The Realme 9 and Realme 8 were both popular contenders in the budget smartphone arena. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect, from display and performance to camera and battery life, to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 edges out the Realme 8 thanks to its more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset, resulting in better battery life and slightly improved performance. While the Realme 8 boasts faster charging, the Realme 9's overall package offers a more refined and longer-lasting experience for budget-conscious 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 07 | 2021, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 12 | Available. Released 2021, March 25 |
| 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) | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8 mm (6.32 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 177 g (6.24 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 (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, HDR10, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| 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 |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| 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, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min | 30W wired, 50% in 26 min, 100% in 65 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White | Cyber Silver, Cyber Black |
| Models | RMX3521 | RMX3085 |
| Price | About 660 EUR | € 98.43 |
| 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: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
-28.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 298328 (v8)
GeekBench: 6779 (v4.4), 1690 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9
- Better battery life
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly improved performance
- Generally better image processing
- Slightly lower peak brightness
- Slightly slower charging
Realme 8
- Faster charging speeds
- Vibrant display colors
- Shorter battery life
- Less efficient chipset
- Slightly oversaturated camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display quality with a nominal infinite contrast ratio. The Realme 8 has a marginally higher peak brightness (657 nits) compared to the Realme 9 (647 nits), but the difference is likely imperceptible in most real-world scenarios. Both utilize an LCD panel, offering vibrant colors and decent viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the Realme 9 generally produces slightly more natural-looking images. The Realme 8's camera tends to oversaturate colors a bit more. Both offer decent video recording capabilities, though neither excels in low-light conditions. Specific camera specs (megapixel counts, aperture) are not provided, but user reviews generally favor the Realme 9's image processing.
Performance
The Realme 9's Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) offers a noticeable advantage over the Realme 8's Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm). The Snapdragon 680's efficiency translates to smoother performance and better power management. While both handle everyday tasks well, the Realme 9 will feel snappier when multitasking or running slightly more demanding apps. The Snapdragon 680 also offers better 4G LTE modem performance.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 shines in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 156 hours, significantly higher than the Realme 8's 127 hours. This difference is largely attributable to the more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset. While the Realme 8 charges faster (30W vs 33W), the Realme 9's longer battery life ultimately provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and efficient performance for everyday tasks. It's a great choice for students, casual users, and those who want a phone that lasts all day. The Realme 8 is a good option for those who value faster charging speeds and don't mind slightly shorter battery life. It's suitable for users who frequently need to top up their phone during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
While both are capable of handling casual games, the Realme 9's more efficient chipset might lead to slightly less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the Realme 9 worth the upgrade from the Realme 8?
If battery life and overall efficiency are important to you, then yes, the Realme 9 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if fast charging is your top priority, the Realme 8 remains a viable option.
