The ZTE Blade A76 and Realme 9i 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$200 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this, particularly in chipset selection and battery optimization. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing all-day battery life and sustained performance, the ZTE Blade A76 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T8300 chipset, coupled with exceptional endurance (47:24h), outweighs the Realme 9i 5G’s slightly faster CPU clock speeds. The Realme 9i 5G is a viable option for those who value faster charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 7, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 03 | 2022, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2022, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.34 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 | - | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~89.3% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T8300 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Unspecified MP, 46mm (telephoto)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Yes | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Soulful Blue, Rocking Black, Gold |
| Models | Z2469N | RMX3612 |
| Price | £ 150.97 / € 116.90 | About 180 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 47:24h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class D (45 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
ZTE Blade A76
- Exceptional battery life (47:24h endurance)
- Potentially better sustained performance due to chipset efficiency
- Long battery lifespan (800 charge cycles)
- Slightly slower CPU clock speeds compared to Realme 9i 5G
- Charging speed is unknown, likely slower than Realme 9i 5G
Realme 9i 5G
- Faster CPU clock speeds for potentially quicker app loading
- 18W wired charging for faster top-ups
- Realme’s typically optimized software experience
- Likely shorter battery life compared to ZTE Blade A76
- Battery lifespan may be shorter than ZTE Blade A76
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent from the provided data, making a direct comparison impossible. However, given the price bracket, both devices likely utilize LCD panels with 60Hz refresh rates. The Realme brand often prioritizes higher brightness levels, potentially offering a more visible screen outdoors. Without further data, it's reasonable to assume both displays are adequate for everyday use but won't excel in color accuracy or peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are lacking, but it’s safe to assume both phones feature multi-camera setups geared towards social media sharing rather than professional photography. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes a meaningful comparison impossible. Given the price point, image quality will likely be similar, relying heavily on software processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the ZTE Blade A76 utilizes the Unisoc T8300 (6nm) while the Realme 9i 5G features the Mediatek Dimensity 810 (also 6nm). While the Realme 9i 5G boasts slightly higher CPU clock speeds (2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz on the A76’s Cortex-A76 cores), the Unisoc T8300’s architecture and 6nm process suggest a focus on efficiency. Both chipsets employ the same Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency tasks. The Realme 9i 5G’s CPU advantage may translate to marginally faster app loading times, but the A76’s chipset is likely to maintain performance for longer under sustained load due to better thermal management. The absence of RAM specifications prevents a full assessment, but LPDDR4X is a likely standard for both.
Battery Life
The ZTE Blade A76’s standout feature is its exceptional battery endurance, rated at 47 hours and 24 minutes. This is significantly higher than what’s typically seen in this price range. While the Realme 9i 5G doesn’t have endurance data, it compensates with 18W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups. The A76’s 800 charge cycles suggest a longer lifespan for the battery itself, indicating a commitment to long-term usability. The Realme 9i 5G’s faster charging is beneficial for users who can frequently access power, but the A76’s longevity is a clear advantage for those on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A76 if you need a phone that will reliably last through a full day of heavy use, and potentially into a second, without needing to constantly seek out a charger. It’s ideal for travelers, commuters, or anyone who dislikes battery anxiety. Buy the Realme 9i 5G if you prioritize quicker top-ups with its 18W charging and are willing to trade some endurance for that convenience. It’s a good fit for users who frequently have access to power outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T8300 in the ZTE Blade A76 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T8300 isn't a flagship chipset, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings. The 6nm process and efficient core design should prevent excessive throttling, but don't expect maximum graphical fidelity. The Realme 9i 5G might offer slightly higher frame rates, but the difference will likely be minimal.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Realme 9i 5G with the 18W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charge time isn't specified, 18W charging typically takes around 2-3 hours for a standard smartphone battery. However, the battery capacity of the Realme 9i 5G is unknown, so this is an estimate. The ZTE Blade A76 will likely take longer to charge due to the lack of fast charging support.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
The 200MHz difference in peak CPU clock speed is unlikely to be dramatically noticeable in typical tasks like browsing, social media, or messaging. Both chipsets are more than capable of handling these workloads. The difference will be more apparent in CPU-intensive applications or multitasking.
