Choosing a budget smartphone can be tough, especially with so many options available. The Realme 10 5G and Realme 9 are both strong contenders, offering compelling features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 10 5G offers 5G connectivity and a slightly more modern chipset, making it a good choice for future-proofing. However, the Realme 9 boasts a brighter display and exceptional battery life, potentially offering a better overall experience for many users. It's a close call, depending 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 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 11 | 2022, April 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 11 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, f/2.8, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, dual pixel PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White |
| Models | RMX3663 | RMX3521 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 660 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 156h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 10 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly Faster Processor
- Modern Chipset
- 33W Fast Charging
- Lower Display Brightness
- Potentially Less Refined Camera Software
- Battery Life Not as Impressive
Realme 9
- Brighter Display
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Stable Performance
- Slightly Faster Charging (to 100%)
- No 5G Connectivity
- Older Chipset
- Potentially Less Future-Proof
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 takes a slight edge here. While both phones offer a 6.6-inch display, the Realme 9's measured 647 nits peak brightness is noticeably higher than the Realme 10 5G's, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. The Realme 9 also advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting deeper blacks. Both use a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer capable camera systems, but specifics are limited in the provided data. Expect decent photo and video quality from both. The Realme 9 likely has a more refined camera software experience due to being on the market longer. Further testing would be needed to determine a clear winner.
Performance
The Realme 10 5G's Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset is generally faster than the Realme 9's Snapdragon 680. The Dimensity 700's 7nm process also offers slightly better power efficiency. However, the Snapdragon 680 is known for its stability and efficient performance in everyday tasks. Gaming performance will be slightly better on the 10 5G.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 is the clear winner in battery life. Its endurance rating of 156 hours is significantly higher than what we'd expect from the Realme 10 5G. While the Realme 10 5G's 33W charging is fast, the Realme 9's charging times (75% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min) are slightly faster.
Buying Guide
The Realme 10 5G is ideal for users who prioritize 5G connectivity and a slightly faster processor for smoother multitasking. The Realme 9 is a better fit for those who value long battery life, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a more established, reliable 4G experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 10 5G worth the upgrade from the Realme 9?
If 5G connectivity is important to you and you want a slightly faster processor, then the Realme 10 5G is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if battery life and a brighter display are your top priorities, the Realme 9 remains a strong contender.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Realme 10 5G's Dimensity 700 chipset generally offers better gaming performance than the Realme 9's Snapdragon 680, although both are primarily designed for casual gaming.
