Few months back Xiaomi presented its troika Mi3, Redmi 1S and Redmi Note in India, and we found Redmi Note to be the least impressive among three. With the 4G variant, Xiaomi has definitely improved Redmi Note in several ways. We got to spend some time with Redmi Note 4G at the launch event in New Delhi, India today. Here are our first impressions.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G Quick Specs
- Display Size: 5.5 Inch IPS LCD, 1280 X 720p HD resolution, 267 PPI
- Processor: 1.6 GHz Quad Core Snapdragon 400
- RAM: 2 GB
- Software Version: Android 4.4 KitKat based MIUI ROM
- Camera: 13 MP, Can record 1080p Full HD videos
- Secondary Camera: 5 MP, can record 720p Videos
- Internal Storage: 8 GB
- External Storage: 64 GB using MicroSD card
- Battery: 3200 mAh (Removable)
- Connectivity: HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Micro USB 2.0
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G Hands on Review, Camera, Benchmark, Price, Features and Overview [Video]
Design, Build and Display
The design of both Note series variants is identical. It’s the same chunky slab of plastic with a glossy removable back cover, but it’s solidly built. The looks are not the USP of this Xiaomi Note and they are in fact quite conventional. Both front and rear side are prone to smudges.
Both volume rocker and power button are on the right edge and are well placed. Audio jack is on top and MicroUSB port is at the bottom. Speaker grill is present on the rear side. Good thing is that Xiaomi will be providing Gorilla Glass 3 to both Redmi Note variants in India.
The 5.5 Inch display is again not the sharpest display panel, but you won’t notice any pixilation. Colors, Viewing angles and brightness all seemed very good in our initial time with the device. Overall it’s a very usable display.
Processor and RAM
Xiaomi is using 1.6 GHz Snapdragon 400 quad core MSM8228 chipset to power Redmi Note 4G. This is the same SoC which we saw in Redmi 1S, but this time its supported by double 2 GB LPDDR3 RAM. The makes a noticeable difference in UI transitions on Redmi Note 4G. We expect this to be a better performer as compared to Redmi 1S or the MediaTek variant.
Camera and Internal Storage
The 13 MP rear camera also is an improvement over Redmi Note, and by a margin. The low light images are a lot less noisy and colors are also better. The front camera is an average performer. You can record 1080p full HD videos. Camera App didn’t have much lag.
Internal storage is 8 GB and apps cannot be transferred to external SD card. You can however store media content on the 64 GB secondary MicroSD storage space.
User Interface and Battery
The phone comes with Android 4.4 KitKat with MIUI on top. This makes it more future proof than Redmi Note running jelly bean. MIUI has several features and customization options for everyone and is a strengthening factor for Redmi Note 4G.
Battery capacity is 3100 mAh and it ships with a 2 Ampere charger for rapid charging. We will comment more on the battery backup after our full review, but we expect comfortable 1 day backup with moderate to heavy usage.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G Photo Gallery
Conclusion
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G definitely feels like a better option over Redmi Note in our initial time with the device and it also supports both TD LTE and FD LTE. However, it lacks Dual SIM support which is an important specification for many. Since it will be available via Airtel stores also, it should be easier laying your hands on it if you live closer to 6 major cities Airtel is retailing it in. You can register online and pick your device off line from Airtel retail store on the ground.