The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G a budget friendly 4G smartphone is now available in India for Rs. 9,999. This is a single SIM handset powered by snapdragon quad core processor. It is running MiUi based on Android 4.4.2 over a 5.5 inch screen with HD resolution.
Box Pack
All of the Xiaomi handsets come with the same box packing style. Inside you will find the Note 4G handset, 3100 mAh battery, data cable, user guide, warranty statement and travel charger. Earphone is not included. SAR Value as mentioned on the box : 0.46 W/kg (Max).
Design, display and OS
The handset looks exactly similar to the Redmi Note 3G variant. The Note 3G is dual SIM whereas the 4G is with a single SIM slot. Build quality is very good, plastic body with glossy finish back panel. Weight with battery is 186 grams and dimensions are 78.79 x 153.73 x 9.15 (mm).
Power and volume rocker are placed on the right side, micro USB port at the bottom and 3.5mm audio jack on the top. This is a single SIM handset (normal / regular SIM slot with 4G LTE support) and there is a micro SD card slot too.
The touch screen is 5.5 inches supporting 1280 x 720 pixels resolution. Colour reproduction is very good and touch is smooth / responsive. Screen is scratch resistant. There is LED notification (you can select the LED colour) and the Note 4G comes loaded with gyro, magnetic, step counter, light, accelerometer and proximity sensors. Step counter does work probably might work with some fitness applications.
The Note 4G is running MiUi based on Android 4.4.2.
Memory and Storage
This handset comes with 2GB RAM and 8GB storage. On the first boot you will get about 1.3GB free RAM and about 4.5GB is the space available for apps. You cannot install apps on the external storage. OTG is supported.
Performance
The handset houses the qualcomm snapdragon MSM8928 quad core cortex A7 chipset clocked a 1.6GHz coupled with Adreno 305 GPU. The hardware is powerful and the performance is lag free. However I did encounter low benchmark scores initially and there was a lot of lag when playing high end games.
The reason was that the handset by default is set to balanced setting mode, when I switched to performance mode I got higher benchmark scores and the game play was smoother at highest visual mode.
Benchmark with balanced mode
| App | Result |
| Quadrant | 5614 |
| Antutu | 16319 |
| Vellamo | Metal (860) Multi core (1076) Browser (1770) |
| Nenamark 2 | 53.9 fps |
| Multi Touch | 10 point |
Benchmark with performance mode
| App | Result |
| Quadrant | 11350 |
| Antutu | 19950 |
| Vellamo | Metal (863) Multi core (1085) Browser (1962) |
| Nenamark 2 | 56.8 fps |
| Multi Touch | 10 point |
Gaming
I installed Asphalt 8 and MC5, both of these games got installed on internal storage. At first the Asphalt 8 was not at all playable (there was a lot of lag) in high, medium and low graphics options. The game was playable in very low visual quality mode. MC5 was also playable but you would feel it lagging.
I selected performance mode and tried playing the game again. It worked, Asphalt 8 was playable in the highest visual quality mode and MC5 play was also better than before.
Camera
There is 13MP AF camera with flash on the rear and 5MP on the front. is If you remember my Redmi 1S review with reference to the camera lags, well I faced the same on the Note 4G. The camera will work without any issues as long as the battery temperature is below 35 degrees. But it doesn’t take much time for the temperature to raise to above 35 degrees and that is when the camera starts to lag heavily. It will take it own time focusing the subject and what ever you see on the screen (the lags) the same will be recorded.
Camera quality is good, but as mentioned there is some issue with the camera part. I even downloaded the Google camera and was facing the same issue on that app too. Check the sample video (1080p) and images below. I have uploaded two videos that I shot using the handset to give you an idea of what happens at different battery temperature.
Xiaomi will be rolling out updates to fix this camera issue.
Others
No other issues found. Heat up is normal, did not find the temperature going above 45 degree. Call quality, sound is good. No issues with 3G ( I don’t have any 4G services in my area), Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth.
Battery
There is a 3100 mAh removable battery that gives a usage time of about 5 to 6 hours with moderate to heavy usage.
As mentioned above performance improves considerably when using the performance mode and it does not have any noticeable impact on the battery performance.
| Task | Time | Battery drop (%) (max temp) |
| Running Benchmark apps | 19 minutes | 5% (35) |
| FHD video playback with Wi-Fi on + full brightness | 24 minutes | 7% (39) |
| Asphalt 8 + MC5 GamePlay | 18 minutes | 6% (39) |
| Asphalt 8 + MC5 GamePlay (performance mode) | 17 minutes | 5% (38) |
| Full wall Charge | 2 hours 36 minutes | 16% to 100% |
Verdict
Everything was nice until the handsets started lagging when playing games and when using the camera application. By switching power settings from balanced to performance the gaming issue can be resolved. There is still issue with the camera, I believe a software issue and probably Xiaomi will roll out updates to fix it. (I am not sure if I got a defective unit, I would want to check with other users who bought this handset and see if they are facing the same issues that I did in this review).
Between Redmi Note 3G and the Note 4G, if I ignore the 4G part, the Redmi Note 3G seems a better option.
You can buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G from Flipkart or from Airtel gallery for Rs. 9,999.
Note 4G Image Gallery
Rear camera sample images
My phone get heated on the camera part quickly when using normally. I updated the software and the apps but the problem still continues, plz give me a solution.
Try a factory reset that will erase all the data / apps you had installed and will bring the handset back to the same setting when you opened the box for the first time. After that use the handset / update the apps and do not install any new apps, just use the handset and see if you are facing the same issue.
GOGI SIR,
i tried the factory data reset but the problem still continues. . .plz give me a solution sir. ..
Try one more thing – remove the SD card if you are using and see if it makes any difference. If issue is same then visit service centre and get the handset checked.
Hi GOGI, I bought this phone 1 month ago from flipkart. When am using this phone normally it is heating on the camera part I didn’t played games or used heavy. Sir plz tell me a solution.
First of all keep the phone updated, if there is any update available for the apps you have installed or for the apps that were already installed – updated it. Also check if there is any software OS update available, if yes then update that too. In battery settings set the phone to balanced mode.
Gogi sir
I have an update of Miui 6.6.1.0
My current version is 6.3.5
I heard that Miui will release miui7 on aug 19… Will I get the update on augest 19???
GOGI SIR
I have the update of Miui 6.6.1.0
Miui will release Miui 7 in augest 19 does this update avAilable for my phone??? Plz tell me sir
Update to MiUi 6 is must before using this phone.
I was facing same issue however it seems to have resolved in MiUi 6
In the camera setting select picture quality to high.
The problem with MiUi 6 is app installations and data stored in internal memory. Even whatsapp media getting downloaded to internal memory.
If you purchase from mi website you get screen guard and sim tray free.
If you purchase from other website then you have to register your phone to mi website then you may get the freebies, however i have not yet got the freebies.
Perhaps a mini-review of the phone with MIUI 6 can help us all here?
the famous camera lag, heating issues, stability- this is what is all asked from you!
ty
I am facing camera issue, it start hanging when I record a video.
Was this issue fixed.
Which glass is used in redmi note 4g for scratch-proof ???
It’s camera glass is also scratch-proof ?
hum jab camra khol rha hu to phone hang ho ja rha h… koi solution bTa do plzzzz.. .??
hi mr rana,plz tell me how to connect the note 4g and redmi note to my pc (running windows xp).every time i connect them via data cable,some chinese writing appears and nothing can i understand.plz help me out.
How fast is the gps lock?.. will it lock indoors? I am a little concerned is it an old type of gps where you need to place phone outside car window for successful gps lock? Overall how good is it for navigation?
Lock works outdoor and amazingly fast. It works from within the car.
my redmi note 4g gets heated too soon and it lags too v much when heated especially during sunny noons.
it lags every time in sunny weather outdoors….any solution?
All those who face camera lags video recording lags game lags overheatings etc…..
HEAD OVER TO THIS THREAD!!!! and u r done
i fixed mine succesfully!!
http://en.miui.com/thread-91121-1-1.html
My phone is getting heat up at the ear end. place do need full.
Hi, the focus of my redmi 4g note camera is very bad. Eg, if I click a close up of a flower, the details are not very clear. Similarly if I were to click a pic of a newspaper, the print is illegible. Also when I play songs on the music player they sometimes pause for4-5 secs abd then continue to play. Is this normal or do I have a defective piece?
If you are using a micro SD card try removing the card and see how it performs (could be the SD card defect). Try resetting the camera app and see. Last option is to factory reset and check if you face the same issue, if yes then it is defective.
Sir I am also facing problem like u.. My antutu score is like you.. When I am playing games it lags very much. ..
Hi.. Dear Gogi, facing the same video recording problem. I tried with different modes(HD, HD full, sd). Bt the result was same. Is it a defective one.?
Try camera reset and see.
I’m too facing camera problem did it got fixed by resetting camera??
Dear Sir,
I also bought Note 4G and I am facing problem while seeing my gmail account or any other net activity. Generally error message that i can saw is”Unfortunately, mail has stopped – ‘Report MIUI’ – ‘OK”. Can you help me to trace out this problem. Other than this problem phone is okay.Thanks.
Gogi sir how to move apps to memory card
How to save battery in this and plz confirm me that is there any option in battery setting to set level to indicate n save more battery.
Hi Gogi,
Bought the handset today 21jan2015. How to Switch to performance mode ?. Where is the Option Available. I couldn’t able to find in the handset.
Thanks got it, it is under power settings. ( Balanced / Performance )
So,what was the main reason behind the lag in camera operations was it a defective piece or is it seen on all 4g version. Also I would like to ask should I go for 3g version or 4g regarding performance,durability,battery backup. Some are saying mediatek is better than snap dragon while others say snapdragon is more powerful and mediatek is good on papers only and not in real world performance. So I am really confused..plzz help
I am noticing battery notification issue while charging and without charging. While charging when phone is at 90% some times it shows 50%. While off charging It was at 100%. I had an incoming call which I attended the battery showed 50% and then came to 95%. I switched off the phone took the battery out and then placed it in. Power on the phone and it showed 99%. What is this pls help.
Deepak, Ignore the % and use the handset until the phone shuts down on its own, then charge to full. Try this for few cycles and the battery % should get accurate.
Thanks, Sir.
Dear Gogi sir,
We bought a Redmi 4G last week, and are facing problems like camera lag as you have mentioned earlier and no response is received sometimes in between calls.
Also the charging time for the phone is too much….
Can these problems be cured by updating the software or should we replace/return the handset?
There is the camera lag and xiaomi are working to resolve it.
Hi Gogi/All
I have bought redmi note 4 and facing a problem with caller. When call is made to any number display goes off (completely blank) and doesn’t shows up even after pressing power button. Other person has to disconnect the call and so on.
I was wondering if anyone else has faced this problem, if yes can tell the possible solution if exist.
thanks
Try a factory reset and see if that fixed the issue, if not then get back to Flipkart for a replacement.
Same problem was faced by us…Change the call settings.Your problem should be solved..
Hello, I am facing the same problem. How do I solve it?
Checkout this link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note/general/qa-xiaomi-redmi-note-4g-lte-dior-faulty-t2991202
Also
http://en.miui.com/thread-48803-1-1.html
http://xiaomi.eu/community/threads/do-i-have-the-right-phone-some-problems.26333/
Guys remove the protective film on the screen and then try, it happened for my mi3 also
Hi, all are saying that lagging problem of xiaomi phones are because of Miui, I am saying it is because of hardware used in it is cheap. Because I am using miui costom Rom on my Ginoee p3. Gionee p3 has 512 ram though it runs super smooth. I want tell everyone who has gionee p3, p4 xolo q1010i or any other model try installing miui costom Rom on it.
Gionee p3 has mediatek mt6582 chipset which is an utterly cheap processor. Snapdragon 400 is very costly n highly powerful processor. There is no way to reduce the processor quality. Snapdragon chipset in any mobile is same. Snapdragon 400 in redmi 1s is same as that in moto g
Gogi, the miui site showing different ROM update. For xioami note 4G. Should we use them to update software issues like camera lag?
I also faced same issue of heating & camera problem on Miui V5, so I upgraded my note 4G to Miui V6 from official website..
and Voila.. Today temperatire hardly reaches 38_41 degrees when playing asphalt 8 for more than an hour and camera.. its just got better.. no lags even used for 2 hours continuosly recording my friends marriage until my battery dropped…
Great value for money…. Miui v6 is better than v5 upgrade it gogi Ji..
I received my Note 4G on 10th of Jan. Haven’t face any such issue with camera it’s lag free and working well..don’t play high end game though. Was using Samsung Galaxy S3 prior to this which I had bought for 23k in last Jan. Considering the price I think it’s a good budget phone.
“Gogi and his camera bug in Xiaomi – Still a better love story!” Why this happen to you only ? 😛
This love story started from redmi 1s , may be it continues in mi4 mi5 as well 🙂
It also happens to me.. using MIUI v6. After taking 15-20 pictures in a row, it gets hot and lags until it’s cool again. I think the processor gets throttled to protect it from overheating, but the fact that it’s overheating only when using the camera leads me to believe it’s a software problem which will hopefully be solved with an update.
I think note 3g is better than 4g version. I have redmi note 3g. Good one. Lag free. But camera is not up to the mark. Redmi 1s cam is better. I suggest strongly everybody under Rs. 10000, Asus zenfone 5 is the best as still we don’t know the performance of yureka.
Xiaomi made India a happy dumping ground. New models like mi5 and note2 are around the corner. Indians are still falling prey to their hype strategy and clearing their old stocks.
Typo in line below 2nd image: “The note 4” runs miui
As for the camera bug, I haven’t faced it even once on my Redmi 1S running on update 45.
Thanks have updated. There was bug on 1S when it was launched and the handset has gone though a lot system updates since then.
Dear Gogi, Is it better to try in mobile app or directly Amazon site in laptop for Yu Yureka today?
Well you can try using both, but what is imp is a good net connection.
I m waiting for MMX YU review.
Gogi sir plz fast YU review…
I will try getting one today.
I guarantee that u have not received a defective product. The processor which is used in this device can’t handle high end games smoothly. I have redmi 1s which is with the same snapdragon processor and I also faced similar issues like low benchmarks scores and lags while playing. Hence note 3g with 1.7 mtk octa core processor is much better, but its sales have been banned in India.
I guess its problem of. Miui with heating, practically didn’t face issue on redmi 1s may didn’t use camera that continuously but app force closed when using burst mode
BTW no countdown on amazone for yureka, will it be flash sale?
I received 3 days back. I am not a game freaker. My usage is net surfing and music so I am Happy with the product. Lags are always present but 3g note may better than this.
Gogi, temperature under 45 degree can be considered as normal?
Yes you can use the handset even at 50 degrees but better stop doing that if the temp keeps increasing.
Xiaomi Disappointed on this phone. I’m using Redmi Note 3G without any lag. working awesome.
@Gogi: It was such an honest review, similarly waiting for your YU review!
Hi Gogi , I a having a Redmi note 3g, and the camera is not good as Redmi 1s ,
It takes lot of time to focus, & when you see taken photo & zoom it with double tap there is lot of grain in photo.
Also when moving camera no matter slowly or fast it lags or camera moves very slowly like fixed focus cameras in cheap phones.
Also USB slot is on opposite side !
Did you find these issues on your note 3g ? should I replace it ?
Also camera at night is very bad compared to Redmi 1s.
Gogi , Did you face these issues on note 3g ? should I replace it ? (there are only 2 days left for 30 days after that I won’t get the replacement )
No not on note 3G, pls check the note 3G review.
Every hard money going waste, simply buy Microsoft at less you will get good AFTER sales services. I know some phone don’t have flash or front cam of Microsoft but quality remains quality. I am not Nokia, Samsung employer. As everyone just facing problem this xiomi, Asus phones. Even if review is without any lags, at end of the day gives problems after 2-3 months. Guys don’t waste money.
Yes bro I agree with you camera is worst, rest is fine with me I gave 2 for the camera, I tried with different app as well still the same issue.
Camera issue is a softwear issue it can easily fixable via an update, xiaomi is strong in hardwear but very poor in softwear, miui has lot of bugs n it is not well optimised, xiaomi should provide stock android in their devices then they will become unleashed beasts
Many phones Came And gone… But zenfone 5 still stands top in my eyes….Especially If you want to flaunt and feel a premium device in Budget.
But battery backup so bad 🙁
Disppointed with review waiting for yu yureka 🙂
Well well as I expected, people are facing the same issues as you mentioned in your review. There is one problem I would like to add is the card reading issue + sound issue while playing music with good headsets like JBL and Philips Rocker Pop. Battery backup is decent. Rest is as same as you have mentioned.
In my opinion don’t go for it.
I also have problem with sound quality. It feels very bad at full volume.
No issues with sound quality with Redmi 1s..hehe 😀 camera is great, but performance & battery back up worst.