The Oppo A57 4G and Realme 9i 5G represent compelling options in the sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in chipset and connectivity. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs, focusing on performance, battery life, and the benefits of 5G.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9i 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Oppo A57 4G’s Helio G35. While the Oppo boasts faster 33W charging, the 9i 5G’s 5G connectivity and superior processing power offer a more future-proof and versatile experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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 | 2022, May 27 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 06 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.31 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 |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| | IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glowing Black, Glowing Green | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | CPH2387 | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Oppo A57 4G
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding chipset
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
Realme 9i 5G
- Faster and more efficient Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Improved gaming and multitasking performance
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy 5G usage
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Realme provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. However, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power driving the display; the Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9i 5G will likely deliver smoother animations and faster response times. The absence of high refresh rates on both devices suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera around 50MP. The Realme 9i 5G’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 810 chipset will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The Oppo A57 4G may rely more heavily on software algorithms to compensate for its less capable chipset. The inclusion of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices is largely marketing fluff and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) represents a significant leap over the Oppo A57 4G’s Helio G35 (12nm). The Dimensity 810 features a more modern CPU architecture – two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the A57’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3GHz and four at 1.8GHz. This translates to approximately 30-40% faster CPU performance in benchmarks, and a more substantial improvement in GPU performance. The 6nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. This benefits gamers and users who frequently multitask.
Battery Life
The Oppo A57 4G’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Realme 9i 5G’s 18W charging. Oppo claims a 50% charge in 30 minutes, which is a significant convenience. However, the Dimensity 810’s 6nm efficiency may offset the slower charging speed to some extent, potentially resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite potentially similar battery capacities (not specified in the provided data). The 9i 5G’s 5G connectivity will consume more power when actively connected to a 5G network, but the chipset’s efficiency should mitigate this impact during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A57 4G if you prioritize extremely fast charging and primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and 5G connectivity isn't a requirement. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you value smoother multitasking, improved gaming performance, and the benefits of 5G connectivity for faster data speeds and future network compatibility. The 9i 5G is the better choice for users who want a phone that can handle more demanding applications and offers a longer lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G’s 5G connectivity significantly impact battery life?
While 5G inherently consumes more power than 4G, the Mediatek Dimensity 810’s 6nm fabrication process is designed for efficiency. In areas with strong 5G coverage, you’ll likely see a noticeable reduction in battery life compared to 4G usage. However, in areas with weak 5G signals, the phone will seamlessly switch to 4G, minimizing the impact. Optimizing app usage and network settings can further mitigate battery drain.
❓ Is the Helio G35 in the Oppo A57 4G sufficient for playing popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G35 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and accept lower frame rates. The experience won’t be as smooth or visually appealing as on the Realme 9i 5G, which can handle these games at higher settings thanks to its more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset. Expect occasional stuttering and frame drops on the Oppo A57 4G during intense gameplay.
❓ Does the Realme 9i 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
The Realme 9i 5G supports carrier aggregation, allowing it to combine multiple 5G channels for faster download and upload speeds. The specific bands supported will vary depending on the region and carrier. This feature is crucial for maximizing 5G performance in areas with network congestion.
