Realme continues to deliver budget-friendly smartphones packed with features. The Realme 9i 5G and Realme 10 are two popular contenders, each offering a unique blend of specs and value. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 10 edges out the 9i 5G thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and generally more modern features. While the 9i 5G offers 5G connectivity, the Realme 10 provides a more well-rounded experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 18 | 2022, November 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Available. Released 2022, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 159.9 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.30 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 28 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold | White, Blue |
| Models | RMX3612 | RMX3630 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 385829 (v9)
GeekBench: 1762 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9i 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Decent Performance for the Price
- Good Battery Life
- Slower Charging
- Less Bright Display
- Potentially Inferior Camera
Realme 10
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Brighter Display
- Potentially Better Camera
- Stronger Gaming Performance
- No 5G
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
The Realme 10 boasts a significantly brighter display at 610 nits (measured) compared to the 9i 5G, offering better visibility in sunlight. While both have nominal infinite contrast ratios, the Realme 10's brightness advantage makes a noticeable difference in everyday use. Both likely use similar LCD panels, but the Realme 10's calibration is likely improved.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are missing. Based on general Realme trends, the Realme 10 likely has a more refined camera software and potentially a slightly better main sensor, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. The 9i 5G's camera is still capable, but may lack some of the advanced features found in the 10.
Performance
The Realme 10's Mediatek Helio G99 offers slightly better gaming performance than the Dimensity 810 in the 9i 5G. While both are Octa-core processors, the G99's GPU is generally considered more powerful for mobile gaming. However, for everyday tasks, the difference is minimal. Both phones will handle multitasking and app usage smoothly.
Battery Life
The Realme 10 shines here with an impressive endurance rating of 126 hours. While the 9i 5G's battery life is also good, the 10's superior optimization and potentially larger battery capacity give it a clear advantage. Furthermore, the Realme 10's 33W charging is significantly faster than the 9i 5G's 18W, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9i 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity on a tight budget. The Realme 10 is a better choice for those seeking a brighter display, faster charging, and a more refined overall experience, even if 5G isn't a must-have.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9i 5G worth buying if I need 5G?
Yes, if 5G is a priority and you're on a very tight budget, the Realme 9i 5G is a viable option. However, consider if the other compromises are worth it.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Realme 10 has a significantly better endurance rating and faster charging, making it the clear winner in the battery department.
