The smartphone market is flooded with options, but finding the right balance between price and performance can be tricky. We pit the Realme 9 Pro+, boasting a modern Dimensity 920 chipset and rapid 60W charging, against the more affordable vivo Y3, powered by the older Helio P35. This comparison aims to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing different aspects of the mobile experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful Dimensity 920 processor and blazing-fast 60W charging justify the higher price tag, offering a smoother, more responsive experience and drastically reducing downtime. The vivo Y3 remains a viable option for extremely budget-conscious users with basic needs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2022, February 16 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, February 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 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 | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 190.5 g (6.70 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 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, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
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 | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised) |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Peacock blue, Peach powder (pink), Ink blue | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition |
| Models | - | RMX3392, RMX3393 |
| Price | About 190 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) |
vivo Y3
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Decent battery life for light usage
- Outdated Helio P35 processor
- Slow 18W charging
- Likely lower-quality display
Realme 9 Pro+
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 920 processor
- Ultra-fast 60W charging (PD3.0)
- Superior display quality (likely VA panel)
- Long battery endurance (117h)
- Higher price compared to the vivo Y3
- May lack expandable storage (speculation)
- No detailed camera specs provided
Display Comparison
The context data lacks detailed display specifications for the vivo Y3, making a direct comparison challenging. However, given its market positioning, it likely features a standard LCD panel. The Realme 9 Pro+ boasts an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting a VA-type panel offering deeper blacks than a typical LCD. This difference in panel technology, combined with the Realme's likely higher peak brightness, will result in a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption. Bezels are also likely smaller on the Realme 9 Pro+, contributing to a more modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the Realme 9 Pro+ is expected to offer a more capable imaging experience. The context data doesn't provide sensor details, but Realme typically equips its 'Pro+' models with higher-resolution primary sensors. The absence of information regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests both rely on digital stabilization. However, the Dimensity 920’s integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) is far more advanced than the Helio P35’s, enabling superior image processing, better low-light performance, and more detailed photos and videos. We can expect the 2MP macro camera on the vivo Y3 to offer limited utility, while the Realme's camera system will likely provide more versatile and higher-quality results.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Realme 9 Pro+'s Mediatek Dimensity 920, fabricated on a 6nm process, represents a significant leap forward compared to the vivo Y3's 12nm Mediatek Helio P35. The Dimensity 920’s octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz, delivers considerably faster processing speeds and improved multi-tasking capabilities. The Helio P35’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz are simply outmatched. This translates to smoother app launches, faster game loading times, and a more fluid overall user experience on the Realme. The 6nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 Pro+’s 60W wired charging is a game-changer. Advertised to reach 100% charge in just 44 minutes, it significantly reduces downtime compared to the vivo Y3’s 18W charging. While the vivo Y3 may have a slightly larger battery capacity (speculation based on typical market trends), the Realme’s faster charging effectively mitigates any potential endurance disadvantage. The Realme 9 Pro+ also boasts an endurance rating of 117 hours, suggesting optimized power management alongside its fast charging capabilities. This means users can spend less time tethered to a charger and more time using their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y3 if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. You're willing to accept slower performance and longer charging times. Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you prioritize a responsive user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging. You're willing to spend more for a significantly improved overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme 9 Pro+ capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 920 is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't match the performance of flagship Snapdragon processors, it can comfortably run PUBG and Genshin Impact at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The 6nm process also helps to manage thermals during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Realme 9 Pro+ from 0%?
Realme advertises a full charge in 44 minutes. Real-world charging times may vary slightly depending on ambient temperature and charging conditions, but you can expect a full charge to take between 45-50 minutes. This is significantly faster than the vivo Y3's 18W charging.
❓ Does the vivo Y3 support fast charging protocols other than its standard 18W?
Based on its market segment and chipset, it's unlikely the vivo Y3 supports advanced fast charging protocols like Power Delivery (PD). It will likely only charge at optimal speeds with a compatible 18W charger.
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the vivo Y3 struggle with modern app updates and future software versions?
Yes, the Helio P35 is an older processor and may exhibit slowdowns with increasingly demanding app updates and future Android versions. While it can handle basic tasks, it lacks the processing power and memory bandwidth to provide a smooth experience with resource-intensive applications over the long term.
