Realme 9 5G Speed vs Realme 9 Pro: The Ultimate Showdown

Realme's 9 series offers compelling mid-range options, but choosing between the 9 5G Speed and the 9 Pro can be tricky. Both phones pack 5G connectivity and aim to deliver a premium experience without breaking the bank. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 9 5G Speed takes the lead with its significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset, offering a smoother overall experience. However, the Realme 9 Pro boasts a slightly better display and impressive battery life, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing those features. Ultimately, performance wins out.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 9 5G Speed Realme 9 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
  SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - International1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2022, March 102022, February 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 14Available. Released 2022, February 23
Body
BuildGlass front (Panda Glass), plastic back-
Dimensions164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
ProtectionPanda Glass-
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 619
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired, 50% in 25 min33W wired
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarry Glow, Azure GlowMidnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue
ModelsRMX3461RMX3471, RMX3472
PriceAbout 240 EUR€ 248.86
SAR-1.19 W/kg (head)     0.71 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 134h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1601:1
Loudspeaker- -25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 401894 (v9) GeekBench: 2020 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 9 5G Speed

  • Superior Performance (Snapdragon 778G)
  • Faster Charging (30W)
  • Likely better video recording

  • Potentially less vibrant display
  • Battery life may not match 9 Pro
  • Camera may not be as refined

Realme 9 Pro

  • Excellent Battery Life (134h endurance)
  • Brighter Display (567 nits)
  • Potentially better image processing

  • Slower Performance (Snapdragon 695)
  • Slower Charging (33W)
  • Less powerful chipset for demanding tasks

Display Comparison

The Realme 9 Pro edges out the 9 5G Speed in the display department. While both offer a 1601:1 contrast ratio, the 9 Pro's measured 567 nits peak brightness provides better visibility in direct sunlight. The 9 5G Speed's display is still good, but lacks the same level of vibrancy and outdoor usability.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. Generally, the 9 Pro is expected to have slightly better image processing due to its more mature software and potentially better sensor tuning. Both likely offer similar main sensor performance, but the 9 5G Speed might have an edge in video recording due to the more powerful chipset.

Performance

This is where the Realme 9 5G Speed truly shines. The Snapdragon 778G is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 695 found in the 9 Pro. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the 9 5G Speed. The 9 Pro is still capable, but will show its limitations under heavy load.

Battery Life

The Realme 9 Pro demonstrates exceptional battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 134 hours. While the 9 5G Speed's battery capacity is likely similar, the 9 Pro's efficiency and software optimization contribute to its superior longevity. The 9 5G Speed's 30W charging is competitive, but the 9 Pro's 33W offers a slight advantage.

Buying Guide

The Realme 9 5G Speed is ideal for gamers and power users who demand snappy performance and fast processing. The Realme 9 Pro is a better choice for those who prioritize a vibrant display, long battery life, and a more balanced overall experience, especially if gaming isn't a primary concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme 9 5G Speed good for gaming?
Yes, the Realme 9 5G Speed's Snapdragon 778G chipset makes it a solid choice for mobile gaming, offering smoother frame rates and better performance compared to the 9 Pro.
❓ Which Realme 9 phone has better battery life?
The Realme 9 Pro has significantly better battery life, with an endurance rating of 134 hours, outperforming the 9 5G Speed.