Realme 9 Pro+ vs Oppo A96: A Detailed Comparison for the Budget-Conscious

The Oppo A96 and Realme 9 Pro+ represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The A96 prioritizes efficiency and a balanced experience, while the 9 Pro+ aims for a performance boost with a more powerful chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset delivers significantly faster performance than the Oppo A96’s Snapdragon 680, and the 60W charging drastically reduces downtime. While the A96 offers respectable battery life, the 9 Pro+'s overall package is more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo A96 Realme 9 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE-A, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2022, March 162022, February 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 16Available. Released 2022, February 21
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back
Dimensions164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 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)
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)182 g (6.42 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density)
Size6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 11, ColorOS 11.1Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)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)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYes-
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, 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-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD, 50% in 26 min Reverse wired60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised)
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsStarry Black, Sunset BlueMidnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition
ModelsCPH2333RMX3392, RMX3393
PriceAbout 560 EUR€ 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)

Oppo A96

  • Potentially better battery efficiency due to Snapdragon 680
  • More affordable price point (likely)
  • Reverse wired charging for accessory power

  • Significantly slower performance compared to the 9 Pro+
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Likely inferior display quality

Realme 9 Pro+

  • Much faster performance with the Dimensity 920
  • 60W fast charging for quick top-ups
  • Superior display technology (likely AMOLED)

  • Potentially slightly lower battery life due to higher performance
  • May be more expensive than the Oppo A96
  • Dimensity 920 may run warmer under sustained load

Display Comparison

The context data lacks display specifics for the Oppo A96, but given its market positioning, we can assume a standard 60Hz LCD panel. The Realme 9 Pro+ boasts an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, which is a marketing term for a typical AMOLED panel. AMOLED inherently provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colors than LCDs. While both are built on 6nm process technology, the Realme’s display technology offers a superior viewing experience. The lack of high refresh rate information on the A96 suggests it won't match the smoothness potentially offered by the 9 Pro+.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs for either device, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Realme 9 Pro+ likely benefits from the processing power of the Dimensity 920, enabling more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The A96’s Snapdragon 680, while capable, will have less headroom for complex computational photography. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the 9 Pro+ would be a significant advantage, but this is unconfirmed. We can assume both phones will include standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the 9 Pro+ is expected to deliver superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9 Pro+’s Mediatek Dimensity 920, with its 2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Oppo A96’s Snapdragon 680. The Dimensity 920’s Cortex-A78 cores are architecturally more advanced than the Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. While both are 6nm chips, the Dimensity 920 is designed for higher sustained performance. The Snapdragon 680 prioritizes efficiency, making the A96 suitable for less demanding tasks.

Battery Life

The Realme 9 Pro+’s 60W charging is a game-changer, promising a full charge in just 44 minutes (advertised). The Oppo A96’s 33W charging, while respectable, takes considerably longer, reaching 50% in 26 minutes. The Realme 9 Pro+ also boasts an endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting excellent battery optimization. While the A96’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the 9 Pro+ mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. The 9 Pro+’s charging speed is a significant convenience factor for users who are constantly on the go.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo A96 if you prioritize long-lasting battery life and a consistently smooth, albeit less powerful, experience for everyday tasks like browsing and social media. Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you value faster performance for gaming and demanding applications, and appreciate the convenience of significantly quicker charging speeds. The 9 Pro+ is the better option for power users.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek Dimensity 920 in the Realme 9 Pro+ overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 920 is a powerful chip, it's known to manage thermals reasonably well. However, sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat. Realme likely employs thermal management solutions, but prolonged, high-intensity gaming may lead to some throttling to prevent overheating. The Snapdragon 680 in the A96 will likely run cooler, but at the cost of performance.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Oppo A96 slow compared to the 60W on the Realme 9 Pro+ in real-world use?
Yes, the difference is substantial. The Realme 9 Pro+ can go from 0-100% in approximately 44 minutes, while the Oppo A96 takes significantly longer to reach even 50% (26 minutes). For users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery, the 60W charging is a major advantage.
❓ Does the Oppo A96 have enough processing power for casual gaming like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is perfectly capable of handling casual games without issue. It's designed for efficient performance in everyday tasks and light gaming. However, it will struggle with more demanding titles like PUBG or Genshin Impact.
❓ What type of display technology does the Oppo A96 use, and how does it compare to the Realme 9 Pro+?
While not explicitly stated, the Oppo A96 likely uses an LCD panel given its price point. The Realme 9 Pro+ almost certainly uses an AMOLED panel, offering superior contrast, color accuracy, and viewing angles. AMOLED displays also consume less power when displaying dark content.