Realme 8s 5G vs Realme 9i 5G: The Ultimate Showdown

Realme continues to offer compelling mid-range smartphones, and the 8s 5G and 9i 5G are two strong contenders. Both pack the same Dimensity 810 chipset, but differ significantly in other areas. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which phone is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 8s 5G takes the crown due to its superior display brightness, faster charging, and likely better camera capabilities (based on typical Realme 8 series performance). While the 9i 5G offers a more budget-friendly price, the 8s 5G provides a more premium overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 8s 5G	Realme 9i 5G

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 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, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Launch
Announced	2021, September 09	2022, August 18
Status	Available. Released 2021, September 13	Available. Released 2022, August 24

Body
Dimensions	162.5 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.40 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	191 g (6.74 oz)	187 g (6.60 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Panda Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (peak)	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 11, Realme UI 2.0	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	UFS 2.1	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide)
Triple	64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto) 2 MP (macro)
Video	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS	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, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	33W wired	18W wired
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Blue, Purple	Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold
Models	RMX3381	RMX3612
Price	About 210 EUR	About 180 EUR

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 123h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: 1384:1 (nominal)	-
Loudspeaker	-27.8 LUFS (Good)	-
Performance	AnTuTu: 329661 (v8), 383409 (v9) GeekBench: 7314 (v4.4), 1842 (v5.1) GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	-

Realme 8s 5G

Brighter Display
Faster 33W Charging
Potentially Better Camera
Slightly Better Thermal Management (Likely)

Potentially Higher Price

Realme 9i 5G

More Affordable
Reliable 5G Connectivity
Decent Performance

Slower 18W Charging
Less Bright Display
Likely Inferior Camera

Display Comparison

The Realme 8s 5G boasts a significantly higher measured peak brightness of 530 nits compared to the 9i 5G (estimated around 400-450 nits based on typical Realme models). The 8s 5G also has a higher contrast ratio (1322:1 measured vs 1384:1 nominal for the 9i 5G), suggesting better image quality. Both likely use similar LCD panels, but the 8s 5G's brightness advantage is noticeable.

Camera Comparison

While both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Realme 8s 5G generally has a more advanced camera system in the 8 series. Expect better image processing, potentially improved low-light performance, and possibly more camera features on the 8s 5G. The 9i 5G's camera is likely adequate but not exceptional.

Performance

Both phones share the same Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset and CPU configuration. Expect similar performance in everyday tasks and gaming. However, the 8s 5G might have slightly better thermal management due to potentially improved cooling solutions.

Battery Life

The Realme 8s 5G has a clear advantage with 33W wired charging, significantly faster than the 9i 5G's 18W charging. Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), but the faster charging on the 8s 5G means quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Realme 8s 5G is ideal for users who prioritize a vibrant display, faster charging, and a potentially better camera. The Realme 9i 5G is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable 5G phone and don't mind slower charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Dimensity 810 chipset good for gaming?

Yes, the Dimensity 810 is a capable chipset for mid-range gaming. You can expect playable frame rates in most games at medium settings.

❓ Which phone has better battery life overall?

While both likely have similar battery capacities, the Realme 8s 5G's faster charging means it will be quicker to recharge, potentially making it feel like it has better overall battery usability.