Realme 9 Pro+ vs TCL 20 R 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range 5G Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the superior choice. Its significantly faster 60W charging, coupled with the more powerful Dimensity 920 chipset, provides a smoother and more convenient experience. While the TCL 20 R 5G offers excellent value, the Realme’s performance and charging advantages are hard to ignore.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | TCL 20 R 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat13 400/100 Mbps, 5G 2.7 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 07 | 2022, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, February 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.2 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| - | 24-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, 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/6, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition |
| Models | T767H | RMX3392, RMX3393 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 117h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -25.3 LUFS (Very good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9) GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1) GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 20 R 5G
- Extremely affordable 5G connectivity
- Likely lightweight and comfortable to hold
- Potentially longer standby time due to less power-hungry chipset
- Slow 10W charging
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
- Likely inferior camera performance
Realme 9 Pro+
- 60W fast charging (0-100% in 44 minutes)
- More powerful Dimensity 920 processor
- Excellent battery endurance (117h rating)
- Higher price point than the TCL 20 R 5G
- Potentially heavier build
- May experience more thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
The provided data lacks detailed display specifications for the TCL 20 R 5G, making a direct comparison challenging. However, the Realme 9 Pro+ boasts an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting a VA-type panel optimized for deep blacks. This contrasts with the likely IPS LCD panel on the TCL 20 R 5G, which typically offers wider viewing angles but less impressive contrast. Without knowing the TCL’s peak brightness, it’s difficult to assess its outdoor visibility, but the Realme 9 Pro+ likely has an advantage in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
The context data is limited regarding camera specifics. However, the Realme 9 Pro+ is likely to offer a more versatile and capable camera system. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the Realme’s chipset has a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) enabling better image processing and potentially superior low-light performance. The TCL 20 R 5G will likely rely more heavily on software processing to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims, but the Realme’s processing power gives it a clear advantage.
Performance
The Realme 9 Pro+’s Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6nm) represents a substantial upgrade over the TCL 20 R 5G’s Dimensity 700 (7nm). The 6nm process node is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and potentially sustained performance. Furthermore, the Realme utilizes Cortex-A78 cores (2x2.5 GHz) in its CPU, which are architecturally superior to the Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) found in the TCL. This translates to faster application loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. While both phones share the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores (6x2.0 GHz), the Realme’s overall CPU and GPU performance will be noticeably higher.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 Pro+’s 60W wired charging is a game-changer compared to the TCL 20 R 5G’s slow 10W charging. The advertised 44-minute 0-100% charge time for the Realme significantly reduces downtime. While the TCL 20 R 5G’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Realme 9 Pro+ boasts an endurance rating of 117 hours, indicating excellent battery life. The faster charging of the Realme effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference, making it the more convenient option for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20 R 5G if you prioritize absolute affordability and simply need 5G connectivity without demanding performance. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make calls. Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you value faster performance for gaming and multitasking, and if rapid charging is a must-have feature. This phone is geared towards users who want a more responsive and feature-rich experience.