The budget 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the Realme 9 5G and Xiaomi Poco M4 5G are two strong contenders. Both offer 5G connectivity at an attractive price point, but which one delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 5G edges out the Poco M4 5G thanks to its slightly more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset and potentially better camera performance. While the Poco M4 5G boasts impressive battery life, the Realme offers a more refined overall package for the price.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 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 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, October 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass (unspecified version) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stargaze White, Meteor Black | Power Black, Cool Blue, Poco Yellow |
| Models | RMX3388 | 22041219PG |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1630:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.8 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 336380 (v9)
GeekBench: 1730 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9 5G (India)
- Slightly faster chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Potentially better camera
- More premium design
- Faster charging (potentially)
- Battery life not as impressive as Poco M4 5G
- Charging speed could be faster (18W is standard)
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G
- Exceptional battery life (121h endurance rating)
- More affordable price
- Good display quality
- Slightly slower chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Camera performance may be slightly inferior
- Design may feel less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a nominal contrast ratio of 1630:1, suggesting good image depth. However, the Realme 9 5G likely has a slightly brighter display and potentially better color accuracy, though specific panel details (AMOLED vs LCD) are needed for a definitive comparison. The Poco M4 5G's display is generally well-regarded for its clarity and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are marketed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Realme 9 5G is generally expected to have a slightly better camera system. It likely features a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing algorithms. The Poco M4 5G's camera is still capable of producing decent photos in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 chipset holds a performance advantage over the Poco M4 5G's Dimensity 700. The 6nm process of the 810 also contributes to better power efficiency. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Realme.
Battery Life
The Poco M4 5G shines in the battery department, boasting an endurance rating of 121 hours. This indicates significantly longer battery life compared to the Realme 9 5G, which typically lasts a full day with moderate usage. If battery longevity is your top priority, the Poco M4 5G is the clear winner.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 5G is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a slightly more premium feel. The Poco M4 5G is a great choice for those who value exceptional battery life and a more affordable price tag, willing to compromise a bit on processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost, making it the better choice for gaming.
❓ How long will the Poco M4 5G's battery last?
The Poco M4 5G's battery is exceptional, with an endurance rating of 121 hours, easily lasting multiple days on a single charge with moderate usage.