Realme's 9 series offers compelling mid-range smartphones, but choosing between the 9 5G and 9i 5G can be tricky. Both pack the same powerful chipset, but subtle differences exist. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 5G and 9i 5G are remarkably similar, sharing the same Dimensity 810 chipset. The 9 5G *might* offer slightly better camera performance and potentially a more refined design, but the 9i 5G often presents a more attractive price point, making it the better value for many.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 10 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| 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
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stargaze White, Meteor Black | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | RMX3388 | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme 9 5G (India)
- Potentially better camera system
- Slightly more premium design (potentially)
- 120Hz display
- Potentially higher price
- 18W charging is slow
Realme 9i 5G
- Excellent value for money
- Smooth 120Hz display
- 5G connectivity
- Camera may not be as versatile as 9 5G
- 18W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While both offer a smooth visual experience, the 9 5G *may* have slightly better color accuracy or brightness depending on the specific panel used. Check reviews for detailed display testing.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 9 5G often boasts a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor or additional lenses (like a macro lens). The 9i 5G typically has a capable camera, but the 9 5G *may* offer slightly better image quality, especially in low light. Expect both to record 1080p video.
Performance
The core performance is identical thanks to the shared Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset. Expect smooth multitasking, responsive gaming, and efficient power consumption. Differences in real-world performance will likely be minimal and depend more on software optimization.
Battery Life
Both devices generally feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, which is relatively slow compared to some competitors. Expect around 8-10 hours of screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme 9 5G (India)? Users prioritizing a potentially slightly better camera experience and a more premium feel. Who should buy the Realme 9i 5G? Budget-conscious buyers seeking excellent performance and 5G connectivity without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the processors the same in both phones?
Yes, both the Realme 9 5G and Realme 9i 5G utilize the Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones typically offer similar battery life due to their 5000mAh batteries. Actual usage will vary.
❓ Is the charging speed fast enough?
The 18W charging is adequate but not particularly fast compared to other phones on the market. It will take around 1.5-2 hours to fully charge.
