Realme's 5G lineup offers compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. The Realme 9i 5G and Realme 9 5G (India) share a similar chipset, but subtle differences in design, camera features, and potentially software experience could sway your decision. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you choose the right one.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones offer similar performance thanks to the Dimensity 810. The Realme 9 5G (India) often edges out the 9i 5G due to a potentially better camera system and slightly improved design. However, the 9i 5G might offer a more competitive price, making it a strong contender for budget shoppers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 18 | 2022, March 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Available. Released 2022, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 162.6 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 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, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold | Stargaze White, Meteor Black |
| Models | RMX3612 | RMX3388 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) |
Realme 9i 5G
- Potentially more affordable
- Decent performance for the price
- 5G connectivity
- Potentially lower refresh rate display
- Camera may be less advanced
- Design might be less premium
Realme 9 5G (India)
- Potentially better camera system
- Slightly more refined design
- Potentially higher refresh rate display
- Potentially higher price
- Performance largely similar to 9i 5G
- 18W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
While both likely feature a 6.5-inch display, the Realme 9 5G (India) may have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs potentially 60Hz on the 9i 5G) leading to smoother scrolling and animations. Panel type (LCD vs AMOLED) is a key differentiator to investigate further, with AMOLED offering better contrast and colors.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 9 5G (India) is expected to have a more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor or additional lenses (like a macro lens). Image processing algorithms also differ, impacting photo quality in various conditions. Low-light performance is a key area to compare.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 810, so expect similar performance in everyday tasks and gaming. However, RAM and storage configurations could vary, impacting multitasking capabilities. Software optimization also plays a role.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging. Battery capacity is a crucial factor; the Realme 9i 5G might have a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but charging speed is identical.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9i 5G is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more affordable 5G experience and don't heavily rely on advanced camera features. The Realme 9 5G (India) is a better choice for those seeking a more refined design, potentially better camera performance, and a slightly more premium feel, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Dimensity 810 chipset good for gaming?
The Dimensity 810 is a capable chipset for mid-range gaming. You can expect playable frame rates in most games at medium settings. However, demanding titles might require lower graphics settings.
❓ What is the difference between LCD and AMOLED displays?
AMOLED displays offer better contrast ratios, more vibrant colors, and deeper blacks compared to LCD displays. They also tend to be more power-efficient. LCDs are generally more affordable.
