My first realme smartphone is a realme 7i. I don’t know how we can call it technically but let’s call them the “i” variants of the Number series. With my intensive digging up of tech review contents from other blogs, I came across a statement that the “i” variants are those members of the series leaning on the affordable price. To add, even though in the more affordable price range, these smartphone devices come with competitive performance, considering the lower specifications. It’s true with the realme 9i that was released last May 4, 2022, in the Philippines.
Pinpoint Review: What I Like About The realme 9i That I Would Want To Stress Out
Getting the realme 9i is indeed a jump to a competitive, feature-packed smartphone equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 6nm processor1, the latest and updated chipset during that time. I have been doing some research regarding its chipset because a lot of enthusiasts made some noise about its processor being a “downgrade” Actually, with the realme 9i, you can still say that even if it’s lower-midrange, it can still cope with the rest, most especially the other technical specifications of the smartphone.
Here are five of the realme 9i’s technical specifications that I wanted to emphasize that would it’s a good smartphone to own if you are considering getting a new one:
1) 90Hz FHD+ Ultra-Smooth Display
It’s still okay with the IPS LCD 90Hz Display. AMOLED is way better but the 6.6″ FHD+ IPS LCD front panel with a 90Hz refresh rate can give you a good experience, especially in gaming (I play MLBB with realme). The Dragontrail Pro Glass protection delivers 30% better durability against corner drops thanks to a rounded glass edge. You can set the refresh rates from 60Hz, 90Hz, or Auto Select so the device will work just fine with what running or displaying on the screen.
2) New, And Attractive Back Panel Design
I appreciate that the realme 9i has a new back panel design. The Stereo Prism Design gives an elegant feel to the device. I have the Prism Black, and its minimalist look still catches my attention (I’m confident it can do, too, to others). Not to mention that the in-the-box free protective case is unique to the device. The back plate is clear Or transparent), which will not distract the beauty of the Stereo Prism Design. Yet, the sides are frosted white which will give its accent to the smartphone while you hold it.
3) 128GB Built-in Storage
Smartphones with 64GB Internal Storage are no longer an option for a productive person like me who needs to take a lot of pictures, and install apps. Thanks to its 128GB base memory variant, and a 6GB RAM with DRE capability, it gives me more space to save files without regularly deleting them from the phone memory. It also supports external memory via its dedicated microSD slot that can cater to up to 1TB of extra storage.
4) Massive Battery, Fast Charge
You don’t need to worry about running out of battery while on the go. The 5,000mAh battery is good enough to last for a day and the next depending on your use. Not only that, its 33W Dart Charge is truly a game-changer as it can fully charge the device from zero within an hour and 10 minutes. The battery of the realme 9i is one of its highlights since it only has an IPS LCD display, it won’t consume a lot of power and you can choose “Auto Select” on its refresh rate between 60Hz and 90Hz. That is ideal for the device to automatically set its display interaction depending on the apps you are using. Hence, saves battery.
5) 50MP Triple Camera
The 50MP Matrix AI Triple Camera System gives you good photos. The new Nightscape filter “Cosmopolitan” is that same vibe as the 1980s faded photo which can be fun to use for your social media photo sharing. This year, the 50MP main camera is a thing on midrange to lower-midrange smartphones. Besides, you don’t need much of the higher specification in the camera system if 50MP is working fine and is enough for casual Instagram or Facebook photo sharing. Plus, 1080p is supported at 30fps for videos on this smartphone.
Here are sample photos using the realme 9i camera:
Notable technical specifications:
📱 6.6″ FHD+ 90Hz Ultra-Smooth Display
⚡ Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 6nm Processor
📸 50MP AI Triple Camera / 16MP Selfie Camera
🚦 Portrait Mode and Nightscape Filter
🔋 5,000mAh battery with 33W Dart Charge*
💾 128GB Built-in Internal Storage**
📝 6GB of RAM with up to 5GB Dynamic RAM Expansion
🔓 Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
👤 realme UI 2.0 (Android 11 OS)
🎨 Prism Black and Prism Blue
*can charge from empty to full in just 70 minutes (as advertised).
**expandable up to 1TB via dedicated microSD card slot.
Conclusion
The realme 9i is a relatively new device introduced in the Philippines. Alongside its other members in the 9 Series, the realme 9, realme 9 Pro, and the realme 9 Pro+, it is indeed leaning to the more affordable price. The realme 9i is the most affordable smartphone in the 9 Series with its hefty price tag of ₱11,990 for the 6GB+128GB base variant, currently available on realme physical stores nationwide, or official flagship stores on Lazada or Shopee, or authorized distributors near you.
If you’re into binge-watching videos or playing mobile games, you would definitely enjoy and appreciate the Dual Stereo Speakers that produce Hi-Res Audio for a much louder and more audible sound.
With that said, I would consider getting a realme 9i if I were you (only if you are looking for a new Android device). The processor, CPU, and GPU are optimized to equalize the device’s battery consumption, the camera with its competitive specifications, and the ultra-smooth display with a refresh rate adjustable with what you need depending on the app you are using. With the elegant yet minimalist design, massive battery, fast charging, adequate built-in storage, and dynamic RAM under the selling price point it belongs, we may categorize it as a lower-midrange smartphone, the realme 9i is a good deal.
What are your thoughts? Are you planning to get the realme 9i? Is the price just right for you in terms of its technical specifications and capabilities? What do you think is missing? Let me know your thoughts, suggestions, and comments in the comment section below.
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realme 9i (6GB+128GB)
₱11,990
Pros
- The Prism Black design is very elegant and minimalist
- Captures amazing photos
- Fast-charging is a plus for this device
- Virtual RAM Expansion availability
- Optimized processors, CPU, and GPU
Cons
- Back panel is glossy and somewhat a fingerprint magnet
- Base RAM should have been 8GB
- Color variants are very limited
- FHD Display is good, but of course, AMOLED is still better in terms of color output
- Dual True Tone Flash for more light support on night shots