The Realme 9 and Realme 10 are both strong contenders in the budget smartphone market, offering impressive features at accessible prices. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 edges out the Realme 10 thanks to its significantly longer battery life and slightly brighter display. While the Realme 10 boasts faster charging, the Realme 9's endurance and screen brightness provide a more compelling overall experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 07 | 2022, November 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 12 | Available. Released 2022, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic 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) | 159.9 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.30 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 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 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 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/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide) |
| 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min | 33W wired, 50% in 28 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White | White, Blue |
| Models | RMX3521 | RMX3630 |
| Price | About 660 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 156h
|
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
-24.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 385829 (v9)
GeekBench: 1762 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9
- Exceptional battery life
- Brighter display
- Reliable performance
- Good value for money
- Slightly older design
- Camera performance could be better in low light
- Charging speed is average
Realme 10
- Faster charging speeds
- Slightly more modern design
- Good gaming performance
- Competitive price
- Shorter battery life
- Slightly dimmer display
- Camera performance similar to Realme 9
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 takes a slight lead with a measured peak brightness of 647 nits compared to the Realme 10's 610 nits. Both offer infinite contrast ratios, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. While both are LCD panels, the Realme 9's extra brightness makes it a bit easier to see in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more extensive testing. Generally, both offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Expect similar performance from both in terms of photo and video capabilities.
Performance
The Realme 10's Mediatek Helio G99 generally offers slightly better gaming performance than the Realme 9's Snapdragon 680. The G99's Cortex-A76 cores provide a boost for demanding tasks. However, for everyday use, both phones feel responsive and capable.
Battery Life
This is where the Realme 9 truly shines. Its endurance rating of 156 hours significantly surpasses the Realme 10's 126 hours. While both support 33W charging, the Realme 9's larger battery capacity means it will take longer to fully charge, but it will also last considerably longer between charges.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and a brighter screen for outdoor visibility. The Realme 10 is a good choice for those who value faster charging speeds and a slightly more modern design, but are willing to compromise on battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Realme 10 generally offers slightly better gaming performance due to its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset.
❓ Is the Realme 10's faster charging worth the shorter battery life?
It depends on your priorities. If you frequently run out of battery and need a quick top-up, the Realme 10's faster charging is beneficial. Otherwise, the Realme 9's longer battery life is likely more valuable.
