The Realme 8i and Realme 9i are both popular contenders in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at attractive prices. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9i edges out the 8i thanks to its faster Snapdragon 680 chipset, significantly quicker 33W charging, and more modern 6nm process. While the 8i boasts impressive battery endurance, the 9i's overall improvements make it the better pick for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 09 | 2022, January 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 14 | Available. Released 2022, January 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Dragontrail Pro Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 - Vietnam
UFS 2.1 - India |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 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 | 18W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 70 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Space Purple | Black, Blue |
| Models | RMX3151 | RMX3491 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | € 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 131h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
| - |
Realme 8i
- Exceptional battery life
- Decent display brightness
- Affordable price
- Older chipset
- Slower charging
- Less efficient process
Realme 9i
- Faster Snapdragon 680 chipset
- 33W fast charging
- More efficient 6nm process
- Improved performance
- Slightly shorter battery life than 8i
- Similar camera quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely LCD) with decent color reproduction. The Realme 9i might have a slightly more modern panel, but the 8i's 540 nits brightness is respectable. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely comparable, with both phones offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. The Realme 9i might have slightly improved image processing due to its newer chipset. Low-light performance will be a key differentiator to test.
Performance
The Realme 9i's Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 offers a noticeable performance boost over the Realme 8i's Mediatek Helio G96. The Snapdragon 680's Kryo 265 cores are more efficient and deliver smoother multitasking and gaming. The 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Realme 8i shines with its exceptional 131h endurance rating, suggesting outstanding battery life. However, the Realme 9i's 33W charging significantly reduces charging times, offsetting some of the battery life difference.
Buying Guide
The Realme 8i is a good choice for users prioritizing maximum battery life and are less concerned about raw performance. The Realme 9i is ideal for those who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more modern chipset, even if it means slightly less battery longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9i worth the upgrade from the Realme 8i?
Yes, the Realme 9i offers a noticeable performance upgrade and faster charging, making it a worthwhile upgrade for most users. However, if battery life is your absolute top priority, the 8i remains a strong contender.
❓ Which chipset is better, Helio G96 or Snapdragon 680?
The Snapdragon 680 is generally considered the better chipset due to its more efficient architecture and improved performance, especially in multitasking and gaming.
