The Xiaomi Redmi series has long been a favorite for budget-conscious smartphone users. Two popular contenders are the Redmi 3s Prime and the Redmi Note 4X. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi Note 4X generally wins due to its superior Snapdragon 625 chipset, offering significantly better performance and efficiency. While the 3s Prime boasts impressive battery life, the Note 4X's overall package makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - India | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 5, 40 - India | 1, 3, 5, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Snapdragon model |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - Mediatek model |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, August. Released 2016, August | 2017, February. Released 2017, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 139.3 x 69.6 x 8.5 mm (5.48 x 2.74 x 0.33 in) | 151 x 76 x 8.5 mm (5.94 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 144 g (5.08 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~71.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), MIUI 9.2 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), MIUI 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 4100 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Dark Gray, Silver | Platinum Silver, Champagne Gold, Matte Black, Hatsune Miku, Sakura Powder |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) 0.43 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 85h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Performance |
GFXBench: 4.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Xiaomi Redmi 3s Prime
- Exceptional battery life
- Very affordable
- Compact size
- Slower performance
- Less vibrant display
- Older chipset
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X
- Better performance
- More efficient chipset
- Improved camera
- Slightly better display
- Slightly larger size
- Can be slightly more expensive (depending on market)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.0-inch display, but the Note 4X often has a slightly better panel with improved color accuracy and brightness. The 3s Prime's display is adequate but lacks the vibrancy of the Note 4X.
Camera Comparison
While both offer decent camera performance for their price range, the Note 4X generally captures slightly better photos with improved dynamic range and detail. Low-light performance is also typically better on the Note 4X. Both phones feature standard camera setups, lacking advanced features.
Performance
The Redmi Note 4X's Snapdragon 625 chipset is a significant upgrade over the 3s Prime's Snapdragon 430. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Note 4X. The 625's 14nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Redmi 3s Prime's endurance rating of 85h is remarkable, suggesting exceptional battery life. However, the Note 4X's more efficient Snapdragon 625 chipset allows it to achieve comparable battery life despite a slightly smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi 3s Prime is ideal for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a very budget-friendly price. The Redmi Note 4X is better suited for those needing smoother performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and a slightly more premium experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Note 4X worth the extra money compared to the Redmi 3s Prime?
Generally, yes. The performance boost from the Snapdragon 625 is significant and makes the Note 4X a more future-proof and enjoyable device to use.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Redmi Note 4X is the clear winner for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and better thermal management.