Realme 9 vs ZTE Axon 40 Ultra - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Realme 9
Realme 9
Realme

General

Launch Date April 12, 2022 May 13, 2022
Release Year 2022 2022

Physical

Volume 93.94 cm³ 100.96 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.6 "/g 3.33 "/g
Weight 178 g 204 g
Height 160.2 mm 163.3 mm
Width 73.3 mm 73.6 mm
Thickness 8 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Meteor Black
  • Sunburst Gold
  • Stargaze White
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Black

Display

Screen Size 6.4 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.2 % 92.9 %
Pixel Density 411 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 430 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness 1000 nits 1500 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 122.07 mAh/in² 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 53.22 mAh/cm³ 49.53 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 610 Adreno 730

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.1
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.1, OTG

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Realme 9 vs. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: A Deep Dive for the Discerning Smartphone User

Let's cut through the marketing fluff and dissect the Realme 9 and ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, focusing on what truly matters: how these devices perform in the real world.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureRealme 9ZTE Axon 40 UltraReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mmAxon 40 Ultra slightly larger, potentially less pocketable. Realme 9 noticeably lighter (26g).
Build QualityGorilla Glass 5UnknownRealme 9 offers better screen protection against scratches and drops.
Display
Size6.4"6.8"Axon 40 Ultra provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Resolution1080 x 24001116 x 2480Both sharp, but Axon 40 Ultra slightly crisper. Negligible difference in daily use.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzAxon 40 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness1000 nits1500 nitsAxon 40 Ultra significantly brighter, crucial for outdoor readability.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 680 4GSnapdragon 8 Gen 1Axon 40 Ultra vastly more powerful for demanding tasks and gaming.
RAM6GB/8GB8GB/12GB/16GB/18GBAxon 40 Ultra allows for seamless multitasking and handling heavy applications.
Storage128GB128GB/256GB/512GB/1TBAxon 40 Ultra offers more storage options for media hoarders and power users.
Camera
Main Sensor108MP, f/1.7564MP, f/1.6Realme 9 boasts higher resolution; Axon 40 Ultra emphasizes low-light performance with wider aperture. Real-world image quality depends on processing.
Video1080p@30fps8K@30fpsAxon 40 Ultra capable of significantly higher resolution video recording.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhSimilar battery capacities suggest comparable endurance.
Charging33W65WAxon 40 Ultra charges significantly faster.

2. Key Insights

The Realme 9 is a budget-friendly option focusing on a high-resolution main camera and decent battery life. It's suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photography.

The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra, on the other hand, is a flagship contender. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, high refresh rate display, and blazing-fast charging cater to power users and gamers. The under-display camera and advanced video recording capabilities further solidify its premium positioning.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Realme 9: Best for budget-conscious users, casual photographers, and those prioritizing a lightweight device.

ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Ideal for gamers, power users, content creators, and anyone demanding top-tier performance and features.

4. Buying Decision Framework

  1. What's your budget? The Realme 9 offers excellent value for its price, while the Axon 40 Ultra commands a flagship price tag.
  2. What are your primary smartphone needs? For casual use, the Realme 9 suffices. For demanding tasks and gaming, the Axon 40 Ultra is a clear winner.
  3. Which features matter most? Prioritize camera resolution? The Realme 9 might be your pick. Need a blazing-fast processor and a premium display? The Axon 40 Ultra delivers.

My Choice: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra

While the Realme 9 offers compelling value, I'd choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. As a tech journalist constantly pushing devices to their limits, I need the raw power and future-proof capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The superior display, faster charging, and advanced video recording features are essential for my workflow. The higher price is justified by the significant performance leap and premium feature set. While I appreciate the Realme 9's lighter weight, the Axon 40 Ultra's performance advantages outweigh the slight difference in portability for my needs.

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.