Choosing a budget smartphone can be tough, especially with so many options available. The Realme 9 5G and Realme 9i are two popular contenders, offering compelling features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9i takes the crown for most users thanks to its faster charging, slightly better battery life, and efficient Snapdragon 680. However, the Realme 9 5G offers 5G connectivity, making it a worthwhile choice if future-proofing is a priority.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 10 | 2022, January 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, January 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 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) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Dragontrail Pro 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 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| 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 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 - Vietnam
UFS 2.1 - India |
| 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), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 70 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stargaze White, Meteor Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | RMX3388 | RMX3491 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09 |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme 9 5G (India)
- 5G Connectivity
- More Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Potentially better video recording
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Likely LCD display
- Potentially less efficient battery
Realme 9i
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Efficient Snapdragon 680
- Likely AMOLED display
- Slightly better battery life
- No 5G
- Less powerful chipset for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling. The Realme 9i might have slightly better color accuracy due to its panel type (likely AMOLED vs LCD on the 9 5G, though this needs confirmation). Resolution is likely FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 50MP main camera. The Realme 9i might have a slight advantage in low-light photography due to potential software optimizations and image processing. The Realme 9 5G's chipset might offer slightly better video recording capabilities.
Performance
The Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 offers a noticeable performance edge, particularly in gaming and demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 680 in the Realme 9i is efficient and handles everyday tasks well, but struggles more with intensive applications. The Dimensity 810's 6nm process also contributes to better thermal management.
Battery Life
The Realme 9i's 33W charging is a significant advantage, allowing for much faster top-ups compared to the Realme 9 5G's 18W charging. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), giving the Realme 9i a slight edge in overall battery life due to the more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme 9 5G (India)? Users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly more powerful chipset for gaming. Who should buy the Realme 9i? Users seeking faster charging, longer battery life, and a more efficient overall experience in a budget-friendly package.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 5G good for gaming?
The Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 offers better gaming performance than the Realme 9i's Snapdragon 680, but don't expect flagship-level gaming experiences.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Realme 9i generally offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset and faster charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
