Redmi 4X to Buy: Is This 7-Year-Old Phone Still Worth It in 2024

There’s a certain charm to the phones of 2017, when a well-built, long-lasting budget device felt like a clever hack. The Redmi 4X is one of those phones, but seven years later the question isn’t about charm — it’s whether a device stuck on Android 7.0 Nougat can still handle your daily life, and this guide looks at the specs, risks, and alternatives to help you decide.

Original release date: February 2017 ·
Display size: 5.0 inches ·
Processor: Snapdragon 435 ·
RAM variants: 2 / 3 / 4 GB ·
Battery capacity: 4100 mAh ·
Android version at launch: 6.0.1 Marshmallow

Here are the key specifications of the Redmi 4X.

How old is the Redmi 4X?

The Redmi 4X was announced on February 14, 2017, making it over seven years old as of 2024 DTechy (specs site). Some sources list a launch date of March or May 2017 for specific markets PhoneMore (specs site) PhonesData (device database).

Release date and original price

• Global announcement: February 2017 DTechy (specs site)
• Original price: Approximately $120–$150 depending on configuration GizmoChina (tech product listings)

The implication: A phone from 2017 was never designed to support the app ecosystem of 2024, and that gap matters more than the hardware age.

Software support timeline

• Shipped with MIUI 8 on Android 6.0.1 PhoneBunch (specs database)
• Last major update: MIUI 11 based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat DTechy (specs site)
• Security patches ended around 2019 PhoneBunch (specs database)

The trade-off: You get a phone that works for calls, basic messaging, and lightweight apps, but you lose compatibility with newer apps that require higher Android API levels.

What is the latest Android version installed on the Redmi 4X?

The official final Android version on the Redmi 4X is Android 7.0 Nougat, with some units reaching Android 7.1.2 via MIUI updates DTechy (specs site). That means no official support for apps targeting Android 8.0 or later.

Official Android version

• MIUI 11 is the last official stable release PhoneBunch (specs database)
• No further security patches from Xiaomi GizmoChina (tech product listings)

Custom ROM possibilities

• Community ROMs can bring Android 10 or 11 via LineageOS and similar DTechy (specs site)
• Requires an unlocked bootloader and technical know-how

The catch: Custom ROMs are a project for enthusiasts, not a recommendation for a casual buyer who just wants a working phone out of the box.

Which Redmi should I buy?

If you’re considering a Redmi in 2024, the decision comes down to budget and how long you expect the phone to last. The Redmi 4X is cheap but outdated; newer budget models cost a little more but offer years more support.

Redmi 4X vs. newer budget Redmi models

Three models, one pattern: newer phones deliver far more software longevity.

• Data from GizmoChina (tech product listings)

The pattern: For roughly the same price as a refurbished Redmi 4X, a new Redmi 9A gives you a larger screen, longer battery life, and Android 10 with security updates through at least 2022. The choice is between saving a few dollars now or getting a phone that lasts.

Best Redmi phone under $150

• Redmi 12 (4/128 GB) is the strongest value in this price bracket GizmoChina (tech product listings)
• If you can stretch to $150, you get Android 13, a 90 Hz display, and a 50 MP camera

Is Redmi better than Samsung?

This debate often comes down to update policy versus battery life and price. Xiaomi’s Redmi line leads in value per dollar, but Samsung’s Galaxy A-series typically offers longer software support.

Build quality and durability

• Redmi 4X: metal unibody, 150 g, feels solid but non-replaceable battery PhoneBunch (specs database)
• Samsung Galaxy A03s: plastic build, similar weight, but newer design

Software update policy

• Samsung Galaxy A-series typically receives up to 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security patches GizmoChina (tech product listings)
• Redmi 4X stopped updates after Nougat — that’s a 5-year gap

What this means: If you update phones every 2–3 years, Redmi’s value is hard to beat. If you keep a phone for 4+ years, Samsung is the safer bet.

What are the common problems and disadvantages of Redmi phones?

Redmi devices are popular for their price, but they come with known issues that become more pronounced with age.

Performance after prolonged use

• Snapdragon 435 (28nm) shows lag with current apps PhoneBunch (specs database)
• 2 GB RAM variant struggles with multitasking

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity issues

• Users report Wi-Fi dropouts and Bluetooth disconnections on older MIUI builds

Battery degradation

• Typical after 2–3 years; replacement not always easy IndiaMART (preowned listing)

The implication: A seven-year-old battery will likely not hold a full day’s charge, and finding a quality replacement is uncertain.

How many years can a Redmi phone last?

Hardware longevity and software support are two different timelines. For the Redmi 4X, the hardware can last 3–4 years with care, but software support ended after about 2 years.

Hardware lifespan

• With a battery swap, the Redmi 4X can still function for calls and lightweight apps PhoneMore (specs site)
• Physical buttons and display may develop issues after 5+ years

Software support duration

• Major updates stopped in 2018; security patches in 2019 DTechy (specs site)

The pattern: A Redmi phone’s usable life is roughly 3 years if you need full app compatibility. Beyond that, it becomes a secondary device.

Where to buy a Redmi 4X online and in India?

If you’ve decided to buy, the options are limited to refurbished and second-hand markets. New units are no longer available from Xiaomi.

Trusted refurbished retailers

• Swappa lists used Redmi 4X units with condition grading Swappa (used device marketplace)
• Budli carries preowned units in India Budli (second-hand marketplace)
• IndiaMART has preowned listings for 3/32 GB variants IndiaMART (preowned listing)

Local Indian online stores

• Flipkart and OLX are common sources for second-hand units
• Giztop is an international option GizmoChina (tech product listings)

Why this matters: None of these channels offer a warranty or guarantee of software compatibility. Every purchase is a gamble on battery health and long-term usability.

Full specifications

Twelve key specs that define the Redmi 4X’s hardware.

The hardware story: Impressive for 2017, but the 28 nm chip and 720p display are now entry-level specs at best.

Pros and Cons

Timeline

• February 2017 – Redmi 4X launched globally DTechy (specs site)
• 2017–2018 – MIUI updates and Android 7.0 Nougat
• 2019 – End of major updates and security patches
• 2024 – Phone considered obsolete; custom ROMs only option

The pattern: Xiaomi’s support window was short, and the Redmi 4X was left behind quickly.

What’s confirmed vs. what’s unclear

Quotes from reviewers

“The Redmi 4X offers excellent battery life for its class, easily lasting a full day of mixed use.”

GSMArena (phone review authority)

“When buying a used device like the Redmi 4X, condition grading is critical — ‘pristine’ may still mean a worn battery.”

Swappa (used device marketplace)

Summary

The Redmi 4X is a phone that made sense in 2017. In 2024, its lack of security updates, obsolete Android version, and aging battery make it a risky buy for anyone who relies on modern apps. For a few dollars more, a Redmi 9A or Redmi 12 gives you years of support and peace of mind. For the budget buyer in India or elsewhere, the choice is clear: save a little now and pay later with frustration, or invest a bit more and get a phone that actually lasts.

Frequently asked questions

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