Infinix Note 4 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: The Better Budget Phone

For years, smartphone manufacturers have been constantly re-shaping the budget segment by coming out with devices that offer premium design, great performance and a wide array of features, for the most reasonable and pocket-friendly price.

Today, we have two devices that represent this trend. Both belong the sub-10K price range, both have seemingly decent specs, and both are made with a promise of a unique and fun experience for its user.

Infinix Note 4

First, we have the Infinix Note 4, a device that seems to have been developed with media consumption in mind with a huge display, and offers a vast set of features in terms of its software.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

On the other side, we have the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X. A device that has been held in high regard by many users due to its unbelievably good price to specs ratio. It carries with it, a history of such devices, and also offers a refreshingly unique take on Android.

Package Contents

Infinix Note 4

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

Specs Comparison

Infinix Note 4

• 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6753 octa-core processor
• 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card (up to 128GB)
• 5.7-inch Full HD Display
• 13MP Rear Camera, AF
• 8MP Front Camera, FF
• XOS 2.3 on top of Android 7.0 Nougat
• Dual SIM, 4G/LTE
• 4,300mAh battery with xCharge
• Fingerprint Sensor
• Price: PhP8,999

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

• 2.3GHz MediaTek Helio X20 deca-core processor
• 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card (up to 256GB)
• 5.5-inch Full HD Display
• 13MP Rear Camera, PDAF
• 5MP Front Camera
• MIUI Global 8.2 on top of Android 6.0 Marshmallow
• Dual SIM, 4G/LTE
• 4,100mAh battery with Fast Charging
• Fingerprint Sensor
• Price: PhP8,799

Design and Build Quality

Up front, both the Infinix Note 4 and Redmi Note 4X resemble each other’s looks with 2.5D glass covering the displays, and in form with their rounded corners.

The Note 4 has 2 capacitive buttons along with a physical home button, while the Note 4X uses three capacitive buttons for navigation. I slightly prefer the one on the Xiaomi device partly because the buttons are labelled properly and are illuminated.

Both devices have their buttons located on the right side. They are also similarly tactile and responsive, with the Note 4’s buttons requiring slightly less force to press. Unfortunately, both also feel plasticky.

The back of the Note 4X has a matte finish, which not only makes it less prone to smudges and fingeprints, but also give the device a more premium look and feel. The Note 4’s glossy back on the other hand, feels cheap, and is a smudge magnet.

The fingerprint sensor on the Note 4 is embedded into the home button, while the one in the Note 4X is placed at the back. Both are quick to respond, and there were no problems as far as unlocking the devices are concerned.

In terms of the display, both the Inifnix Note 4 and Redmi Note 4X sport Full HD screens, with the Note 4 having a bigger 5.7-inch display which should be more suited for movies and playing games. Both have good sharpness and color reproduction, but I do prefer the more vibrant look on the Infinix.

Performance

As far as benchmarks are concerned, the Helio X20 beats the MT6753 in all aspects. But in terms of daily performance, both are actually good daily drivers that can handle the usual day to day tasks with ease.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

Infinix Note 4

We already know that the Note 4 doesn’t perform well for a graphics intensive game such as NBA 2K17, but surprisingly, I did encounter the same issue in the Note 4X.

At first, it was able to handle the game at the highest setting, and then only a few seconds after, the device started to heat up so much along with a massive drop in performance, so much that it made the game unplayable. (The 4X was set to Performance Mode)

The same thing happens even in Balanced mode, and even at medium settings. The only time I could play the game with close to a decent experience is when i turned everything to the lowest, with the crowd and sidelines disabled.

Camera

Both the Note 4 and Note 4X sport 13MP rear sensors. Evenly matched it seems? let’s see.

On this shot of a plant, both devices were able to capture a great amount of detail, but the photo taken with the Note 4 shows more vibrancy, while the one from the Note 4X seems a bit oversharpened.

In this instance, the picture taken with the Note 4 seems shows graininess in some sections that’s not present in the one taken with the Note 4X.

In this shot, the Note 4’s camera proved its prowess as the picture appeared more lively with vibrant colors, while colors seem pale on the one taken with the Note 4X.

When it comes to selfies, the Note 4X beats the Note 4 in just about every aspect. Clarity, detail, and color. The picture taken with the Note 4 seems overprocessed.

Again, in another round of a selfie battle, the Note 4X takes the point, as the picture taken with its front camera looks more natural.

The Note 4 and Note 4X can trade blows all day as far as the rear camera is concerned. But for selfies, the Note 4X scores a clear victory.

Software

The Note 4 runs on Infinix’s own XOS Chameleon 2.3 on top of Android Nougat. It’s an OS that oozes with vibrancy thanks to its very colorful approach to icons and menus. It’s also quite well optimized as far as operation is concerned.

From a what-you-need point of view, it’s quite a complete OS that doesn’t try to drown you with features that you’ll rarely use. You have double tap to wake, access to all folders from inside another folder. Freezer, which stops apps from affecting performance, Multi-Account, which lets you login to two different accounts on one social media app.

The Note 4X on the other hand, runs on MiUI 8.2 on top of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Like XOS, this take on Android is also very colorful, but at the same time, minimalistic.

But being the minimalist that it is, this take on Android offers quite a few nifty features of its own. For one, it allows you to create another instance of the UI. It’s similar to having a second phone which can have its own set of apps, and other content. You can even set its own fingerprint lock. This would be very useful if for example you’re letting someone else use your phone, and want to keep some of your files or apps private.

Dual apps also lets you login to two separate accounts with one social media app. Useful if you want to keep track of both your personal and work accounts with one device.

It also has double tap to wake, and you can even change the color of the LED notification light for each type of notification that you’ll get. (Ex: Red for Messages, Blue for Calls, etc.)

Infinix Note 4 Camera App

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X Camera App

As for the Camera app, both offer the usual modes plus Pro mode for in-depth tweaking. The Note 4 also features Picture in Picture mode which lets you capture images from both the front and rear cams at the same time and combine them in one image.

Overall, both these takes on Android offer great features and are well optimized. It’s only down to whichever look or feel floats your boat.

Battery

As far as battery life is concerned, the Note 4 achieves a slight win over the Redmi Note 4X as its battery is slightly bigger (4,300mAh vs 4,100mAh)

Infinix Note 4

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

The Infinix Note 4 and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X each have their own strengths and weak points. With one unable to leave the other in the dust.

The Note 4 has a bigger and more vibrant screen for media consumption. Its rear camera is also better in terms of overall quality. It has slightly better longevity, and runs on the latest version of Android.

On the other hand, the Note 4X has more RAM, a better front camera, and a more pocket-friendly form factor. It also sports a more capable processor, at least in theory, though the actual gaming performance says the opposite. It also heats up too much that it’s almost uncomfortable.

So if I had to pick between these two? I’ll take the Note 4X. While it doesn’t have the big screen or the better battery, it’s processing package offers better future-proofing. It’s also more comfortable to use with one hand, and sports a more premium look and feel.

But then again, it boils down to what your priorities are.

Infinix Note 4

• Bigger and more vibrant display
• Better longevity
• Slightly better rear camera
• Runs on the latest version of Android

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

• More capable processor
• More RAM
• More Internal Storage
• More Premium Look and Feel
• Better Front Camera

Emman Tortoza

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Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.