The budget 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the Oppo K9x and Realme 10 5G are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but which one truly delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo K9x edges out the Realme 10 5G thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and faster charging. However, the Realme 10 5G's 5G connectivity and potentially better software experience make it a close second. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 23 | 2022, November 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 27 | Available. Released 2022, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.39 x 2.94 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 |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Aluminosilicate glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.49 inches, 102.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0”, 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97”, 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, f/2.8, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0”, 1.0µm | 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 |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 27 min
Reverse wired | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Gold |
| Models | PGCM10 | RMX3663 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Oppo K9x
- Slightly more powerful chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Faster charging (27 min to 50%)
- Potentially better display color accuracy
- Reverse wired charging
- Software experience can be cluttered
- Camera performance may not be significantly better than Realme
- Availability may be limited in some regions
Realme 10 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Potentially cleaner software experience (Realme UI)
- Good value for money
- Wide availability
- Slightly less powerful chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Slightly slower charging (30 min to 50%)
- Display accuracy might be less precise
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5-6.7 inches with a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate. Expect FHD+ resolution. The Oppo K9x might have slightly better color accuracy due to Oppo's display tuning, but this is speculative without specific panel details. Realme often prioritizes a vibrant, if less accurate, display.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are crucial here. Assuming similar sensor sizes, the Oppo K9x *might* have a slight edge in image processing due to Oppo's software optimizations. However, Realme has been improving its camera algorithms. Both likely feature a main 48MP or 50MP camera, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. Low-light performance will be a key differentiator.
Performance
The Oppo K9x's Dimensity 810 (6nm) holds a slight advantage over the Realme 10 5G's Dimensity 700 (7nm). The 6nm process generally leads to better power efficiency and slightly improved performance. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster gaming on the K9x. Both phones will handle everyday tasks with ease.
Battery Life
Both phones offer 33W wired charging, with the Oppo K9x claiming a slightly faster 50% charge time (27 minutes vs 30 minutes). Battery capacity is likely around 5000mAh for both, suggesting similar all-day battery life under moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Oppo K9x is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging. The Realme 10 5G is a great pick for those who want 5G connectivity and a potentially cleaner software experience, especially if camera quality is less of a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo K9x likely offers a slightly better gaming experience due to its more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset.
❓ Does the Realme 10 5G support 5G?
Yes, the Realme 10 5G is specifically designed for 5G connectivity.
❓ Which phone has better software?
Realme UI on the Realme 10 5G is generally considered to be cleaner and less cluttered than Oppo's ColorOS, although both have improved over time.
❓ Are both phones available globally?
Availability varies by region. The Realme 10 5G tends to have wider availability than the Oppo K9x.