Realme has consistently delivered impressive budget-friendly smartphones, and the Realme 9 and Realme 9 5G are prime examples. Both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you determine which device is the perfect fit for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 5G offers 5G connectivity and a slightly more powerful chipset, making it a better choice for those prioritizing speed and future-proofing. However, the Realme 9 boasts faster charging, a potentially brighter display, and exceptional battery life, making it a strong contender for everyday users.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 12 | 2022, April 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 09 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 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 | 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, 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteor Black, Stargaze White | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White |
| Models | RMX3474 | RMX3521 |
| Price | About 190 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
- 5G Connectivity
- More Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 695)
- Slightly Better Gaming Performance
- Modern Processor
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Potentially Less Bright Display
- Image Processing May Not Be As Refined
Realme 9
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Excellent Battery Life (156h Endurance)
- Potentially Brighter Display (647 nits)
- Refined Image Processing
- No 5G Connectivity
- Less Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 680)
- Slightly Older Processor
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 takes a slight edge here. While both feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, the Realme 9's measured 647 nits peak brightness suggests better outdoor visibility. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio mentioned for the Realme 9 is nominal and difficult to quantify, but generally indicates good contrast. The Realme 9 5G's display is likely good, but not quite as bright.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. The Realme 9 likely has a slightly more refined image processing pipeline, potentially leading to more natural-looking photos. The Realme 9 5G's camera is still very good, but may not offer the same level of polish.
Performance
The Realme 9 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is noticeably more powerful than the Realme 9's Snapdragon 680 4G. The 695 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and improved gaming capabilities. The 6nm process on both is efficient, but the 695's architecture provides a tangible performance boost.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 shines in this category. While both offer excellent battery life (Realme 9's 156h endurance rating is impressive), the Realme 9's 33W charging is significantly faster than the Realme 9 5G's 18W. This means quicker top-ups and less time tethered to a charger.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity, enjoy gaming, and need a responsive experience. The Realme 9 is perfect for those prioritizing long battery life, fast charging, and a vibrant display for media consumption, without needing 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 5G worth the extra cost over the Realme 9?
If 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor are important to you, then yes. Otherwise, the Realme 9 offers excellent value with its faster charging and potentially brighter display.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Realme 9 has a slightly better endurance rating (156h) and faster charging, making it the winner in the battery department.
