The budget 5G smartphone market is heating up, and Realme is leading the charge. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Realme Q3 5G and the Realme 9i 5G. But which one offers the best value and performance? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q3 5G takes the crown thanks to its superior Snapdragon 750G chipset, faster charging, and generally smoother performance. However, the Realme 9i 5G offers a compelling alternative with its Dimensity 810 and potentially better camera capabilities, especially in certain lighting conditions, at a potentially lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 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, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 22 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 29 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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 (~83.9% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 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@30/60fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | - | 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, 100% in 63 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | RMX3161 | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Realme Q3 5G
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 750G)
- Faster 30W Charging
- Potentially Higher Refresh Rate Display
- More Efficient Chipset
- Potentially Less Optimized Camera Software
- May be slightly more expensive
Realme 9i 5G
- Potentially Better Low-Light Camera Performance
- More Compact Design (Likely)
- Potentially Lower Price
- Slower 18W Charging
- Less Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Lower Refresh Rate Display (Likely)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with a resolution around 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Q3 5G might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs 60Hz on the 9i 5G), leading to smoother scrolling and animations. Panel technology is likely IPS LCD for both, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
The Realme 9i 5G is rumored to have a 48MP main camera, potentially with improved low-light performance due to software optimizations. The Q3 5G likely features a similar main sensor, but the overall camera experience will depend on image processing algorithms. Both likely have ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
The Realme Q3 5G's Snapdragon 750G chipset is significantly more powerful than the Realme 9i 5G's Dimensity 810. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the Q3 5G. The 8nm process of the Snapdragon 750G also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Realme Q3 5G boasts 30W fast charging, which is a significant advantage over the Realme 9i 5G's 18W charging. Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, but the faster charging on the Q3 5G means quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q3 5G is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging. It's a great choice for gamers and those who frequently multitask. The Realme 9i 5G is better suited for users who value camera quality and a slightly more compact design, and are on a tighter budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme Q3 5G is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 750G chipset.
❓ Does the Realme 9i 5G have a better camera?
While the Realme 9i 5G might have slightly better low-light camera performance, the overall camera experience is close and depends on software optimization.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
The Realme Q3 5G charges much faster, taking around 63 minutes with its 30W charger, compared to the Realme 9i 5G's longer charging time with its 18W charger.
