Redmi Note 4 - Global Developer ROM V6.12.29 released

The Global Developer ROM or Global Beta ROM V6.12.29 has been released for the Redmi Note 4 and other Xiaomi devices. The changelog can be found here. As usual the changelog only shows new features added and not existing bug fix for the devices.

Global Beta ROM V6.12.29 can be downloaded below.

V6.12.29 - Recovery ROM

V6.12.29 - Fastboot ROM

Mini Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad

My new mini wireless keyboard has arrived. Bought this from Aliexpress.com for USD7.19 plus free shipping. It will be mainly used for my Android TV box. This wireless keyboard can be used on other devices as well.

Good or bad?

The build is solid, no creaking when you press on the plastic and holds firm. Button feedback is good. Response time between the mini keyboard and my Android TV box is responsive and fast, tested at a distance of 10 feet. For the price, I'm quite satisfied with this mini keyboard.

Some photos of the mini wireless keyboard/air mouse remote control.

This version is powered by 2 AAA batteries. Other version is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery.

 On/off button.

 Powered on with blue LED light. An orange light will flicker when it's working.

Redmi Note 4 Snapdragon version launching soon?

There is speculation that the Redmi Note 4 with a Snapdragon version will be launching soon. This phone with the new Snapdragon 653 SoC will be named Redmi Note 4X according to the rumor. Supposedly, it will come with a 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM setup. Other variants may possibly be revealed during launch.

This is interesting, as there are only 3 phone models with the new Snapdragon 653 on the market now. The Vivo X9 Plus, Oppo R9S Plus and Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro SM-C9000, and all of them are priced from ￥2798 (Chinese Yuan)/USD400 or more.

Since the Redmi Note series is a budget range phone, will Xiaomi price it below USD200(or ￥1390)? We shall see.

Redmi Note 4 - ‪MIUI‬ 8 Global Stable ROM V8.1.2.0.MBFMIDI

The Global Stable ROM V8.1.2.0 MBFMIDI has been released for all. Before this, it was randomly released to users as a Beta Global Stable.

Here are the download links for V8.1.2.0 MBFMIDI.

V8.1.2.0 MBFMIDI - Recovery ROM

V8.1.2.0 MBFMIDI - Fastboot ROM

The standby battery drain remains.

*new update ( 30 Dec 2016 ): Important notice for those trying to update this version via OTA. There is some problem with the OTA update. Please backup you data and files, then do a clean fastboot ROM flash  using SP Tools.

Redmi Note 4 - Beta Global Stable V8.1.2.0 are being rolled out randomly

Xiaomi has started to randomly roll out a beta Global Stable V8.1.2.0 ROM for the Redmi Note 4 via OTA (on the air update). Yes, you heard it right, it's a beta Stable.

A mod on the MIUI forums has announced that a public release will follow suit after the random roll out. The new update comes with MIUI version 8.1 which has some new apps added, some new UI changes and functionality. MIUI version 8.1 started rolling out in November to various Xiaomi devices and now Redmi Note 4 gets it with the beta Stable.

*new update (30 Dec 2016): Please avoid updating through OTA. Backup your files and data, and do a fastboot ROM flash using SP Tools. There is some problems with the OTA update.

IKEA Tertial Work Lamp

The IKEA Tertial Work Lamp is really a cheap table lamp and the flexible arm is quite useful. Just bought two from IKEA a few days ago. Got the Ledare LED E27 400 lumens bulbs rated at 6.3W as well.

Instruction manual

Putting together the lamp was easy; latch the two springs,  fit the lamp shade and twist to tighten, fit bulb into the socket. The instruction manual can be found here. There are 3 ways to mount the clamp. You can mount the clamp horizontally ( which is found in the instruction manual ), vertically or mount it with screws. There are four screw holes and you'll need to buy proper size screws that fit the holes.

Bulbs for IKEA Tertial Lamp

This IKEA Tertial Work Lamp can take up to 60W rated bulb. But I wouldn't go more than 12W bulbs if it's going to be placed near. The heat generated from a high wattage bulb can be uncomfortable.

The Ledare LED E27 bulb which has a color temperature of 2700k, is too yellow for my liking. So, I purchased the Philips Essential LED E27 bulb rated at 9 watts. This Philips bulb has cool daylight (6000-6500k) color temperature. It is also brighter with 720 lumen compared to the IKEA Ledare E27 bulb which is 400 lumen.

Some photos of the IKEA Tertial Work Lamp.

Switch.

Max rated bulb 60W

Clamp.

Clamp mounted horizontally.

Switch taped to the arm.

Inside lamp shade.

IKEA Ledare E27 bulb fitted. Yellowish light output.

Philips E27 LED bulb with 720 lumen rated at 9W.

IKEA Tertial Lamp - clamped vertically.

IKEA Tertial Work Lamp with Philips Essential LED bulb 720 lumen.

TPU soft case for the Redmi Note 4

Purchased this TPU soft case for 1.12(US Dollar) plus free shipping from Aliexpress.com. Surprisingly, it fits the Redmi Note 4 perfectly and cut outs are all aligned nicely. The clear TPU case holds quite firmly on the edges of the phone.

Quite a bargain at this price. Some photos of the TPU case for the Redmi Note 4.

Redmi Note 4 - Global Developer ROM is here!

Xiaomi has just released the much awaited Global Developer ROM for the Redmi Note 4 a few days ago. Why a developer ROM? Usually developer ROMs will have the latest features and faster bug fixes while the known bugs are still present on the Stable ROM.

If you are on Global Stable 8.0.4.0 currently and want to install the Global Developer ROM, you will need to download the Global Developer recovery ROM. You can download the Recovery ROM from here.

Then copy the file 'miui_HMNote4Global_6.12.15_c1fc91958b_6.0.zip' and place in the root folder of the phone's internal storage.

Open the Updater app, tap on the 3 dots, and select "Choose update package". Goto the ROM zip file, select and press OK. Installation of the Global Developer ROM will start.

For owners who prefer a fastboot flash, Global Developer ROM version 6.12.15 can be downloaded here.

Download Global Developer ROM version 6.12.15

Recovery ROM: 6.12.15

Fastboot ROM: 6.12.15

Redmi Note 4 - Could not set shortcut link on homescreen

Ever had trouble setting a homescreen shortcut link to a file. Sometimes, when you need quick access to a file like an image, pdf etc, it can be quite handy if there's a shortcut link on your homescreen.

For example, before you can use 'Set to desktop' option in ES File Explorer, you'll need to allow permission for it.

In MIUI 8 homescreen, tap on the Security app icon. Then tap on 'Permissions' and another 'Permissions' option within it. Scroll to ES File Explorer, choose 'Home screen shortcuts' and select 'Accept'.

Redmi Note 4 - Geekbench 4 scores

Here are the Geekbench 4 benchmark scores for the Redmi Note 4.

Redmi Note 4 - Antutu Benchmarks

I don't usually do benchmarks or care much about it actually. As long as it's good and smooth enough for what I need to do with the phone. Sometimes, high benchmarks doesn't translate to good user experience.

But, here are the scores for the Antutu Benchmark (v6.2.6) for the Redmi Note 4.

Battery mode: balanced.

Battery mode: performance.

Redmi Note 4 - Which ROM to use?

The Redmi Note 4(MTK) doesn't have any custom ROMs except for AICP, which isn't suitable as a daily driver(usage). Since, this phone runs on a Mediatek SoC, users of Redmi Note 4 has no choice but to use only firmwares from the phone manufacturer.

There are 4 ROMs to choose from, China Stable ROM, China Developer ROM, Global Stable ROM and EU custom ROMs ( which are still based on China stable/developer ROM, with some bloatware removal, minor cosmetic changes, better English translation and additional languages).

*new update ( 7 Dec 2016 ). A new custom ROM has appeared, AOSP ROM by cofface.
*new update ( 21 Dec 2016 ). Xiaomi has just released the Global Developer ROM for the Redmi Note 4.
*new update ( 14 Jan 2017 ). Epic ROM Pro by the Epic Team just released based off Global beta V7.1.12 and some mods and tweaks from EU ROM.
*new update ( 22 Jan 2017 ). Epic ROM Pro by the Epic Team just released based off Global beta V7.1.19 and some mods and tweaks from EU ROM. 

Here are some links where you can download it ( All download links are only for MTK version ).

Redmi Note 4 Global - Stable ( Recovery ROM )

V8.0.3.0.MBFMIDG

V8.0.4.0.MBFMIDG

V8.1.2.0 MBFMIDI

V8.1.4.0.MBFMIDI

V8.1.6.0.MBFMIDI

V8.1.7.0.MBFMIDI

V8.2.1.0MBFMIDL


Redmi Note 4 Global - Stable ( Fastboot ROM )

V8.0.3.0.MBFMIDG

V8.0.4.0.MBFMIDG

V8.1.2.0 MBFMIDI

V8.1.4.0.MBFMIDI

V8.1.6.0.MBFMIDI

V8.1.7.0.MBFMIDI

V8.2.1.0MBFMIDL 


Redmi Note 4 Global Developer/Beta ( Recovery ROM )

V6.12.15

V6.12.22

V6.12.29

V7.1.5

V7.1.12

V7.1.19

V7.2.9

V7.2.16

V7.3.2

V7.3.9

V7.3.16

V7.3.23

V7.3.30

V7.4.6

V7.4.20

V7.4.27

V7.5.11

V7.5.19

V7.5.25

V7.6.8

V7.10.19 ( Important: Krack WPA2 vulnerability fix )

Redmi Note 4 Global Developer/Beta ( Fastboot ROM )

V6.12.15

V6.12.22

V6.12.29

V7.1.5

V7.1.12

V7.1.19

V7.2.9

V7.2.16

V7.3.2

V7.3.9

V7.3.16

V7.3.23

V7.3.30

V7.4.6

V7.4.20

V7.4.27

V7.5.11

V7.5.19 

V7.5.25

V7.6.8

V7.10.19 ( Important: Krack WPA2 vulnerability fix )


Redmi Note 4 China - Stable ( Recovery ROM )

V8.0.10.0.MBFCNDG

V8.0.11.0.MBFCNDG

V8.1.3.0.MBFCNDI

V8.1.4.0.MBFCNDI

V8.1.6.0.MBFCNDI

V8.1.8.0.MBFCNDI

V8.1.9.0MBFCNDI

V8.1.10.0.MBFCNDI

V8.1.14.0MBFCNDI

V8.2.2.0MBFCNDL
 

Redmi Note 4 China - Stable ( Fastboot ROM )

V8.0.10.0.MBFCNDG

V8.0.11.0.MBFCNDG

V8.1.3.0.MBFCNDI

V8.1.4.0.MBFCNDI

V8.1.6.0.MBFCNDI

V8.1.8.0.MBFCNDI

V8.1.9.0MBFCNDI

V8.1.10.0.MBFCNDI

V8.1.14.0MBFCNDI

V8.2.2.0MBFCNDL


Redmi Note 4 China - Developer ( Recovery ROM )

6.11.17

6.11.24

6.12.1

6.12.8

6.12.15

6.12.22

6.12.29

7.1.5

7.1.12 

7.2.9

7.2.16

7.2.24

7.3.9

7.3.16

7.3.23

7.3.30

7.4.6

7.4.20

7.5.4

7.5.11

7.6.10


Redmi Note 4 China - Developer ( Fastboot ROM )

6.12.1

6.12.8

7.1.12

7.2.9

7.2.16

7.2.24

7.3.9

7.3.16

7.3.23

7.3.30

7.4.20 

7.5.4

7.5.11

7.6.10

Xiaomi EU custom ROM

Xiaomi eu ROM based on China Dev


Feel free to leave some comments here.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 - Great build budget phone

My next budget phone has just arrived, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 with 2GB RAM/16GB ROM. The look and build quality is great, not what you would expect from a budget smartphone. Here's my short and simple unboxing.

The box.

 Redmi Note 4 - grey color

What's in the box.

Some informational leaflet in Chinese.

 Ejector pin.

Back camera, LED dual-tone flash and fingerprint sensor.

The screen.

Redmi Note 4 lower spec version comes with a slower charger. I'm quite disappointed with this. The faster charger has 5V-2A.

Redmi Note 4's higher spec version charger - 5V/2A

*Update ( 15/12/2016 ). There were previously only two variants of the Redmi Note 4, the 2GB RAM/16GB ROM, and 3GB/64GB variant. Xiaomi has released another variant 3GB/32GB. The 2GB RAM version is probably discontinued.

Two news colors were launched, blue and matte black.