The Realme 9i and Realme 9 are both compelling budget smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer a solid feature set at an attractive price point, but which one truly delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9 edges out the 9i thanks to its slightly brighter display and potentially better camera capabilities (though both are decent). While both share the same Snapdragon 680 chipset, the Realme 9's overall package feels a bit more refined, justifying its slightly higher price. Both are excellent choices for budget-conscious buyers.
| 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 | 2022, April 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 10 | Available. Released 2022, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Dragontrail Pro Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| 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 - Vietnam
UFS 2.1 - India | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 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
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, dual pixel PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 70 min | 33W wired, 50% in 31 min, 100% in 75 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Meteor Black, Sunburst Gold, Stargaze White |
| Models | RMX3491 | RMX3521 |
| Price | € 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09 | About 660 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 156h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 290097 (v9)
GeekBench: 1601 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9i
- Fast 33W Charging
- Compact Design
- Good Value for Money
- Smooth Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Potentially Less Bright Display
- Camera May Not Be as Advanced as Realme 9
- No 5G Connectivity
Realme 9
- Brighter Display (647 nits)
- Potentially Better Camera
- Excellent Battery Life (156h Endurance)
- Vibrant AMOLED Display
- Slightly Higher Price
- Charging Time Slightly Longer (75 min vs 70 min)
- No 5G Connectivity
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 boasts a measured peak brightness of 647 nits, significantly brighter than the Realme 9i. While the Realme 9's contrast ratio is listed as 'infinite' (likely a marketing term), the higher brightness gives it a clear advantage in outdoor visibility. Both phones likely use similar AMOLED panels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
While both phones are listed as having 'Photo/Video' capabilities, the Realme 9 is generally expected to have a slightly better camera system. Details on specific sensor sizes and features are needed for a more precise comparison, but the Realme 9 often features a more advanced primary sensor. Both should be capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset and an Octa-core CPU, suggesting similar performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Real-world performance will depend on software optimization and RAM management, which could vary slightly between the two models. Expect smooth performance for social media, browsing, and basic apps.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 156 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. The Realme 9i also offers good battery life, charging from 0-100% in 70 minutes with 33W charging. While the Realme 9's endurance rating is higher, both phones should easily last a full day on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9i is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a slightly more compact design. It's a great option for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Realme 9 is better suited for those who value a brighter display for outdoor visibility and potentially improved camera performance, even if the difference is marginal.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 chipset good for gaming?
The Snapdragon 680 is suitable for casual gaming and less demanding titles. However, it may struggle with graphically intensive games at high settings.
❓ Do both phones support 5G?
No, neither the Realme 9i nor the Realme 9 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G devices.
