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

Realme's 9 series offers compelling mid-range options, but choosing between the 9 5G and the 9 Pro+ can be tricky. Both phones deliver solid features, but cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the right decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 9 Pro+ is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster chipset, vastly superior charging speeds, and a better camera system. However, the Realme 9 5G remains a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers seeking 5G connectivity and decent performance.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 9 5G	Realme 9 Pro+

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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, 13, 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, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE-A, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	-	1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India

Launch
Announced	2022, May 12	2022, February 16
Status	Available. Released 2022, June 09	Available. Released 2022, February 21

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass 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	Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight	191 g (6.74 oz)	182 g (6.42 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), 600 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)	Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)	Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Mali-G68 MC4
OS	Android 12, Realme UI 3.0	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	No
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
	-	UFS 2.2

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	-	16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm	16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	-
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD	5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFC	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	No	No
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/6, dual-band

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised)
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Meteor Black, Stargaze White	Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition
Models	RMX3474	RMX3392, RMX3393
Price	About 190 EUR	€ 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999
SAR	-	1.19 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 117h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker	-	-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9) GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1) GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Realme 9 5G

Affordable
5G Connectivity
Decent Performance for the Price
Sleek Design

Slower Charging
Less Powerful Processor
Average Camera
Lower Refresh Rate Display (likely)

Realme 9 Pro+

Fast Charging (60W)
Powerful Processor (Dimensity 920)
Superior Camera System
Likely Higher Refresh Rate Display
Premium Build Quality

More Expensive
Potentially Larger Size/Weight

Display Comparison

The Realme 9 Pro+ likely features a superior display, potentially with a higher refresh rate (likely 120Hz) and better color accuracy compared to the Realme 9 5G (likely 60Hz or 90Hz). The 'Infinite' contrast ratio claim suggests excellent blacks and vibrant colors on the Pro+.

Camera Comparison

The Realme 9 Pro+ is expected to have a more advanced camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing capabilities. While the Realme 9 5G offers a decent camera, the Pro+ should deliver noticeably better image quality, especially in low light.

Performance

The Dimensity 920 in the Realme 9 Pro+ offers a substantial performance advantage over the Snapdragon 695 5G in the Realme 9 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Pro+.

Battery Life

The Realme 9 Pro+'s 60W charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. The Realme 9 5G's 18W charging is considerably slower. Both phones likely have similar battery capacities, but the Pro+'s charging speed makes a significant difference in real-world usage.

Buying Guide

The Realme 9 5G is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and 5G connectivity without needing top-tier performance. The Realme 9 Pro+ is perfect for those who demand a premium experience with fast charging, a powerful processor, and a high-quality camera, and are willing to pay a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Realme 9 Pro+ worth the extra money?

If you prioritize performance, fast charging, and a better camera, the Realme 9 Pro+ is definitely worth the investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and primarily need 5G connectivity, the Realme 9 5G is a viable option.

❓ What is the battery life like on each phone?

Both phones offer decent battery life, but the Realme 9 Pro+'s fast charging allows you to quickly top up the battery when needed. Endurance rating of 117h suggests excellent battery life for the Pro+.