The sub-$250 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme 9i and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches: the Realme 9i prioritizes charging speed and a streamlined experience, while the A23 5G adds 5G connectivity and a marginally more capable processor. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the better choice. While the Realme 9i boasts faster 33W charging, the A23 5G’s Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and 5G support provide future-proofing and a slight performance edge, making it a more versatile device.
| 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, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 5, 30, 66, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 10 | Available. Released 2022, September 02 |
| 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) | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Dragontrail Pro Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 - Vietnam
UFS 2.1 - India | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm - USA
8 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm - International |
| 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 |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| 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, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 70 min | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, White, Peach, Blue |
| Models | RMX3491 | SM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL |
| Price | € 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09 | $ 84.44 / £ 129.00 / € 125.28 / ₹ 21,000 |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.49 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 138h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1328:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 318821 (v9)
GeekBench: 1940 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme 9i
- Faster 33W charging for quick top-ups
- Potentially lower price point
- Streamlined software experience (typical of Realme)
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Less powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Limited future-proofing
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- 5G connectivity for future-proof network access
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Established Samsung software ecosystem
- Slower 25W charging
- Potentially higher price point
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource-intensive
Display Comparison
Both devices offer a similar display experience, with the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G achieving a measured peak brightness of 508 nits and a 1328:1 contrast ratio. While these numbers are respectable for the price point, they aren’t class-leading. The Realme 9i’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it’s likely to be comparable. The lack of high refresh rate panels on either device means scrolling and animations won’t be as fluid as on more expensive phones. The similar contrast ratios suggest comparable viewing experiences in terms of black levels and color depth.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is missing. Without specifics on megapixel counts, sensor sizes, or aperture values, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market segment, it’s reasonable to assume both phones rely on budget-friendly sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A23 5G (likely also on the 9i) is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with Samsung’s software typically prioritizing vibrant colors and detail enhancement.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset represents a step up from the Realme 9i’s Snapdragon 680. The 695 features a 2x2 Kryo 660 Gold core configuration clocked at 2.2 GHz, paired with 6x Kryo 660 Silver cores at 1.7 GHz, compared to the 9i’s 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver. This translates to slightly better multi-core performance on the A23 5G, particularly noticeable in demanding applications and multitasking. Crucially, the 695 also integrates a 5G modem, offering future-proof connectivity that the 4G-only Realme 9i lacks. Both chipsets are fabricated on a 6nm process, suggesting similar power efficiency, but the A23 5G’s architecture provides a performance advantage.
Battery Life
Both the Realme 9i and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G achieve an endurance rating of 138 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The Realme 9i supports 33W wired charging, promising a full charge in approximately 70 minutes, while the A23 5G is limited to 25W. This means the 9i will replenish its battery much faster, a significant advantage for users who frequently need to top up. Despite the slower charging, the A23 5G’s slightly more efficient chipset and comparable battery capacity should provide all-day battery life for moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 9i if you prioritize extremely fast charging and are content with 4G connectivity. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and don’t need the latest network technology. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G if you want 5G connectivity for future-proofing, a slightly more powerful processor for smoother multitasking, and a brand with a well-established software ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the Galaxy A23 5G struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Snapdragon 695 isn't a flagship chipset, it's capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action, but it's generally playable. The Realme 9i’s Snapdragon 680 will likely require even lower settings for a similar experience.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Realme 9i and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G are largely marketing features. The small sensor size and lack of autofocus result in images with limited detail and sharpness. They are best avoided in favor of the main camera.
❓ How does Samsung's One UI software compare to Realme UI in terms of performance and updates?
Samsung's One UI is a feature-rich software experience, but it can be more resource-intensive than Realme UI, potentially leading to slightly slower performance on the A23 5G. Samsung generally provides longer software support and more frequent security updates than Realme, offering better long-term security and feature enhancements.
❓ Will the lack of 5G on the Realme 9i be a significant limitation in the next few years?
As 5G networks continue to expand and become more prevalent, the lack of 5G support on the Realme 9i will become increasingly noticeable. While 4G is still widely available, 5G offers significantly faster speeds and lower latency, enhancing the mobile experience for data-intensive tasks like streaming and online gaming.
