Realme 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Realme 9
Realme 9
Realme

General

Launch Date April 12, 2022 February 17, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 93.94 cm³ 78.83 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.6 "/g 3.63 "/g
Weight 178 g 168 g
Height 160.2 mm 146.3 mm
Width 73.3 mm 70.9 mm
Thickness 8 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Meteor Black
  • Sunburst Gold
  • Stargaze White
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime

Display

Screen Size 6.4 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.2 % 88.1 %
Pixel Density 411 PPI 425 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 430 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1200 nits
Peak Brightness 1000 nits 1750 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 122.07 mAh/in² 104.81 mAh/in²
Battery Density 53.22 mAh/cm³ 49.47 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 3900 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 740

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 12 13
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

Realme 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23: A Deep Dive

Let's cut through the marketing fluff and dissect the Realme 9 and Samsung Galaxy S23, focusing on what truly matters: how these phones perform in the real world.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureRealme 9Samsung Galaxy S23Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mmS23 is noticeably more compact, easier for one-handed use.
Weight178g168gNegligible weight difference in daily use.
BuildPlastic FrameArmor AluminumS23 boasts superior durability and premium feel.
Display
Size6.4"6.1"Realme 9 offers a larger screen for media consumption.
Resolution1080 x 24001080 x 2340Virtually identical sharpness.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzS23 provides smoother scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness1000 nits1750 nitsS23's display is significantly brighter, crucial for outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 680 4GSnapdragon 8 Gen 2S23's flagship processor delivers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
AnTuTu Score216,8501,456,671S23 offers a monumental leap in processing power.
RAM6GB/8GB8GBAmple RAM on both for multitasking, but S23's faster RAM management provides a smoother experience.
Camera
Main Camera108MP, f/1.7550MP, f/1.8Realme 9 boasts higher resolution, S23 likely delivers better low-light performance and dynamic range due to larger sensor size and advanced processing.
Video Recording1080p@30fpsUp to 8K@24/30fpsS23 offers significantly higher video resolution and advanced features.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh3900mAhRealme 9 has a larger battery capacity, potentially longer battery life.
Charging33W Wired25W Wired, Wireless ChargingRealme 9 charges faster with wired charging, S23 offers wireless charging convenience.

2. Key Insights

  • Performance Powerhouse: The Galaxy S23, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, obliterates the Realme 9 in performance. This translates to blazing-fast app loading, seamless multitasking, and effortless gaming. The Realme 9, while sufficient for everyday tasks, will struggle with demanding applications.
  • Display Dynamics: Both phones boast AMOLED screens with vibrant colors, but the S23's 120Hz refresh rate and dramatically higher peak brightness provide a smoother, more enjoyable viewing experience, especially outdoors.
  • Camera Considerations: The Realme 9's 108MP main camera might seem impressive on paper, but megapixels aren't everything. The S23's advanced image processing, larger sensor size, and superior video recording capabilities likely result in better overall image and video quality. The S23 also benefits from a dedicated telephoto lens, offering optical zoom capabilities missing in the Realme 9.
  • Battery Balancing Act: The Realme 9's larger battery likely provides longer lasting power, while the S23 offers the convenience of wireless charging. This boils down to personal preference: endurance versus charging flexibility.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Realme 9: Best suited for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life and a large screen for media consumption. Ideal for casual users who primarily use their phones for social media, browsing, and light gaming.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23: The clear choice for power users, gamers, and anyone who demands top-tier performance and a premium mobile experience. Its superior camera system, brighter display, and compact design make it a versatile flagship device.

4. Buying Decision Framework

  1. What's your budget? The Realme 9 is significantly more affordable.
  2. What are your primary phone usage patterns? Casual use versus demanding tasks and gaming.
  3. Which features matter most to you? Battery life, performance, camera quality, display, or software experience.

My Choice: I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23. While the Realme 9 offers a larger battery and lower price, the S23's significant performance advantage, superior display, more versatile camera system, and refined design make it the clear winner for me. As a tech journalist who often pushes devices to their limits, I need the raw power and responsiveness of the S23. The compact form factor and premium build quality are also significant factors in my decision. While I appreciate the Realme 9's value proposition, the S23 offers a substantial upgrade in the overall user experience that justifies the higher price.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.