The Realme 9 series offers compelling mid-range smartphones, but choosing between the 9 Pro and the standard 9 can be tricky. Both devices pack impressive features, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you decide which phone is the perfect fit.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 edges out the 9 Pro with its superior battery life and faster charging, despite the 9 Pro's slightly brighter display and more powerful chipset. Ultimately, the Realme 9 offers better overall value for most users, while the 9 Pro is a solid choice for those prioritizing performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | 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, 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 23 | 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 | 195 g (6.88 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 | 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, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 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/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (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 | 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 | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, 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, 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 | 33W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White |
| Models | RMX3471, RMX3472 | RMX3521 |
| Price | € 248.86 | About 660 EUR |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 134h
|
Endurance rating 156h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1601:1 |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 401894 (v9)
GeekBench: 2020 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9 Pro
- Slightly brighter display
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
- 5G Connectivity
- Generally good camera performance
- Lower battery endurance
- Slower charging speed (unspecified)
- Potentially higher price
Realme 9
- Exceptional battery life
- Faster charging speed
- More affordable price
- Good overall performance for everyday tasks
- Less powerful chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Potentially slightly less vibrant display
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 567 nits and a contrast ratio of 1601:1, offering a vibrant and bright viewing experience. The Realme 9, while not having a specified contrast ratio (listed as 'Infinite' which is nominal), reaches a respectable 647 nits of peak brightness. Both utilize similar display technology, but the 9 Pro has a slight edge in brightness.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. Generally, both offer good image quality in well-lit conditions. The 9 Pro may have a slight advantage in low-light performance due to its more powerful processor assisting image processing. Both phones likely offer similar video recording capabilities.
Performance
The Realme 9 Pro utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost over the Realme 9's Snapdragon 680 4G. This translates to smoother gaming, faster app loading times, and improved multitasking capabilities. The 9 Pro's 5G connectivity is also a plus for future-proofing.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 shines in the battery department, boasting an endurance rating of 156 hours, significantly higher than the Realme 9 Pro's 134 hours. Furthermore, the Realme 9's 33W charging is faster, reaching 50% in 31 minutes and 100% in 75 minutes, compared to the 9 Pro's unspecified charging time.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme 9 Pro? Users prioritizing gaming and smoother multitasking will appreciate the Snapdragon 695 5G's extra power. Who should buy the Realme 9? Those seeking exceptional battery life, faster charging, and a slightly more affordable price point will find the Realme 9 a compelling option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 Pro worth the extra money?
It depends on your priorities. If you're a gamer or need 5G, the 9 Pro is worth considering. Otherwise, the Realme 9 offers excellent value.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Both Realme phones typically receive regular software updates, but specific update timelines can vary. Check Realme's official website for the latest information.
