The Realme 9 and Realme 9 Pro are both solid mid-range smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at competitive prices, but key differences exist. This comprehensive comparison will break down each phone's strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 Pro edges out the Realme 9 thanks to its 5G connectivity, slightly more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset, and brighter display. However, the Realme 9 boasts significantly better battery endurance. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether 5G and performance are priorities.
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 07 | 2022, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 12 | Available. Released 2022, February 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 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 12, 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 |
| | 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 | 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) | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (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/2.1, 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue |
| Models | RMX3521 | RMX3471, RMX3472 |
| Price | About 660 EUR | € 248.86 |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 156h
|
Endurance rating 134h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1601:1 |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 401894 (v9)
GeekBench: 2020 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9
- Exceptional battery life
- Affordable price
- Good display quality
- Fast charging (33W)
- No 5G connectivity
- Slightly less powerful chipset
- Camera slightly less refined than 9 Pro
Realme 9 Pro
- 5G connectivity
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Brighter display
- Good camera performance
- Shorter battery life than Realme 9
- Slightly higher price
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 Pro takes the display crown. While both offer good quality, the 9 Pro's measured 567 nits max brightness is noticeably higher than the Realme 9's 647 nits. The contrast ratios are similar, but the 9 Pro's slightly brighter screen makes it easier to view content outdoors. Both use AMOLED panels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the Realme 9 Pro generally produces slightly better image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions. The 9 Pro's image processing tends to be more refined. Low-light performance is comparable. Both offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 in the Realme 9 Pro provides a performance boost over the Snapdragon 680 in the Realme 9. While both are capable for everyday tasks, the 9 Pro handles more demanding apps and games with greater ease. The 9 Pro's CPU architecture also contributes to slightly better efficiency.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 is the clear winner in battery life. Its endurance rating of 156 hours significantly surpasses the Realme 9 Pro's 134 hours. This translates to noticeably longer usage times between charges, making it a great choice for heavy users.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 is ideal for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a budget-friendly price. It's a great choice for those who don't need 5G. The Realme 9 Pro is better suited for users who want 5G connectivity, a smoother overall experience, and a brighter display, even if it means sacrificing some battery longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Realme 9 Pro have 5G?
Yes, the Realme 9 Pro supports 5G connectivity, while the Realme 9 is a 4G-only device.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 9 Pro is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset.
❓ How does the charging speed compare?
Both phones offer 33W wired charging, achieving approximately 50% charge in 31 minutes and 100% in 75 minutes.
❓ Which phone has a better camera for low light?
Low light performance is comparable between the two phones, but the Realme 9 Pro's image processing may yield slightly better results.
