Realme 9i 5G vs Samsung Galaxy M14: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and two contenders vying for your attention are the Realme 9i 5G and the Samsung Galaxy M14. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy M14 edges out the Realme 9i 5G thanks to its more efficient chipset, larger battery, and potentially better software support. While the Realme offers 5G connectivity, the M14's overall package provides a more polished and long-lasting experience, especially considering the faster charging in India.

PHONES
Phone Names	Realme 9i 5G	Samsung Galaxy M14

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, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands	1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 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	2023, March 08
Status	Available. Released 2022, August 24	Available. Released 2023, March 08

Body
Build	-	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in)	166.8 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm (6.57 x 3.04 x 0.37 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	187 g (6.60 oz)	206 g (7.27 oz)

Display
Protection	Panda Glass	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ)	PLS LCD, 90Hz

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)	Exynos 1330 (5 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G68 MP2
OS	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0	Android 13, One UI core 5.1

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	UFS 2.2	-

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide)	13 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
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, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	-
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide)	13 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.2, A2DP, LE	5.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
Radio	No	Unspecified
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, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired	15W wired - international 25W wired - India
Type	5000 mAh	Li-Po 6000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold	Navy Blue, Light Blue, Silver
Models	RMX3612	SM-M146B, SM-M146B/DS, SM-M146B/DSN
Price	About 180 EUR	₹ 10,990
SAR EU	-	0.48 W/kg (head) 1.53 W/kg (body)

Realme 9i 5G

5G Connectivity
Slightly more compact design
Decent performance for the price

Less efficient chipset
Slower charging
Potentially shorter software support

Samsung Galaxy M14

Better performance (Exynos 1330)
Larger battery capacity
Potentially better camera processing
Faster charging (India)
Samsung's software support

Larger size
15W charging (international)

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.6 inches, with FHD+ resolution. The Samsung Galaxy M14 might offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to Samsung's display technology, but both should provide a satisfactory viewing experience for everyday use. Expect LCD panels on both devices.

Camera Comparison

Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary 50MP sensor. However, Samsung's image processing algorithms are generally considered to be more refined, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and more natural-looking photos. The Galaxy M14 might also offer slightly better low-light performance. Expect a secondary ultrawide and macro lens on both.

Performance

The Exynos 1330 in the Galaxy M14 holds a significant advantage over the Dimensity 810. The 5nm process allows for better power efficiency and generally superior performance in both CPU and GPU tasks. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the M14. The Dimensity 810 is still capable, but it will show its limitations under heavier loads.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy M14 boasts a larger battery capacity (likely 6000mAh) compared to the Realme 9i 5G. This translates to significantly longer battery life, easily lasting a full day or even two with moderate usage. While the Realme 9i 5G offers 18W charging, the Galaxy M14 has 15W (international) / 25W (India) charging, making it faster to recharge, especially in India.

Buying Guide

The Realme 9i 5G is a good choice for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly more compact design. The Samsung Galaxy M14 is ideal for those seeking longer battery life, smoother performance, and the reliability of the Samsung brand, particularly if you're in India and can benefit from the 25W charging.