The smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 became a real bestseller in its time, winning the love of users thanks to its metal body and powerful battery. However, over time, the issue of software becomes more and more relevant for the owners of this device. Many are interested in whether which Android is installed on their gadget initially and to what version it can be officially updated.
The situation with the firmware of this device has its own nuances, since there are two different hardware platforms. Depending on the processor, the update path and the final version of the system may differ significantly. Understanding these differences is critical before attempting to install new updates or custom firmware.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the evolution of the operating system on this device, consider the differences between the global and Chinese versions, and also evaluate the prospects for using a smartphone in modern conditions. You will learn technical details that will help you make the right decision regarding the further use of the gadget.
Update history and factory versions of the system
When turning on the device for the first time, users often discover different versions of the operating system. This is due to the fact that the smartphone was produced at different periods of time, and the factory firmware depended on the production date of the batch. Initially, the device could come with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which was current at the time of the announcement.
Later, as security updates and new interface features were released, Xiaomi began distributing more recent versions of the software. For most users, the update process happened automatically via OTA (over the air). However, the speed of receiving updates depended on the region of sale and the type of processor. MIUI, Xiaomi has begun distributing newer versions of the software. For most users, the update process happened automatically via OTA (over the air). However, the speed of receiving updates depended on the region of sale and the type of processor.
It is worth noting that the manufacturer’s support for the device was quite long for its class. Owners received several major updates to major versions of Android, which is rare for the budget segment. This allowed the phone to remain relevant for several years after release.
⚠️ Attention: If you buy a used device, be sure to check the bootloader version. Some flashed copies may have unstable test builds that have not received official security updates.
The final official version for most regions was a shell based on Android 7.0 Nougat. Further updates concerned only security patches and bug fixes in the MIUI interface, but did not change the core of the system. This has become the limit for official support from the vendor.
Differences between Snapdragon versions and MediaTek
One of the most confusing moments for owners is the existence of two completely different modifications of the smartphone. Outwardly they are identical, but the internal filling dictates different rules of the game in the world of software. This fundamental difference determines the entire future fate of the device.
The processor-based version Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (model mido) has gained the greatest popularity among enthusiasts. It is for this platform that the developer community has created a huge number of custom firmware. Officially, it also received more updates and responded faster to patches of vulnerabilities.
At the same time, the version on the processor MediaTek Helio X20 (model nikel) found itself in a less advantageous position. MediaTek's policy has historically been to provide less support from third party developers. As a result, owners of this modification were often faced with a lack of new features and a rapid cessation of support.
- 📱 Snapdragon 625: excellent community support, many custom firmware, unlockable bootloader.
- ⚙️ MediaTek Helio X20: limited support, difficulty unlocking, fewer available updates.
- 🔋 Energy efficiency: the Snapdragon version traditionally lasts longer on a single charge thanks to the technical process 14 nm.
You can determine which processor is installed in your device through settings or special utilities. The menu Settings → About phone sometimes contains complete information, but it is safer to use applications like CPU-Z or AIDA64. This knowledge will save you from trying to install incompatible software.
Before any manipulations with the firmware, find out the code name of your device (mido or nikel). Firmware from one model will turn another into a “brick.”
Technical characteristics and software compatibility
The hardware platform of a smartphone directly affects what functions of the operating system will be available to the user. The amount of RAM and storage type play a key role in the performance of modern versions of Android. Even if it is technically possible to install a new system, it may work unstable on old hardware.
The device was equipped with 3 or 4 gigabytes of LPDDR3 RAM. For its time, this was an excellent indicator, but modern Google applications and services have become much more resource-demanding. This creates certain limitations when using current software.
The built-in memory of 32 or 64 gigabytes also leaves its mark on the user experience. System partitions in modern Android versions take up more space, leaving less space for user data. This must be taken into account when planning updates.
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 4 (SD) | Redmi Note 4 (MTK) | Impact on Android |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 625 | Helio X20 | Kernel architecture and drivers |
| RAM | 3 / 4 GB | 3 / 4 GB | Interface speed |
| Memory | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 | Application installation speed |
| Kernel version | 3.18 / 4.4 | 3.18 | Compatibility with modules |
Graphics accelerator Adreno 506 in the Snapdragon version copes with basic interface tasks quite adequately even today. However, heavy animations in new shells can cause stuttering. The version on MediaTek with graphics Mali-T880 often worked less optimized in earlier versions of the software.
Update process to maximum versions
The official update path for this smartphone has long been completed, but many users are still looking for ways to get new features. The standard procedure through the settings menu no longer offers new major versions. The system reports that you are using the latest available version of the software.
For those who want to go beyond the manufacturer's restrictions, there is a way to manually install updates. This process requires downloading the firmware archive from the official website or trusted sources. The file must be placed in the root of the internal memory or on a microSD card.
Next, you should use the built-in update tool. In the file selection menu you need to specify the path to the downloaded archive. The system will check the integrity of the data and prompt you to start the installation. The device will reboot and begin the flashing process, which may take several minutes.
⚠️ Attention: Before manually installing the firmware, be sure to take a complete backup of all important data. The process may lead to loss of information if errors occur.
☑️ Preparing for manual update
It is important to understand that installing a newer version of MIUI over the old one may not bring the expected performance increase. Sometimes the opposite effect is even observed due to increased resource requirements. Weigh the pros and cons before starting the procedure.
What is developer mode?
Developer mode is a hidden menu in Android settings that allows you to gain advanced access to the system. It allows you to debug USB, change the interface scale, or speed up animations, which is useful for older devices.
Custom firmware and LineageOS capabilities
When official support ends, the community of independent developers picks up the baton. Many alternative operating systems have been created for Redmi Note 4, especially the Snapdragon version. They allow you to install versions of Android that have never been officially released for this phone.
Popular projects such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.euoffer a clean interface and fresh versions of the system. Users can get Android 8, 9, 10 and even 11 on their device. This significantly extends the life of the gadget and opens up access to new applications.
However, installing custom firmware is associated with certain risks. Requires bootloader unlocking, which will void warranty (if any) and may result in data loss. It is also necessary to install custom recovery, for example TWRP, to control the installation process.
- 🚀 Performance: Clean firmware often works faster than stock firmware due to the lack of unnecessary software.
- 🛡️ Security:-community builds may receive security patches later than official dates.
- 📸 Camera: the quality of images on custom firmware is often inferior to stock MIUI due to different processing algorithms.
Before installing third-party software, it is recommended to study the forums dedicated to your device. There you can find the latest builds, error reports and installation instructions. You should not blindly trust the first files you come across on the Internet.
Custom firmware is the only way to get Android above 7.0 on Redmi Note 4, but they require technical skills to install.
Relevance of use in 2026-2026
In modern realities, using a smartphone with an outdated version of the operating system becomes increasingly problematic. Many banking applications and popular instant messengers are gradually ending support for older versions of Android. This can be a critical limitation for everyday use.
However, the device can still perform a number of useful functions. As a media player, navigator in a car, or a device for a smart home, it copes with its tasks quite well. The restrictions apply mainly to demanding software and Google services.
If you plan to use the phone as your main one, it is strongly recommended to consider installing custom firmware that supports Android 10 or higher. This will ensure compatibility with most current applications from the Play Market.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications may not work correctly on custom firmware due to the lack of security services or certificates. Always test critical software before making a full transition.
Data security is also an important aspect. Older versions of the system do not receive vulnerability updates, making them potentially vulnerable to attacks on the Internet. Be careful when entering confidential information on outdated software.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to officially update Redmi Note 4 to Android 8 or 9?
No, Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting this model on Android 7.0 Nougat. Obtaining newer versions is only possible through the installation of custom firmware by third-party developers.
How can I find out which processor I have: Snapdragon or MediaTek?
The most reliable way is to install the CPU-Z application from the Play Market. The "SoC" section will indicate the exact name of the processor. You can also look at the device model in the settings: Snapdragon is often labeled as Mido, and MediaTek as Nikel.
Is it safe to unlock the bootloader on this smartphone?
The unlocking procedure with the official Mi Unlock utility is safe for hardware, but completely deletes all data from the phone. However, this opens up the possibility of installing third-party software, which carries its own risks if used ineptly.
Why did the phone start working slower after the update?
New versions of MIUI shells often require more resources. On old hardware this can lead to slowdowns. It is recommended to perform a factory reset after a major system update to clear cache and optimization.
Does Redmi Note 4 support modern banking applications?
On the official firmware with Android 7.0, many modern banking applications may no longer work or require constant security checks. On custom firmware with Android 10+, compatibility is usually higher, but there may be problems with Google Pay services due to an unlocked bootloader.