Realme continues to dominate the budget smartphone market, and the Realme 9 and Realme 10 Pro are two of their strongest contenders. Both offer compelling features at attractive price points, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, helping you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 10 Pro edges out the Realme 9 thanks to its 5G connectivity, slightly brighter display, and faster charging. However, the Realme 9 boasts significantly better battery endurance. Ultimately, the 10 Pro offers a more modern experience, while the 9 prioritizes longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 07 | 2022, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 12 | Available. Released 2022, November 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 163.7 x 74.2 x 8.1 mm or 8.3 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 190 g / 192 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide) |
| 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 | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White | Dark Matter, Hyperspace Gold, Nebula Blue, Coca-Cola edition |
| Models | RMX3521 | RMX3663, RMX3660, RMX3661 |
| Price | About 660 EUR | ₹ 18,999 |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 156h
|
Endurance rating 127h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1255:1 |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
-24.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 401860 (v9)
GeekBench: 2021 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9
- Exceptional battery life
- Reliable performance
- Good value for money
- Fast charging (75 mins to 100%)
- Older chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Display contrast could be better
Realme 10 Pro
- 5G connectivity
- Brighter display
- Faster charging (29 mins to 50%)
- Slightly better performance
- Shorter battery life
- Potentially higher price
- Camera not a standout
Display Comparison
The Realme 10 Pro takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 619 nits compared to the Realme 9's 647 nits. While the difference isn't massive, the 10 Pro's contrast ratio of 1255:1 is a notable improvement over the Realme 9's 'infinite' (nominal) ratio, suggesting better black levels and overall image quality. Both offer vibrant colors and decent viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the Realme 10 Pro generally produces slightly more detailed and vibrant photos. Low-light performance is comparable. Video recording quality is decent on both, but neither excels in this area. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) are not provided, but reviews suggest the 10 Pro has a slight edge in image processing.
Performance
The Realme 10 Pro's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset provides a performance boost over the Realme 9's Snapdragon 680 4G. The 695 offers better CPU and GPU performance, especially noticeable in gaming and multitasking. While both phones handle everyday tasks smoothly, the 10 Pro feels more responsive and future-proofed with its 5G capabilities.
Battery Life
This is where the Realme 9 shines. Its endurance rating of 156 hours significantly surpasses the Realme 10 Pro's 127 hours. While both support 33W charging, the Realme 9 charges slightly faster (75 minutes vs 29 minutes to 50%). Users prioritizing all-day (and beyond) battery life will find the Realme 9 more appealing.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 is ideal for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a reliable, albeit slightly older, chipset. The Realme 10 Pro is a better choice for those who want 5G connectivity, a brighter screen, and faster charging, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 10 Pro worth the extra money over the Realme 9?
If 5G connectivity and a slightly better display are important to you, then yes. However, if battery life is your top priority, the Realme 9 remains a compelling option.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Realme 10 Pro's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers better gaming performance than the Realme 9's Snapdragon 680 4G.
