Realme X9 Pro vs Motorola Edge+ (2023): A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The Realme X9 Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 870, represents a compelling value proposition in a market increasingly dominated by expensive flagships. The Motorola Edge+ (2023), sporting the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, aims to deliver uncompromising performance. This comparison dissects these two devices, focusing on where the generational leap in silicon translates to real-world benefits and whether the Edge+ justifies its higher price tag.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Motorola Edge+ (2023) is the superior device, offering a significant performance uplift thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However, the Realme X9 Pro provides excellent value, delivering a smooth experience for everyday tasks and gaming at a considerably lower price point. The Edge+ is for power users; the X9 Pro is for smart spenders.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme X9 Pro Motorola Edge+ (2023)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 41, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
AnnouncedNot announced yet2023, May 02
StatusCancelledAvailable. Released 2023, May 19
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.9 x 72.5 x 8 mm (6.30 x 2.85 x 0.31 in)161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm (6.35 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight185 g (6.49 oz)203 g (7.16 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+OLED, 1B colors, 165Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 740
OSAndroid 11Android 13, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128/256/512GB, 3/8/12GB RAM512GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesDual LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF 16 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm Auxiliary lens-
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/1.6, (telephoto), 1/2.93", 1.22µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS, HDR8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 10-bit HDR10+, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanoramaHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm60 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.61µm
Video1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCUnspecifiedYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ready For 3.5 support
Battery
Charging65W wired 5W reverse wired68W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wired 5W reverse wireless
Type4500 mAhLi-Po 5100 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue; other coloursInterstellar Black
Price-$ 298.99

Realme X9 Pro

  • Significantly lower price point
  • Excellent performance for the price
  • Fast 65W wired charging

  • Older Snapdragon 870 chipset
  • Lacks wireless charging

Motorola Edge+ (2023)

  • Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging
  • Superior image processing capabilities

  • Higher price tag
  • May experience more thermal throttling under sustained load (though Gen 2 is efficient)

Display Comparison

While both devices likely feature high-refresh-rate OLED panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in the underlying processing power impacting display responsiveness. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s superior ISP and processing capabilities in the Edge+ could translate to more accurate color reproduction and faster image processing for display output. The Realme X9 Pro, while still capable, will likely exhibit slightly less nuanced visuals. The Edge+’s chipset also allows for potentially more advanced display features, such as variable refresh rate optimization for power saving.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, we can infer advantages for the Edge+ based on its chipset. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) enables superior image processing, including better noise reduction, dynamic range, and detail preservation, especially in low-light conditions. The 870’s ISP is capable, but the Gen 2’s is a generation ahead. The Edge+ is likely to support more advanced computational photography features, such as improved portrait mode and video stabilization. While both phones may offer similar lens configurations, the Edge+’s processing power will likely result in higher-quality images and videos.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Motorola Edge+ (2023) represents a substantial architectural upgrade over the Snapdragon 870 in the Realme X9 Pro. Built on a 4nm process versus the 870’s 7nm, the Gen 2 offers significantly improved power efficiency and thermal performance. The Gen 2’s CPU features a Cortex-X3 prime core, offering a noticeable performance boost in single-threaded tasks compared to the Kryo 585 in the 870. The Edge+’s Adreno 740 GPU also dwarfs the 870’s Adreno 660, resulting in substantially higher graphics performance, crucial for demanding games and applications. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the Motorola.

Battery Life

The Motorola Edge+ (2023) offers 68W wired charging, potentially allowing for a slightly faster 0-100% charge compared to the Realme X9 Pro’s 65W. However, the Edge+ also introduces 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging, features absent on the X9 Pro. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s improved power efficiency will likely contribute to longer battery life on the Edge+, despite potentially having a similar battery capacity to the X9 Pro. The combination of faster wired charging, wireless charging options, and improved efficiency gives the Edge+ a clear advantage in battery and charging versatility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme X9 Pro if you prioritize value and a smooth, responsive experience for daily use and casual gaming. It’s ideal for users who want a capable phone without breaking the bank. Buy the Motorola Edge+ (2023) if you demand the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like video editing, heavy gaming, and multitasking, and are willing to pay a premium for the latest Snapdragon technology and features like wireless charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 870 in the Realme X9 Pro struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 870 is still a very capable chipset and can handle Genshin Impact, but you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain a consistently smooth frame rate. The Motorola Edge+ (2023) with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will provide a significantly smoother experience at higher settings.
❓ Does the Motorola Edge+ (2023) get noticeably hotter than the Realme X9 Pro during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is more efficient than the 870, it can still generate heat under sustained load. However, the 4nm process and improved thermal management in the Edge+ should mitigate throttling better than the 7nm 870 in the X9 Pro, resulting in more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Motorola Edge+ (2023) significantly slower than the 68W wired charging?
Yes, 15W wireless charging is considerably slower than 68W wired charging. Expect a full charge via wireless to take several hours, while wired charging will reach 100% much faster. Wireless charging is primarily for convenience, not speed.