The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Ulefone Note 12 aims to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price, while the Realme 9i 5G attempts to bridge the gap between affordability and 5G connectivity with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Realme 9i 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides significantly better performance and future-proofing than the Ulefone Note 12’s Unisoc Tiger T310. While the Ulefone offers a slightly lower entry price, the Realme’s advantages outweigh the cost difference.
| 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, 19, 20, 26, 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 | 2022, July | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 173.6 x 79.1 x 10.2 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.40 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 | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | - | RMX3612 |
| Price | - | About 180 EUR |
Ulefone Note 12
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow charging speed (10W)
- Limited 5G capabilities
Realme 9i 5G
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Faster charging (18W)
- Slightly higher price
- May experience more battery drain during heavy use
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, the Realme 9i 5G benefits from the more powerful chipset enabling potentially smoother animations and faster response times. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable for the Ulefone Note 12, the Realme 9i 5G’s processor allows for more efficient display processing, potentially leading to better image clarity and color reproduction. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical for this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, with both devices relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor details for the Ulefone Note 12, it’s safe to assume the Realme 9i 5G has a slight edge due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Dimensity 810. This allows for better noise reduction and image processing. The presence of a dedicated Night Mode on the Realme 9i 5G, likely absent on the Ulefone, further enhances low-light photography. Expect both phones to struggle with detail in challenging lighting conditions, and avoid relying on any 2MP macro lenses included on either device.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810, fabricated on a 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Ulefone Note 12’s Unisoc Tiger T310 (12nm). The Dimensity 810’s octa-core configuration (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a considerable advantage in multi-core performance compared to the Note 12’s quad-core setup (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use. Gamers will find the Realme 9i 5G far more capable.
Battery Life
The Realme 9i 5G’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Ulefone Note 12’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the Ulefone, the faster charging of the Realme 9i 5G significantly reduces downtime. A full charge on the Ulefone Note 12 will likely take well over 3 hours, while the Realme 9i 5G can achieve a full charge in approximately 1.5-2 hours. The more efficient Dimensity 810 chipset in the Realme 9i 5G also contributes to better battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 12 if your primary need is a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you are prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you want a smoother user experience, the benefits of 5G connectivity, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and occasional gaming without significant lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Ulefone Note 12 struggle with modern app updates?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T310 is a relatively low-end chipset. As apps become more demanding with each update, the Note 12 may experience slowdowns and compatibility issues over time. The Realme 9i 5G’s Dimensity 810 offers significantly more headroom for future software updates.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Realme 9i 5G actually useful in most areas?
5G coverage is expanding rapidly, but availability varies greatly by location. Even if 5G isn't available, the Realme 9i 5G will fall back to 4G LTE. However, the Dimensity 810’s modem is more efficient at managing network connections, potentially improving 4G performance as well.
❓ Can the Realme 9i 5G handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Realme 9i 5G can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth frame rate. The Ulefone Note 12 will struggle significantly with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
