Choosing a new budget 5G phone can be overwhelming. The Realme 9i 5G and Realme 9 5G Speed are both strong contenders, offering 5G connectivity and attractive features at competitive prices. But which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 5G Speed is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset delivers significantly better performance, faster charging, and a generally smoother experience. While the 9i 5G is a decent option, the 9 5G Speed offers a more premium feel and future-proofed performance.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 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 - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - International |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 18 | 2022, March 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Available. Released 2022, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Panda Glass), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 11, upgradable to 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 | 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) | 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps |
| 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 | 5.2, 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 30W wired, 50% in 25 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold | Starry Glow, Azure Glow |
| Models | RMX3612 | RMX3461 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 240 EUR |
Realme 9i 5G
- More affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Slower performance
- Slower charging
- Less premium build
Realme 9 5G Speed
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 778G)
- Faster charging (30W)
- Slightly better camera
- Slightly more expensive
- Potentially shorter battery life (due to faster charging)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling. However, the Realme 9 5G Speed might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially using a higher quality panel. Expect similar resolution (FHD+).
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 50MP main camera. The Realme 9 5G Speed's superior processor and potentially better image processing algorithms should result in slightly better image quality, especially in low light. Expect similar ultrawide and macro lenses on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Realme 9 5G Speed shines. The Snapdragon 778G is a significantly more powerful chipset than the Dimensity 810. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the 9 5G Speed. The 9i 5G will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Realme 9i 5G likely has a slightly larger battery capacity. However, the Realme 9 5G Speed's 30W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, offering a much more convenient experience. While the 9i 5G might last slightly longer on a single charge, the 9 5G Speed's faster charging makes up for it.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9i 5G is a good choice for users on a tight budget who prioritize a large display and decent battery life for basic tasks. The Realme 9 5G Speed is ideal for those who want a smoother, faster experience for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps, and appreciate faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9i 5G good for gaming?
It can handle casual games, but demanding titles will likely experience lag and reduced graphics settings. The Realme 9 5G Speed is a much better choice for serious mobile gaming.
❓ Which phone has better 5G connectivity?
Both support 5G, but the Snapdragon 778G in the Realme 9 5G Speed generally offers more reliable and faster 5G speeds due to its more advanced modem.
