The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme Q5i and Oppo F9 (F9 Pro) are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme Q5i edges out the Oppo F9 thanks to its significantly faster Dimensity 810 chipset and faster 33W charging. While the Oppo F9 boasts incredible battery endurance and a stunning display contrast, the Q5i's performance advantage makes it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - all versions |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 600/100 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 18 | 2018, August. Released 2018, August |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 8.1 mm thickness | 156.7 x 74 x 8 mm (6.17 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.0 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, ColorOS 7.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/1.8, 1/3.1, 1.0µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 25 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Sunrise Red, Twilight Blue, Starry Purple, Jade Green |
| Models | RMX3574 | CPH1823, CPH1881, CPH1825 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.8dB / Crosstalk -92.1dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 94h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1814:1 (nominal), 3.069 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 71dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 81dB
|
| Performance | - |
GeekBench: 5673 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 6.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme Q5i
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 810)
- Faster Charging (33W)
- Modern Chipset
- Likely Improved Camera
- Battery life may not match Oppo F9
- Display details need further review
Oppo F9 (F9 Pro)
- Exceptional Battery Life (94h endurance)
- Excellent Display Contrast
- Good Camera Performance (for its time)
- Slower Processor (Helio P60)
- Slower Charging (20W)
- Older Chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature impressive contrast ratios (1814:1 nominal, 3.069 in sunlight), suggesting excellent image quality. The Oppo F9's display is known for its vibrant colors and good outdoor visibility. The Realme Q5i likely has a similar quality display, but detailed reviews are needed to confirm color accuracy and brightness levels. Screen size and resolution are likely comparable, around 6.3 inches with FHD+ resolution.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective and depends on individual preferences. The Oppo F9 is known for its decent camera capabilities, producing good-looking photos in well-lit conditions. The Realme Q5i likely features a more modern camera setup, potentially with improved low-light performance and image processing. Specific camera specs (megapixel count, aperture) would be needed for a more accurate comparison.
Performance
This is where the Realme Q5i shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Oppo F9's Helio P60 (12nm). The Dimensity 810 offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother gaming, faster app loading times, and improved overall responsiveness. The Oppo F9's Helio P60 is adequate for everyday tasks but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Oppo F9's standout feature is its exceptional battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 94 hours. This is a significant advantage for users who need a phone that can last for multiple days on a single charge. The Realme Q5i, while having a decent battery capacity, likely won't match the F9's longevity due to its more power-hungry chipset.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme Q5i? Users prioritizing performance, smoother multitasking, and faster charging will appreciate the Q5i. Who should buy the Oppo F9 (F9 Pro)? Those seeking exceptional battery life and a vibrant display, even if it means sacrificing some processing power, might find the F9 appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Q5i good for gaming?
Yes, the Realme Q5i's Dimensity 810 chipset provides significantly better gaming performance than the Oppo F9's Helio P60. You can expect smoother gameplay and higher frame rates in most games.
❓ How does the Oppo F9's battery life compare to other phones?
The Oppo F9's battery life is exceptional, offering an endurance rating of 94 hours. This is significantly longer than most modern smartphones.
