Realme 9 vs Realme 9i: A Head-to-Head Budget Battle

The Realme 9 and Realme 9i are both compelling budget smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer a solid Snapdragon 680 chipset and attractive designs, but subtle differences could make one a better fit for your needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 9 edges out the 9i thanks to its significantly brighter display and potentially better camera capabilities (though specifics are limited in provided data). Both offer excellent battery life and fast charging, making them strong contenders in the budget segment. The Realme 9 provides a slightly more premium experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 9	Realme 9i

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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	-	1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41

Launch
Announced	2022, April 07	2022, January 10
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 12	Available. Released 2022, January 10

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)	164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 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)	190 g (6.70 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5	Dragontrail Pro Glass
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 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak)	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 610	Adreno 610
OS	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4

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
	UFS 2.2	UFS 2.2 - Vietnam UFS 2.1 - India

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	-	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (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)	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
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/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
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	-

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
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, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min	33W wired, 100% in 70 min
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White	Black, Blue
Models	RMX3521	RMX3491
Price	About 660 EUR	€ 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09
SAR	1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body)	-

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 156h	-
Camera	Photo / Video	-
Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)	-
Loudspeaker	-30.4 LUFS (Below average)	-
Performance	AnTuTu: 290097 (v9) GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1) GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	-

Realme 9

Brighter Display (647 nits)
Potentially Better Camera
Excellent Battery Life (156h Endurance)
Fast 33W Charging

Limited Camera Specs Data
May be slightly more expensive than 9i

Realme 9i

Excellent Battery Life
Fast 33W Charging
Affordable Price
Reliable Performance

Less Bright Display
Potentially Inferior Camera

Display Comparison

The Realme 9 boasts a measured peak brightness of 647 nits, a significant advantage over the 9i. While the 9i's display is likely adequate, the 9's higher brightness will offer better visibility in sunlight and a more immersive viewing experience. Both likely feature similar resolution and panel technology (likely IPS LCD).

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited in the provided data. However, the Realme 9 is generally expected to have a slightly more advanced camera system, potentially with improved image processing or additional features. Further research is needed to confirm specific camera specs and performance.

Performance

Both devices share the same Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G chipset and CPU configuration, meaning performance in everyday tasks and moderate gaming should be very similar. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but both are capable for the price.

Battery Life

Both phones offer excellent battery life, with the Realme 9 demonstrating an impressive endurance rating of 156 hours. The Realme 9i charges slightly faster (70 mins vs 75 mins), but the difference is minimal. Both offer 33W fast charging, a welcome addition in this price range.

Buying Guide

The Realme 9 is ideal for users who prioritize a vibrant display for media consumption and potentially better camera performance. The Realme 9i is a great choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable smartphone with long battery life and fast charging, where display brightness isn't a top priority.