I received the Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime and have had some time to play around with it. This is the first Redmi device to feature a processor on par with current midrange MediaTek devices even though its technically an entry-level chip from Qualcomm. The Snapdragon 625 (as seen on the Moto Z Play) benchmarks very high and should provide a great experience on the Redmi 4.
Sure, the Snapdragon 625 still doesn’t benchmark as high as the Helio X20 in the Redmi Note 4 but it gets closer than ever. It also features 3GB of RAM and the usual 4100mAh battery, so there should be the usual great battery experience as well.
Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime Specifications
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 |
| Display | 5.0″ 1920 x 1080 px, IPS LCD |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Operating System | Android 6.0 with MIUI8 |
| Cameras | 16MP + 8MP Camera |
| Battery | 4100mAh |
| Physical Properties | 156g, 141.3 x 69.6 x 8.9 mm |
Big thanks to Gearbest for providing this review unit. I’m currently testing the Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime on Fido in Toronto.
Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime Unboxing
It doesn’t come in a plastic sleeve like most other phones but it just has a screen protector on the front and the back which I took off.
It comes with a plug and a MicroUSB 2.0 cable.
Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime Hands On
If you remember the Bluboo XFire 2, that was a very well made metal device as well, but it didn’t have that precision and tolerances seen on HTC or Samsung devices. However, the closer you go, the more you realize that this is a very well made phone.
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The bezels are polished metal and also have a very sleek polished metal chamfer around it. The machining is very precise, sure it might not be as pinpoint precise as an HTC device, but kill me now if it isn’t exquisitely made.
After using both the Mi5s and the Mi Note 2, I struggle greatly to be objective. When you have the opportunity to pick up the Redmi 4 and either of the previous devices, you can immediately feel the difference between both devices. Yes, the Redmi 4 is metal and well made, but there is a subtle but present feeling that the Redmi 4 is slightly less well made, either to save money or to speed up the process.
With that out in the open, I have to say that I am very impressed with the quality with which the Redmi 4 is built. Not many devices in this price range can boast such impressive build quality. The Ulefone Metal comes to mind but it also utilizes the aging MTK6753 processor and a rather average 3000mAh battery as well.
Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime Additional Details
This is a comparison shot of the Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime, the Xiaomi Mi5s, and the Xiaomi Mi Note 2, the curves on the Redmi 4 Prime are the least drastic. Beside the two more expensive phones, it does look less interesting than the Mi5s and the Mi Note 2 but it still looks very updated if placed directly beside the Redmi 3.
So far use is quite smooth, sure the phone might not be as great an option for gaming compared to a phone with a Snapdragon 821, but then again this phone MSRPs for $130.
Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime First Impressions
The Redmi 4 has impressed me at great length. I haven’t been using this very long and am in the process of testing the phone, but the build quality has impressed me, the general speed and fluidity has impressed me, and the battery life has impressed me the most. I can’t tell if this Redmi 4 has typical Redmi battery life or better than usual battery life, as I was using this phone for about an hour and the battery percentage stayed at 23% the entire way through. If its not a glitch, this could potentially destroy the Redmi 3 in terms of battery life, and the Redmi 3 had insane battery life already.
I would like to thank Gearbest for sending out this review unit, and if you would like to buy one, you can do so here.
Thanks for the unboxing and the review you posted on you-tube. I am going to oder the device tonight!!!
I ordered on 13/11/2016. Paid on the same day. Ordered the Redmi 4 prime. Grey colour
Well, I just got details that it has been shipped. Checked the tracking number and it’s says *not found*. But what amuses me more is that I paid for DHL shipping. I am seeing registered airmail (as the couriers name). Is this normal?
Mine showed DHL. . . . Took a few days for the tracking number to update. Delivered yesterday, but I have not had a chance to open it yet.
Hi, please let me know your thoughts about the device (sound quality from the 3.5mm jack, speaker, battery life). Thanks in advance!
Will do, as soon as I get my hands on it. I’ve been too busy at work so far.
No worries take the time you need! I have been busy too lately and am deeply interested to get the phone. Hope the community behind the phone will expand quickly so we could see in the future CM14 ROM for the Redmi 4 Prime. I guess that a stock android on the R4P will be a lot better. However, an optimized ROM by Xiaomi.eu will be more than enough. I already ordered Nillkin tempered glass and case cover.
I have a case and screen protector on the way too. Have heard conflicting reports on whether the screen is protective glass or not. Hopefully it’s at least dragontrail
OK, so some initial thoughts after using it for a few hours. Build quality is excellent. Screen is very good (and seems to have an oleophobic coating). Fingerprint scanner works nearly flawlessly. Speaker output is plenty loud, though lacking bass, as would be expected. Good enough for my needs. Haven’t had a chance to try the headphone jack yet. I’ve only taken a few pics (and all indoors with poor lighting) Camera isn’t spectacular, but is good for the price range. Battery wise, I’m at 72% with 2.5 hours screen on, over 8 hours off charger. Auto brightness at 50%, Bluetooth and wifi on, GPS off. Also worth noting I have had a poor signal for a good portion of that 8 hours, so I expect that to improve after a few charge cycles and better cell signal. Haven’t had a chance to update to stock rom yet, so this is all on the reseller rom. Pandora has crashed on me once, but other than that has functioned fine. No issues with notifications so far. I’ll update you again when I’ve had some more time with it. So far I’m pleased.
Thank you for your update. I guess that the battery life, camera will improve with regular software updates. Like I said, it is impossible to have a perfect device in each department. This phone is sold at a competitive price compared to other devices with similar specs. Moreover each phone (including flagships) has pros and cons. This Redmi 4 Prime will be more than enough for me. Once again many thanks!
11 hours off charger so far today. 4 hours screen time and 67% battery. That’s not half bad. Still wifi , Bluetooth and auto brightness on. Played with some settings in the camera today, and that seems better. Good enough for my needs so far. Still haven’t had a chance to check the 3.5mm jack (can’t find my headphones that aren’t Bluetooth), or update the ROM. Everything seems to be working well.
Thanks for sharing your feedbacks! I heard the bootloader unlock is very fast on the Redmi 4 Prime so you will be able to update the software using Xiaomi.eu ROM (unuseful apps removed). The battery life is impressive and I believe that with a stock android like CM14 it will get even better. I was planning to get the Xiaomi MI5S in grey color for my birthday because I need a great camera but that color is hard to find in 3gb/64gb or 4gb/32gb versions. Xiaomi haven’t changed their marketing strategy and it’s unfortunate. I mean that they take so much time to provide their flagship models (with black front) in black or grey color. I already ordered the Redmi 4 Prime, if the camera do not fill my requirements I will try to get the MI5S in January or February next year.
That sounds like a good plan. I was tempted by the mi5, but decided I didn’t need it. I’ve never used one of the EU Roms. Might try it sometime. Was planning to just run the stock Chinese rom, at least initially.
Hi, so what’s your thinking about the Redmi 4 Prime after a few days of usage? Are you going to keep or sell it?
Zuk Z2 is now even cheaper, it is a shame that their software isn’t optimized at all. All the best!
Still very happy with the Redmi 4 prime. Battery life is excellent, which is a huge priority for me. Saw a scratch test review on YouTube, which makes it appear as though the screen is definitely some sort of scratch resistant glass. I think the biggest disappointment thus far has been the speaker quality, but it is still adequate. Headphone output is fine. I am hoping to have time to install the stock rom this weekend, so curious to see hownthat impacts battery life, camera performance, etc. I actually ordered a z2 a few days ago for a friend. Hope to have that in a few weeks.
Thanks for sharing your honest point of view. I still haven’t received mine. Well the speaker is not perfect on the MI5S too for a 300€ device. I hope that the output audio from the 3.5mm jack is more than fine for my ears. All the best Jh1!
Steven fox of smartphone wars youtube channel has a nice review as well. Mine shipped a few days ago. Looking forward to receiving it. Battery life sounds phenomenal, and the camera adequate. Hope you enjoy yours.
Word, I’ve seen that review too but I prefer the one posted by Zi Jin Cheng. It seems that you ordered the Redmi 4 on Aliexpress, hope you will receive it pretty soon. I was deeply interested by the
LeEco Le S3 too but I don’t where to buy it at 150$. Vmall is selling the phone at 150$ but only for the people based in the US. I guess that in others places, the phone will be sold at 250$. There is also the Mi5c which will be announced on December 6, I am curious about its price after resellers. Anyway, I am going to buy the Redmi 4 Prime which is more than enough for my needs. When I see that the sound quality is not that great on the MI5S, I think I could live with the speaker of the Redmi 4.
I ordered from geek buying during their 11.11 sale. I’m still curious about the mi5c as well, and the Mi5 at $215 was tempting. I like the Le eco s3 too, but really prefer a larger battery. Balcobomber25 seems to be happy with his though.
Oh I see, geek buying usually do not have stock for most of the phones listed on their website. Do not worry, you will get it soon. Definitely a MI5 with 64GB storage sold at 220$ would be wonderful honeslty. I believe that the retail price of the MI5C will be way above 135$ (price of Redmi 4 Prime in China). I guess a price around 230$ in China so 280$ after resellers.
It took a few days to ship, but tracking number shows it out for delivery, so won’t be long
I paid for my Redmi 4 prime since the 13th of November. It’s still saying *processing*. I don’t know if I can wait any longer. Any suggestions?
Did you order from geek buying?
Yes. I ordered from geekbuying. It was later changed to presale. But abt 3 days ago, it’s now HK warehouse. But still, it says processing. I don’t know if I’m too anxious (paid since 13/11/16) or they just don’t have stock. But since you paid on 11/11/2016, I’m wondering, maybe I’m not too far behind. When was yours shipped Jh1?
I received email notification of shipment Nov 21, but according to DHL, they didn’t receive the package until November 29. I would contact geekbuying and see if they have an estimate on shipment. Yours should have shipped by now. I’m sorry it got delayed somehow, that can be very frustrating