The Realme 9 5G series offers compelling mid-range smartphones, but with subtle differences between the standard and 'Speed' variants. Choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key distinctions to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 5G Speed is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset and faster charging. While the standard Realme 9 5G is more affordable, the Speed's performance and charging advantages make it the better overall choice 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 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 10 | 2022, March 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| 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 | 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stargaze White, Meteor Black | Starry Glow, Azure Glow |
| Models | RMX3388 | RMX3461 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme 9 5G (India)
- More affordable
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Good battery life
- Slower chipset
- Slower charging
- May struggle with demanding games
Realme 9 5G Speed
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 778G)
- Faster charging (30W)
- Better gaming experience
- Potentially better camera processing
- More expensive
- Battery life may be slightly impacted by faster charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels, though the Speed variant might have slightly better calibration due to its more premium chipset. Differences in display technology (e.g., AMOLED vs LCD) are not specified and would need further investigation.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar camera setup, potentially a 50MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro lens. Image quality should be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Snapdragon 778G's image signal processor (ISP) in the Speed variant might offer slightly better processing and low-light performance.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Snapdragon 778G in the Speed variant is a substantial upgrade over the Dimensity 810. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Speed. The Dimensity 810 is still capable, but it will struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The standard Realme 9 5G likely has a 5000mAh battery. The Realme 9 5G Speed also likely has a 5000mAh battery, but its 30W charging is a significant advantage over the standard's 18W. Expect noticeably faster charging times on the Speed.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 5G (India) is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and don't heavily rely on demanding applications or games. The Realme 9 5G Speed is perfect for those seeking a smoother, faster experience, especially for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate quicker charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 5G Speed worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value performance and faster charging. The Snapdragon 778G provides a significant upgrade over the Dimensity 810.
❓ What is the battery life like on both phones?
Both phones likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the Speed variant's faster charging means you can top up the battery much quicker.
