The Samsung Galaxy M22 and Realme 9i 5G represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. The M22, leveraging the older Helio G80, prioritizes established brand recognition and a potentially lower price point. The 9i 5G, however, introduces 5G connectivity and a more modern Dimensity 810 chipset, aiming for a balance of speed and efficiency.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and smoother performance, the Realme 9i 5G is the better choice. Its Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a noticeable efficiency and performance advantage over the Galaxy M22’s Helio G80. While the M22 boasts slightly faster 25W charging, the 9i 5G’s overall package is more compelling.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 13 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 74 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.91 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 600 nits (HDR) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Light Blue | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | SM-M225FV, SM-M225FV/DS | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) 1.24 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy M22
- Faster 25W wired charging
- Established Samsung brand reputation
- Potentially lower price point
- Older, less efficient Helio G80 chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Likely less smooth performance
Realme 9i 5G
- Modern, efficient Dimensity 810 chipset
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Potentially smoother multitasking and gaming
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Less established brand recognition
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, details like peak brightness and color accuracy are missing. The Realme 9i 5G’s advantage lies in its potential for a higher refresh rate, a feature often found in Dimensity-powered devices, which would translate to smoother scrolling and animations. The M22’s display is likely adequate for everyday use, but won’t impress enthusiasts.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and multiple auxiliary lenses. The Realme 9i 5G likely benefits from the improved image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 810, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance. The M22’s camera system is likely competent for basic photography, but may struggle in challenging conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t heavily influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy M22’s Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, meaning the 9i 5G will likely run cooler and deliver longer battery life under load. The Dimensity 810’s CPU, with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores, also provides a performance boost over the M22’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While both have an octa-core configuration, the architectural improvements in the Dimensity 810 are substantial.
Battery Life
The Realme 9i 5G’s 18W charging is slower than the Samsung Galaxy M22’s 25W charging. However, the Dimensity 810’s superior power efficiency means the 9i 5G will likely require less frequent charging. The actual battery capacity of both devices is not specified, but the 9i 5G’s chipset advantage will likely result in comparable, if not better, real-world battery life despite the slower charging speed. The faster charging of the M22 is beneficial for quick top-ups, but the 9i 5G’s efficiency mitigates the charging speed difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M22 if you prioritize a well-established brand and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and find it at a significantly lower price. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you want 5G connectivity, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience, even if it means sacrificing a bit of brand familiarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G’s Dimensity 810 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 810 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it’s not a flagship chipset, its Cortex-A76 cores and improved GPU provide a noticeable performance boost over the Helio G80, resulting in a smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is 5G on the Realme 9i 5G compared to 4G on the Samsung Galaxy M22?
5G speeds on the Realme 9i 5G can be significantly faster than 4G on the Galaxy M22, potentially offering download speeds several times higher depending on network availability and carrier support. This translates to faster app downloads, smoother streaming, and quicker web browsing.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 25W (M22) and 18W (9i 5G) noticeable in daily use?
While 25W charging is faster on paper, the Realme 9i 5G’s superior power efficiency means you may not notice a significant difference in overall charging time. The M22 will charge faster initially, but the 9i 5G will likely require less frequent charging due to its more efficient chipset.
