Realme continues to deliver compelling mid-range smartphones, and the Realme 9 5G Speed and Realme 9 are two strong contenders. But which one offers the best value and performance? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 5G Speed takes the lead with its significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset and 5G connectivity. However, the Realme 9 boasts exceptional battery life and a potentially better display experience. Ultimately, the 5G Speed is for performance seekers, while the Realme 9 prioritizes longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - International | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 10 | 2022, April 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 14 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | 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 | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, dual pixel PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | 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, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Glow, Azure Glow | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White |
| Models | RMX3461 | RMX3521 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 660 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 156h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9 5G Speed
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 778G 5G)
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Charging (30W)
- Improved Multitasking
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life
- Less Display Information Available
- May be slightly more expensive
Realme 9
- Exceptional Battery Life (156h Endurance)
- Brighter Display (647 nits)
- Potentially Refined Camera Software
- More Affordable
- Slower Processor (Snapdragon 680 4G)
- No 5G Connectivity
- Slower Charging (33W)
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 boasts a measured peak brightness of 647 nits, suggesting a potentially brighter and more visible display, especially outdoors. The Realme 9 5G Speed's display details are less readily available, but it likely offers good color accuracy and sharpness. The Realme 9's 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a nominal claim and doesn't provide concrete data.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. The Realme 9 likely offers a slightly more refined camera experience due to potential software optimizations. Both are expected to deliver good image quality in well-lit conditions.
Performance
This is where the Realme 9 5G Speed shines. The Snapdragon 778G 5G is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 680 4G found in the Realme 9. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and improved overall responsiveness on the 5G Speed.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 holds a significant advantage in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 156 hours. The Realme 9 5G Speed's battery life is likely good, but not as exceptional as its counterpart. Charging speeds are relatively close, with the 5G Speed offering slightly faster 30W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme 9 5G Speed? Users prioritizing speed, 5G connectivity, and smoother multitasking. Who should buy the Realme 9? Those seeking exceptional battery life, a potentially brighter display, and a more affordable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 5G Speed worth the extra cost?
If you prioritize performance and 5G connectivity, then yes. Otherwise, the Realme 9 offers excellent value with its exceptional battery life and potentially brighter display.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 9 5G Speed is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset.
