Realme 9 5G vs Realme 8 5G: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The Realme 9 5G and Realme 8 5G are both compelling mid-range 5G smartphones, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one is the better choice for your needs? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 9 5G generally edges out the Realme 8 5G thanks to its newer chipset (Snapdragon 695) offering improved performance and efficiency. While the Realme 8 5G boasts impressive battery life, the 9 5G's upgrades make it the slightly better overall package.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 9 5G	Realme 8 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 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	-	1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India

Launch
Announced	2022, May 12	2021, April 21
Status	Available. Released 2022, June 09	Available. Released 2021, April 28

Body
Build	-	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)	162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	191 g (6.74 oz)	185 g (6.53 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak)	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 12, Realme UI 3.0	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
	-	UFS 2.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	-	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide)
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 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	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (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	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.1, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
Radio	No	Unspecified
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	18W wired
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Meteor Black, Stargaze White	Supersonic Blue, Supersonic Black
Models	RMX3474	RMX3241
Price	About 190 EUR	About 170 EUR

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 118h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 1413:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-27.8 LUFS (Good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 302059 (v8), 361505 (v9) GeekBench: 1784 (v5.1) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 9 5G

Newer Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
Improved performance and efficiency
Slightly better camera quality
90Hz refresh rate display

Slightly shorter battery life than Realme 8 5G
18W charging (relatively slow)

Realme 8 5G

Exceptional battery life (118h endurance rating)
Affordable price
Decent camera performance

Older Dimensity 700 chipset
Slightly less powerful than Realme 9 5G
May feel slower over time

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth visual experience. While both have a nominal contrast ratio of 1413:1, the Realme 9 5G likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its newer panel. However, the difference is unlikely to be drastic.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the Realme 9 5G likely has a slight edge in image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, thanks to its newer image processing algorithms. Both feature a primary camera, ultrawide, and macro lens. Video recording capabilities are comparable.

Performance

The Realme 9 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset (6nm) provides a noticeable performance boost over the Realme 8 5G's Dimensity 700 (7nm). Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 9 5G. The 695 also offers improved power efficiency.

Battery Life

The Realme 8 5G is renowned for its exceptional battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 118 hours. While the Realme 9 5G's battery is smaller, the more efficient Snapdragon 695 helps it maintain respectable battery life, though not quite as impressive as the 8 5G.

Buying Guide

The Realme 9 5G is ideal for users seeking a smoother experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and future-proofing. The Realme 8 5G is a great option for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing exceptional battery life and a decent camera, especially if you find it at a significantly lower price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme 9 5G worth the upgrade from the Realme 8 5G?

If you prioritize performance and a slightly better camera, the Realme 9 5G is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if battery life is your top concern and you're on a tight budget, the Realme 8 5G remains a solid choice.

❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 695 and the Dimensity 700?

The Snapdragon 695 generally offers better CPU and GPU performance, improved power efficiency, and supports faster 5G speeds compared to the Dimensity 700. It's a more modern chipset.