The Realme 9i and Realme 8i are both popular choices in the budget smartphone market, offering compelling features at an affordable price. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9i takes the lead with its significantly faster Snapdragon 680 chipset and 33W charging, offering a noticeable performance boost and quicker top-ups. However, the Realme 8i boasts exceptional battery life and a vibrant display, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 10 | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Dragontrail Pro Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 | 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 - Vietnam
UFS 2.1 - India | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | Panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 70 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | RMX3491 | RMX3151 |
| Price | € 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09 | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
Realme 9i
- Faster Snapdragon 680 chipset
- 33W fast charging
- 90Hz refresh rate
- Sleek design
- Battery life slightly less than 8i
- Camera performance may not be significantly better than 8i
Realme 8i
- Exceptional battery life (131h endurance)
- Vibrant display with good contrast
- Affordable price
- Slower Helio G96 chipset
- 18W charging is slower
- Older design
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i features a 1244:1 contrast ratio and 540 nits brightness, delivering a vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience. The Realme 9i's display is likely comparable, though specific brightness and contrast figures are not readily available. Both offer a smooth 90Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. The Realme 8i likely offers good image quality in well-lit conditions, while the Realme 9i's newer chipset may provide slightly improved image processing. Both likely have a primary sensor around 50MP.
Performance
Here's where the Realme 9i shines. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a significant performance advantage over the Realme 8i's older Helio G96 (12nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 9i.
Battery Life
The Realme 8i excels in battery life, boasting an impressive endurance rating of 131 hours. The Realme 9i, while still offering good battery life, doesn't quite match the 8i's longevity. However, the 9i's 33W charging significantly reduces charging times.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9i is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging. It's a great choice for light gaming and everyday multitasking. The Realme 8i is perfect for those who need a phone that lasts all day (and then some) and appreciate a good display for media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9i worth the upgrade from the Realme 8i?
If performance and faster charging are important to you, then yes. The Snapdragon 680 offers a noticeable improvement. If battery life is your top priority, the 8i remains a strong choice.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Realme 9i, thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset, will provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
