The Redmi Turbo 4 is finally here, and it’s stirring up the mid-range smartphone market once again. Following in the footsteps of the Turbo 3—which evolved into the Poco F6 for global markets—the Turbo 4 has a lot to live up to. From its design and performance to its price point, it’s a phone aimed squarely at users who want high performance without breaking the bank. But does it deliver on all fronts? Let’s dive into this detailed review to find out.

Unboxing the Redmi Turbo 4

Right out of the gate, the Redmi Turbo 4 offers a familiar unboxing experience. The packaging is consistent with the Note 14 series, keeping things straightforward and functional. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• A USB-A to USB-C charging cable
• A 90W fast charger
• A clear protective case
• A user manual and warranty card

While the accessories remain unchanged from previous iterations, they are practical and reliable for most users. The 90W charger is particularly noteworthy, ensuring fast and efficient charging.

Design: Minimalism Done Right

The Redmi Turbo 4’s design is a testament to the saying, “less is more.” It embraces a minimalist aesthetic that feels premium despite its mid-range price.

Key Design Features:

• Camera Module: The rear camera module is refreshingly simple, free of unnecessary macro lenses or overly complicated designs. Instead, it features a ring-shaped LED strip that serves as a notification light and ambient light during gaming sessions.
• Build Materials:
  • The back panel is made of 2.5D glass, giving it a premium feel.
  • The frame is plastic, which helps keep costs down but might not appeal to users seeking a more robust build.
  • The camera module is made of metal, adding a touch of sophistication.
• Color Options: The standout white variant features a striking red line along the right side, making it the most visually appealing choice.

Improvements Over the Turbo 3:

The Turbo 4 has significantly upgraded its build quality compared to the all-plastic design of its predecessor. These changes make it feel closer to a flagship device while still being firmly rooted in the mid-range segment.

Display: A Familiar Experience

The display on the Redmi Turbo 4 is functional but not groundbreaking. It borrows heavily from the K80 series, offering:

• Resolution: Slightly lower than its premium counterparts, a compromise made to manage costs.
• Fingerprint Sensor: An optical sensor located at the lower part of the screen—not ultrasonic, but reliable enough for everyday use.
• Bezels: The lower bezel could be better controlled, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

While the display isn’t its strongest point, it gets the job done for most users, especially those who prioritize performance over visual aesthetics.

Performance: The Turbo in Turbo 4

Performance is where the Redmi Turbo 4 truly shines. Equipped with MediaTek’s latest Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor, it offers:

Processor Highlights:

• Architecture: Built on a 4nm process with an 8-core design, ensuring efficiency and power.
• Performance: Outperforms the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 in overall benchmarks and comes close to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in CPU performance.
• Gaming: Handles demanding games with ease, making it a top choice for gamers on a budget.

Memory and Storage:

While specific configurations may vary by region, the Turbo 4 offers ample RAM and storage options to ensure smooth multitasking and enough room for apps, games, and media.

Camera: A Practical Setup

Cameras have often been a weak spot for performance-focused phones, and the Redmi Turbo 4 is no exception. However, it makes practical choices to balance cost and quality.

Camera Specifications:

• Main Camera: A 50 MP sensor capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions.
• Ultra-Wide Camera: An 8 MP sensor that works well for landscape and group shots.
• No Macro Lens: By skipping the often-unused macro lens, Redmi focuses on improving the primary cameras.

Camera Verdict:

The camera performance is acceptable but not outstanding. It’s clear that Redmi has prioritized other aspects of the phone, and that’s okay for a device in this category.

Battery and Charging: Long-Lasting and Fast

One of the standout features of the Redmi Turbo 4 is its impressive battery life and fast charging capabilities.

Battery Features:

• Capacity: A massive 6,550mAh battery ensures all-day usage, even for heavy users.
• Charging Speed: The included 90W charger can quickly top up the battery, minimizing downtime.

These features make the Turbo 4 a reliable choice for users who prioritize battery life, whether for gaming, streaming, or productivity.

Features: The Good and the Missing

The Redmi Turbo 4 packs in a host of useful features, though it also skips some that might matter to specific users.

Included Features:

• IP68 Rating: Dust and water resistance for added durability.
• NFC and IR Blaster: Convenient for contactless payments and controlling appliances.
• Dual-Frequency GPS: An upgrade that improves navigation accuracy.

Missing Features:

• Headphone Jack: A surprising omission given the phone’s mid-range positioning.
• Wireless Charging: Not included, likely a cost-cutting measure.

Pricing and Value

Priced at approximately $280, the Redmi Turbo 4 offers excellent value for its performance-focused design. However, some users might feel the price isn’t low enough, especially given its compromises in areas like build quality and cameras.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Dimensity 8400 Ultra processor.
• Minimalist and premium design.
• Large 6,550mAh battery with 90W fast charging.
• IP68 rating and useful features like NFC and IR Blaster.

Cons:

• Average camera performance.
• Plastic frame detracts from the premium feel.
• Missing headphone jack and wireless charging.
• Lower display resolution and bezel control.

Verdict: Who Is the Redmi Turbo 4 For?

The Redmi Turbo 4 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize performance and battery life over everything else. Gamers and multitaskers will find it particularly appealing, thanks to its powerful processor and long-lasting battery.

However, if you’re looking for a well-rounded phone with top-tier cameras and premium build quality, you might need to explore other options.

For those seeking a performance-focused mid-range phone that won’t break the bank, the Redmi Turbo 4 is a compelling option. It delivers where it matters most, even if it leaves a few things to be desired.

Final Thoughts

Redmi has once again proven that it knows how to strike the right balance between performance and affordability. While the Turbo 4 isn’t perfect, it’s a solid contender in the mid-range category, offering features that punch above its weight class. If performance is your top priority, the Redmi Turbo 4 deserves a spot on your shortlist.