The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo T1x 4G and Realme 9i 5G represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The T1x focuses on a refined 4G experience with Qualcomm’s efficiency, while the 9i 5G prioritizes future-proofing with 5G connectivity and a Mediatek Dimensity chipset. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9i 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Snapdragon 680 in the vivo T1x, and the inclusion of 5G provides future-proof connectivity. While both share 18W charging, the 9i’s performance advantage justifies the slight price difference.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 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, April 26 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 26 | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 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 | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android, Funtouch 12 | 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, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens
2 MP (macro) | 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 | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 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 | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gravity Black, Space Blue | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | V2143 | RMX3612 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 180 EUR |
vivo T1x 4G
- Potentially better battery life due to Snapdragon 680's efficiency.
- Reliable 4G connectivity for areas with limited 5G coverage.
- Generally smooth performance for everyday tasks.
- Lacks 5G connectivity, limiting future-proofing.
- Less powerful processor compared to the Realme 9i 5G.
Realme 9i 5G
- Faster processor (Dimensity 810) for improved performance.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds where available.
- Better suited for gaming and demanding applications.
- Potentially shorter battery life due to the more powerful processor.
- May experience more heat during prolonged gaming sessions.
Display Comparison
Neither vivo nor Realme specify display details beyond size, leaving panel technology and quality as unknowns. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here shifts to processing power, as display quality is unlikely to be a differentiating factor. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this segment. Color accuracy will likely require calibration on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. The image processing algorithms will be key differentiators. Realme generally leans towards more saturated, vibrant images, while vivo often aims for a more natural look. Given the likely sensor sizes in this price range, low-light performance will be a challenge for both, and the absence of OIS will exacerbate this issue. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are unlikely to deliver significant detail.
Performance
The Realme 9i 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) represents a significant step up from the vivo T1x’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm). The Dimensity 810 features a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores paired with 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Snapdragon 680’s 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the Realme 9i 5G. While both are built on a 6nm process, the architectural differences favor the Dimensity 810. The 5G modem in the Realme 9i also adds future-proofing, though real-world 5G speeds will depend on network availability.
Battery Life
Both the vivo T1x 4G and Realme 9i 5G are equipped with 18W wired charging. However, the Snapdragon 680 in the T1x is known for its power efficiency. This means the T1x may offer slightly longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery to the 9i. The 18W charging speed on both devices is relatively slow, taking approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. The Dimensity 810’s higher performance demands will likely result in faster battery drain during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo T1x 4G if you prioritize long-term battery life and a consistently smooth experience within 4G networks, and are less concerned with 5G availability. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make calls. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and want the option of leveraging 5G networks as they become more widespread. It’s the better choice for users who want a phone that will remain relevant for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 9i 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 810 is a capable processor, but it can generate heat under sustained load. While the 9i 5G likely has thermal management features, prolonged gaming at high settings may lead to some throttling to prevent overheating. The vivo T1x, with its less powerful Snapdragon 680, will likely run cooler.
❓ Is 5G connectivity on the Realme 9i 5G actually useful right now?
5G availability varies significantly by region and carrier. If you live in an area with robust 5G coverage, the Realme 9i 5G will offer significantly faster download and upload speeds. However, if 5G is limited or unavailable in your area, the benefit is minimal. The 9i 5G future-proofs you for when 5G becomes more widespread.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 680 in the vivo T1x handle multitasking?
The Snapdragon 680 is adequate for basic multitasking – switching between apps like messaging, social media, and web browsing. However, it may struggle with running multiple demanding applications simultaneously. The Realme 9i 5G’s Dimensity 810 offers a smoother multitasking experience due to its more powerful CPU and increased RAM bandwidth.
