Realme continues to deliver impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The Realme 9 5G and Realme 9 are two popular contenders, but which one offers the best overall experience? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 edges out the 9 5G thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and generally smoother experience despite the 4G chipset. While the 9 5G offers 5G connectivity, the 9's overall package is more compelling for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 10 | 2022, April 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 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 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stargaze White, Meteor Black | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White |
| Models | RMX3388 | RMX3521 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 660 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | 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 9 5G (India)
- 5G Connectivity
- Capable Mediatek Dimensity 810 Chipset
- Good Value for Money
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Less Bright Display
- Potentially Less Smooth Performance
Realme 9
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Brighter Display (647 nits)
- Excellent Battery Life (156h Endurance)
- Potentially Smoother Performance
- No 5G Connectivity
- Snapdragon 680 is a 4G Chipset
- Nominal 'Infinite' Contrast Ratio
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 boasts a significantly brighter display, measured at 647 nits, offering better visibility in sunlight. While the Realme 9 5G's display is adequate, it lacks the same level of brightness. The Realme 9's 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests excellent blacks and vibrant colors, though this is a marketing term and real-world performance may vary.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed comparisons require more in-depth testing. The Realme 9 is expected to offer slightly better image processing and potentially better low-light performance based on general Snapdragon 680 performance. Both offer Photo/Video capabilities.
Performance
The Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 chipset is a capable performer for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, the Realme 9's Snapdragon 680, while a 4G chip, often delivers a smoother and more responsive experience in daily use due to better optimization and efficiency. Gaming performance is generally comparable, but the 9 might have a slight edge in sustained performance.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 shines in battery life, achieving an impressive endurance rating of 156 hours. While the Realme 9 5G also offers good battery life, it doesn't quite match the longevity of the Realme 9. Furthermore, the Realme 9's 33W charging is significantly faster than the 9 5G's 18W, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly more budget-friendly price point. The Realme 9 is a better choice for those who value faster charging, a brighter display, and a more refined overall experience, even if it lacks 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 5G worth it if I need 5G?
Yes, if 5G connectivity is a must-have, the Realme 9 5G is a solid option. However, consider if the trade-offs in charging speed and display brightness are acceptable.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
While both are capable, the Realme 9 might offer slightly better sustained gaming performance due to its chipset optimization and potentially better thermal management.
