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

Realme's 9 series offers compelling mid-range options, but choosing between the 9 5G and 9 Pro can be tricky. Both phones share a similar chipset, but key differences in display, charging, and potentially camera capabilities could sway your decision. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 9 Pro edges out the 9 5G thanks to its faster 33W charging, brighter display, and potentially improved camera performance. While both offer solid performance thanks to the Snapdragon 695 5G, the Pro's refinements make it the slightly better overall package, especially for media consumption.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 9 5G 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 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
 -1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2022, May 122022, February 16
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, June 09Available. Released 2022, February 23
Body
Dimensions164.3 x 75.6 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
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
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 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12, Realme UI 3.0Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, 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)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@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 audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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
Charging18W wired33W wired
Type5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMeteor Black, Stargaze WhiteMidnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue
ModelsRMX3474RMX3471, RMX3472
PriceAbout 190 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

  • More affordable
  • 5G connectivity
  • Decent performance

  • Slower charging (18W)
  • Less vibrant display
  • Potentially less capable camera

Realme 9 Pro

  • Faster charging (33W)
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Potentially better camera
  • Excellent battery life

  • Slightly more expensive
  • No significant performance advantage over 9 5G

Display Comparison

The Realme 9 Pro boasts a significant advantage with its higher peak brightness (567 nits vs. likely around 480 nits for the 9 5G) and a generally more vibrant display. While both have a 1601:1 contrast ratio, the Pro's brightness makes a noticeable difference in outdoor visibility and overall image quality. The 9 5G's display is still good, but the Pro's is noticeably better.

Camera Comparison

While both are listed as 'Photo / Video', the Realme 9 Pro is generally expected to have a more advanced camera system. It likely features a higher resolution primary sensor and potentially improved image processing algorithms. The 9 5G's camera is still capable, but the Pro should deliver better image quality, especially in low light. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) would be needed for a more precise comparison.

Performance

Both phones utilize the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and Octa-core CPU, meaning performance in everyday tasks and gaming will be very similar. Expect smooth multitasking and decent gaming performance at medium settings. Differences in RAM and storage configurations (which vary by region) could slightly impact overall responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Realme 9 Pro claims an impressive endurance rating of 134 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. The Realme 9 5G's battery life is likely still very good, but probably not quite as exceptional as the Pro. The 33W charging on the Pro also significantly reduces charging times compared to the 9 5G's 18W charging.

Buying Guide

The Realme 9 5G is a great choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize 5G connectivity and don't need the absolute best display or charging speeds. The Realme 9 Pro is ideal for those who value a vibrant display, faster charging, and potentially a more refined camera experience, willing to spend a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme 9 Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize a better display, faster charging, and potentially a more capable camera, then the Realme 9 Pro is worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and primarily need 5G connectivity, the 9 5G remains a solid option.
❓ Do both phones have 5G?
Yes, both the Realme 9 5G and Realme 9 Pro support 5G connectivity.