Realme 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra - 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 113.58 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.6 "/g 2.91 "/g
Weight 178 g 234 g
Height 160.2 mm 163.4 mm
Width 73.3 mm 78.1 mm
Thickness 8 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Meteor Black
  • Sunburst Gold
  • Stargaze White
  • Red
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Sky Blue
  • Lime
  • BMW M Edition

Display

Screen Size 6.4 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1440 x 3088
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.2 % 89.5 %
Pixel Density 411 PPI 500 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 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 53.22 mAh/cm³ 44.02 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 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 Ultra: A Deep Dive

Let's cut through the marketing jargon and dissect the Realme 9 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, focusing on how their specs translate to real-world performance.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureRealme 9Samsung Galaxy S23 UltraReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions160.2 x 73.3 x 8mm, 178g163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9mm, 234gS23 Ultra is larger and noticeably heavier; Realme 9 is more pocketable.
BuildPlastic Frame, Gorilla Glass 5Aluminum Frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2S23 Ultra offers a more premium feel and superior durability.
Display
Size6.4"6.8"S23 Ultra provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Resolution1080 x 24001440 x 3088S23 Ultra boasts significantly sharper visuals, especially noticeable in text and images.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzS23 Ultra delivers smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1000 nits1750 nitsS23 Ultra is vastly superior in direct sunlight readability.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 680 4GSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxyS23 Ultra offers drastically faster processing, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance.
RAM6GB/8GB8GB/12GBS23 Ultra handles demanding tasks and apps with greater ease.
Storage128GB256GB/512GB/1TBS23 Ultra provides ample storage for photos, videos, and apps.
Camera
Main Camera108MP, f/1.75200MP, f/1.7S23 Ultra captures more detailed photos, especially in low light; offers enhanced zoom capabilities.
Video1080p@30fps8K@24/30fpsS23 Ultra enables professional-grade video recording.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhSimilar battery capacity suggests comparable endurance, though real-world usage will vary.
Charging33W45WS23 Ultra charges faster.

2. Key Insights

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a flagship smartphone, while the Realme 9 is a mid-range device. This disparity is reflected in their performance, display, camera quality, and build. The S23 Ultra excels in demanding tasks, gaming, and content creation, thanks to its powerful processor, ample RAM, and stunning display. The Realme 9, while less powerful, offers a more affordable entry point for users prioritizing basic functionality and battery life.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Realme 9: Suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize essential smartphone features like calling, texting, social media browsing, and light gaming. Its lighter weight and smaller size make it ideal for one-handed use.

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Designed for power users, content creators, mobile gamers, and those who demand the best possible smartphone experience. Its superior camera system, vibrant display, and blazing-fast performance justify the premium price tag.

4. Buying Decision Framework

  1. What is your budget? The Realme 9 offers excellent value for its price, while the S23 Ultra commands a flagship price.
  2. What are your primary smartphone needs? For basic tasks, the Realme 9 suffices. For demanding applications, the S23 Ultra is the clear winner.
  3. Do you prioritize portability? The Realme 9's lighter weight and smaller size might be preferable for some.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

While the Realme 9 is a respectable mid-range contender, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra aligns perfectly with my needs. As a tech journalist, I require a device that can handle heavy multitasking, demanding applications, and high-quality content creation. The S23 Ultra's exceptional performance, stunning display, versatile camera system, and future-proof features make it a worthwhile investment in the long run. The premium build quality and refined software experience are also significant factors in my decision. While the price is considerably higher, the S23 Ultra offers a significant leap in capabilities that justify the cost for my professional and personal use. The ability to capture high-quality photos and videos on the go, coupled with the powerful processing for editing and content creation, makes the S23 Ultra the ideal tool for my work.

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.