Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G) vs Nothing Phone (4b)

Verdict

Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G) scores higher on the OH Rank (38 vs 33), winning 3 of 10 categories including Battery and SD Memory. Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G) is 0.9mm wider than Nothing Phone (4b). Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G) is the more recent release, from Aug 28, 2026.

Score Breakdown

Category

Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G)

79.1mm (3.11in) · Aug 28, 2026 · Rank #271

Nothing Phone (4b)

78.2mm (3.08in) · Jul 17, 2026 · Rank #275
Performance /15
0
2
Battery /15
10
7
Screen /15
6
6
IP Protection /15
6
6
Main Camera /15
6
6
Selfie /5
0
3
Video /5
0
0
SD Memory /5
5
0
Software /5
5
3
Desktop Replacement /5
0
0
TOTAL
38
33
Xiaomi Redmi Note 17 (5G)
79.1mm (3.11in) · Aug 28, 2026 · Rank #271
0+10+6+6+6+0+0+5+5+0 = 38
* TOP Software* TOP Memory ExpansionMidrange

EDITORIAL: (this is a pre-test listing based on reasonable expectation of screen and imaging performance) 6 months after Note 15, Xiaomi produced another competitive midranger by modernizing its looks and adding a much bigger battery. There is still a memory expansion slot but this Note has worse processor, no military standard drop protection, dimmer screen, only one 50MP back lens (from a 108MP main & 8MP ultrawide), worse resolution selfie (20MP to 16MP) and it is much bigger. For a very successful series, Redmi Note may be looking at an uncertain future.

PROs
attractive updated design, 36hr endurance from a 7700mAh Si-C battery, splash proof IP65 protection, reliable pics from a 50MP 26mm PDAF main lens, expandable memory slot, 4 years of stable HyperOS
CONs
fluid SD 4 Gen 4 with UFS 2.2 performance may not last 4 years of updates, ~90min slow 45W charging, sub-1300nits 375ppi 120Hz AMOLED screen, only 1 back lens, below average 16MP selfie, below average video recording, no desktop replacement functionality option, slow USB-C 2.0 (with OTG)
Nothing Phone (4b)
78.2mm (3.08in) · Jul 17, 2026 · Rank #275
2+7+6+6+6+3+0+0+3+0 = 33
Midrange

EDITORIAL: Nothing added another layer to their midrange lineup - the first "b" phone. Coming to a saturated field of low-end devices, it features a 6 Gen 4 Snapdragon chip, slower memory then the (4a) and a stripped down imaging setup with good endurance and lovely Android variation loaded with cool design and features.

PROs
very well designed, okay SD 6 Gen 4 with UFS 2.2 performance, 24hr endurance from a 5200mAh (6000mAh in India) lithium battery with sub-90min 33W charging, 1100nits ~380ppi 120Hz AMOLED screen, IP64 protection, some good shots from a 50MP 24mm OIS PDAF main + 8MP 15mm ultrawide, average 16MP selfie, lovely software package with tons of useful AI and other features, Essential Space with a dedicated hardware button
CONs
big, 480Hz PWM dimming frequency screen can cause headaches for some users, unreliable video recording, no expandable memory, only 3 years of OS updates, no desktop replacement functionality, slow USB-C 2.0 port (with OTG)

Both phones here were scored by me, using the same ten categories, with no ads, sponsorships, or manufacturer relationships — this comparison is as objective and honest as it gets.

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