The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 9i 5G and vivo T2x (India) are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer 5G connectivity and attractive price points, but which one delivers the better overall experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9i 5G edges out the vivo T2x due to its slightly more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost in demanding tasks. While both have similar battery and charging capabilities, the Realme's stronger processor makes it the preferred choice for most users.
| 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 | 1, 3, 8, 28, 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, April 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Available. Released 2023, April 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 13, Funtouch 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 0.64µm, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| 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) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold | Glimmer Black, Aurora Gold, Marine Blue |
| Models | RMX3612 | V2253 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Realme 9i 5G
- More powerful Dimensity 810 chipset
- Potentially higher refresh rate display
- Slightly better gaming performance
- Good value for money
- 18W charging is slow
- Camera performance can be inconsistent
vivo T2x (India)
- Potentially better camera software optimization
- Reliable daily driver
- Clean user interface
- Less powerful Dimensity 6020 chipset
- Likely 60Hz display
- Slower performance in demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar 6.5-inch+ LCD displays with FHD+ resolution. Expect decent color accuracy and brightness for everyday use. The Realme 9i 5G might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs potentially 60Hz on the T2x), leading to smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor around 50MP, camera performance will heavily depend on software processing. The vivo T2x might have slightly better image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in more vibrant colors and better low-light performance, but the Realme 9i 5G's hardware gives it a slight edge.
Performance
The Realme 9i 5G's Dimensity 810 chipset holds a clear advantage over the vivo T2x's Dimensity 6020. The 810 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming capabilities. The 6nm process on the 810 also contributes to slightly better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The 18W wired charging is standard for this price range, offering acceptable but not exceptional charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9i 5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance and gaming on a budget. The vivo T2x is a good option for those seeking a reliable daily driver with a focus on essential features and a potentially slightly better camera experience (depending on software optimization).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme 9i 5G is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 810 chipset.
❓ Does the vivo T2x have a better camera?
Potentially, the vivo T2x might have slightly better camera software optimization, but the Realme 9i 5G's hardware is generally stronger.
❓ What is the battery life like on both phones?
Both phones offer all-day battery life with their 5000mAh batteries, but the Realme 9i 5G's more efficient chipset could provide slightly longer usage.
