Realme continues to deliver compelling mid-range smartphones, and the Realme 9 Pro+ and Realme 9 are prime examples. But with similar price points, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 Pro+ boasts a significantly faster processor and faster charging, alongside a more advanced camera system. However, the Realme 9 offers exceptional battery life and a brighter display. Ultimately, the Pro+ is for performance enthusiasts, while the Realme 9 prioritizes longevity and value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 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 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 16 | 2022, April 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 21 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | 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, 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) | 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | 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/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised) | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White |
| Models | RMX3392, RMX3393 | RMX3521 |
| Price | € 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999 | About 660 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 117h
|
Endurance rating 156h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9)
GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9 Pro+
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 920)
- Faster Charging (60W)
- Likely Superior Camera System
- Premium Build Quality (likely)
- Shorter Battery Life (117h)
- Potentially Higher Price
- Display Brightness Not Measured
Realme 9
- Exceptional Battery Life (156h)
- Brighter Display (647 nits)
- More Affordable
- Good Value for Money
- Slower Processor (Snapdragon 680 4G)
- Slower Charging (33W)
- Less Advanced Camera System
- Potentially Less Premium Build
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 features a measured peak brightness of 647 nits, making it noticeably brighter and easier to view in direct sunlight. Both phones have a nominal infinite contrast ratio, but the Realme 9's brightness advantage is significant. The Realme 9 Pro+ display, while good, lacks the measured brightness data available for the Realme 9.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Realme 9 Pro+ is expected to have a superior camera system, likely featuring a higher resolution main sensor and potentially OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). Specific camera specs are missing, but the Dimensity 920 typically pairs with more advanced camera hardware. The Realme 9's camera is competent, but not in the same league.
Performance
The Realme 9 Pro+’s Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset is a clear winner here. It offers significantly better performance than the Snapdragon 680 4G in the Realme 9, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience. The Dimensity 920’s 6nm process also contributes to improved efficiency.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 takes the lead in battery endurance, boasting an impressive 156h rating, compared to the Realme 9 Pro+'s 117h. While both offer solid battery life, the Realme 9 will likely last longer on a single charge, especially with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme 9 Pro+? Gamers, photography enthusiasts, and users who prioritize speed and fast charging. Who should buy the Realme 9? Users seeking long battery life, a brighter display for outdoor use, and a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 Pro+ worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and camera quality, the Realme 9 Pro+ is worth the investment. However, if battery life and affordability are your top concerns, the Realme 9 is a better choice.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 9 Pro+ is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and potentially better cooling system.
