OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130RAM capacity:4 GBInternal storage:128 GBScreen size:6.5 inchesMain camera megapixels:50 MP & 2 MP & 2 MP

realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.4/10

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

90%

5.1

Technical score

10%

8.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 97% of smartphones
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

25%

4.2

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.7

Camera

15%

4.5

Display

15%

5.8

Battery

10%

5.0

Software

10%

6.1

Connectivity

4%

3.1

Audio

3%

7.2

Design

â–¼Worse than 97%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

7.8

Number of reviews

â–²Better than 69%
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No image
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB)

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

25%

4.2

Performance & Hardware

18%

5.7

Camera

15%

4.5

Display

15%

5.8

Battery

10%

5.0

Software

10%

6.1

Connectivity

4%

3.1

Audio

3%

7.2

Design

5.1
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

7.8

Number of reviews

8.1
Popularity
Popularity
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Popularity:
realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB) has a popularity of 7.8 points, which is higher than 73.2% of smartphones.
7.8
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

70%

5.4

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

6.7
Brand name
realme
Processor model
MediaTek Helio G96
This smartphone uses the MediaTek Helio G96 processor model which is slower than processors in 80.9% of smartphones and equal to processors in 0.5% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
4 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 4 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 82.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 14% of smartphones.
Internal storage
128 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 128 GB which is smaller than the storage of 61.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 28.4% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.05 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.05 GHz which is lower than the boost speed of 83.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.1% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 11
Android version
Android 11
This smartphone runs Android version Android 11 which is older than that found in 80.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 8.5% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
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Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
50 MP & 2 MP & 2 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 50 MP & 2 MP & 2 MP which is lower than that of 55.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.6% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 which is wider than that of 49.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.5% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
32 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 32 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 42.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 8.2% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.8 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.8 µm which is larger than in 35.5% of smartphones and equal to the size in 21.9% of smartphones.
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
no
This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
6.5 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 6.5 inches which is smaller than the screens of 80% of smartphones and equal to those of 3.9% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1080x 2400 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1080x2400 px which is higher than that of 36.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 20.4% of smartphones.
Pixel density
405 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 405 ppi which is higher than that of 64.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.3% of smartphones.
Display type
IPS LCD
This smartphone uses a IPS LCD display type. 0% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
90 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 90 Hz which is lower than in 65.4% of smartphones and equal to that in 18.9% of smartphones.
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Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 28.3% of smartphones and equal to those in 28.8% of smartphones.
Charging speed
18 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 18 W which is slower than in 76% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 11.7% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
no
This smartphone does not include stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
162.6 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 162.6 mm which is shorter than 62.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.7% of smartphones.
Width
74.8 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 74.8 mm which is narrower than 72.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.1% of smartphones.
Thickness
8.5 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 8.5 mm which is thicker than 60.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.3% of smartphones.
Weight
188 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 188 g which is lighter than 70.3% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 2.8% of smartphones.
Device volume
95,904 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 95,904 cm³ which is smaller than 57.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 1% of smartphones.
Show more

realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • 2.5% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (405 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    405 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 2x more L1
    This smartphone has more L1 cache than the average smartphone (64 KB vs 32 KB). The average L1 cache is 32 KB.
    64 KB vs 32 KB
  • 2x cheaper
    realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£130 vs £260).
    £130 vs £260
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.1 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.1 vs f/2.2
  • 2x cheaper
    realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£130 vs £260).
    £130 vs £260
  • 1% higher user score
    User score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    realme 9 5G
    the average smartphone
    realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.08 vs 8).
    8.08 vs 8
  • 43.5% more popular
    realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB) is more popular than the average smartphone (7.8 vs 5.4).
    7.8 vs 5.44
  • 2x more L1
    This smartphone has more L1 cache than the average smartphone (64 KB vs 32 KB). The average L1 cache is 32 KB.
    64 KB vs 32 KB
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2.1 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.1 vs f/2.2
  • 2.5% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (405 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    405 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 4.2% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (188 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    188 g vs 196.2 g
  • 1.2 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (74.8 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    74.8 mm vs 76 mm
  • 1 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (162.6 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    162.6 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Helio G96 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Helio G96 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • 2x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (12 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    12 nm vs 6 nm
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • 4 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (4 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    4 GB vs 8 GB
  • 9.5% worse value for money
    realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.7 vs 7.3).
    6.7 vs 7.34
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (MediaTek Helio G96 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    MediaTek Helio G96 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 2x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (12 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    12 nm vs 6 nm
  • 4 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (4 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    4 GB vs 8 GB
  • 50% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (128 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    128 GB vs 256 GB
  • Lacks multithreading support
    This smartphone does not support multithreading, the average smartphone does. 80.5% of smartphones support multithreading.
  • 14.6% lower CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.05 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 61.2% lower 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in the 3DMark Wild Life benchmark than the average smartphone (1,208 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115 in this benchmark.
    1,208 vs 3,115
  • 50% less L3 cache
    This smartphone has a smaller L3 cache than the average smartphone (2048 KB vs 4,096 KB). The average smartphone has an L3 cache of 4,096 KB.
    2,048 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 15.8% lower PCMark Work 3.0 Performance benchmark
    This smartphone performs worse in PCMark Work 3.0 than the average smartphone (9,074 vs 10,783). The average smartphone scores 10,783 in PCMark Work 3.0.
    9,074 vs 10,783
  • 28.6% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (10 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    10 GB vs 14 GB
  • 87.5% fewer shader units
    This smartphone includes fewer shader units than the average smartphone (32 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    32 vs 256
  • 70.9% lower 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone scores lower in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (357 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    357 vs 1,226
  • Lacks NX Bit security
    This smartphone does not support NX Bit, the average smartphone does. 94.6% of smartphones support NX Bit.
  • 65.8% lower 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited benchmark
    This smartphone scores lower in 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited than the average smartphone (1,308 vs 3,825). The average smartphone scores 3,825.
    1,308 vs 3,825
  • 22.4% slower memory speed
    This smartphone has a lower memory speed than the average smartphone (2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz). The average smartphone has a memory speed of 2,750 MHz.
    2,133 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • Supports older OpenGL version
    This smartphone supports a lower OpenGL version than the average smartphone (2 vs 3.2). The average smartphone supports OpenGL version 3.2.
    2 vs 3.2
  • 33.2% lower memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has lower memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (17.1 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average smartphone has a bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.
    17.1 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 6.6% lower Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (880 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in the Geekbench 6 single-core test.
    880 vs 942
  • Lower CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (2x2.05 GHz & 6x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    2x2.05 GHz & 6x2 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 14.9% lower Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone performs worse in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (2,155 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in the Geekbench 6 multi-core test.
    2,155 vs 2,533
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No location privacy controls
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • No camera/mic privacy toggles
    This smartphone lacks camera and microphone privacy toggles, the average smartphone includes them. 87% of smartphones offer these toggles.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 11 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 11 vs Android 14
  • No battery health monitoring
    This smartphone lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.3% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • No scrolling screenshot support
    This smartphone does not support scrolling screenshots, the average smartphone does. 81.1% of smartphones allow scrolling screenshots.
  • No voice command support
    This smartphone does not support voice commands, the average smartphone does. 98.9% of smartphones include voice command support.
  • Does not allow play while downloading
    This smartphone cannot play games while downloading, the average smartphone can. 77.3% of smartphones support play-while-downloading.
  • No dynamic theme support
    This smartphone does not support dynamic themes, the average smartphone does. 81.9% of smartphones support dynamic theming.
  • Lacks extra dim mode
    This smartphone does not have extra dim mode, the average smartphone does. 82.5% of smartphones offer extra dimming features.
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 11.80x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    1080x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.4 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • No timelapse video
    This smartphone does not support timelapse video, the average smartphone does. 92.3% of smartphones include timelapse modes.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (50 MP & 2 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    50 MP & 2 MP & 2 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • No NFC
    This smartphone does not support NFC, the average smartphone does. 83.1% of smartphones feature NFC.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.1 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.1 vs 5.2
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 0.17 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (6.5 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    6.5 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 27.3% lower screen brightness
    This smartphone has a lower screen brightness than the average smartphone (480 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone has a brightness of 660 nits.
    480 nits vs 660 nits
  • 400 nits lower peak brightness
    This smartphone has a lower peak brightness than the average smartphone (600 nits vs 1,000 nits). The average smartphone peak brightness is 1,000 nits.
    600 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • Worse display glass type
    This smartphone uses a worse display glass type than the average smartphone (Panda Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). 0.00% of smartphones use the better glass type.
    Panda Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • 25% lower touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a lower touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (180 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average smartphone has a sampling rate of 240 Hz.
    180 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 45.5% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (18 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    18 W vs 33 W
  • No stereo speakers
    This smartphone does not have stereo speakers, the average smartphone does. 64.4% of smartphones feature stereo speakers.
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • 2 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2022 vs 2024). 2.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    March 2022
    2022 vs 2024
  • 0.2 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (8.5 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    8.5 mm vs 8.3 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Truth Tech
≈ estimated
13/09/2022
Long-term review · 100 days of use with comparison
Verdict
realme 9 5G is good value at the current sale price, with stable performance, a solid camera and smooth gaming after 100 days.
9.0
Tech Selly
≈ estimated
19/07/2022
Hands-on review · 15 days of daily use
Verdict
realme 9 5G is recommended at its lower price, with a basic camera and limited video recording.
7.0
TechSter
≈ estimated
18/07/2022
Hands-on review · display, performance, camera and software
Verdict
realme 9 5G has a good display and performance for the price, but an average camera and cluttered software.
6.0
Gadgets 360
≈ estimated
25/03/2022
Full review · battery, camera and software tests
Verdict
realme 9 5G is only a buy for casual users, with no standout feature and weak low-light photos.
8.0
Mobile Parasite
≈ estimated
23/03/2022
Hands-on review · a week of use, camera and battery
Verdict
realme 9 5G is fair for the price if you accept cost cuts such as slow charging.
8.0
Gogi Tech
≈ estimated
12/03/2022
Hands-on review · design, camera and gaming checks
Verdict
realme 9 5G is a good all-round phone for many buyers, with a distinctive design and a solid camera.
6.0
Tech Saz
≈ estimated
03/06/2022
Camera test · photos and video in several modes
Verdict
realme 9 5G has an average camera for a budget phone: nothing special, not bad, fine for casual video.
6.0
Utsav Techie
≈ estimated
12/03/2022
Unboxing and first look · overview and camera walkthrough
Verdict
realme 9 5G is decent for its price, though the 128GB version is the one to pick.
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

techradar.com
12/05/2022
Hands-on review · Budget 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a tidy, dependable budget 5G phone, though the Poco M4 Pro 5G offers an ultra-wide camera and faster charging.
techadvisor.com
24/05/2022
Full review · Long-lasting budget phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a comfortable phone with excellent battery life, but its small 4GB of memory causes stuttering under load and its video stabilisation is weak.
expertreviews.co.uk
08/06/2022
Expert review · Budget 5G pick
Verdict
The realme 9 5G offers 5G and long battery life, but its LCD screen, weaker camera and slow charger trail the 4G realme 9.
trustedreviews.com
23/06/2022
Review · Value budget phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a strong budget performer with decent battery life, but its LCD screen and low-light camera show the compromises made for 5G.
M
mouthshut.com
17/07/2023
Summary of the review
Product Review: Realme 9 5G To help you narrow down your search, would you like me to: Compare the camera quality across these different reviews?Find...
G
gsmarena.com
20/06/2022
Summary of the review
Realme 9 5G (India) hands-on review - GSMArena.com
nextpit.de
29/09/2022
Full review · Mid-range 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a long-lasting, slim phone with a smooth 120Hz LCD, but its digital-only zoom, slow charging and tinny speaker keep it average.
lesalexiens.fr
29/07/2022
Hands-on review · Dual-SIM 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a dual-SIM 5G phone with a 120Hz screen and long battery life, but its 18W charger and modest RAM are the trade-offs.
roxarmy.com
09/08/2022
Full review · Budget gaming phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G suits budget gamers with its 120Hz screen and extra memory, but its 18W charger is slow and low-light shots show halos.
charlestech.fr
12/05/2022
Hands-on test · Budget 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a good budget phone whose battery lasts two days of light use, though its GPU struggles with demanding 3D games and charging is slow.
droidsoft.fr
12/05/2022
Hands-on test · Entry-level 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G lasts a day and a half of heavy use and handles everyday apps smoothly, but photos look washed out and better phones exist at this price.
thmmagazine.fr
13/05/2022
Hands-on test · Entry-level smartphone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a versatile entry-level phone that suits most users, with a long battery and smooth 120Hz screen, though its camera colours look dull.
insert-coin.fr
12/05/2022
First impressions · Budget 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a good-value phone for most users, pairing a 120Hz screen and a big battery with 5G at a low price.
techzilla.it
03/06/2022
Hands-on review · Mid-range 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a solid mid-range phone with a big battery and a clean interface, but its 4GB of RAM limits gaming and multitasking.
global.techradar.com
26/05/2022
Review · Budget 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a low-cost 5G phone with a refined design and a good main camera, a reliable pick for anyone wanting 5G without spending much.
thegeekerz.it
01/06/2022
Full review · Budget 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a well-priced 5G phone with great battery life, but sluggish response under load and an 18W charger hold it back.
tecnorecensioni.com
12/05/2022
Full review · Long-battery 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a good mid-range phone that offers 5G at a tempting price, with excellent battery life, but lacks fast charging and some software extras.
techprincess.it
12/05/2022
Comparison review · Mid-range phones
Verdict
The realme 9 5G suits people who want 5G and realistic photos, though its colours are less punchy than the 108MP realme 9.
telefonino.net
11/05/2022
Long-term test · Budget 5G phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a budget 5G phone with a bright 120Hz screen, two days of battery and a main camera that holds its own against pricier phones.
iphoneitalia.com
12/05/2022
Long-term test · Mid-range phone
Verdict
The realme 9 5G is a bright, long-lasting phone, but its 4GB RAM and modest camera keep it from being a best buy.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB)

  • Stellar, all-day battery life, with potential for two days of moderate use.
  • Smooth 6.6-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a good viewing experience.
  • Good performance for the price, handling daily tasks and casual gaming without significant lag thanks to the Snapdragon 695/Dimensity 810 5G chipset.
  • Clean, relatively bloatware-free Realme UI 3.0 software experience based on Android 12 (on some units), which is easy to use.
  • Stylish, slim, and lightweight design with good ergonomics and a responsive side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • Inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage (microSD card slot).
  • Main camera (50MP/48MP) produces decent, color-accurate photos in good daylight conditions.

What customers don't like about realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB)

  • Camera performance, especially in low light, is underwhelming, lacking detail and struggling with stabilization.
  • Slow 18W charging speed compared to competitors and the 4G model, taking over two hours for a full charge.
  • Lack of an ultra-wide camera lens, limiting versatility in photography.
  • Single, bottom-firing speaker with average audio quality and no stereo sound.
  • Display is an LCD panel, lacking the deep blacks and vibrant colors of the similarly priced 4G model's AMOLED screen.
  • Comes with some pre-installed bloatware apps that can send spammy notifications.
  • No official IP rating for water or dust resistance.
  • Some users report heating issues, particularly during gaming sessions or charging.

Verdict

The Realme 9 5G (4GB + 128GB) is a budget-friendly 5G smartphone featuring a 6.6-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, powered by a Snapdragon 695 5G processor (in some regions; others use the Dimensity 810). It has a triple rear camera setup, with a 50MP main sensor for detailed daylight photos, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor, along with a 16MP selfie camera. A large 5000mAh battery provides excellent, long-lasting life, often a day and a half or more with regular use. Key pros include 5G connectivity, a very smooth 120Hz display, good overall performance for daily tasks and gaming, and solid battery endurance. Cons involve a slower-than-average 18W charging speed (compared to its 4G sibling), the absence of an ultra-wide camera, average low-light camera performance, and a single bottom-firing speaker.

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