The Realme 9 5G (India) and Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$250 5G smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a smooth experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Realme prioritizes a more recent chipset, while the Poco focuses on rapid charging and a potentially longer-lasting battery experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and a potentially longer battery life, the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its 67W charging significantly outperforms the Realme 9 5G’s 18W, and the endurance rating suggests comparable real-world battery performance despite similar capacities. However, the Realme 9 5G offers a slightly more modern chipset.
| 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 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 10 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 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/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF - Global version
64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF - India version
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
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 | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 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 | 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, GALILEO |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 70% in 22 min, 100% in 41 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stargaze White, Meteor Black | Laser Black, Laser Blue, Poco Yellow |
| Models | RMX3388 | 2201116PG |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 160.40 / $ 419.99 / £ 255.00 / ₹ 12,940 |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | 1.06 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 119h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 335353 (v8), 384646 (v9)
GeekBench: 2063 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9 5G (India)
- More recent chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Potentially better CPU performance
- Slightly better CPU clock speeds
- Significantly slower 18W charging
- Limited battery charging convenience
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
- 67W fast charging with PD3.0/QC3
- Excellent charging speed (100% in 41 mins)
- Comparable battery endurance (119h)
- Slightly older chipset (Snapdragon 695)
- Potentially lower CPU performance
Display Comparison
Both devices share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting typical IPS LCD characteristics. However, detailed display specs like peak brightness, color gamut coverage, and refresh rate are missing. Given the price point, expect both to offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. The absence of LTPO technology implies neither display will dynamically adjust refresh rates for power saving.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image stabilization. The omission of details suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is likely a marketing feature with limited practical utility. Without further information, it's difficult to determine a clear winner; image processing algorithms will play a significant role in the final image quality.
Performance
The Realme 9 5G utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm), featuring a 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 core configuration. The Poco X4 Pro 5G employs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) with a 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver setup. While both are 6nm chips, the Dimensity 810 generally exhibits slightly better CPU performance in benchmarks, potentially translating to snappier app loading and multitasking. However, the Snapdragon 695 often demonstrates superior GPU performance, which could benefit gaming. The Realme's CPU clock speeds are marginally higher, but real-world performance will depend on software optimization and thermal management.
Battery Life
The Poco X4 Pro 5G boasts a significant advantage in charging speed with its 67W wired charging, supporting PD3.0 and QC3, achieving 70% charge in 22 minutes and 100% in 41 minutes. The Realme 9 5G is limited to 18W wired charging, a considerably slower pace. Both phones have an endurance rating of 119h, suggesting similar battery life despite potential differences in battery capacity (not specified). The Poco’s faster charging mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage, making it more convenient for users who need a quick top-up.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 9 5G (India) if you need a phone with a more recent processor generation and are less concerned about charging speed. This is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or engage in light gaming. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G if you prefer a phone that can be rapidly topped up and offers a solid, reliable experience with a focus on battery endurance, making it perfect for users who are often away from a power source.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the Poco X4 Pro 5G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 695 is capable, Genshin Impact will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The chipset is better suited for less graphically intensive titles. The Realme 9 5G's Dimensity 810 might offer a slightly better gaming experience, but neither phone is a dedicated gaming device.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging time between 18W and 67W charging?
The difference is substantial. The Poco X4 Pro 5G's 67W charging can fully charge the phone in approximately 41 minutes, while the Realme 9 5G's 18W charging will take considerably longer – likely exceeding 90 minutes. This makes the Poco a much more convenient option for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs a major concern?
Yes, it suggests neither phone will be a standout performer in photography, especially in low-light conditions. Expect adequate results for social media sharing, but don't anticipate flagship-level image quality. The 2MP macro cameras are unlikely to provide significant value.
