Xiaomi Redmi 4 review: This budget phone is ahead of the competition

Xiaomi’s Redmi series has changed the expectations of what a budget phone should offer, at least in India. So it’s not surprising to see the company launch one Redmi phone after another this year. The Mi phones are coming, promises Xiaomi, but for now the mantra for success is Redmi, Redmi and some more Redmi.

The latest is the Redmi 4 smartphone that marks the return of the budget series with a starting price of Rs 6,999. This time, however, there’s a 4GB RAM and 64GB storage version as well. We got the Redmi 4 unit with 3GB RAM+32GB storage for review. So does the Redmi 4 live up to the expectations? Here’s our review.

Specifications: 5-inch HD display |Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor at 1.4 Ghz |3GB RAM+32GB storage (expandable) | 13MP rear camera with PDAF, LED flash + 5 MP front camera | 4100 mAh battery | Android M with MIUI 8 | See full specifications of Redmi 4 here |  

Price: Rs 8,999 for the 3GB RAM+32GB storage

Redmi 4

Redmi 4 sports a metal unibody design, just like the Redmi Note 4. In fact, it is fair to call this a mini Redmi Note 4. It’s good to see Xiaomi introduce a matte black variant at this price point, however the phone is prone to picking up dust, fingerprint smudges on the back.

The volume rockers and power button are on the right side, the SIM tray on the left side. It has antenna lines at the top and bottom on the rear of the phone. The camera lens is tucked away neatly in one corner with the LED flash placed before it. The fingerprint scanner is at the back.

Xiaomi has added dual speakers at the bottom, and there’s a micro-USB port at the bottom of the phone. There’s glass all over the front, along with the front camera on top. Yes, this one still has a 3.5mm headphone jack on top, but you’ll have to purchase the headphones separately.

Given the 5-inch form factor this is compact, and will fit in your jeans pocket. Also you can easily use this smartphone with one hand. I would say this is one of the nicest-looking devices you can get for Rs 6,999. However, getting a cover is a must for this phone.