, readability even on a sunny day outdoors should be at good level. In complete darkness, the brightness can be reduced to a comfortable value. There is automatic brightness adjustment based on the light sensor (it is located to the left of the front speaker slot). In automatic mode, as external lighting conditions change, the screen brightness both increases and decreases. The operation of this function depends on the position of the brightness adjustment slider. If it is 100%, then in complete darkness the auto-brightness function reduces the brightness to 100 cd/m² (too much), in an office illuminated by artificial light (about 400 lux) it sets it to 300 cd/m² (also a lot), in a very bright environment ( corresponds to lighting on a clear day outdoors, but without direct sunlight - 20,000 lux or a little more) the brightness increases to 400 cd/m² (to the maximum - this is how it should be); if the adjustment is approximately 50%, then the values are as follows: 9, 170 and 400 cd/m² (suitable values), the regulator at 0% is 0.8, 30 and 400 cd/m² (the first two values are too low). It turns out that the auto-brightness function works more or less adequately and, to some extent, allows the user to customize their work to individual requirements. At any brightness level, there is no significant backlight modulation, so there is no screen flicker.
IN this smartphone matrix is used IPS type. The microphotographs show a typical IPS subpixel structure:
For comparison, you can see the gallery of microphotographs of screens used in mobile technology.
The screen has good viewing angles without significant color shift even with large viewing deviations from perpendicular to the screen and without inverting shades. For comparison, here are photographs in which the same images are displayed on the screens of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 and Nexus 7, while the screen brightness is initially set to approximately 200 cd/m², and the color balance on the camera is forcibly switched to 6500 K. There is a white field perpendicular to the screens:
Note the good uniformity of brightness and color tone of the white field.
And a test picture:
The colors on the screen of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 are slightly oversaturated; the color balance of the Nexus 7 and the tested screen are slightly different. Photo received after selecting a profile Standard in screen settings:
In the other two profiles, the saturation is even higher, which is achieved by increasing the color contrast, without changing the coordinates of the primary colors.
Now at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the plane and to the side of the screen:
It can be seen that the colors have not changed much on both screens, but on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 the contrast has decreased to a greater extent due to the strong highlighting of black.
And a white field:
The brightness at the angle of the screens decreased (at least 5 times, based on the difference in shutter speed) and decreased to approximately the same extent. When deviated diagonally, the black field brightens greatly, but remains a conditionally neutral gray hue. The photographs below demonstrate this (the brightness of the white areas in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the screens is the same!):
And from another angle:
When viewed perpendicularly, the uniformity of the black field is good, although not ideal. The backlight shines through the white frame slightly:
The contrast (approximately in the center of the screen) is high - about 1070:1. The response time for the black-white-black transition is 18 ms (10 ms on + 8 ms off). The transition between halftones of gray 25% and 75% (based on the numerical value of the color) and back takes a total of 28 ms. The gamma curve, constructed using 32 points with equal intervals based on the numerical value of the shade of gray, did not reveal any blockage in either the highlights or the shadows. The exponent of the approximating power function is 2.18, which is close to the standard value of 2.2. In this case, the real gamma curve deviates slightly from the power-law dependence:
We did not detect the presence of dynamic adjustment of the backlight brightness in accordance with the nature of the displayed image, which is very good.
Color gamut is close to sRGB:
The spectra show that the matrix filters moderately mix the components with each other:
As a result, the colors have more or less natural saturation and hue. More or less, since there is a slight increase in color contrast. The grayscale balance is good, as the color temperature is not much higher than the standard 6500K, and the deviation from the blackbody spectrum (ΔE) is mostly below 10, which is considered acceptable for a consumer device. Moreover, both parameters change little from shade to shade - this has a positive effect on the visual assessment of color balance. (The darkest areas of the gray scale can be ignored, since color balance there is not very important, and the error in measuring color characteristics at low brightness is large.)
In this device only when selecting a profile Automatic contrast it is possible to adjust the color balance using the warm-standard-cool tint switch (see screenshot above), but the required reduction in color temperature in this case (option Warm) leads to an increase in ΔE, so there is no particular point in performing a correction.
To summarize: the screen has a fairly high maximum brightness and has excellent anti-glare properties, so the device can be used outdoors even on a sunny summer day without any problems. In complete darkness, the brightness can be reduced to a comfortable level. It is also possible to use a mode with automatic brightness adjustment, which works more or less adequately. Also, the advantages of the screen include the presence of an effective oleophobic coating, the absence of an air gap in the layers of the screen and flicker, high contrast and a color gamut close to sRGB. The disadvantages are the low stability of black to the deviation of the gaze from perpendicular to the screen plane. In addition, we did not like the slight increase in color contrast. Nevertheless, taking into account the importance of characteristics for this particular class of devices, the quality of the screen can be considered high.
Sound
The sound of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 can be described as satisfactory. To voice an incoming call, the available capabilities are quite sufficient - the sound is loud and clear. However, there is no bright saturation in it, the frequency spectrum is limited mainly to highs, there are no deep bass either in the main speaker or in the headphones. In general, the sound is clear, but simple - perhaps sufficient for a two-hundred-dollar smartphone, but it could be better.
To the speaker and microphone special claims no, the sound is somewhat muffled, but clear and legible. Interlocutors on the other side also do not note any noticeable problems with sound during telephone conversations.
FM radio is included as standard with the smartphone. The sensitivity of the microphones when recording on a voice recorder is not satisfactory, the speaker's voice is recorded clearly, and the noise reduction system copes with noise.
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Camera
The smartphone is equipped with two digital camera modules with a resolution of 13 and 5 megapixels. The front module has a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.0, the focus is fixed, and there is no own flash. The quality is quite good for selfie level, sharpness and color rendition are normal, although detailing, of course, is good only for self-portraits. As standard for Xiaomi selfie cameras, there is a facial recognition function with age and gender detection; shooting can be done using the side volume key.
The main camera has a 13-megapixel sensor and a lens with an f/2.0 aperture, fast phase detection autofocus and a dual bright LED flash. As usual, there is no choice of resolution in specific numbers; you can only set high, medium or low quality, as well as adjust brightness, sharpness and contrast. In manual mode, ISO (up to 1600) and white balance settings are added. Among the additional shooting modes you can find panoramic, night, decoration, as well as audio notes mode and others. Transfer control of camera settings third party applications You can’t use the Camera2 API, and there’s no option to record in RAW either.
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The camera can shoot video at a maximum resolution of 1080p, but does not support shooting at 60 fps and 4K. There is no electronic stabilization function, so shooting on the move turns out to be jerky. The camera does an average job with video recording: the picture is not quite clear, the image is loose, although the video sequence during static shooting is smooth, without jerks or artifacts, the sound is also recorded more or less acceptable. The noise reduction system is available, and it copes with its tasks tolerably.
- Video No. 1 (31 MB, 1920×1080@30 fps, H.264, AAC)
- Video No. 2 (29 MB, 1920×1080@30 fps, H.264, AAC)
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 | Apple iPhone 6Plus |
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It’s difficult to call a good camera, especially for Xiaomi devices. The abundance of residual noise and areas of blur does not allow us to consider it seriously. On the other hand, in good lighting it produces good results, so it will certainly cope with documentary shooting.
Telephone and communications
The network capabilities of Xiaomi smartphones intended for the domestic market often do not fully meet the requirements of Russian users, since they do not support the LTE 800 MHz frequency (Band 20), which best meets the requirements for indoor communications, as well as in sparsely populated areas. Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was no exception: the device can operate in five LTE FDD bands (Band 1/3/5/7/8), but does not support Band 20. In practice, in the Moscow region, the smartphone was confidently registered and worked in 4G networks . The quality of signal reception does not cause any particular complaints; the device confidently maintains communication indoors and does not lose the signal in areas of poor reception. Full list The frequency bands supported by the smartphone are as follows:
- GSM B2/B3/B8; CDMA 2000/1X BC0
- WCDMA B1/B2/B5/B8; TD-SCDMA B34/B39
- FDD-LTE B1/B3/B5/B7/B8; TD-LTE B38/B39/B40/B41
The smartphone supports the standard wireless communication Wi-Fi 802.11ac and, of course, two Wi-Fi bands - 2.4 and 5 GHz. Eat Bluetooth support version 4.2 and two satellite navigation systems - GPS and Glonass, without the Chinese Beidou. There are no complaints about the operating speed of the navigation module; the first satellites are detected during a cold start within the first tens of seconds. There is a built-in magnetic field sensor. There is no NFC support in the smartphone.
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Built on the new Mediatek Helio X20 chipset, the device supports simultaneous operation of both SIM cards in 3G networks. This is especially true for subscribers of those telecom operators that provide coverage only in the 3G/4G bands without 2G support - the same Tele 2, for example. Everyone knows that if you do not select such a SIM card as the main one for data transfer in 3G/4G, then it simply ceases to be available, since the card in one of the slots can only work in 2G. Here, the Tele 2 SIM card always remains available in 3G, even if another card is selected for data transfer, which is convenient.
We are, naturally, talking about the features of the standby mode, since work with two SIM cards is organized according to the familiar Dual standard SIM Dual Standby, when both cards can be in active standby mode, but cannot work at the same time - there is only one radio module. For voice communication or for data transfer, you can assign a specific card in advance or select it directly during the connection. The standard keyboard does not support the Russian language and stroke input, so you will have to install a normal keyboard yourself after purchase.
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OS and software
The device uses a software platform as a system Google Android version 6.0 with its own MIUI 8.0 shell installed. The capabilities of MIUI are well known to those who like to install customized interfaces on their smartphones. In any case, you will have to tinker with this device, if only because the Chinese version never comes pre-installed with Google Apps, including the necessary store Play applications Store. Naturally, knowledge of English is also necessary.
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The interface is drawn nicely: in the eighth version of the shell, many of the external components have been redesigned, including fonts. Even more replaceable wallpapers have appeared in the carousel of pictures - however, they mainly depict slender Chinese boys and girls in various poses. There are also more useful updates: the calculator, for example, has become more functional and has several additional operating modes to choose from. In the photo gallery you can work directly with pictures, adding stickers, sound and your own captions. Even more attention has been paid to security; now you can even protect your own notes with a password.
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As usual, MIUI supports few gestures. But there is a multifunctional virtual button with quick access to the necessary functions, which can be attached anywhere on the screen. Naturally, there is no separate section for applications in the launcher; all icons are distributed across desktops, and folder creation is supported. Additional programs not much, among them a compass, QR scanner, remote control, FM radio, office suite, a utility for working with a second account, etc. Some programs are intended only for the Chinese market. But with a little effort, you can install the Play Store application store yourself, and then there will be no problems with the programs.
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Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 hardware platform is based on the top-end MediaTek MT6797 platform - the 10-core Helio X20 SoC. This is a 64-bit processor with 4 Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.4 GHz, another 4 Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.85 GHz, and 2 more Cortex-A72 cores running at up to 2.3 GHz . True, in this case the upper frequency is limited to 2.1 GHz; the MT6797M SoC version is used. The ARM Mali T880 graphics chip and 2 or 3 GB of RAM, depending on the modification, are also responsible for the device’s performance. The volume of built-in flash memory is 16 or 64 GB, it can be expanded using microSD cards.
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Based on the testing results, it can be noted once again that MediaTek’s flagship SoCs as a whole are quite far in capabilities from the leading Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa and Qualcomm Snapdragon 820. The overall performance in tests was also affected by the limitation of the maximum frequency of processor cores in the MT6797M modification: the device showed in AnTuTu a maximum of 69K points, while, for example, the Doogee F7 Pro on a full-fledged MT6797 produced 89K in the same test. In terms of graphics, the video accelerator is even more inferior to the leaders, and this is noticeable in the results of all benchmarks.
However, at the moment, the capabilities of such a platform are sufficient for any purpose, including demanding games. Unassuming "Tanks" run at high, although not maximum, fps; in heavier games with demanding graphics, the video accelerator can also cope so far, although in Dead Trigger 2 there were still slight slowdowns.
Testing in latest versions comprehensive tests AnTuTu and GeekBench:
For convenience, we have compiled all the results we obtained when testing the smartphone in the latest versions of popular benchmarks into tables. The table usually adds several other devices from different segments, also tested on similar latest versions of benchmarks (this is done only for a visual assessment of the obtained dry figures). Unfortunately, within the framework of one comparison it is impossible to present the results from different versions of benchmarks, so many worthy and relevant models remain “behind the scenes” - due to the fact that they once passed the “obstacle course” on previous versions of test programs.
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Testing the graphics subsystem in gaming tests 3DMark, GFXBenchmark, and Bonsai Benchmark:
When testing in 3DMark, the most powerful smartphones now have the ability to run the application in Unlimited mode, where the rendering resolution is fixed at 720p and VSync is disabled (which can cause the speed to rise above 60 fps).
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (MediaTek Helio X20) |
LeEco Le 2 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 652) |
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa) |
Yu Yunicorn (MediaTek Helio P10) |
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| 3DMark Ice Storm Sling Shot ES 3.1 (more is better) |
569 | 812 | 2130 | 332 |
| GFXBenchmark Car Chase ES 3.1 (Onscreen, fps) | 3,5 | 5 | 8 | — |
| GFXBenchmark Car Chase ES 3.1 (Offscreen, fps) | 3 | 5 | 15 | — |
| GFXBenchmark Manhattan ES 3.1 (Onscreen, fps) | 6 | 9 | 24 | 4 |
| GFXBenchmark Manhattan ES 3.1 (Offscreen, fps) | 5 | 9 | 26 | 3 |
| GFXBenchmark T-Rex (Onscreen, fps) | 15 | 24 | 52 | 17 |
| GFXBenchmark T-Rex (1080p Offscreen, fps) | 14 | 31 | 84 | 17 |
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Browser cross-platform tests:
As for benchmarks for assessing the speed of the javascript engine, you should always make allowance for the fact that their results significantly depend on the browser in which they are launched, so the comparison can only be truly correct on the same OS and browsers, and this is possible during testing not always. For Android OS, we always try to use Google Chrome.
Thermal photographs
Below is a thermal image of the rear surface obtained after 10 minutes of running the battery test in the GFXBenchmark program:
It can be seen that the heating is more localized in the upper part of the device, which apparently corresponds to the location of the SoC chip. According to the heat camera, the maximum heating was only 35 degrees (at an ambient temperature of 24 degrees), which is relatively little.
Playing video
To test the omnivorous nature of video playback (including support for various codecs, containers and special features, such as subtitles), we used the most common formats, which make up the bulk of the content available on the Internet. Note that for mobile devices It is important to have support for hardware video decoding at the chip level, since processing modern options due to processor cores alone, it is most often impossible. Also, you shouldn’t expect a mobile device to decode everything, since the leadership in flexibility belongs to the PC, and no one is going to challenge it. All results are summarized in a table.
According to the testing results, the test subject was not equipped with all the necessary decoders that are needed to fully play most of the most common multimedia files on the network, in this case, audio files. To successfully play them, you will have to resort to the help of a third-party player - for example, MX Player. True, it is also necessary to change the settings and manually install additional custom codecs, because now this player does not officially support the AC3 sound format.
| Format | Container, video, sound | MX Video Player | Standard video player |
| BDRip 720p | MKV, H.264 1280×720, 24fps, AAC | plays normally | plays normally |
| BDRip 720p | MKV, H.264 1280×720, 24fps, AC3 | The video plays fine, there is no sound | |
| BDRip 1080p | MKV, H.264 1920×1080, 24fps, AAC | plays normally | plays normally |
| BDRip 1080p | MKV, H.264 1920×1080, 24fps, AC3 | The video plays fine, there is no sound | The video plays fine, there is no sound |
We did not find the MHL interface, like Mobility DisplayPort, in this smartphone, so we had to limit ourselves to testing the output of video files on the screen of the device itself. To do this, we used a set of test files with an arrow and a rectangle moving one division per frame (see “Method for testing video playback and display devices. Version 1 (for mobile devices)”). Screenshots with a shutter speed of 1 s helped determine the nature of the output of frames of video files with various parameters: the resolution varied (1280 by 720 (720p), 1920 by 1080 (1080p) and 3840 by 2160 (4K) pixels) and frame rate (24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 fps). In the tests we used the MX Player video player in the “Hardware” mode. The test results are summarized in the table:
Estimates, this means that, most likely, when watching films, artifacts caused by uneven alternation and frame skipping will either not be visible at all, or their number and visibility will not affect the viewing comfort. Red marks indicate possible problems related to the playback of the corresponding files.
According to the criterion of frame output, the quality of playback of video files on the screen of the smartphone itself is good, since frames (or groups of frames) can (but are not required) be output with more or less uniform alternation of intervals and without skipping frames. The screen refresh rate is about 61 Hz, so when outputting files with 60 fps, one frame per second is output longer than the rest, and for files with other frame rates, ideal smoothness is no longer obtained. When playing video files with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels (1080p) on a smartphone screen, the image of the video file itself is displayed exactly along the border of the screen, one to one in pixels, that is, in the original resolution. The brightness range displayed on the screen corresponds to the standard range of 16-235: all gradations of shades are displayed in shadows and highlights.
Battery life
The non-removable battery installed in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 has a more than decent capacity of 4100 mAh. But, as is usually the case with Chinese smartphones on MediaTek, a large battery capacity does not necessarily mean high level autonomy. In the case of the hero of our review, autonomy turned out to be far from record-breaking; everything here is at an average level, not higher.
Testing has traditionally been carried out at normal power consumption levels without using power saving modes, although they are here, and they can even be manually configured to suit your own needs.
Continuous reading in the Moon+ Reader program (with a standard, light theme) at a minimum comfortable brightness level (brightness was set to 100 cd/m²) with auto-scrolling lasted 12 hours until the battery was completely discharged, and when continuously watching videos in high quality (720p) with The device can withstand the same brightness level via a home Wi-Fi network for 10 hours. In 3D gaming mode, the smartphone operated for about 4 hours. Charges from standard network adapter Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 for almost 2.5 hours with a current of 1.8 A at a voltage of 5.3 V. Wireless charger not supported.
Bottom line
Sellers in foreign online stores are now asking about $210 or even a little more for the older version of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 we tested today, that is, with 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of flash memory. Russian resellers offer this device, which, of course, does not have official certification, at approximately the same price - about 13 thousand rubles. Most likely, buying from them, with firmware and installation Play store Store won't have to bother; they'll install everything you need themselves. But even in this case, the device will not be perfectly localized; some of the settings will remain on English language. However, such little things no longer frighten enthusiasts who have made Xiaomi their favorite brand. And there are a lot of them in Russia. The new product is not so cheap by Xiaomi standards, especially compared to previously presented models, for example the same Redmi Note 3 Pro, which has become popular and is now selling for about $180. True, the Redmi Note 4 has a more top-end SoC, according to the manufacturer, MT Helio X20, while the mentioned Redmi Note 3 Pro has “just” a Qualcomm Snapdragon 650. But in fact, it is still unknown which is better.
In any case, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, even with the top-end MediaTek platform, is not comparable to the flagship; the model differs from its predecessors, but not too much. We should probably expect a price reduction for this device soon. Not bad and good screen, cameras, sound, communication capabilities, the level of autonomy, the presence of a fingerprint scanner - all this was already there, the new product did not bring any special improvements. For example, I would finally like to see in all Xiaomi smartphones wider support for the LTE frequency bands used by Russian operators, as well as the presence of NFC - this is at a minimum. The smartphone is certainly not bad, but, oddly enough, our hero was not able to offer more than other products from the manufacturer.
Last year, the successor to the popular Redmi Note 3 was released new smartphone. The lineup update was a busy one, and we received the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, which turned out to be a stripped-down version of the Redmi Pro.
Among the main features, first of all, it is worth noting: all-metal body, 10-core Helio X20 processor, MIUI V8 firmware on Android based 6.0, a 4100 mAh battery and a 5.5-inch Full HD display. This smartphone appeared not just to replace Redmi Note 3, but also to compete with models from LeEco and Vernee.
Equipment
The Redmi Note line of smartphones was initially not distinguished by the variety of its equipment. Everything is very standard: smartphone, charger, microUSB cable, SIM card ejector, user manual and warranty card.
Design and build quality
The first smartphone with a metal body in the line was, but its appearance was deteriorated by two plastic stripes on the back panel. Now there are no such stripes and on the back cover of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 there are only two 1-mm lines, which are practically invisible and also indistinguishable to the touch.
On the right side of the phone there is a power button and a volume rocker. All the buttons on the case are made of aluminum, have a distinct movement, and your finger can quickly feel them.
On the left is a tray for two SIM cards. If necessary, instead of a second SIM card, you can install microSD.
On the bottom edge of the case there is a microUSB connector, a microphone and a pair of speaker grilles. However, in fact, there is only one speaker, but it has a large volume reserve.
The top part is the same as its predecessor - a 3.5 mm headset jack, an additional microphone hole and an infrared port (there is a pre-installed Mi Remote application to control compatible media devices).
At the top of the screen there are proximity and light sensors, an earpiece, an LED for notifications and a front-facing 5-megapixel camera. The glass on the front panel is slightly rounded at the edges, scratch-resistant and has an oleophobic coating.
Under the display are the familiar backlit capacitive buttons: “Home”, “Back”, “Menu”. If desired, you can change the action of each of them in the settings.
The back panel is made of aluminum and is slightly curved at the edges. At the top there is a main camera module, an LED flash and a fingerprint scanner.
The build quality is commendable. The body is tight, there is no play, and there are no squeaks when trying to bend it. This is what a quality smartphone should be like.
Despite the fact that Redmi Note 4 has a huge 4100 mAh battery, the phone weighs only 175 g and the body thickness is 8.2 mm. The length and width of the case are 151 mm and 76 mm, respectively. For a 5.5-inch smartphone these are acceptable dimensions.
Display
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 received 5.5-inch IPS screen with Full HD resolution. Even with such a diagonal, the image is displayed with high clarity, the pixel density reaches 441 ppi.
Viewing angles are close to ideal, color reproduction is natural, colors are rich and bright. Color distortion practically does not occur at a strong tilt.
By the way, at night you don’t even have to use a special reading mode, since the minimum screen brightness already allows you to read the text on the screen without stress. Maximum level brightness (450 cd/m²) is also comfortable for using a smartphone on a sunny day.
However, if necessary, you can leave automatic contrast adjustment enabled. Among the display modes there are standard, cold or warm.
Compare this one IPS display in terms of image quality OLED screen Redmi Pro is not worth it, since when compared, it is obvious that the picture on the Redmi Note 4 display will be a little blurry.
The touch screen recognizes up to 10 touches simultaneously. Fingers glide comfortably across the screen, which is protected by special 2.5D tempered glass.
Performance
The standard version of Redmi Note 4 received a MediaTek Helio X20 processor. The Pro version of the smartphone is equipped with a Snapdragon processor.
Helio X20 is ten-core, with three clusters: 4x Cortex-A53 with a frequency of up to 1.4 GHz, 4x Cortex-A53 with a frequency of up to 1.85 GHz, 2x Cortex-A72 with a frequency of up to 2.3 GHz. It would seem, why does a smartphone need a ten-core processor when quad-core processors are sufficient? But MediaTek has already proven that the Helio X20 does an excellent job of managing performance and power efficiency. The load on the battery increases only when powerful games and demanding applications.
Also, depending on the version, Redmi Note 4 received 2 or 3 GB of RAM. The model with 3GB of RAM showed a speed of 6Gb/s, which is quite good. Therefore, we would recommend choosing this particular smartphone model if you often run several applications at the same time. On the other hand, the multitasking performance of the version with 2GB of RAM is quite sufficient, since the system automatically closes background applications if there is not enough power. But because of this, the speed of work decreases.
With ordinary tasks such as surfing the web, chatting in social networks and watching videos - Redmi Note 4 can handle all this. Its MIUI V8 firmware based on Android 6 easily copes with any task and responds very quickly.
If you don’t have enough built-in memory, you can install a microSD card with a capacity of up to 128GB instead of a second SIM card. During the test, the read/write speed reached 48/107 MB/s.
The gaming performance of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is comparable to other devices powered by the Helio X20 processor. The only problem is that there were lags in Asphalt 8, although the game is poorly optimized even for the Snapdragon 820. Any other graphically demanding game flies. By the way, after an hour of playing, the smartphone heated up to 38 degrees.
Specifications
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| 84930 | ||
| Xiaomi Mido | ||
| Announcement date | 2016, August | |
| Network support | GSM/CDMA/HSPA/EVDO/LTE | |
| - 2G | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 and SIM 2 | |
| - 3G | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | |
| - 4G | LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500) | |
| Bluetooth | v4.2, A2DP, LE | |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, WiFi Direct, access point | |
| Dimensions | 151 x 76 x 8.4 mm (5.94 x 2.99 x 0.33 inches) | |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | |
| Accumulator battery | Non-removable, Li-Po 4100 mAh | |
| Display | (~72.7% of the smartphone surface) | |
| - permission | 1080 x 1920 pixels (~401 ppi) | |
| CPU | Mediatek MT6797 Helio X20 | |
| - CPU frequency | Deca-core 2.1 GHz | |
| - graphic arts | Mali-T880 MP4 | |
| Memory | 16 GB, 2 GB RAM - Standard version; 64 GB, 3 GB RAM - High version; | |
| USB | microUSB v2.0, USB On-The-Go | |
| Camera | Photo/Video | |
| - main | 13 MP, f/2.0, phase detection autofocus, dual LED dual-tone flash | |
| - frontal | 5 MP, f/2.0, 720p | |
| operating system | Android OS, v6.0 (Marshmallow) |
operating system
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 runs on MIUI 8.0 firmware, which is based on Android 6.0. If you decide to order a smartphone from China and save money, you will receive the system only in Chinese and English. You will have to either reflash the phone or try to Russify it. There are already Redmi Note 4 models on our market with official firmware in Russian with adequate translation.
With the ability to copy apps and support for two SIM cards, you can use two different numbers phones on WhatsApp.
Camera
The main camera of the smartphone is 12 megapixel with f/2.0 aperture. It shoots with excellent quality, but in good lighting. The quality of selfie photos has improved compared to front camera photos. There is also a noticeable improvement in color reproduction and sharpness. On the one hand, photos taken in low light conditions are not comparable to predecessor cameras. On the other hand, if you compare their quality with photos taken on cameras or, the pictures will seem faded and sometimes overexposed.
Autofocus is fast and camera response time is minimal. Also takes photos quickly in HDR mode. Unfortunately, if we compare Redmi Note 4 and Redmi Pro, the main camera does not do its job well – color reproduction suffers greatly. Maybe this is due to software, maybe the issue is in the camera module itself. In general, if you don't want to spend more than $200, but would like to get a good camera, then we can recommend Redmi Note 4.
Video – camera test on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 smartphone
The video quality seems subjectively poor, the picture is unclear, and the camera lacks sharpness. The maximum shooting resolution is 1080p. There are Timelapse and Slo-mo modes.
Battery
Redmi Note 4 has a 4100 mAh battery. Due to the fact that the operating system additionally provides increased time due to optimization battery life, the smartphone will appeal to all skeptics.
When using the standard charger included in the package, the battery is charged to 100% in 1.5-2 hours. If you don’t strain your smartphone too much with overloads, it can work for 2 days. Compared to others popular models Xiaomi smartphones, then Redmi Note 4 showed slightly worse results than . After receiving a firmware update this should probably be fixed.
During battery tests in PC Mark Battery, the following results were obtained: 9 hours of battery life, although the Redmi Note 3 Pro has 12 hours. But in the same test, the Samsung Galaxy S7 turned out to be worse - only 8 hours.
If you set the screen brightness to 30% and turn on airplane mode, the smartphone will last 16 hours. With the same flight mode, at maximum screen brightness, we can watch video in HD resolution for 9 hours.
In general, it is obvious that even with very active use, Redmi Note 4 will work all day and you won’t have to look for a power outlet to recharge. With constant communication on social networks, web surfing, mobile internet and constant synchronization, the phone worked for more than 5 hours. Overnight the battery loses on average about 5% of its charge.
Redmi Note 4 battery supports fast charging. In 30 minutes the battery will be charged to 60%.
Video – review of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
Results
pros
- nice design;
- excellent build quality;
- clear Full HD screen;
- fast MIUI 8 firmware.
minuses
- mediocre shooting quality from the front camera.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 has strengthened the company's position and updated the standard of quality and specifications. Compared to its predecessor, the display, camera, and performance have improved. Battery life has been slightly reduced. In addition, the benefits are not as noticeable fast processor. There is also a lack of LTE support. On the other hand, if you can easily live without LTE, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is practically the best smartphone under $200.
It has already become a good tradition for Xiaomi to delight its fans with the latest achievements of engineering. This rule applies not only to the premium line, but also to representatives of the budget series. It's time to get acquainted with the phablet called Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X Pro, which is an improved version of the previous model. How different is the gadget presented to us from its predecessor? Let's try to figure it out together.
Brief characteristics
We study the packaging and accessories
A distinctive feature of the brand is attention and care for users, so it packages products in a durable box with a minimalist design that can withstand heavy mechanical loads, thereby keeping the gadget intact.
Inside the box are the devices necessary for operation - we are talking about a “clip” for a SIM card, a charger, a microUSB cable and a package of documents. Everything is packed neatly and securely.
Elegant appearance
The company has decisively abandoned the use of plastic, preferring durable and damage-resistant aluminum. Despite the almost complete absence of plastic elements (they remain only on the upper and lower ends for the antennas), the phablet can hardly be called heavy and inconvenient. Its weight is almost not felt, as it is evenly distributed throughout the entire body.
If you compare it with other models in the line, it becomes clear why the edges of the device were as rounded as possible. You won't have to experience that feeling when a sharp edge digs into your hand, causing noticeable discomfort. Now everything is the other way around - slightly rounded shapes provide a high level of comfort in use.
The camera located on the back cover does not protrude beyond its limits at all, so its lens does not get scratched. There is also a fingerprint scanner nearby, which can instantly and accurately recognize the slightest touch.
The IR port and headphone jack are presented in a classic design - they are located on the top. This arrangement ensures that the cord from the headset will not bend excessively or become tangled, and the infrared sensor will act specifically on the desired object.
Once you pick up the device, you can immediately feel the excellent build quality. Backlash? Creaking? Rattling? No, the Xiaomi device is completely unfamiliar with this. The monolithic design looks solid and elegant at the same time, and the well-thought-out arrangement of buttons and outputs does not violate the minimalist concept.
The designers managed to achieve a lot: in addition to the usual colors, they managed to create a number of shades that are difficult to find analogues in the world of modern gadgets. Rose Gold/Pink literally emanates romance and tenderness, Hatsune Miku Exclusive (Green) resembles the surface of the sea in the rays of the sun, and Blue takes our thoughts to a surprisingly clean and clear sky.
The model line also includes classic options, including black, gold and gray. For a harmonious appearance, the dark front panel is available only in black and gray models, while in all others it is made in snow-white color.
Excellent color rendition on the screen in any conditions
IN Xiaomi review We cannot ignore the high-quality IPS screen of Redmi Note 4X Pro, which has a unique ability: even if you change its angle, the brightness and contrast of the image will remain at the same level. You won't see the slightest glare on it, so using it in the sun will be a real pleasure.
This became possible due to the fact that there is no air gap between the glass and the matrix. Just imagine: a rich and natural picture in the dazzling rays of the sun - what could be more beautiful... And if you add to this a good oleophobic coating, the dirt from which can be easily removed, then there will be no complaints about the device’s screen.
The smartphone is able to instantly adapt to current lighting conditions, for example, indoors it will automatically reduce the brightness, thereby reducing energy consumption. Play with different screen and text modes, match the warmth of the color tone and adjust the contrast to suit your preferences!
Productivity reimagined
Surely everyone is interested in the answer to the question: what is hidden behind the “Pro” prefix? We are ready to reveal a secret - it means the presence of a different version of the processor. We are talking about MediaTek Helio X20 with a 3-cluster architecture and 10 computing cores. It is attractive because it can effectively distribute tasks to optimize performance and increase battery life.
To understand the principle of its operation, imagine: to perform simple tasks, for example, sending SMS, one cluster works, for more complex activities another is used. If you decide to heavily load the device, then three clusters will begin to operate at once. This saves battery energy, which means you have to charge the phablet much less often.
If we test Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X Pro using AnTuTu, it turns out that it scores more than 93,000 points, which is almost 13,000 more than the 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625. By the way, a blue model of the smartphone was also released, where the company replaced MediaTek on Snapdragon 625.
Lasts really long
We have already figured out that the processor is great at saving energy consumption, and now let's move on to the battery itself. Its capacity remains the same - 4100 mAh, so with a standard load, without frills, it will last for about 2 days.
Otherwise, when the gadget is subjected to intensive use in the form of watching movies, games, searching the Internet, it will be able to last significantly less - on average 12 hours. These are excellent indicators, because you will have to charge the device in the morning, and then throughout the day you will not have to worry about the battery running out at the wrong time.
What about the photomodule?
We hasten to please those who do not want to acquire a separate camera, but rely on the capabilities of their smartphone. A 13-megapixel camera with a Sony IMX 258 module and phase detection autofocus is quite enough to take decent photos.
Of course, they are difficult to compare with the results of a professional camera, but in good lighting conditions the result of the shooting should satisfy you. In the dark, noise may appear if you do not use a dual-tone flash. When activated, graininess and background blur disappear, and the picture turns out quite clear.
If you like to choose your own settings to achieve perfect photos, then the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X Pro is not for you. The fact is that it does not have many of the usual settings; only the built-in beautifier (improver), panorama and scene selection are available.
For the front camera, the manufacturer chose a different module – Samsung S5K5E8, which produces a resolution of 5 megapixels. Its capabilities are enough to take a cool selfie, as well as determine whether you are a man or a woman. Depending on the result, the device will make a number of adjustments to make your portrait look even more beautiful.
Much-needed wireless technology
The device interacts well with satellites, including GPS, Glonass, Beidu, and many others. Provides the ability to connect to wireless internet. It also supports LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies.
Surprise and surprise again - this phrase can be safely taken as a slogan for a Chinese brand, since even in a budget phablet they managed to place a lot of pleasant and useful functions. Engineers have found a way to increase the response speed (0.3 ms) and accuracy of the fingerprint sensor. Be sure that it will respond specifically to your fingerprint, thereby ensuring the confidentiality of information.
Are you still using bulky remote controls? In fact, you no longer need them - the infrared port will do an excellent job as a remote control. All home appliances controlled using infrared radiation will be under your control.
Operating system: what's new?
The gadget operates in the operating room Android system 6.0.1 Marshmallow. By default, MIUI 8 firmware is installed, but after purchase the user can update it to the ninth version.
Pros and cons of the model
The fact that it is still worth purchasing this version of the device from Xiaomi is evidenced by such facts as:
- Long-term work in offline mode;
- Great screen;
- Durable aluminum housing;
- Proven build quality;
- Powerful and efficient processor.
What are the disadvantages? There are very few of them: the lack of optical stabilization in the camera and a noticeable black frame on a white background.
It's time to conclude
If you are not ready to spend a large sum on purchasing products from world-famous giants, but are eager to become the owner of a multifunctional device, then Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X Pro will be the right decision. It will never let you down, because its build quality is traditionally at an excellent level. The device instantly responds to your commands, does not freeze, does not heat up, and solves several complex problems at once. This cool smartphone for both work and play.