Both the Realme 9 5G (India) and Oppo F21 Pro 5G target the competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. However, they diverge in their core approaches: Realme prioritizes raw processing power with the MediaTek Dimensity 810, while Oppo focuses on a more balanced experience with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695, coupled with significantly faster charging. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a refined software experience, the Oppo F21 Pro 5G emerges as the winner. Its 33W charging capability and Snapdragon 695 offer a smoother, more efficient daily experience. However, gamers and power users may find the Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 a more compelling choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 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 | 2022, March 10 | 2022, April 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, April 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| | - | IPX4, dust and water resistant
RGB ring lights around the cameras (notifications, charging progress) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Schott Xensation glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB 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), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| 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 HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, PD, 31% in 15 min, 100% in 63 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stargaze White, Meteor Black | Rainbow Spectrum, Cosmic Black, Dawnlight Gold, Starlight Black |
| Models | RMX3388 | CPH2341, CPH2455 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme 9 5G (India)
- More powerful CPU for demanding tasks
- Potentially better multi-core performance
- Competitive price point
- Slower 18W charging
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
- Less efficient chipset
Oppo F21 Pro 5G
- Faster 33W charging with PD support
- More efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Slightly less powerful CPU
- May not be ideal for hardcore gamers
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, both operate within the typical mid-range smartphone display characteristics. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather on core functionality. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be adequate for everyday use, but neither is positioned as a display-centric device.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information beyond the main camera, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests Oppo will likely lean towards more refined image processing, prioritizing color accuracy and dynamic range. Realme often focuses on delivering vibrant, social media-ready images. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, and the inclusion of typical 2MP macro/depth sensors on both is largely marketing fluff. Real-world image quality will depend heavily on software tuning.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 810 (6nm) features a more aggressive CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores versus the Oppo F21 Pro 5G’s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold cores. This translates to a theoretical advantage in multi-core performance for the Realme, beneficial for tasks like video editing or running multiple apps simultaneously. However, the Snapdragon 695 (6nm) in the Oppo F21 Pro 5G is known for its efficiency and optimized power draw. The Snapdragon’s Kryo 660 cores, while clocked slightly lower, are architecturally more efficient, potentially leading to better sustained performance under load and improved battery life. The Realme 9 5G may exhibit more thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
The Oppo F21 Pro 5G significantly pulls ahead in the charging department with its 33W wired charging, including PD support, achieving 31% charge in 15 minutes and 100% in 63 minutes. The Realme 9 5G is limited to 18W charging, resulting in a considerably slower charging experience. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Snapdragon 695’s efficiency in the Oppo F21 Pro 5G could offset a potentially smaller battery, providing comparable or even better real-world battery life compared to the Realme 9 5G.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 9 5G (India) if you need maximum CPU performance for demanding apps and gaming, and are willing to compromise on charging speed. Buy the Oppo F21 Pro 5G if you prefer a more balanced device with faster charging, efficient power management, and a potentially more polished software experience, even if it means slightly lower peak performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Oppo F21 Pro 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 695 isn't a flagship chipset, it's capable of running Genshin Impact at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, expect some frame drops during intense combat scenarios. The Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 will offer a smoother experience, but at the cost of potentially higher temperatures.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 33W? Is the Oppo F21 Pro 5G's charging really that much faster?
The difference is substantial. 33W charging on the Oppo F21 Pro 5G can add a significant amount of charge in a short period (31% in 15 minutes), while 18W charging on the Realme 9 5G will take considerably longer to achieve the same level of charge. This makes the Oppo F21 Pro 5G much more convenient for users who need a quick top-up.
❓ Does the Realme 9 5G (India) support VoWiFi (WiFi Calling)?
Support for VoWiFi varies by carrier and software updates. While not explicitly stated, Realme phones generally support VoWiFi, but it's crucial to check with your specific carrier to confirm compatibility after purchasing the device.
