SCT BDX vs X4 Comparison
SCT was founded in 2003 to help people unlock their vehicle’s performance through ECU calibration. The company manufactures electronic, high-quality tuners preloaded with custom tunes that have gone through hundreds of hours of testing.
Their most popular and widely used products are the X4 and the BDX.
Let’s compare SCT BDX vs X4 and see how these devices differ.
SCT BDX vs X4
SCT X4 overview
The SCT X4 is a performance programmer device that electronically boosts the horsepower and torque of your vehicle.
It is relatively easy to use and comes pre-programmed with tune files that can modify various vehicle parameters.
Physical characteristics
Based on our research, physically, the X4 is a small device with a high-quality plastic body. Size-wise, it is easily comparable to a regular smartphone. It has a full-colored LCD with a size of 3 inches in diameter.
Underneath the display are five buttons for navigation and confirmation of commands, which are tactile and easy to press.
Two cable types come with the device. One is a USB cable for charging, while the other is an OBD2 cable for easy connection with your car’s ECU.
Features of the X4
One of the biggest features of this device is the on-screen gauges, data logging, and real-time monitoring capabilities.
These features allow you to monitor your truck’s condition at all times, including things like:
- Intake air temperature
- Air-fuel ratio
- Coolant temperature
- Transmission temperature
- Ignition timing.
The X4 can also read and clear diagnostic codes or check engine lights.
If you’re into custom tuning, the X4 can store up to 10 custom tune files created by a custom tuning dealer. You don’t need to purchase a different device with custom tuning capabilities, as the X4 will have you covered.
The device is WiFi capable, so you will effortlessly update it to the latest firmware.
SCT BDX overview
The SCT BDX is a newer device than the SCT X4, with a few improved features. It is a highly versatile performance tuner that delivers dyno-proven tune files to unlock your truck’s maximum power and performance.
Physical characteristics
When we compare the two devices physically, there is no significant difference in size or control layout. The main difference is in the design, as the BDX has a more modern, all-black, brick-like look.
The BDX has a backlit LCD screen similar to the X4, with five navigational buttons under it. The plug-in connectors for the USB charging cable and the OBD2 cable are on top of the device.
Overall, the physical build quality of the BDX feels superior to that of the X4.
Features of the BDX
The SCT BDX has pre-loaded tunes, and you can store up to 20 custom tunes. It is WiFi capable, meaning you can download firmware updates without needing to connect it to your computer.
The most notable improvement of the BDX over the X4 is its cloud support capability. This means you can wirelessly download or upload custom tunes and preloaded tune files to and from the SCT cloud.
This device can also read and clear diagnostic codes or check engine lights. It has a user-friendly, fast, responsive interface with intuitive controls and navigation.
Features like coolant temperature, air-fuel ratio, transmission temperature, intake air temperature, etc., are also available on the BDX.
SCT BDX vs X4 – The differences
There are three aspects to consider when distinguishing between these two devices.
Physical differences
Physically, these devices are almost the same, if not for the difference in the design. They both have the same LCD screen and button layout, with the BDX being more robust and with better quality.
The cables both devices use for charging and connecting to the vehicle are also the same.
Winner: Tied
Differences in features
Feature-wise, both the BDX and the X4 are almost identical.
There is one exception: the BDX supports cloud storage on SCT servers, and the X4 does not. This means you can wirelessly upload custom tunes on SCT servers, where you can access or download them later on.
This handy feature doesn’t require you to always connect the device to your computer and manually download or upload custom tunes.
Winner: SCT BDX
Differences in functionality
Even though the BDX is a winner regarding features, the X4 has better functionality.
What does this mean?
It means that, for the time being, the X4 supports more vehicles and is the more popular product.
The BDX, on the other hand, works with fewer vehicles, including newer vehicle models. The device often requires SCT to upload a particular file to the server so that you can use the tunes from an aftermarket tuner.
Another significant difference is that the BDX can tune only one vehicle, while the X4 can tune up to five cars, but one at a time.
Winner: SCT X4
