Owners of the popular smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 often wonder about the current software platform of their device. The model, released back in 2017, was initially based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which was the standard in the middle segment at that time. However, over time, the manufacturing company released updates that changed not only the appearance of the interface, but also the deep version of the operating system.
Today, the answer to the question “what Android is on Redmi Note 4” depends on several factors, including the region of purchase and the firmware version. Officially, the device received support up to Android 7.0 Nougat, which comes in conjunction with the MIUI shell. For many users, this becomes a limiting factor, since modern applications require more recent versions of the OS.
In this article we will analyze in detail the technical nuances of the software of this model, consider the differences between the global and Chinese versions, and also discuss the possibilities of custom firmware. You will find out why Xiaomi settled on this version and whether there is any point in trying to “deceive” the system to install newer software.
Official versions of Android and MIUI shell
Smartphone Redmi Note 4 (code name Snapdragon) initially went on sale with pre-installed Android 6.0 operating system. It was a stable and optimized version that worked perfectly in tandem with the Snapdragon 625 processor. The shell MIUI at that time was numbered 8, which provided functionality, but was visually different from modern versions.
Later, users received an official update to Android 7.0. This was the final major update of the system kernel from the manufacturer. It is important to understand that even if you see version MIUI 10 or 11 in the settings, you will still have under the hood Android 7. This is a fundamental limitation that cannot be changed using official methods.
Differences between firmware versions can be significant. Global versions (Global ROM) usually come with pre-installed Google services and support for multiple languages, while Chinese versions (China ROM) may require manual installation of Google services and do not have the Russian language out of the box.
It is worth noting that the MIUI build number does not always correlate with the Android version. You can find devices with MIUI 9 based on Android 6 and MIUI 10 based on Android 7. You can check the exact information in the section Settings → About phone, where both numbers are indicated.
Technical limitations and dependence on the processor
The main reason why Redmi Note 4 did not receive Android 8.0 Oreo and newer versions is the chipset support policy. The device is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor. Qualcomm, like many other chip manufacturers, provides drivers and support for its solutions for a limited period of time.
When the support cycle ends, the smartphone manufacturer (in this case Xiaomi) is technically unable to release a stable update to the system kernel without spending huge resources on independently developing drivers. For the budget and mid-range segment, this is not economically feasible.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to install firmware from other models (for example, from Redmi Note 4X with a different processor or Redmi Note 5) through the engineering menu or Flash tools will with a 99% probability lead to “bricking” the device. Do not try to force flash images intended for other chipsets.
The restrictions affected not only the kernel version, but also the support of some APIs. Many modern applications, especially banking and gaming, are gradually being deprecated. This means that over time, the functionality of the smartphone will decrease not because of the weakness of the hardware, but because of the software requirements. Android 7. This means that over time, the functionality of the smartphone will decrease not because of the weakness of the hardware, but because of the software requirements of the software.
Nevertheless, MIUI optimization allowed the device to work quite quickly even on the old version of the OS. The mechanism for working with memory in MIUI differs from pure Android, which allowed Redmi Note 4 to remain an up-to-date gadget longer than many competitors with pure Android of the same era.
Comparison of firmware characteristics
To better understand the difference between the states of the device, consider the comparison table. It will show how the system's capabilities have changed during the process of official updates.
| Parameter | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 7.0 (Nougat) | Pure Android 10+ (Custom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support status | Official (Basic) | Official (Final) | Unofficial |
| MIUI Version | MIUI 8 / 9 | MIUI 9 / 10 / 11 | LineageOS / Pixel Experience |
| Security | Patches until 2018 | Patches until 2019 | Depends on the developer |
| Application compatibility | High | Average (falls) | High |
As can be seen from the table, the transition from the sixth to the seventh version of Android gave an increase in security and multitasking, but did not radically change the user experience. A real leap is only possible when switching to custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader.
Many users confuse updating the MIUI shell with updating Android itself. When the phone offers to update to MIUI 11 or 12, these are only cosmetic changes to the interface, new menu functions and bug fixes, but the core of the system remains the same.
What is the difference between the kernel and the shell?
The Kernel is the basis of the operating system, which manages processor processes and memory. The shell (MIUI) is an add-on with icons, menus and visual effects. Updating the shell does not change the version of Android.
Possibility of custom firmware (Custom ROM)
If you are not satisfied with the fact that Redmi Note 4 there is an old Android, the only legal way to install a more recent version (for example, Android 9, 10 or even 11) is to install custom firmware. These are unofficial versions of the OS, created by enthusiasts.
The installation process requires unlocking the bootloader through the official website Xiaomi. After unlocking, you receive full rights to manage the system. Popular firmwares like LineageOS or Pixel Experience turn an old smartphone into a modern device with the latest version of Android.
However, this path has its drawbacks. The camera on custom firmware often works worse than on stock MIUI, due to the lack of original photo processing algorithms. There may also be problems with the autonomy or operation of the NFC module.
☑️ Check before flashing
To install a new system, you will need a computer and knowledge of basic ADB commands. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to stay on the official firmware, since the risk of damaging the software part with inept actions is very high.
Application compatibility problems
Owners Redmi Note 4 are increasingly faced with messages “Your device is not supported” in the Google Play Store. This is a direct consequence of what Android 7 is consigned to history. Application developers are focusing on newer APIs that are missing in the old system.
This is especially acute for banking applications and Google services. Some banks may stop working on devices with an unlocked bootloader or on older versions of Android due to security reasons. This is done to protect your financial data.
⚠️ Attention: Banking application interfaces and security requirements are constantly changing. If the application stops launching, check the requirements in the official application store. Do not try to bypass security checks using root access, this may lead to account blocking.
There are workarounds, such as installing older versions of applications (APK files) from third-party sources, but this carries security risks. An alternative is to use web versions of services through a browser, which, as a rule, is updated regardless of the OS version.
Is it worth updating manually?
The decision to update depends on your goals. If you use your phone as your main one and the stability of the camera and calls is important to you, it is better to stay on the latest official version MIUI. It has been tested by engineers and guarantees the correct operation of all equipment.
If you are an enthusiast, like to experiment and want to extend the life of your device with new versions of Android, then the path to custom firmware is open. The developer community for Redmi Note 4 (mido) is one of the most active, so finding help and up-to-date files on the Internet will not be difficult.
Before any manipulations with the firmware, be sure to copy all important photos and contacts to your computer or cloud storage. The flashing process often involves completely deleting data from the internal memory.
In any case Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 remains a legendary device that, even on Android 7, is capable of performing most everyday tasks: social networks, navigator, music and video calls still work quite well on it.
Officially, the smartphone stopped at Android 7.0, but the presence of an active community allows you to install Android 10 and 11 through custom firmware, although this requires technical skills.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to officially update Redmi Note 4 to Android 8 or 9?
No, Xiaomi has not officially released updates above Android 7.0 Nougat for this model. All versions above are installed only using unofficial methods.
Why did the Android version not change after the MIUI update?
Because MIUI is just a shell. It updates the design, functions and security, but the system kernel (version of Android) is changed only when a major update is released from Google and Qualcomm, support for which has been discontinued for this model.
Is it safe to install custom firmware on Redmi Note 4?
It is safe only if you strictly follow the instructions, use verified files and understand the risks. An error may result in the phone not working. This is not recommended for ordinary users.
How can I find out exactly my Android version?
Go to Settings → About phone. There will be a line "Android version". If you click on it several times, an Easter egg for the corresponding version may open.