Realme 9 5G vs Realme 8 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The Realme 9 5G and Realme 8 5G are both compelling 5G smartphones targeting budget-conscious buyers. But with subtle differences in specs and features, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 9 5G offers a slightly more powerful chipset and potentially improved camera capabilities. However, the Realme 8 5G boasts exceptional battery life and a similar display. Ultimately, the Realme 9 5G is the better choice for performance, while the Realme 8 5G excels in longevity.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 9 5G (India) Realme 8 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2022, March 102021, April 21
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 14Available. Released 2021, April 28
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic backGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide)
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsStargaze White, Meteor BlackSupersonic Blue, Supersonic Black
ModelsRMX3388RMX3241
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 170 EUR
SAR1.05 W/kg (head)     0.74 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 118h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1413:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.8 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 302059 (v8), 361505 (v9) GeekBench: 1784 (v5.1) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 9 5G (India)

  • More powerful Dimensity 810 chipset
  • Potentially improved camera performance
  • Slightly newer design

  • Potentially shorter battery life than Realme 8 5G
  • Charging speed remains at 18W

Realme 8 5G

  • Exceptional battery life (118h endurance rating)
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks
  • Good value for money

  • Older chipset (Dimensity 700)
  • Potentially less impressive camera compared to Realme 9 5G

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a nominal contrast ratio of 1413:1, suggesting similar display quality. While specific panel types (LCD vs AMOLED) aren't explicitly stated, expect decent color reproduction and viewing angles on both. The Realme 9 5G might have a slightly brighter display, but this is not confirmed.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited, but the Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9 5G often pairs with slightly improved camera sensors. Expect comparable photo and video quality in good lighting conditions, but the Realme 9 5G might offer better low-light performance and potentially more advanced camera features. Specific megapixel counts and aperture values are needed for a more precise comparison.

Performance

The Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 chipset (6nm) holds a performance edge over the Realme 8 5G's Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Dimensity 810 generally offers faster processing speeds and better graphics performance, leading to smoother multitasking and gaming experiences. Both have octa-core CPUs with similar core configurations.

Battery Life

The Realme 8 5G shines in this category. Its endurance rating of 118h is exceptionally high, indicating outstanding battery life. The Realme 9 5G's battery capacity is likely similar, but the Dimensity 810's slightly higher power consumption could result in shorter battery life compared to the Realme 8 5G.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Realme 9 5G (India)? Users prioritizing performance, a slightly newer chipset, and potentially better camera quality. Who should buy the Realme 8 5G? Users who value exceptional battery life above all else and are looking for a reliable, long-lasting device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme 9 5G worth the upgrade from the Realme 8 5G?
If performance and camera improvements are your priority, then yes. However, if battery life is paramount, the Realme 8 5G remains an excellent choice.
❓ What is the charging speed of both phones?
Both the Realme 9 5G and Realme 8 5G support 18W wired charging.