The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 9i 5G and Huawei nova Y71 represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. However, they approach this goal with different strategies – Realme prioritizing raw processing power with a newer chipset, while Huawei focuses on a more established, though older, platform. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Realme 9i 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Huawei nova Y71’s Kirin 710A, despite the latter’s slightly higher CPU clock speeds. While the Huawei offers a familiar ecosystem, the Realme’s superior chipset and faster charging provide a more compelling package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 09 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | 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 | 128GB 8GB 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, 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 | Black, Gold | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | - | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Huawei nova Y71
- Familiar Huawei ecosystem
- Potentially larger battery capacity (speculation)
- Established brand recognition
- Older Kirin 710A chipset
- Less efficient 14nm process
- Slower charging speed (18W)
Realme 9i 5G
- More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset
- More efficient 6nm process
- Faster charging speed (18W)
- Potentially higher refresh rate display
- Less established brand in some markets
- Realme UI may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are missing. The Realme 9i 5G’s advantage lies in its potential for a higher refresh rate, a feature often found in Realme’s lineup, which would translate to smoother scrolling and animations. Without specific data, we can assume both offer adequate viewing experiences for everyday tasks, but neither will impress display enthusiasts.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both devices will feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses (likely including a depth or macro sensor). The Realme 9i 5G, given Realme’s recent camera focus, may offer more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The aperture of the main sensor will be a key factor; a wider aperture (lower f-number) allows for more light, resulting in better low-light performance. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which is less effective than hardware stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Huawei nova Y71’s Kirin 710A (14nm). The 6nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, meaning the Dimensity 810 can sustain higher performance for longer periods without overheating. While the Kirin 710A features a Cortex-A73 core clocked at 2.0 GHz, the Dimensity 810 counters with two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.4 GHz, offering superior single-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Realme. The Dimensity 810 also benefits from a more modern GPU, providing a better gaming experience.
Battery Life
The Realme 9i 5G’s 18W charging is faster than the Huawei nova Y71’s 22.5W, a counterintuitive result. This is likely due to Realme’s more efficient charging implementation and potentially a smaller battery capacity. While the Huawei may have a slightly larger battery (speculation based on typical Huawei designs), the Dimensity 810’s superior power efficiency in the Realme 9i 5G will likely result in comparable, if not better, real-world battery life. The faster charging on the Realme means less time tethered to a wall outlet.
Buying Guide
Buy the Huawei nova Y71 if you are deeply embedded in the Huawei ecosystem and prioritize brand familiarity, and are less concerned with demanding applications or extended gaming sessions. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, and faster charging speeds, and are comfortable with a different software experience. The Realme is the better option for gamers and power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G’s Dimensity 810 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 810 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a significantly better gaming performance than the Kirin 710A in the Huawei nova Y71.
❓ Does the Huawei nova Y71 support Google Mobile Services (GMS)?
This is a critical consideration. Due to ongoing restrictions, the Huawei nova Y71 likely ships without full Google Mobile Services (GMS). Instead, it relies on Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) and the AppGallery. This means you may not have direct access to popular apps like Google Maps, Gmail, and YouTube without workarounds.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
The Realme 9i 5G, with its 18W charging, will likely reach 100% in approximately 2-2.5 hours. The Huawei nova Y71’s 22.5W charging, despite the higher wattage, may take slightly longer due to less efficient charging implementation, potentially around 2.5-3 hours.
