Realme 9i 5G : In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Realme has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the budget segment.
The Realme 9i 5G, launched in August 2022, continues this tradition by bringing 5G connectivity to the masses without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive deep into what makes this device a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers looking to future-proof their mobile experience.
Realme 9i 5G Design and Build: Retro CD-Inspired Aesthetics
The Realme 9i 5G makes a striking first impression with its unique “Laser Light” design.
This innovative approach creates a visual effect reminiscent of the light reflections on a CD surface, giving the phone a distinct retro-futuristic appeal.
Available in Metallica Gold and Rocking Black color options, the device caters to both subtle and bold aesthetic preferences.
Measuring 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm and weighing 187 grams, the 9i 5G strikes a balance between screen real estate and ergonomics.
The plastic frame and back panel contribute to its lightweight nature, making it comfortable for extended use.
While it may not feel as premium as glass or metal-bodied devices, the build quality is solid for its price point.
At the heart of the visual experience is a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2408 x 1080 pixels (FHD+).
While it may not offer the deep blacks and vibrant colors of an AMOLED panel, the IPS technology ensures good color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
What sets this display apart in the budget segment is its 90Hz refresh rate.
This higher-than-standard refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience.
The 180Hz touch sampling rate further improves responsiveness, which is particularly noticeable in gaming scenarios.
The display is protected by Panda Glass, offering decent resistance against scratches and minor drops.
With a peak brightness of 400 nits, the screen remains legible in most outdoor conditions, though it may struggle under direct sunlight.
Realme 9i 5G Performance: 5G on a Budget
The Realme 9i 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a 6nm process.
This octa-core processor features two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz for performance tasks and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz for efficiency.
The integrated Mali-G57 MC2 GPU handles graphics duties.
This chipset choice is significant as it brings 5G capabilities to a lower price point.
Users can expect smooth performance in day-to-day tasks, with the ability to handle moderate gaming as well.
The 5G support future-proofs the device, allowing users to take advantage of faster network speeds as 5G infrastructure expands.
The device comes in two configurations:
4GB RAM + 64GB storage
6GB RAM + 128GB storage
Both variants support virtual RAM expansion of up to 5GB, which can help in multitasking scenarios.
The UFS 2.2 storage ensures faster app loading times and file transfer speeds compared to older storage standards.
Realme 9i 5G Camera System: Versatile Triple Lens Setup
The Realme 9i 5G sports a triple camera system on the rear:
50MP main camera (f/1.8 aperture)
2MP macro lens (f/2.4 aperture)
2MP depth sensor (f/2.4 aperture)
The 50MP main sensor is the star of the show, capable of capturing detailed photos in well-lit conditions.
It uses pixel-binning technology to produce 12.5MP images with improved light sensitivity.
The camera app offers various modes including Night, Portrait, 50MP, and Street Photography 2.0, catering to different shooting scenarios.
The 2MP macro lens allows for close-up shots of small subjects, while the depth sensor aids in creating a natural bokeh effect in portrait mode.
However, the lack of an ultra-wide lens might be felt by some users who prefer a wider field of view for landscape or group shots.
On the front, an 8MP selfie camera handles self-portraits and video calls.
While not groundbreaking, it’s adequate for social media uploads and video conferencing.
Video capabilities include 1080p recording at 30fps from both the rear and front cameras.
While not pushing any boundaries, this is standard for the price range and sufficient for casual video capture.
Realme 9i 5G Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Endurance
A sizable 5000mAh battery powers the Realme 9i 5G, promising all-day battery life for most users.
The efficient 6nm processor and 1080p display contribute to good power management.
Realme claims the phone can last up to 2 days with moderate usage, which is impressive considering the 5G capabilities.
Charging is handled by an 18W fast charger included in the box. While not the fastest charging solution on the market, it’s a welcome inclusion at this price point.
The phone also supports reverse charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices in a pinch.
Realme 9i 5G Software and User Experience
The Realme 9i 5G runs on Realme UI 3.0 based on Android 12 out of the box.
This custom skin offers a near-stock Android experience with additional features and customization options.
The interface is clean and intuitive, with useful additions like a system-wide dark mode, custom icon shapes, and various gesture controls.
Realme has promised two years of major Android updates and three years of security patches for the device, ensuring it stays current with the latest features and security improvements.
Realme 9i 5G Connectivity and Additional Features
As the name suggests, 5G support is a major selling point of the Realme 9i 5G. It supports multiple 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with various networks as they roll out. Other connectivity options include:
Dual SIM support
Wi-Fi 5 (ac)
Bluetooth 5.2
GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
3.5mm headphone jack
USB Type-C port
The device also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, offering quick and reliable unlocking. Face unlock is available as an additional biometric option.
Realme 9i 5G Price and Value Proposition
Launched at a starting price of ₹14,999 for the 4GB+64GB variant and ₹16,999 for the 6GB+128GB model, the Realme 9i 5G positions itself as one of the most affordable 5G smartphones in the Indian market.
This aggressive pricing strategy makes 5G technology accessible to a wider audience, particularly young users and first-time smartphone buyers looking to future-proof their purchase.
Realme 9i 5G Pros and Cons
Pros:
Affordable 5G connectivity
Unique and eye-catching design
Smooth 90Hz display
Long-lasting 5000mAh battery
Decent performance for the price
Clean and feature-rich Realme UI 3.0
Cons:
IPS LCD instead of AMOLED display
Plastic build may feel less premium
Lack of ultra-wide camera
18W charging is relatively slow by today’s standards
No official IP rating for water and dust resistance
Realme 9i 5G Conclusion: A Solid Entry into the 5G Era
The Realme 9i 5G represents a significant step in democratizing 5G technology.
By offering 5G capabilities at a budget-friendly price point, Realme has created a device that appeals to a wide range of consumers who want to experience the benefits of faster network speeds without spending a fortune.
While it makes some compromises to achieve its competitive price – such as the use of an IPS LCD panel instead of AMOLED and the absence of an ultra-wide camera – the Realme 9i 5G compensates with a unique design, smooth performance, and long battery life.
The 90Hz refresh rate display is a standout feature in this segment, enhancing the overall user experience.
For users prioritizing 5G connectivity, decent performance, and a modern design on a budget, the Realme 9i 5G presents a compelling option.
It’s particularly well-suited for young users, students, and those entering the smartphone market who want a future-proof device without breaking the bank.
However, for those who prioritize camera versatility or premium build materials, there might be other options worth considering in the same price range, albeit possibly without 5G support.
In the rapidly evolving smartphone market, the Realme 9i 5G stands as a testament to how quickly advanced technologies are becoming accessible to the masses.
It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers looking to step into the 5G era, offering a balanced mix of performance, design, and future-readiness at an attractive price point.