The Realme 9 5G and Realme 9 5G Speed Edition have just been launched in India, adding two more contenders to the already crowded mid-range smartphone market. While the Realme 9 5G is priced at Rs. 14,999 for the base model, the Realme 9 5G Speed Edition starts at Rs. 19,999 and positions itself as the more premium offering. Both phones boast 5G connectivity and aim to deliver a compelling blend of performance and features, but the Speed Edition, with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC and 144Hz refresh rate display, promises a particularly smooth and fast user experience. But with numerous other popular options already vying for attention in this price range, does the Speed Edition have enough to stand out? Let’s dive into our first impressions of this latest Realme offering and see if it lives up to the hype.
A Familiar Design With a Touch of Uniqueness
The Realme 9 5G Speed Edition doesn’t break any new ground in terms of aesthetics. It sports a standard plastic body with a slightly rounded frame and a curved back panel, giving it a comfortable feel in hand. The prominent metal rectangle housing the triple camera setup on the back is perhaps the most distinctive design element. Realme offers the Speed Edition in two color options: Azure Glow – a pearlescent finish with lilac-mauve accents, which we had the opportunity to test, and Starry Glow, which boasts a solid purplish-blue color. While the Azure Glow offers a unique visual appeal when light catches the rear panel, overall, the design feels somewhat bland and even slightly dated compared to some other phones in its price range.
The phone measures 8.5mm thick and weighs 199g, making it relatively chunky. Realme has reinforced the corners and edges to mitigate the risk of display damage from impacts, but there’s no mention of any reinforced glass protection. The design also claims to be resistant to spills, but it lacks an IP rating.
A Vibrant Display and Powerful Performance
The Realme 9 5G Speed Edition packs in a 6.6-inch 144Hz full-HD+ (1080×2412 pixel) display, offering a remarkably smooth and responsive experience. The prominent camera cutout in the top-left corner is a bit of an eyesore, but the display quality itself is quite impressive, delivering vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
The phone’s performance is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G SoC, the same processor found in the slightly more expensive Realme 9 Pro. This chipset is known for its powerful capabilities, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient gaming performance, making it a strong contender for gamers and those who prioritize performance.
Camera Specifications: A Bit of a Letdown
The camera specifications are a slight disappointment. The Speed Edition only offers a 48-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera, and a "B&W portrait lens" – a combination that lacks an ultra-wide-angle camera, a common feature in this price segment. Selfies are handled by a 16-megapixel front camera. While competitors such as the Realme 9 Pro provide more comprehensive camera setups, the actual photo and video quality will be the ultimate judge of the Speed Edition’s performance in this department. We’ll have to wait for our full review to see how those cameras perform in various lighting conditions.
Battery Life, Charging, and Software
The Realme 9 5G Speed Edition is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising ample battery life for extended usage. Accompanying the phone is a 30W charger, offering fast charging capabilities for a quick top-up.
On the software front, the Speed Edition runs Realme UI 2.0 on top of Android 11. The box contains a plastic case, 30W charger, USB Type-C cable, and SIM eject pin. For added protection, a pre-applied adhesive screen protector comes included.
A Strong Contender with a Few Drawbacks
The Realme 9 5G Speed Edition is clearly targeting a specific audience – those who value performance, speed, and a smooth user experience. The 144Hz refresh rate display and powerful Snapdragon 778G SoC are undoubtedly key attracts for gamers and those who spend considerable time using their smartphones for demanding tasks.
However, there are a few aspects that may give some buyers pause. The camera specifications, particularly the lack of an ultra-wide-angle camera, could be a drawback for those who prioritize versatility in their smartphone cameras. The design, while not particularly offensive, lacks any truly standout elements and could be viewed as less eye-catching than other phones in its price range. Gamers might be disappointed by the lack of stereo speakers, which could be a significant factor for immersive gaming experiences.
Verdict: A Solid Choice with Competition in Mind
The Realme 9 5G Speed Edition emerges as a capable contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a potent combination of performance and features, particularly for users who prioritize speed and smoothness. However, it’s far from a perfect package. The camera setup and design could be improved, and the lack of stereo speakers might be a deal-breaker for some.
Ultimately, the Speed Edition faces stiff competition from other well-established phones in its price range, including its own sibling, the Realme 9 Pro, as well as other popular options like the Redmi Note 11 Pro and the Moto G71. Determining whether the Speed Edition is the right choice for you will depend heavily on your individual priorities, and we’ll have a definitive verdict after our full review, where we’ll put its camera, performance, and battery life through rigorous testing. Stay tuned for a comprehensive analysis to see if the Speed Edition truly lives up to its name.
