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

Realme's 9 series offers compelling mid-range options, but choosing between the 9 5G Speed and the 9i 5G can be tricky. Both phones bring 5G connectivity to the table, but significant differences exist under the hood. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which device best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 9 5G Speed takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset, faster charging, and generally superior performance. However, the 9i 5G offers a more budget-friendly option for those prioritizing affordability over raw power.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 9 5G Speed	Realme 9i 5G

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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 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 - India	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
	SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - International	-

Launch
Announced	2022, March 10	2022, August 18
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 14	Available. Released 2022, August 24

Body
Build	Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic back	-
Dimensions	164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 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	199 g (7.02 oz)	187 g (6.60 oz)

Display
Protection	Panda Glass	Panda Glass
Resolution	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 144Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 642L	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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	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	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	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	5.2, 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/6, 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	30W wired, 50% in 25 min	18W wired
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Starry Glow, Azure Glow	Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold
Models	RMX3461	RMX3612
Price	About 240 EUR	About 180 EUR

Realme 9 5G Speed

Superior Performance (Snapdragon 778G)
Faster 30W Charging
Likely Better Camera Quality
Smooth 90Hz Display

Potentially Higher Price
May have slightly less RAM/storage options at lower price points

Realme 9i 5G

More Affordable
Decent Performance for Everyday Tasks
5G Connectivity
Large 5000mAh Battery

Slower 18W Charging
Less Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 810)
Likely Inferior Camera Quality
Potentially Less Smooth Performance

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth visual experience. However, the 9 5G Speed might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potentially different panel technology. Further research on specific panel types is needed for a definitive answer.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely have a 50MP main camera, the image processing capabilities and overall camera system quality are expected to be better on the 9 5G Speed due to the more powerful chipset. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the 9 5G Speed. Both likely have ultrawide and macro lenses, but quality will vary.

Performance

The Snapdragon 778G in the 9 5G Speed is a clear winner here. It's a more powerful chipset than the Dimensity 810 in the 9i 5G, offering significantly better CPU and GPU performance. Expect smoother gaming, faster app loading times, and overall snappier responsiveness on the 9 5G Speed.

Battery Life

Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery. However, the 9 5G Speed's 30W charging is a significant advantage over the 9i 5G's 18W charging, allowing for much faster top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Realme 9 5G Speed is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smooth multitasking, and faster charging. Gamers and power users will appreciate the Snapdragon 778G. The Realme 9i 5G is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who need 5G connectivity and a reliable everyday smartphone experience without breaking the bank.