The Realme 9 Pro+ and ZTE Blade V40 Pro represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Realme prioritizes raw processing power with its Dimensity 920 chipset, while the ZTE focuses on a balance of efficiency and features with the Unisoc Tiger T618. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the ZTE Blade V40 Pro’s Unisoc Tiger T618, making it better suited for demanding tasks and gaming. While the ZTE offers competitive charging, the Realme’s overall package is more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 01 | 2022, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 08 | Available. Released 2022, February 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 3.00 x 0.33 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 g (6.70 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 16 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 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@30ps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP | 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 | Yes | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 65W wired, 50% in 15 min | 60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Green, Iridescent White | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition |
| Models | - | RMX3392, RMX3393 |
| Price | About 350 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) |
ZTE Blade V40 Pro
- Faster initial charging speed (50% in 15 mins)
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Unisoc T618 offers decent efficiency for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker processor compared to the Dimensity 920
- Limited camera details suggest a less capable system
- Display specifications are unknown, likely a standard LCD
Realme 9 Pro+
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset for smooth performance
- 60W charging with PD3.0 support
- Excellent 117-hour endurance rating
- Charging takes longer to reach 100% (44 mins)
- May be slightly more expensive than the ZTE
- Camera details are limited beyond marketing claims
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 Pro+ boasts an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting a vibrant display experience, though specific peak brightness and color accuracy data are absent. The ZTE Blade V40 Pro’s display specifications are not provided, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given the price point, it’s likely to feature a standard LCD panel. The Realme’s potential for superior contrast and color reproduction gives it an edge for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications for both devices are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a precise comparison is challenging. However, the Realme 9 Pro+’s marketing often emphasizes camera capabilities, suggesting a more robust imaging system. The ZTE Blade V40 Pro likely features a more basic camera setup geared towards everyday photography. The absence of details on OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The Realme 9 Pro+’s Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6nm) utilizes a more advanced fabrication process and features a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 cores versus the ZTE’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 920 translates to improved thermal efficiency and sustained performance under load, crucial for gaming. While both phones employ 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the architectural advantage of the A78 in the Realme will result in noticeably faster application loading and smoother multitasking. The Unisoc T618 (12nm) will likely struggle with graphically intensive games at higher settings.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 Pro+ advertises a full charge in 44 minutes with its 60W wired charging, supporting PD3.0 for wider compatibility. The ZTE Blade V40 Pro offers 65W charging, reaching 50% in 15 minutes, indicating a faster initial charge rate. However, the Realme’s 117-hour endurance rating suggests optimized power management. While the ZTE charges quickly initially, the Realme’s overall endurance and PD3.0 support provide greater flexibility and potentially longer sustained usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade V40 Pro if you prioritize a potentially longer battery life during light usage and value a slightly more conservative approach to power consumption. Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you need a phone capable of handling demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, and appreciate faster charging speeds and a more responsive user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T618 in the ZTE Blade V40 Pro capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Unisoc Tiger T618 can *launch* Genshin Impact, expect significant compromises in graphics settings and frame rates. The chipset’s processing power and GPU are not optimized for such demanding titles, leading to stuttering and a less enjoyable gaming experience. The Realme 9 Pro+ with its Dimensity 920 is far better suited for this.
❓ Does the Realme 9 Pro+ experience significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 920’s 6nm process node is designed to mitigate thermal throttling. While some heat generation is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the Realme 9 Pro+ is expected to maintain stable performance for longer periods compared to devices with less efficient chipsets. However, sustained performance will still depend on ambient temperature and the phone's cooling system.
❓ What type of storage does the ZTE Blade V40 Pro use, and how does it impact performance?
The storage type for the ZTE Blade V40 Pro is not specified. However, assuming it utilizes eMMC storage (common in this price range), it will be slower than the UFS storage likely found in the Realme 9 Pro+. This difference in storage speed will impact app loading times and overall system responsiveness.
