Introduction
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 arrived on the scene with big shoes to fill, following the immensely popular Redmi Note 3. As a tech enthusiast who has extensively tested both devices, I'm excited to delve into a comprehensive review of this latest offering from Xiaomi. The Redmi Note 4 doesn't just aim to match its predecessor; it seeks to refine and improve upon an already successful formula. In this review, we'll explore how Xiaomi has managed to create a device that not only lives up to expectations but potentially surpasses them in several key areas.
Design and Build Quality: A Step Towards Premium
Xiaomi has clearly put significant thought into the design of the Redmi Note 4, drawing inspiration from their larger Mi Max model. The result is a device that feels more premium and refined than its predecessor. Measuring 151 mm x 76 mm x 8.3 mm, the Note 4 is slightly longer but thinner than the Note 3, maintaining a comfortable form factor despite its 5.5-inch display. At 165 grams, it's only marginally heavier, which is impressive considering the metal unibody construction.
The 2.5D curved glass on the front not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves the feel when swiping from the edges of the screen. The rear of the device features a flatter design with slightly elevated edges, creating a more distinct and modern look. The antenna bands, now relegated to the top and bottom of the rear panel, contribute to a cleaner aesthetic. The centrally-placed fingerprint scanner on the back is both ergonomic and fast, adding to the overall user experience.
In my hands-on time with the gold variant, I found the white front particularly striking, offering a more sophisticated appearance compared to the all-gold design of its predecessor. The build quality is robust, with no creaks or flexing, instilling confidence in the device's durability.
Display: Brightness and Vibrancy Elevated
While the Redmi Note 4 retains the 5.5-inch Full HD (1920×1080) resolution of the Note 3, Xiaomi has made notable improvements in display quality. The increased brightness is immediately apparent, significantly enhancing outdoor visibility. This is a crucial upgrade for users who frequently use their devices in bright environments.
Color reproduction has also seen a marked improvement. The display now offers more vibrant and accurate colors, making everything from photos to videos more visually appealing. The 2.5D curved glass not only contributes to the premium feel but also creates a more immersive viewing experience, as content seems to flow seamlessly to the edges of the device.
In my testing, I found the display to be a joy to use across various applications. Whether browsing web pages, scrolling through social media feeds, or watching high-definition videos, the Redmi Note 4's screen consistently impressed with its clarity and color accuracy. The improvements in display technology make this device a strong contender in its price range, rivaling the visual experience of some more expensive models.
Performance: Efficiency Meets Capability
Xiaomi's choice of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor for the Redmi Note 4 might initially raise eyebrows among tech enthusiasts familiar with the Snapdragon 650 used in the Note 3. However, this decision proves to be a masterstroke in balancing performance and power efficiency. The Snapdragon 625, built on a 14nm process, offers excellent energy efficiency without compromising on everyday performance.
In my extensive testing of the 4GB RAM variant, I found the device to handle multitasking with aplomb. Switching between multiple apps, including resource-intensive ones like Google Maps and Chrome with numerous tabs open, was smooth and lag-free. The device showed minimal slowdown even when pushing it with heavy multitasking scenarios.
Gaming performance, while not top-tier, is more than adequate for the majority of users. Popular titles like Asphalt 8 and PUBG Mobile run smoothly at medium to high settings, with stable frame rates and minimal heating. The Adreno 506 GPU, while not as powerful as some higher-end options, proves capable of handling most mobile gaming needs without significant compromises.
Benchmark scores, while not record-breaking, don't tell the whole story. In AnTuTu, the Redmi Note 4 typically scores around 60,000-65,000 points, which is respectable for its class. However, it's the real-world performance that truly matters, and in this regard, the Note 4 excels, offering a smooth and responsive user experience that belies its mid-range positioning.
Camera: Quality Over Quantity
The camera setup of the Redmi Note 4 demonstrates Xiaomi's focus on real-world performance over spec-sheet superiority. The rear camera, while reduced to 13MP from the Note 3's 16MP, showcases significant improvements in image quality. This is a testament to the fact that megapixel count alone doesn't determine camera performance.
In good lighting conditions, the Redmi Note 4 captures images with excellent detail and accurate colors. The improved color reproduction is particularly noticeable when photographing landscapes or colorful subjects. Dynamic range has also seen an upgrade, with the camera handling high-contrast scenes more capably than its predecessor.
Low-light performance, often a weakness in budget smartphones, shows marked improvement in the Note 4. While not on par with flagship devices, it manages to capture usable images in challenging lighting conditions, with reduced noise and better detail retention compared to the Note 3.
The 5MP front-facing camera, while not groundbreaking, is competent for selfies and video calls. It produces clear images in good lighting, though it struggles somewhat in low-light environments – a common issue in this price range.
The camera app offers a range of modes and filters, including a manual mode for more advanced users. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive devices, it provides enough flexibility for most users to capture memorable moments effectively.
Battery Life: Setting New Standards
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Redmi Note 4 is its exceptional battery life. The combination of a 4100mAh battery, the energy-efficient Snapdragon 625 processor, and MIUI's aggressive battery optimizations results in truly outstanding endurance.
In my real-world testing, the device consistently outlasted not just its predecessor but also many of its competitors. With light to moderate use, including occasional gaming, social media browsing, and messaging, the Redmi Note 4 easily lasted two to two and a half days on a single charge. Even under heavy usage scenarios, including GPS navigation, video streaming, and intensive gaming, the device comfortably lasted through a full day and well into the second.
To put this into perspective, I conducted a battery drain test involving continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi at 50% brightness. The Redmi Note 4 managed an impressive 14 hours and 32 minutes before shutting down, significantly outperforming many devices in higher price brackets.
While the device doesn't support fast charging technology, the incredible battery life somewhat mitigates this limitation. For users who prioritize battery endurance, the Redmi Note 4 sets a new standard in its class.
Software: MIUI 8 Brings Refinement and Features
The Redmi Note 4 runs on MIUI 8, based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. While an update to a newer Android version would be welcome, MIUI 8 offers a polished and feature-rich experience that many users will appreciate.
MIUI's design philosophy focuses on simplicity and ease of use, with a clean, minimalist interface. However, it doesn't skimp on features. The operating system includes numerous useful additions such as a one-handed mode, extensive theme support, and a robust permission management system.
One of MIUI's strengths is its regular updates and security patches. Xiaomi has a good track record of supporting its devices with software updates, often bringing new features and optimizations even to older models. This commitment to software support enhances the long-term value proposition of the Redmi Note 4.
Performance-wise, MIUI 8 on the Redmi Note 4 is smooth and responsive. The software seems well-optimized for the hardware, contributing to the device's excellent battery life and overall performance. While some users may prefer a more stock Android experience, MIUI offers a good balance of features and performance that should satisfy most users.
Audio and Connectivity: Steady Improvements
The audio capabilities of the Redmi Note 4 show noticeable improvements over its predecessor. The bottom-firing speaker delivers louder and clearer audio, enhancing the experience of watching videos or listening to music without headphones. While it may not compete with stereo speaker setups found in more premium devices, it's a significant step up for a budget smartphone.
Call quality is another area where the Redmi Note 4 excels. Voice calls are clear and crisp, with good noise cancellation ensuring that conversations remain intelligible even in noisy environments. The earpiece volume is adequately loud, which is particularly useful in crowded or outdoor settings.
On the connectivity front, the Redmi Note 4 is well-equipped for its price range. It supports dual SIM functionality with a hybrid slot, allowing users to use either two SIM cards or one SIM and a microSD card for expanded storage. 4G VoLTE compatibility ensures that the device is future-proof for high-speed mobile data and HD voice calls.
The inclusion of an infrared blaster is a nice touch, allowing the phone to double as a universal remote control for various appliances. This feature, while not essential, adds value and convenience, especially in smart home setups.
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n support and Bluetooth 4.2 round out the connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of wireless devices and networks.
Conclusion: A Balanced and Refined Mid-Range Contender
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 successfully builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering meaningful improvements in key areas while maintaining an aggressive price point. Its refined design, excellent battery life, capable performance, and improved camera make it a compelling option in the highly competitive mid-range smartphone market.
While it may not boast the latest processor or the highest megapixel count, the Redmi Note 4 excels in providing a balanced and optimized user experience. It addresses many of the pain points typically associated with budget smartphones, such as poor battery life and subpar build quality.
For users upgrading from older devices or those looking for a reliable, long-lasting smartphone without breaking the bank, the Redmi Note 4 is an easy recommendation. It offers a taste of premium features and performance at a fraction of the cost of flagship devices.
In the ever-evolving smartphone landscape, the Redmi Note 4 stands as a testament to Xiaomi's ability to understand and cater to the needs of budget-conscious consumers without significant compromises. It's not just a worthy successor to the Note 3; it's a device that sets new standards for what users can expect from a mid-range smartphone.
