Motorola G96 vs Realme 9 Pro+: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance and Value

The Motorola G96 and Realme 9 Pro+ represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take distinctly different approaches. The G96 leverages Qualcomm’s newer, more efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, while the 9 Pro+ opts for MediaTek’s Dimensity 920. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing fast charging and potentially longer endurance, the Realme 9 Pro+ emerges as the winner. Its 60W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the advertised 117-hour endurance rating suggests strong battery life. However, the Motorola G96 offers a more modern chipset fabrication process, potentially leading to better long-term efficiency.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola G96 Realme 9 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE-A, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2025, July 092022, February 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, July 16Available. Released 2022, February 21
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), silicone polymer back (eco leather), plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back
Dimensions161.9 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm (6.37 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight178 g (6.28 oz)182 g (6.42 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 1600 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 710Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 15, up to 1 major Android upgradeAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, OIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNo-
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, 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/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised)
Type5500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsPantone (Greener Pastures, Cattleya Orchid, Dresden Blue, Ashleigh Blue)Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition
Models-RMX3392, RMX3393
Price₹ 16,304€ 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.73 W/kg (body)    
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 117h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9) GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1) GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Motorola G96

  • More efficient 4nm chipset fabrication
  • Potentially better sustained performance due to thermal efficiency
  • Modern Snapdragon architecture

  • Slower 30W charging
  • Limited battery endurance information
  • Display specs are unknown

Realme 9 Pro+

  • 60W fast charging with PD3.0 support
  • Advertised 117-hour endurance rating
  • High contrast ratio display

  • Less efficient 6nm chipset
  • Potentially more thermal throttling under heavy load
  • Dimensity 920 is an older chipset

Display Comparison

The provided data lacks detailed display specifications for the Motorola G96. However, the Realme 9 Pro+ boasts an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting a vibrant and punchy display experience. Without knowing the G96’s peak brightness or panel technology (OLED vs. LCD), it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. Realme’s marketing often emphasizes display quality, and the contrast ratio indicates a strong visual experience. The absence of PWM frequency data for either phone makes it impossible to assess potential flicker-related issues for sensitive users.

Camera Comparison

The provided data doesn’t offer sufficient detail for a comprehensive camera comparison. Both phones likely feature multi-camera systems, but without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, it’s impossible to determine which offers superior image quality. The absence of information regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is also a significant omission. We can assume both phones will include standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the quality of these modes will depend heavily on the underlying hardware and software.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9 Pro+’s MediaTek Dimensity 920 (6nm) features a dual-core Cortex-A78 setup clocked at 2.5 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. The Motorola G96’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) utilizes a quad-core Cortex-A78 configuration at 2.40 GHz, alongside four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.95 GHz. While the Dimensity 920 has higher peak clock speeds on its prime cores, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 benefits from a more advanced 4nm manufacturing process. This smaller node generally translates to improved power efficiency and potentially lower thermal throttling under sustained load. The G96’s architecture may offer a more balanced performance profile, while the 9 Pro+ might excel in burst performance.

Battery Life

The Realme 9 Pro+ clearly takes the lead in charging speed with its 60W wired charging, supported by PD3.0, and advertised 100% charge in 44 minutes. The Motorola G96’s 30W charging is significantly slower. While the G96’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the 9 Pro+ boasts an endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting a substantial battery size and efficient power management. The faster charging of the 9 Pro+ is a major convenience factor, especially for users who frequently find themselves with low battery levels.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola G96 if you prioritize a newer chipset architecture and potentially better thermal management during sustained workloads, even if it means slower charging. This phone is ideal for users who frequently multitask or engage in moderate gaming. Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you value rapid charging speeds and a potentially longer-lasting battery, making it perfect for users who are constantly on the go and need to minimize downtime. The 9 Pro+ also appeals to those who appreciate a more feature-rich charging experience with PD3.0 support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the MediaTek Dimensity 920 in the Realme 9 Pro+ tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 920 is a capable chipset, its 6nm process isn't as efficient as the 4nm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. This means it *may* be more prone to thermal throttling during extended gaming. However, Realme's software optimizations and cooling solutions could mitigate this issue. Real-world performance will vary depending on the game and ambient temperature.
❓ How does the 30W charging on the Motorola G96 compare to typical charging speeds in this price range?
30W charging is becoming less common in the mid-range segment, with many competitors offering 65W or even 80W charging. This means the Motorola G96 will take considerably longer to fully charge compared to devices like the Realme 9 Pro+. Expect a full charge to take well over an hour, potentially closer to two hours depending on the battery capacity.
❓ Is the difference between the Cortex-A78 core counts (quad vs dual) significant in real-world usage?
The difference in core counts isn't as crucial as the overall chipset architecture and efficiency. While the Realme 9 Pro+ has fewer A78 cores, their higher clock speed (2.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz) can provide a performance boost in certain tasks. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2's 4nm process and optimized core design aim to deliver comparable or even better performance per watt.