Xiaomi offers a range of budget-friendly smartphones, and the Mi 4s and Redmi 4 (4X) are two popular contenders. Both devices offer compelling features for their price point, but cater to slightly different user needs. This comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 4 (4X) edges out the Mi 4s with slightly better battery life and superior sunlight visibility. However, the Mi 4s boasts a more powerful processor, offering a smoother experience for demanding tasks. Ultimately, the Redmi 4 (4X) provides better value for most users.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/100 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, February. Released 2016, March | 2017, May. Released 2017, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), aluminum back, aluminum frame, plastic ends |
| Dimensions | 139.3 x 70.8 x 7.8 mm (5.48 x 2.79 x 0.31 in) | 139.2 x 70 x 8.7 mm (5.48 x 2.76 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 133 g (4.69 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~69.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Hexa-core (4x1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 & 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A57) | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 (20 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 418 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 5.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), MIUI 10 | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.1.2 (Nougat), MIUI 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 16GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC2, 40% in 60 min | - |
| Music play | - | Up to 87 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 432 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 36 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3260 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Gold, Pink | Black, Gold |
| Models | - | 2016060, 2016090, MAG138, MAE136, Redmi 4, Redmi 4X |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -94.9dB / Crosstalk -82.6dB |
Noise -94.3dB / Crosstalk -94dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 75h
|
Endurance rating 80h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 975:1 (nominal), 2.095 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: 915 (nominal), 2.920 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 73dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 82dB
|
Voice 64dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 72dB
|
| Performance |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 1545Basemark X: 12990 |
GeekBench: 1819 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 5.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Mi 4s
- More powerful processor
- Slightly better camera in good light
- Premium build quality (generally)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Slightly shorter battery life
- Lower sunlight readability
- Older chipset
Xiaomi Redmi 4 (4X)
- Excellent battery life
- Superior sunlight readability
- More affordable
- Good value for money
- Less powerful processor
- Potentially less detailed camera images
- Slower charging
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Redmi 4 (4X) takes the display crown. While both offer respectable contrast ratios (975:1 vs 915:1), the Redmi 4 (4X)'s significantly higher sunlight readability score (2.920 vs 2.095) makes it much easier to view outdoors. Both use IPS LCD panels, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally comparable, though specifics are missing from the provided data. Both feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities. However, based on general reviews, the Mi 4s often produces slightly more detailed images in good lighting conditions, while the Redmi 4 (4X) might offer more consistent results in challenging lighting. Low-light performance is likely similar on both.
Performance
The Mi 4s holds a clear advantage in performance. Its Snapdragon 808 chipset with a hexa-core processor (including two faster Cortex-A57 cores) provides noticeably smoother multitasking and app loading compared to the Redmi 4 (4X)'s Snapdragon 435 and octa-core Cortex-A53 processor. Gaming performance will also be better on the Mi 4s.
Battery Life
The Redmi 4 (4X) secures a narrow victory in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 80h compared to the Mi 4s's 75h. This translates to slightly longer usage between charges, a significant benefit for users who prioritize longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Mi 4s? Users prioritizing performance and a slightly more premium feel. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi 4 (4X)? Those seeking exceptional battery life, excellent sunlight readability, and a budget-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mi 4s worth the extra cost over the Redmi 4 (4X)?
It depends on your priorities. If performance is crucial for gaming or demanding apps, the Mi 4s is worth considering. Otherwise, the Redmi 4 (4X) offers better value with its longer battery life and improved sunlight visibility.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Generally, the Redmi 4 (4X) might have received slightly longer software support due to being released later. However, both phones are now quite old, so ongoing updates are unlikely.
