Realme continues to deliver impressive smartphones at competitive prices. The Realme 9 and Realme 9 Pro+ are two strong contenders in the mid-range market, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their key differences to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 Pro+ offers a significant upgrade in performance and camera capabilities thanks to its Dimensity 920 chipset and higher-resolution main sensor. While the Realme 9 boasts exceptional battery life, the Pro+’s faster charging and overall refinement make it the better choice for most users willing to spend a bit more.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 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-A, 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 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 182 g (6.42 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 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (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) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, 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/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, 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/6, dual-band |
| 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 | 60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised) |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition |
| Models | RMX3521 | RMX3392, RMX3393 |
| Price | About 660 EUR | € 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999 |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 156h
|
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| 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: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9)
GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9
- Exceptional battery life
- Affordable price
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Less powerful chipset
- Camera not as impressive as Pro+
- Slower charging
Realme 9 Pro+
- Faster performance (Dimensity 920)
- Superior camera system
- Faster 60W charging
- Refined design
- Shorter battery life compared to Realme 9
- Higher price
Display Comparison
Both phones feature vibrant displays with excellent contrast ratios (nominally infinite). The Realme 9 Pro+ likely has slightly better color accuracy and potentially a higher peak brightness, though the Realme 9's 647 nits is already respectable. Both offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and gaming.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 9 Pro+ shines in the camera department. While both have capable camera systems, the Pro+ typically features a higher resolution main sensor (likely 50MP or higher, often with OIS) and improved image processing. The Realme 9's camera is still good, but the Pro+ offers more detail and better low-light performance. Video recording capabilities are also likely improved on the Pro+.
Performance
The Realme 9 Pro+’s Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Realme 9’s Snapdragon 680. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Pro+. The Dimensity 920 is a more modern and powerful chip.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 takes the crown for battery endurance, boasting an impressive 156-hour rating. However, the Realme 9 Pro+ compensates with significantly faster 60W charging, reaching 100% in around 44 minutes (advertised). While the Pro+ has a lower endurance rating (117h), the faster charging minimizes downtime.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9 is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and a budget-friendly price. It's a solid choice for everyday tasks and casual photography. The Realme 9 Pro+ is best suited for those who demand faster performance, a better camera system, and quicker charging, even if it means a slightly higher investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 Pro+ worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and fast charging, then yes, the Realme 9 Pro+ is worth the extra investment. However, if battery life is your top concern and you're on a tighter budget, the Realme 9 remains a compelling option.
❓ What chipset is in each phone?
The Realme 9 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G, while the Realme 9 Pro+ features a Mediatek Dimensity 920. The Dimensity 920 offers significantly better performance.
