Realme continues to deliver compelling mid-range smartphones, and the Q3s and 9i 5G are prime examples. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q3s takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 778G chipset and faster charging. While the 9i 5G offers a more budget-friendly price point, the Q3s' superior performance and charging speed make it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 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, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 19 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 01 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 600 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | 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, 256GB 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
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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | 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/6, 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, 50% in 25 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora, Dark Blue | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | - | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Realme Q3s
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 778G)
- Faster 30W Charging
- Likely Better Camera Quality
- 5G Connectivity
- Potentially Higher Price
- Design may be less appealing to some
Realme 9i 5G
- More Affordable
- 5G Connectivity
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower 18W Charging
- Less Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 810)
- Likely Inferior Camera
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely LCD) with a refresh rate around 120Hz. The Q3s might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potentially higher-quality panel, but this is not definitively confirmed without detailed testing. Screen size is likely around 6.5 inches for both.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a triple-camera setup, the Q3s likely has a more advanced primary sensor and image processing capabilities. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Q3s. Both likely have a macro and depth sensor.
Performance
The Snapdragon 778G in the Q3s is a clear winner here. It's a more powerful chipset than the Dimensity 810 in the 9i 5G, offering significantly better CPU and GPU performance. Expect smoother gaming, faster app loading times, and overall snappier responsiveness on the Q3s.
Battery Life
The Q3s has a clear advantage with 30W charging compared to the 9i 5G's 18W. This means the Q3s will charge significantly faster. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh) so battery life should be comparable between the two.
Buying Guide
The Realme Q3s is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smooth multitasking, and fast charging. The Realme 9i 5G is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who need 5G connectivity and don't require top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Q3s worth the extra money?
If performance and fast charging are important to you, then yes. The Snapdragon 778G provides a noticeable upgrade over the Dimensity 810.
❓ Which phone has better 5G connectivity?
Both phones support 5G, so connectivity should be comparable. Performance will depend on your carrier and network conditions.
