Realme 9i 5G vs Realme 9i: The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing between the Realme 9i 5G and the Realme 9i can be tricky. Both offer compelling features at an attractive price point, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is the right fit for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Realme 9i takes the crown for overall value thanks to its faster charging and efficient Snapdragon 680. However, the Realme 9i 5G offers 5G connectivity, making it a worthwhile upgrade for those prioritizing future-proofing and faster data speeds.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 9i 5G	Realme 9i

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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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
	-	1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41

Launch
Announced	2022, August 18	2022, January 10
Status	Available. Released 2022, August 24	Available. Released 2022, January 10

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in)	164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 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)	190 g (6.70 oz)

Display
Protection	Panda Glass	Dragontrail Pro 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 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ)	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ)

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 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4

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
	UFS 2.2	UFS 2.2 - Vietnam UFS 2.1 - India

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), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Triple	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto) 2 MP (macro)	50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	Panorama
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide)	16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
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, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	33W wired, 100% in 70 min
Type	5000 mAh	5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold	Black, Blue
Models	RMX3612	RMX3491
Price	About 180 EUR	€ 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09

Realme 9i 5G

5G Connectivity
Better Gaming Performance
Slightly more powerful processor

Slower Charging
Potentially higher price
Less efficient charging

Realme 9i

Faster Charging (33W)
More Efficient Processor
Generally better value

No 5G
Slightly less powerful GPU
Older chipset

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth and immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy and brightness are comparable, making this a draw. The Realme 9i might have slightly better color calibration due to its slightly older panel, but the difference is minimal.

Camera Comparison

The Realme 9i boasts a 64MP main camera, while the Realme 9i 5G also features a 64MP main camera. Image quality is generally similar in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is comparable, with both phones struggling slightly. Video recording capabilities are adequate on both devices.

Performance

The Realme 9i 5G's Dimensity 810 offers a noticeable performance boost in gaming and demanding tasks compared to the Realme 9i's Snapdragon 680. While the Snapdragon 680 is efficient, the Dimensity 810's GPU provides a smoother gaming experience. However, day-to-day tasks are handled well by both.

Battery Life

The Realme 9i shines in this category with its 33W fast charging, allowing for a full charge in around 70 minutes. The Realme 9i 5G's 18W charging is significantly slower, taking considerably longer to reach a full charge. Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage.

Buying Guide

The Realme 9i 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity and are comfortable with slightly slower charging. The Realme 9i is a better choice for those prioritizing faster charging, a more efficient processor, and a slightly better overall value proposition.