Realme 9i : In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, finding a device that strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability can be a challenge.
Enter the Realme 9i, a mid-range contender that aims to deliver a compelling package without breaking the bank.
This comprehensive review delves into the various aspects of the Realme 9i, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your needs.
Realme 9i Design and Build Quality
The Realme 9i boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its budget-friendly price point.
With dimensions of 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm and weighing in at 190 grams, the device feels substantial in hand without being overly bulky.
The plastic back panel features a subtle texture that not only enhances grip but also resists fingerprints and smudges effectively.
The device is available in two attractive color options: Prism Blue and Prism Black. Both variants showcase a light-refracting pattern that adds a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor doubles as the power button, offering quick and reliable access to the device.
While the build quality is generally solid, it’s worth noting that the plastic construction may not feel as premium as some higher-end devices.
However, this trade-off contributes to the phone’s lightweight nature and helps keep costs down.
Realme 9i Display
The Realme 9i features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels, resulting in a crisp 400 ppi pixel density.
The 20:9 aspect ratio provides an immersive viewing experience, ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming.
One of the standout features of this display is its 90Hz refresh rate, which offers smoother scrolling and more fluid animations compared to standard 60Hz panels.
This higher refresh rate is particularly noticeable when navigating the user interface and playing compatible games.
The screen boasts a peak brightness of 480 nits, which is adequate for most indoor situations. However, outdoor visibility may be somewhat challenging in direct sunlight.
The display is protected by Dragontrail Pro Glass, offering a decent level of scratch resistance.
Color reproduction is generally accurate, with vibrant hues and good contrast for an LCD panel.
While it may not match the deep blacks and infinite contrast of OLED displays, the Realme 9i’s screen performs admirably for its price range.
Realme 9i Performance
Under the hood, the Realme 9i is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, built on a 6nm process.
This octa-core processor features four Kryo 265 Gold cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and four Kryo 265 Silver cores at 1.9 GHz, striking a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
The device comes in two memory configurations: 4GB RAM with 64GB storage, and 6GB RAM with 128GB storage.
Both variants support expandable storage via a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing users to add up to 1TB of additional space.
In day-to-day use, the Realme 9i handles basic tasks with ease. App launches are reasonably quick, and multitasking is smooth, especially on the 6GB RAM variant.
The 90Hz display contributes to the perception of snappiness when navigating the interface.
Gaming performance is decent for casual titles, but more demanding games may require lowered settings for optimal frame rates.
The Adreno 610 GPU handles light to moderate gaming well, but it may struggle with graphically intensive titles at higher settings.
Benchmark scores reflect the mid-range nature of the device:
AnTuTu v9: Approximately 280,000 points
Geekbench 5: Single-core score of around 380, multi-core score of about 1,500
While these numbers may not top the charts, they represent solid performance for the price point and are sufficient for most users’ needs.
Realme 9i Camera System
The Realme 9i features a triple camera setup on the rear:
50 MP main camera (f/1.8 aperture)
2 MP macro lens (f/2.4 aperture)
2 MP depth sensor (f/2.4 aperture)
The primary 50 MP sensor is the star of the show, capable of capturing detailed images in well-lit conditions.
The large pixel count allows for good digital zoom capabilities and the option to capture high-resolution shots when needed.
In daylight scenarios, photos exhibit good color reproduction and dynamic range.
The AI scene recognition helps optimize settings for various subjects, though some users may prefer the more natural look of non-AI shots.
Low-light performance is acceptable for the price range, with the night mode helping to bring out more details and reduce noise. However, don’t expect miracles in very dark environments.
The 2 MP macro lens allows for close-up shots of small subjects, though the low resolution limits the overall quality and usefulness of these images.
The depth sensor aids in creating a natural bokeh effect for portrait shots, with generally accurate edge detection.
Video recording capabilities include 1080p at 30fps from both the rear and front cameras.
While not groundbreaking, the video quality is sufficient for casual use and social media sharing.
The 16 MP front-facing camera (f/2.1 aperture) captures decent selfies with natural skin tones and good detail in favorable lighting conditions.
Various beautification options and filters are available for those who prefer to enhance their self-portraits.
Realme 9i Battery Life and Charging
One of the Realme 9i’s strongest points is its battery life. The device is equipped with a large 5000 mAh battery that easily lasts through a full day of moderate to heavy use.
Many users report getting up to two days of battery life with more conservative usage patterns.
The phone supports 33W Dart Charge fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 0 to 100% in approximately 70 minutes.
This quick charging capability is a welcome feature in the mid-range segment, allowing users to top up their device rapidly when needed.
While wireless charging is not supported, the excellent battery life and fast wired charging largely compensate for this omission at this price point.
Realme 9i Software and User Experience
The Realme 9i runs on Realme UI 3.0, based on Android 12. This custom skin offers a clean and intuitive interface with various customization options.
The UI is generally smooth and responsive, taking full advantage of the 90Hz display.
Realme has included several useful features, such as:
Dark mode for reduced eye strain
Digital Wellbeing tools for managing screen time
Game Space for optimizing gaming performance
Clone Phone for easy data transfer from old devices
While the software experience is generally positive, some users may find the inclusion of pre-installed apps (bloatware) to be a minor annoyance.
However, most of these can be uninstalled or disabled if desired.
Realme has committed to providing two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches for the 9i, ensuring a degree of future-proofing for the device.
Realme 9i Connectivity and Audio
The Realme 9i supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. While 5G is not available, the 4G performance is solid and should suffice for most users’ needs in the near future.
The device retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.
This allows users to connect their favorite wired headphones without the need for adapters.
The stereo speaker setup is a pleasant surprise at this price point, offering louder and more immersive audio compared to single-speaker configurations.
While the sound quality won’t rival flagship devices, it’s more than adequate for casual media consumption and gaming.
Realme 9i Value Proposition
With a launch price ranging from $200 to $250 (depending on the region and configuration), the Realme 9i offers significant value for money.
It competes favorably with other devices in its price range, offering a balanced set of features that cater to a wide range of users.
The combination of a large battery, fast charging, smooth 90Hz display, and capable camera system makes the Realme 9i an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on essential features.
Realme 9i Conclusion
The Realme 9i is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that delivers solid performance across key areas.
Its strengths lie in its long-lasting battery life, smooth display, and capable main camera.
While it may not excel in any single area, it offers a balanced package that will satisfy the needs of most users in its target market.
Pros:
Excellent battery life with fast charging
Smooth 90Hz display
Capable 50 MP main camera
Stereo speakers
Expandable storage
Cons:
Plastic build may feel less premium
Gaming performance may struggle with demanding titles
Macro and depth cameras of limited utility
For those seeking a reliable daily driver that won’t break the bank, the Realme 9i presents a compelling option.
It successfully navigates the fine line between performance and affordability, making it a worthy contender in the competitive mid-range smartphone segment.