The Realme 9i and Realme 9i 5G are both contenders in the competitive budget smartphone market. Both offer attractive features at affordable prices, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme 9i takes the lead with its significantly faster charging and Snapdragon 680 chipset offering slightly better overall performance. However, the Realme 9i 5G brings 5G connectivity to the table, making it a compelling choice for future-proofing and faster data speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 10 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Dragontrail Pro Glass | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| 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 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| 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
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| 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 | 33W wired, 100% in 70 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | RMX3491 | RMX3612 |
| Price | € 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09 | About 180 EUR |
Realme 9i
- Faster 33W Charging
- Slightly Better Overall Performance (Snapdragon 680)
- Good Value for Money
- Reliable Performance
- No 5G Connectivity
- Slightly Less Gaming Performance than 9i 5G
Realme 9i 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Decent Gaming Performance (Dimensity 810)
- Future-Proofing
- Competitive Price
- Slower 18W Charging
- Slightly Lower Overall Performance than 9i
- Image Processing Could Be Better
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth visual experience. While panel technology might differ slightly (likely IPS LCD for both), the overall viewing experience is comparable. Color accuracy and brightness are adequate for the price range.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 50MP primary camera, but the Realme 9i generally produces slightly better images in well-lit conditions due to potentially better image processing. The Realme 9i 5G's camera is still capable, but may struggle a bit more in low light. Both offer similar ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
The Realme 9i boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, known for its efficiency and decent performance. The Realme 9i 5G utilizes a Mediatek Dimensity 810, which offers a slight edge in gaming and multitasking due to its different core configuration, but the Snapdragon 680 is generally more power efficient. Real-world performance will be similar for most users.
Battery Life
The Realme 9i has a clear advantage with its 33W fast charging, allowing for significantly quicker top-ups. The Realme 9i 5G's 18W charging is slower, taking considerably longer to fully charge the battery. Both phones have a similar 5000mAh battery capacity, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Realme 9i is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging, a slightly more powerful processor for everyday tasks, and don't need 5G. The Realme 9i 5G is a better choice for those who want 5G connectivity and are willing to trade off some charging speed and a bit of performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9i 5G worth the extra cost?
If 5G connectivity is important to you, then yes. Otherwise, the Realme 9i offers better charging and slightly better performance for a similar price.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Realme 9i 5G has a slight edge in gaming due to the Dimensity 810 chipset, but both phones are primarily designed for casual gaming.
