Xiaomi Mi 4s vs Mi 4c: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Mi 4s and Mi 4c were popular mid-range smartphones offering impressive specs for their time. But with both devices now several years old, which one holds up better? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide which phone is right for you (or if it's time to upgrade!).

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Mi 4s edges out the Mi 4c thanks to its significantly better battery life and superior sunlight display performance. While both share the same Snapdragon 808 chipset, the Mi 4s's endurance makes it the more practical choice for everyday use, despite their age.

PHONES
Phone Names	Xiaomi Mi 4s	Xiaomi Mi 4c

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps	HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	TD-SCDMA	TD-SCDMA

Launch
Announced	2016, February. Released 2016, March	2015, September. Released 2015, September
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	-	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	139.3 x 70.8 x 7.8 mm (5.48 x 2.79 x 0.31 in)	138.1 x 69.6 x 7.8 mm (5.44 x 2.74 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM	Dual SIM
Weight	133 g (4.69 oz)	132 g (4.66 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density)
Size	5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~69.9% screen-to-body ratio)	5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Hexa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A57)	Hexa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A57)
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 (20 nm)	Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 (20 nm)
GPU	Adreno 418	Adreno 418
OS	Android 5.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), MIUI 10	Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), MIUI 10

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	No
Internal	64GB 3GB RAM	16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM
	eMMC 5.0	eMMC 5.0

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Single	13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF	13 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Video	1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	5 MP, f/2.0	5 MP, f/2.0
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.1, A2DP	4.1, A2DP
Infrared port	Yes	Yes
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C	USB Type-C
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired, QC2, 40% in 60 min	18W wired, QC2, 40% in 60 min
Type	Li-Ion 3260 mAh, non-removable	Li-Ion 3080 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Black, White, Gold, Pink	White, grey, pink, yellow, blue
Models	-	Mi-4c
Price	About 220 EUR	About 210 EUR

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -94.9dB / Crosstalk -82.6dB	Noise -94.7dB / Crosstalk -95.3dB
Battery life	Endurance rating 75h	Endurance rating 52h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 975:1 (nominal), 2.095 (sunlight)	Contrast ratio: 1609 (nominal), 2.574(sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 73dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 82dB	Voice 73dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 77dB
Performance	Basemark OS II 2.0: 1545Basemark X: 12990	Basemark OS II 2.0: 1233Basemark X: 12096

OUR TESTS
Audio quality	Noise -94.9dB / Crosstalk -82.6dB	Noise -94.7dB / Crosstalk -95.3dB
Battery (old)	Endurance rating 75h	Endurance rating 52h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 975:1 (nominal), 2.095 (sunlight)	Contrast ratio: 1609 (nominal), 2.574(sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 73dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 82dB	Voice 73dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 77dB
Performance	Basemark OS II 2.0: 1545Basemark X: 12990	Basemark OS II 2.0: 1233Basemark X: 12096

Xiaomi Mi 4s

Superior battery life (75h)
Better sunlight display performance
Slightly better sustained performance (potentially)

Older design
Camera quality is average
Limited software updates

Xiaomi Mi 4c

Slightly more compact design
Higher nominal contrast ratio
QC2 fast charging

Significantly shorter battery life (52h)
Poorer sunlight display performance
Older design
Limited software updates

Display Comparison

The Mi 4c boasts a higher nominal contrast ratio (1609:1) compared to the Mi 4s (975:1). However, the Mi 4s shines in direct sunlight with a significantly better contrast ratio of 2.095 versus the Mi 4c's 2.574. This suggests the Mi 4s offers better outdoor readability, a crucial factor for many users.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance on both devices is comparable, relying on a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. Image quality will be adequate for casual photography, but don't expect flagship-level results. Low-light performance will be a weakness on both.

Performance

Both phones are powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset and Hexa-core CPU. Performance will be largely similar in everyday tasks and most apps. However, the Mi 4s might exhibit slightly better sustained performance due to its potentially more efficient thermal management, though this is difficult to confirm definitively without testing.

Battery Life

This is where the Mi 4s truly stands out. It offers a significantly better endurance rating of 75h compared to the Mi 4c's 52h. This translates to considerably longer battery life for the Mi 4s, making it a more practical choice for users who need their phone to last throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Xiaomi Mi 4s? Users prioritizing longer battery life and better outdoor visibility. Who should buy the Xiaomi Mi 4c? Those seeking a slightly more compact device, though the battery performance is a notable drawback. Considering their age, both are best suited for budget-conscious users or those needing a secondary device.