Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Today, we're pitting two popular Realme contenders against each other: the Realme 9i 5G and the Realme 10 Pro. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 10 Pro emerges as the stronger contender, offering a brighter display, faster charging, and a generally more refined experience. While the 9i 5G provides decent value, the 10 Pro's upgrades in key areas make it the preferred choice 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 18 | 2022, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Available. Released 2022, November 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 163.7 x 74.2 x 8.1 mm or 8.3 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 190 g / 192 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (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 | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide) |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 29 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold | Dark Matter, Hyperspace Gold, Nebula Blue, Coca-Cola edition |
| Models | RMX3612 | RMX3663, RMX3660, RMX3661 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | ₹ 18,999 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 127h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1255:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.4 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 401860 (v9)
GeekBench: 2021 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9i 5G
- Affordable
- 5G Connectivity
- Decent Performance for the Price
- Reliable Battery Life
- Slower Charging
- Less Bright Display
- Potentially LCD Panel
- Less Powerful Processor
Realme 10 Pro
- Brighter Display
- Faster Charging (33W)
- More Powerful Processor (Snapdragon 695)
- Potentially Better Camera
- Improved Performance
- Higher Price
- May lack some features of higher-end phones
Display Comparison
The Realme 10 Pro boasts a significant advantage with its 619 nits peak brightness, making it much easier to view outdoors. Both phones share a 1255:1 contrast ratio, indicating good image depth, but the 10 Pro's brightness elevates the overall viewing experience. The 10 Pro likely has a slightly better panel, potentially AMOLED vs LCD on the 9i 5G.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer capable camera systems, but the Realme 10 Pro likely has a more advanced setup. Expect better image processing, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the 10 Pro. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) would need further research to provide a definitive answer, but the 10 Pro is generally considered to have a better camera.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 5G in the Realme 10 Pro generally outperforms the Dimensity 810 in the 9i 5G in real-world usage. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the 10 Pro offers smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming performance. The 695's efficiency also contributes to better battery life.
Battery Life
The Realme 10 Pro's endurance rating of 127h is impressive, suggesting excellent battery life. Coupled with its 33W fast charging (50% in 29 minutes), it offers a superior charging experience compared to the 9i 5G's 18W charging. While both should last a full day, the 10 Pro provides more breathing room.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9i 5G is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize 5G connectivity and a reliable, if not groundbreaking, experience. The Realme 10 Pro is ideal for users who value a vibrant display, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel, even if it comes at a higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9i 5G good for gaming?
The Realme 9i 5G can handle casual games, but demanding titles might require lower graphics settings. The Realme 10 Pro offers a smoother gaming experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Realme 10 Pro has a significantly better endurance rating and faster charging, making it the clear winner in battery performance.
