The Realme 9 5G: A Budget-Friendly 5G Phone With Some Tradeoffs
Realme has recently flooded the Indian market with a series of affordable smartphones, including the Realme C35, Realme 9 5G, and Realme 9 5G Speed Edition. With so many options vying for attention at similar price points, it can be tough to discern the value proposition of each. Today, we’ll delve into the Realme 9 5G, touted as a budget-friendly all-rounder. But does it truly deliver on that promise, or are certain features sacrificed to achieve its affordable price tag?
The Realme 9 5G is priced at Rs. 14,999 for the base variant (4GB RAM and 64GB storage) during its introductory offer and Rs. 17,499 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. SBI and ICICI Bank cardholders can snag instant discounts of Rs. 1,500 with their purchases, making the phone even more attractive. It goes on sale for the first time on March 14th.
The Realme 9 5G stands out for its 5G capability, a feature notably absent in many competitors within the same price bracket. But does this game-changing feature come at the cost of other desirable aspects? Let’s explore further.
A Quick Glance at the Specifications:
At its core, the Realme 9 5G boasts a 6.5-inch full-HD+ 90Hz panel that delivers a smooth and responsive visual experience. Powering the device is the MediaTek Dimensity 810 chipset which, while capable of handling 5G connectivity, may not be the most powerful processor in its class. The 9 5G also packs a 5000mAh battery but only supports 18W charging, which may feel somewhat sluggish compared to faster charging standards. The bundled charger is bulky, further adding to this frustration.
Fortunately, the phone does provide support for Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.1, and all the typical location services we’ve come to expect in modern smartphones.
While the Realme 9 5G shares a similar camera configuration with its more potent sibling, the Realme 9 5G Speed Edition, it misses out on some key features. You get a 48MP primary camera, a 2MP macro lens, and what Realme calls a "B&W portrait lens" on the rear. However, the absence of an ultra-wide camera is a notable omission. For selfies, there’s a 16MP front camera.
Design and Build:
The Realme 9 5G features a plastic construction that, while sturdy, lacks the premium feel that might be expected at this price point. Compared to some of its predecessors, the design is decidedly uninspired and lacks any striking visual elements. It is available in Stargaze White and Meteor Black. The Stargaze White model, with its ability to refract pinkish-yellowish hues at certain angles, provides a touch of visual dynamism. However, the Meteor Black option is starkly simple.
Adding to its practicality, the Realme 9 5G is 8.5mm thick and weighs a reasonable 188g. The curved rear panel seamlessly transitions into the plastic frame, making it comfortable to hold and use. The fingerprint sensor is conveniently integrated into a recessed power button, making it readily accessible. On the left, you’ll find the volume buttons and the SIM tray which houses two Nano-SIM slots and a microSD card slot. The bottom features a USB Type-C port, 3.5mm audio socket, and speaker.
A Solid Everyday Choice?
The Realme 9 5G might not be a head-turner in terms of design or offer cutting-edge specifications. However, it has the potential to be a dependable 5G-enabled workhorse perfect for users who primarily seek a device for everyday app usage and aren’t particularly sensitive to top-tier gaming or photography capabilities.
We will soon conduct a comprehensive review of the Realme 9 5G, diving deep into its performance, camera quality, software experience, battery life, ease of use, and various other aspects. Stay tuned to Gadgets 360 for a detailed analysis and verdict on this budget-conscious 5G contender.
