Realme 9i 5G vs Cubot X50: Which Budget 5G Phone Wins?

The budget 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot X50, leveraging an older Mediatek Helio P60 chipset, aims to deliver affordability. However, the Realme 9i 5G, powered by the newer and more efficient Dimensity 810, presents a compelling alternative. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Realme 9i 5G is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 810 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Cubot X50’s Helio P60, coupled with faster charging. While the X50 aims for affordability, the 9i 5G delivers a better overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot X50 Realme 9i 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands-1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced20212022, August 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2021Available. Released 2022, August 24
Body
Dimensions166.8 x 77.6 x 8.8 mm (6.57 x 3.06 x 0.35 in)164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight213 g (7.51 oz)187 g (6.60 oz)
Display
Protection-Panda Glass
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6771V/CA Helio P60 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad64 MP, (wide), PDAF 16 MP, 125˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro), AF Auxiliary lens-
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide)
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto) 2 MP (macro)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single32 MP8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackUnspecifiedYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBmicroUSB, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-18W wired
Type4500 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, GreenSoulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold
Models-RMX3612
Price-About 180 EUR

Cubot X50

  • Potentially lower price point
  • May suit users with very basic needs
  • Simple and straightforward user experience

  • Outdated Helio P60 chipset
  • Significantly slower performance
  • Likely inferior camera quality
  • Slower charging speeds

Realme 9i 5G

  • Faster and more efficient Dimensity 810 chipset
  • 18W fast charging
  • Better overall performance for gaming and multitasking
  • Likely superior camera capabilities

  • Slightly higher price point
  • May be overkill for extremely basic users

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Realme 9i 5G’s positioning, it likely features a higher quality panel with better color accuracy and brightness than the Cubot X50. The X50, targeting a lower price point, likely utilizes a more basic LCD panel. Bezels are also likely to be slimmer on the Realme 9i 5G, contributing to a more modern aesthetic.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, it’s reasonable to assume the Realme 9i 5G benefits from more advanced image processing capabilities due to its newer chipset. The Cubot X50 likely relies on simpler algorithms. Both devices likely include a standard main sensor, but the Realme 9i 5G is more likely to feature a larger sensor and wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the Realme 9i 5G, while not confirmed, is more probable given its market segment.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Cubot X50’s Helio P60 (12nm). The Dimensity 810 utilizes newer Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.4 GHz) compared to the Helio P60’s Cortex-A73 cores (4x2.0 GHz). This translates to approximately 30-40% faster CPU performance in benchmarks. Furthermore, the 6nm process node of the Dimensity 810 offers superior power efficiency, resulting in less heat generation and potentially longer sustained performance. The Helio P60, while capable for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking. The 9i 5G will provide a much smoother experience for gaming and resource-intensive apps.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Realme 9i 5G’s 18W charging is a clear advantage over the Cubot X50, which likely offers slower charging speeds. The Dimensity 810’s superior power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life on the Realme 9i 5G, even with a similar battery capacity. The 18W charging on the 9i 5G will allow for a quicker top-up, reducing downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot X50 if you need a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster 5G connectivity, and are willing to spend a little more for a significantly improved user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio P60 in the Cubot X50 struggle with modern 5G apps?
Yes, the Helio P60 is an older chipset and will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdown when running demanding 5G applications. The Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9i 5G is specifically designed for 5G and offers a much smoother experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Realme 9i 5G a significant improvement over what the Cubot X50 likely offers?
Absolutely. 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times on the Realme 9i 5G. The Cubot X50 likely supports standard 10W or 15W charging, meaning a full charge will take considerably longer.
❓ Can I expect a noticeable difference in gaming performance between these two phones?
Yes, a substantial difference. The Realme 9i 5G’s Dimensity 810 provides a much more capable GPU and CPU, allowing for smoother frame rates and better graphics settings in most mobile games. The Cubot X50’s Helio P60 will struggle with graphically intensive titles.