Realme 9 5G vs Realme 9 Pro: The Ultimate Showdown

Realme continues to deliver compelling mid-range smartphones, and the Realme 9 5G and Realme 9 Pro are prime examples. Both offer 5G connectivity and attractive designs, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you choose the best device for your budget and usage.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 9 Pro edges out the 9 5G thanks to its brighter display, faster charging, and generally more refined experience. However, the 9 5G remains a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing a slightly more budget-friendly option.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 9 5G (India) Realme 9 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 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, 66, 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 102022, February 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 14Available. Released 2022, February 23
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back-
Dimensions162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-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)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, Realme UI 2.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.2
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), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
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, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
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
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsStargaze White, Meteor BlackMidnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue
ModelsRMX3388RMX3471, RMX3472
PriceAbout 180 EUR€ 248.86
SAR1.05 W/kg (head)     0.74 W/kg (body)1.19 W/kg (head)     0.71 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 134h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1601:1
Loudspeaker- -25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 401894 (v9) GeekBench: 2020 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 9 5G (India)

  • More affordable
  • Decent performance for everyday tasks
  • 5G connectivity

  • Less bright display
  • Slower charging
  • Slightly less refined experience

Realme 9 Pro

  • Brighter display
  • Faster charging (33W)
  • Slightly better performance
  • More refined design

  • More expensive
  • No significant camera advantage over 9 5G

Display Comparison

The Realme 9 Pro boasts a significant advantage with its 567 nits peak brightness, making it much easier to view outdoors. Both phones share a 1601:1 contrast ratio, ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colors. The 9 Pro's display is generally considered superior for media consumption and gaming.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the Realme 9 Pro generally produces better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The 9 Pro's image processing tends to be more refined, resulting in more natural-looking photos. Specific camera specs are not provided, but reviews generally favor the 9 Pro's camera performance.

Performance

The Snapdragon 695 5G in the Realme 9 Pro offers a slight edge in performance over the Dimensity 810 in the Realme 9 5G. While both chipsets are capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly, the 9 Pro will likely provide a more responsive experience, especially in demanding apps and games. The Dimensity 810 is still a capable chip, but the Snapdragon 695 5G is generally considered more efficient.

Battery Life

Both phones offer excellent battery life, with the Realme 9 Pro achieving an endurance rating of 134 hours. While the Realme 9 5G's battery life is also impressive, the 9 Pro's faster 33W charging provides a quicker top-up.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Realme 9 5G (India)? Users seeking a budget-friendly 5G phone with decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Who should buy the Realme 9 Pro? Those prioritizing a better display, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme 9 Pro worth the extra money?
If you value a brighter display, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel, then the Realme 9 Pro is worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a tight budget, the Realme 9 5G offers excellent value for money.
❓ Which chipset is better: Dimensity 810 or Snapdragon 695 5G?
The Snapdragon 695 5G generally offers slightly better performance and efficiency compared to the Dimensity 810, but both are capable for everyday use.