YotaPhone 3 vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: A Detailed Showdown

The YotaPhone 3 offered a truly unique feature: a second, e-ink display on the back. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was a champion of battery life and affordability. But which phone ultimately delivers the better experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi Note 4 wins on value and battery endurance, offering exceptional longevity for a budget price. The YotaPhone 3's dual-screen is innovative but hampered by limited software support and a higher price tag. For most users, the Redmi Note 4 is the more practical choice.

PHONES
Phone Names	Yota YotaPhone 3	Xiaomi Redmi Note 4

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2	GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	LTE	1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2017, August. Released 2017, September	2017, January. Released 2017, January
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum frame	Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
Dimensions	153.6 x 75.2 x 7.9 mm (6.05 x 2.96 x 0.31 in)	151 x 76 x 8.5 mm (5.94 x 2.99 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM
Weight	170 g (6.00 oz)	165 g (5.82 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 4	-
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)	1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size	5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.2% screen-to-body ratio)	5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED	IPS LCD
	Secondary always-on grayscale capacitive touchscreen, 720 x 1280 pixels (282 ppi), 5.2 inches	-

Platform
CPU	Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53	Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm)	Qualcomm MSM8953 Snapdragon 625 (14 nm)
GPU	Adreno 506	Adreno 506
OS	Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), Yota 3	Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), MIUI 11

Memory
Card slot	No	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM	32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Single	12 MP, f/1.9, AF	13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps

Selfie camera
Single	13 MP, f/2.2	5 MP, f/2.0
Video	-	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	Yes
35mm jack	No	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP, LE	4.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port	-	Yes
NFC	Yes	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	FM radio	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C	microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct

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

Battery
Charging	18W wired	-
Type	Li-Po 3300 mAh, non-removable	Li-Po 4100 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Black	Dark Gray, Gold, Black, Lake Blue
Models	-	2016100
Price	About 310 EUR	About 150 EUR
SAR EU	-	0.72 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	-	Noise -94.6dB / Crosstalk -94.3dB
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 119h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 1503:1 (nominal), 2.714 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 67dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 81dB
Performance	-	GFXBench: 3.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Yota YotaPhone 3

Unique dual-screen design
E-ink display for reading and notifications
AMOLED display for vibrant colors
18W fast charging

Higher price
Limited software support for e-ink display
Shorter battery life compared to Redmi Note 4
Camera not as impressive

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4

Exceptional battery life
Excellent value for money
Reliable camera
Good display visibility in sunlight

Design is less distinctive
IPS LCD display not as vibrant as AMOLED
Performance can be limited with demanding games

Display Comparison

The YotaPhone 3's standout feature is its 4.7-inch e-ink display alongside a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen. The e-ink display is great for reading and notifications, consuming less power. The Redmi Note 4 boasts a 5.5-inch IPS LCD with a reported contrast ratio of 1503:1, offering vibrant colors and good visibility, especially in sunlight (2.714 contrast ratio). While the YotaPhone 3 offers novelty, the Redmi Note 4 provides a more conventional and arguably better overall viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi Note 4 generally has a better camera reputation. While specific megapixel counts aren't provided, reviews consistently praise the Redmi Note 4's camera for its image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. The YotaPhone 3's camera is adequate but doesn't stand out. Both offer photo and video capabilities.

Performance

Both phones share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset and Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. Performance is generally smooth for everyday tasks, but demanding games might show some limitations. The Redmi Note 4's software optimization and slightly better thermal management could give it a marginal edge in sustained performance.

Battery Life

This is where the Redmi Note 4 truly shines. Its endurance rating of 119 hours is exceptional. The YotaPhone 3's battery life is respectable, but significantly shorter than the Redmi Note 4, especially when utilizing the e-ink display. The 18W wired charging on the YotaPhone 3 is a plus, but doesn't compensate for the overall battery disadvantage.

Buying Guide

The YotaPhone 3 is for early adopters and those fascinated by e-ink technology who are willing to pay a premium for a unique feature. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life, a reliable camera, and excellent value for money.