Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE Comprehensive Review Specs & Pricing Unveiled

Overview of the Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE

The Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE, launched in December 2014, marks a significant entry by Xiaomi into the competitive smartphone market. Known for its solid build, robust performance, and competitive pricing, the Mi 4 LTE has been a preferred choice for users seeking a dependable device without breaking the bank.

Network Capabilities

Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, making it compatible with a wide range of network bands. Specifically, the device supports 2G bands (GSM 850/900/1800/1900), 3G bands (HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100), and several 4G bands for the international model. This extensive compatibility ensures that users can enjoy fast and reliable connectivity across various regions.

Launch and Availability

Announced and released in December 2014, the Mi 4 LTE quickly gained traction in the market. However, as technology evolves rapidly, the device was eventually discontinued. Despite its discontinued status, it remains a noteworthy model for its features during its time.

Design and Build

The Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE boasts a solid build with dimensions of 139.2 x 68.5 x 8.9 mm and a weight of 149 grams. Its compact size makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand. The phone uses a Micro-SIM, which was standard for the time, providing a seamless connectivity experience.

Display Features

This model features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, offering clear and vibrant visuals. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a 16:9 ratio, users are treated to a vivid viewing experience with a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 72.3% ensures that the display occupies a significant portion of the front face, enhancing visual engagement.

Performance and Platform

The Mi 4 LTE runs on Android 4.4.3 KitKat with Xiaomi's MIUI 5 user interface, offering a unique combination of Android's functionality and MIUI's customization. Under the hood, it is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 chipset and a quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU. The Adreno 330 GPU complements the configuration, ensuring smooth gaming and video performance.

Memory and Storage

The device comes equipped with 3GB of RAM, providing smooth multitasking capabilities. It provides 16GB of internal storage; however, it lacks a card slot, which may be a limitation for users seeking expandable storage solutions. This configuration was adequate during its release but may be limited for today's storage-intensive applications.

Camera Specifications

Main Camera

The Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE's main camera is a 13MP unit with an f/1.8 aperture, enabling excellent low-light photography. Additional features such as LED flash, panorama, and HDR enhance the photographic capabilities. The camera can record 4K videos at 30fps, 1080p videos at 30fps, and slow-motion 720p videos at 120fps, allowing users to capture high-quality videos.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing camera is an 8MP unit with an f/1.8 aperture, capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps. This ensures that selfies and video calls are of high clarity, a feature appreciated by users who frequently engage in these activities.

Audio and Sound

The Mi 4 LTE is fitted with a loudspeaker for audio playback and retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio devices. This design choice maintains traditional connectivity options, favored by many users for its versatility and ease of use.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, an infrared port, and FM radio are also included, covering most of the traditional connectivity requirements. However, it lacks NFC, which is a limitation for users who rely on contactless payment systems and other NFC-based applications. The device supports microUSB 2.0 with OTG functionality, extending its connectivity further for peripherals and data transfer.

Sensor Technology

A wide array of sensors are embedded within the Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. These sensors provide versatility in application use—from gaming to navigation services—enhancing the user experience.

Battery Life

The non-removable Li-Ion 3080 mAh battery powers the Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE. The device supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 2.0, allowing for relatively fast replenishment of battery life. This capacity provides reasonable endurance for daily tasks and moderate use but may require additional management for heavy users or power-intensive tasks.

Miscellaneous Information

The Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE was available in a classic white color, projecting a clean and modern aesthetic. Although its original price was approximately 230 EUR, the value has fluctuated over time due to market variables such as availability and condition.

Conclusion

Overall, the Xiaomi Mi 4 LTE delivered strong hardware performance, a sharp display, and reliable connectivity options for its time. While it may not meet the needs of current high-tech smartphone users, it served efficiently in its era and provided a noteworthy step in Xiaomi's development journey. For users in search of a nostalgic or basic dependable phone, the Mi 4 LTE remains an intriguing option.