Realme continues to deliver budget-friendly smartphones packed with features. The Narzo 30 Pro 5G and Realme 9i 5G are two compelling options, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster charging, more powerful chipset, and overall smoother performance. While the Realme 9i 5G offers a more modern design and potentially better camera in certain lighting conditions, the Narzo 30 Pro 5G provides a more premium experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 24 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 04 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 75.1 x 9.1 mm (6.39 x 2.96 x 0.36 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz , 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, PD, 50% in 25 min, 100% in 65 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sword Black, Blade Silver | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | RMX2117 | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G
- Faster Charging (30W)
- More Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 800U)
- Likely Higher Refresh Rate Display
- Generally Smoother Performance
- Potentially Older Design
- Camera might not be as good in all conditions
Realme 9i 5G
- Modern Design
- Potentially Better Camera in Good Lighting
- More Affordable
- Slower Charging (18W)
- Less Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Standard 60Hz Display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with a resolution around 1080 x 2400 pixels. However, the Narzo 30 Pro 5G might offer a slightly higher refresh rate (likely 120Hz) for smoother scrolling and gaming, while the 9i 5G likely sticks to a standard 60Hz. Panel technology is likely IPS LCD for both.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 9i 5G is rumored to have a 64MP main camera, potentially offering slightly better image quality in well-lit conditions. The Narzo 30 Pro 5G likely has a 64MP main camera as well, but the overall camera experience will depend on software processing. Both likely have ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
The Narzo 30 Pro 5G's Dimensity 800U chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Realme 9i 5G's Dimensity 810. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Narzo 30 Pro 5G. Both have 8GB RAM, but the chipset difference is key.
Battery Life
The Narzo 30 Pro 5G boasts 30W fast charging, a significant advantage over the Realme 9i 5G's 18W charging. This translates to much quicker charging times and more convenient usage throughout the day. Both likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh.
Buying Guide
The Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G is ideal for users prioritizing performance, fast charging, and a smoother user experience. The Realme 9i 5G is a good choice for those on a tighter budget who value a modern design and a decent camera, and don't mind slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9i 5G worth buying?
The Realme 9i 5G is a decent budget option, especially if you prioritize design and a good camera for the price. However, be aware of the slower charging and less powerful processor.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Narzo 30 Pro 5G is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 800U chipset.