Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 adds more refinement with an updated processor

The Redmi Note series has always been a top choice if you’re looking for an affordable phablet. Since 2013, Xiaomi has shipped a total of 110 million Redmi devices making it a huge volume driver for Xiaomi. The current Redmi Note 3 is one of our favourite smartphones under RM1,000. According to IDC, it was also the highest shipped smartphone in India’s online market in any given quarter.

Barely five months since it went on sale in Malaysia, Xiaomi has just introduced a newer Redmi Note 4 which offers upgraded specs and more refinement to its all metal exterior body.

Over at the front, it retains a similar 5.5″ Full HD display and it gets a curved 2.5D glass for a more premium look. The Redmi Note 4 exterior is still using metal but it gets a ceramic-like surface for a smoother feel. Unlike the current Redmi Note 3 which has rounded sides, the Redmi Note 4 gets a flat edge with chamfered finishing.

Under the hood, it runs on MediaTek’s 2.1GHz Helio X20 10-core processor that boasts 62% better performance than its former 8-core Helio X10 unit. You have a choice of either 2GB or 3GB RAM along with storage options of 16GB or 64GB. If you need more storage, it is expandable via MicroSD using its hybrid dual-SIM tray.

For taking pictures, it gets a 13MP f/2.0 main camera with PDAF at the rear instead of a 16MP f/2.0 shooter on its current Redmi Note 3. There’s also dual-tone LED flash and underneath the camera lens is a fingerprint scanner which unlocks at a touch. For selfies, it also gets a 5MP f/2.0 camera. Keeping the lights on is a 4,100mAh battery which should be sufficient for all day use.

Similar with the Redmi Note 3, it will come in 2 specs. The base 2GB RAM + 16GB storage Redmi Note 4 is going for 899CNY (about RM544) while the higher spec 3GB RAM + 64GB storage variant is going for 1,199CNY (about RM725). The Redmi Note 4 will go on sale in China starting 26 August and it’s also available through China Mobile’s online and offline channels.

There’s still no word on its release outside of China and it might take a while before it gets here. Who knows, they might release a “Pro” Snapdragon variant for international markets. Before this, Xiaomi had also announced their gigantic Mi Max phablet and their high-end Redmi Pro smartphone which has yet to hit our shores. For more info, head over to Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 4 page.