The sub-$250 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo T1, powered by the Snapdragon 680, and the Realme 9 Pro, featuring the Snapdragon 695 5G, both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device offers the best balance of performance, features, and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. While both phones offer similar battery endurance ratings, the Snapdragon 695 provides a noticeable performance uplift, including 5G connectivity, making it more future-proof and capable of handling demanding tasks. The slightly slower charging is a minor trade-off.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 04 | 2022, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 20 | Available. Released 2022, February 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 73.8 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.91 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 50% in 28 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Galaxy, Starry Sky, Ice Dawn | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue |
| Models | V2153 | RMX3471, RMX3472 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | € 248.86 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 134h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1601:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 401894 (v9)
GeekBench: 2020 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo T1 (Snapdragon 680)
- Faster 44W charging
- Potentially slightly better battery efficiency due to the older chipset
- Competitive price point
- Limited to 4G connectivity
- Less powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- May receive fewer software updates
Realme 9 Pro
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Better GPU performance for gaming
- Slower 33W charging
- Potentially slightly lower battery life under heavy load
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both the vivo T1 and Realme 9 Pro share a 1601:1 contrast ratio, indicating similar dynamic range. However, the Realme 9 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 567 nits, which will translate to better visibility in direct sunlight. While neither manufacturer details panel technology (likely IPS LCD), the Realme 9 Pro’s higher brightness gives it a clear advantage for outdoor use. Bezels are expected to be comparable given the price point, and color accuracy is likely similar without specific calibration data.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize similar primary sensors. The Realme 9 Pro’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 695 will likely offer slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a dedicated ISP in the 695 allows for more advanced computational photography features. We can expect both phones to include standard features like HDR and portrait modes, but the Realme 9 Pro has the potential for superior image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 9 Pro’s Snapdragon 695 5G, built on a 6nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) compared to the vivo T1’s Snapdragon 680 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver). This translates to roughly 15-20% better CPU performance in benchmarks and a more significant improvement in GPU capabilities. Crucially, the 695 supports 5G, while the 680 is limited to 4G. While both likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, the 695’s superior processing power will handle multitasking and graphically intensive applications more smoothly.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 134 hours, suggesting comparable real-world battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the vivo T1’s 44W wired charging is significantly faster than the Realme 9 Pro’s 33W charging, promising a 50% charge in just 28 minutes. While the Realme 9 Pro’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the vivo T1 is a tangible benefit for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The efficiency gains of the Snapdragon 695 may partially offset the charging speed difference in sustained usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo T1 if you prioritize a slightly faster charging experience (44W vs 33W) and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use within 4G networks. Buy the Realme 9 Pro if you value 5G connectivity, improved CPU and GPU performance for gaming and multitasking, and a more versatile chipset for future software updates and app compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Realme 9 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 695 offers a significant GPU performance boost over the Snapdragon 680. While it won't deliver flagship-level graphics, it should comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. Expect a smoother gaming experience compared to the vivo T1.
❓ How much faster is the 44W charging on the vivo T1 compared to the 33W charging on the Realme 9 Pro in real-world use?
The vivo T1 claims a 50% charge in 28 minutes. While Realme doesn't provide a specific time, expect a full charge to take approximately 1.5-2 hours with the 33W charger. The vivo T1 will offer a quicker top-up, especially useful for users who frequently need a fast boost.
❓ Does the Realme 9 Pro support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
While not explicitly stated, the Snapdragon 695 generally supports carrier aggregation, which can significantly improve 5G download and upload speeds depending on your carrier and location. This is a key advantage over the 4G-only vivo T1.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications a concern for both phones?
Yes, the absence of sensor size and aperture information makes a precise camera comparison difficult. However, given the price range, expect both phones to offer adequate camera performance for casual photography. The Realme 9 Pro’s ISP may provide a slight edge in image processing.
