Realme continues to deliver compelling mid-range smartphones, and the Realme 9i 5G and Realme 9 are two popular contenders. Both offer a blend of features and affordability, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 edges out the 9i 5G thanks to its faster charging, brighter display, and generally more refined experience. However, the 9i 5G's 5G connectivity might be a deciding factor for some. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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, April 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| 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) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 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 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | 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) | 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) |
| 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, 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White |
| Models | RMX3612 | RMX3521 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 660 EUR |
| 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 9i 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Decent Performance
- Affordable Price
- Slower Charging
- Less Bright Display
- Potentially Lower Camera Quality
Realme 9
- Brighter Display
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Excellent Battery Life
- Potentially Better Camera
- No 5G
- Slightly Higher Price
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 boasts a significant advantage with its measured 647 nits max brightness, offering better visibility in sunlight compared to the Realme 9i 5G. While both have similar resolutions and panel types (likely IPS LCD), the Realme 9's contrast ratio, though nominally 'infinite,' suggests deeper blacks and better overall image quality. The 9i 5G's display is perfectly adequate, but not as impressive.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the Realme 9 likely has a slight edge in image quality due to the Snapdragon 680's image signal processor (ISP). Expect slightly better dynamic range and color accuracy on the Realme 9. Both offer standard camera features like portrait mode and night mode.
Performance
The Realme 9i 5G's Dimensity 810 is a capable chipset, offering decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Realme 9's Snapdragon 680 4G, while not a powerhouse, is generally considered to offer slightly better efficiency and smoother performance in some scenarios. Both chips are 6nm, suggesting comparable power efficiency, but the Snapdragon's optimization often shines through.
Battery Life
The Realme 9's endurance rating of 156h is exceptional, indicating outstanding battery life. While the Realme 9i 5G also offers good battery life, it doesn't quite match the Realme 9's longevity. Furthermore, the Realme 9'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 who prioritize 5G connectivity and are on a tighter budget. The Realme 9 is a better choice for those who value a brighter display, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9i 5G worth it if I need 5G?
Absolutely! If 5G connectivity is a must-have, the Realme 9i 5G is a solid choice, especially considering its price point. Just be aware of the trade-offs in charging speed and display brightness.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
While both can handle casual games, the Realme 9's Snapdragon 680 generally offers slightly smoother performance and better optimization for gaming.
