The Realme 9i 5G and Huawei nova Y70 Plus represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in their chipsets and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9i 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Huawei's Kirin 710A, and the 5G connectivity adds future-proofing. While the Huawei offers a slightly slower charging speed, the performance gap makes the Realme the better overall choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Europe | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 26, 28, 38, 66 - Europe | 1, 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Africa | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 20 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 01 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.3 x 77.7 x 9 mm (6.63 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) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Kirin 710A (14 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G51 MP4 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | EMUI 12, no Google Play Services | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Crystal Blue, Midnight Black, Pearl White | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | MGA-LX9, MGA-LX9N, MGA-LX3 | RMX3612 |
| Price | £ 195.00 / € 119.94 | About 180 EUR |
Huawei nova Y70 Plus
- Faster wired charging (22.5W)
- Familiar Huawei software experience
- Potentially better software optimization for basic tasks
- Less powerful Kirin 710A chipset
- Older 14nm manufacturing process
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Realme 9i 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset
- 6nm manufacturing process for better efficiency
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Slower wired charging (18W)
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users
- Potentially less refined camera software
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specs, we can assume both utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The Realme 9i 5G's potential for higher peak brightness, due to the more modern chipset's image signal processor, could translate to better outdoor visibility. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will depend on software calibration, a known strength for Huawei but potentially offset by the Realme's more powerful processing for image enhancement.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset's image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role. The Dimensity 810’s ISP is likely more advanced, enabling better noise reduction and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the Realme’s processing power will likely yield superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are primarily for marketing purposes and offer limited real-world benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) significantly outperforms the Huawei nova Y70 Plus’s Kirin 710A (14nm). The 6nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, meaning the Dimensity 810 can sustain higher clock speeds for longer without thermal throttling. The CPU architecture also favors the Realme: Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 810 are more efficient than the Cortex-A73 cores in the Kirin 710A. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. The Dimensity 810’s integrated Mali-G52 MC2 GPU will also provide a more capable graphics experience.
Battery Life
The Realme 9i 5G’s 18W charging is slower than the Huawei nova Y70 Plus’s 22.5W charging. However, the Dimensity 810’s superior power efficiency means the Realme 9i 5G will likely consume less power during typical usage, potentially offsetting the slower charging speed. A full charge on the Huawei might be quicker, but the Realme will likely last longer on a single charge due to its more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Y70 Plus if you prioritize a familiar Huawei software experience and are less concerned with demanding applications or future-proofing. Its chipset is adequate for basic tasks. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you value performance, 5G connectivity, and a more modern chipset architecture, making it ideal for gamers and users who multitask frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Mediatek Dimensity 810, with its Cortex-A76 cores and Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a significantly better gaming performance than the Kirin 710A in the Huawei nova Y70 Plus.
❓ Does the Huawei nova Y70 Plus support VoLTE and VoWiFi on all carriers?
Huawei's support for VoLTE and VoWiFi can be carrier-dependent due to ongoing geopolitical factors. It's crucial to check compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing, as functionality may be limited or unavailable in certain regions. The Realme 9i 5G generally has broader carrier support.
❓ How much does the chipset difference impact everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both phones can handle basic tasks, the Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9i 5G will provide a noticeably snappier experience. App loading times will be faster, scrolling will be smoother, and multitasking will be less prone to lag. The Kirin 710A is adequate, but the Dimensity 810 offers a more fluid and responsive user experience.
