The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme X9 and Xiaomi Poco F4 are two strong contenders. Both aim to deliver flagship-level performance without the flagship price tag. The Poco F4, leveraging the Snapdragon 870, has been a mainstay for performance seekers, while the Realme X9 enters the fray with a focus on fast charging and a streamlined experience. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which phone offers the best overall package.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco F4 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset provides consistently robust performance, and the 101-hour endurance rating suggests excellent battery life. While the Realme X9’s 65W charging is competitive, the Poco F4’s slightly faster 67W charging and overall efficiency give it an edge.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 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 | Not announced yet | 2022, June 23 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, June 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | - | 163.2 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.43 x 2.99 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, HDR10 | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 900 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MIUI 14.2 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, (wide), PDAF
13 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide) 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | Unspecified | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 65W wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 38 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black; other colors | Moonlight Silver, Night Black, Nebula Green |
| Models | - | 22021211RG, 22021211RI |
| Price | - | ₹ 16,999 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 101h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 590961 (v8), 698586 (v9)
GeekBench: 3190 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 49fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme X9
- Potentially faster software updates (Realme UI)
- Competitive 65W fast charging
- Streamlined design (assumption based on Realme's aesthetic)
- Unknown chipset performance – likely inferior to Snapdragon 870
- Missing battery capacity and endurance data
Xiaomi Poco F4
- Powerful Snapdragon 870 5G chipset
- Excellent 101-hour battery endurance
- Fast 67W charging with PD3.0/QC3 support
- MIUI software can be bloated (subjective)
- Design may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Poco F4 boasts a display capable of reaching 1003 nits of peak brightness, a significant advantage for outdoor visibility compared to the Realme X9 (brightness data unavailable). Both displays feature an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio, typical for OLED panels. While the Realme X9’s panel characteristics are unknown, the Poco F4’s high peak brightness ensures a vibrant and readable experience even in direct sunlight. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests a standard 120Hz refresh rate, which is still smooth but less power-efficient than adaptive refresh rate displays.
Camera Comparison
Both the Realme X9 and Xiaomi Poco F4 offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the X9. The Poco F4’s camera system likely features a primary sensor with a larger aperture for improved low-light performance. Without specific details on the Realme X9’s camera hardware, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. It’s safe to assume the Poco F4’s image processing, leveraging Qualcomm’s ISP, will provide a more consistent and refined image quality.
Performance
The Poco F4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) chipset is the clear performance leader. Its octa-core configuration – 1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585, and 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585 – delivers a substantial performance uplift over any chipset likely found in the Realme X9 at this price point. The 7nm process node contributes to better thermal efficiency, minimizing throttling during extended gaming sessions. While the Realme X9’s chipset is unspecified, it’s unlikely to match the Snapdragon 870’s raw power. The Poco F4’s LPDDR5 RAM (spec not confirmed for X9) further enhances responsiveness and multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
The Poco F4’s endurance rating of 101 hours is a standout feature, indicating excellent battery life. While the Realme X9’s battery capacity is unknown, the Poco F4’s efficiency, combined with its 67W wired charging (supporting PD3.0 and QC3), allows for a full charge in just 38 minutes. The Realme X9’s 65W charging is competitive, but the Poco F4’s slightly faster charging speed and superior endurance give it a noticeable advantage for users who prioritize long-lasting battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme X9 if you prioritize extremely fast charging and a potentially more refined software experience (depending on Realme UI preference). It’s a good option for users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day. Buy the Xiaomi Poco F4 if you value sustained performance for gaming and demanding applications, coupled with excellent battery endurance. This phone is ideal for power users and those who want a phone that can last a full day on a single charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Poco F4’s Snapdragon 870 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 870 is known for its excellent thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the Poco F4’s cooling system is generally effective at preventing significant throttling, allowing for sustained performance over extended periods. User reports confirm manageable temperatures even during demanding titles.
❓ How does the Poco F4’s MIUI software affect performance and battery life?
MIUI is a heavily customized Android skin. While it offers numerous features, it can also be resource-intensive. Xiaomi has been optimizing MIUI in recent versions to improve performance and battery life. Disabling unnecessary animations and background processes can further enhance the user experience on the Poco F4.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Poco F4 compatible with all USB-PD chargers?
The Poco F4 supports USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0, meaning it *should* work with most PD chargers. However, to achieve the full 67W charging speed, you'll need a charger that specifically supports the Poco F4's charging protocol. Using a lower-wattage charger will still charge the phone, but at a slower rate.
