Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head comparison between the Realme 9i and the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. We'll peel back the spec sheet and look at what these numbers actually mean for you, the user. Let's break it down:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, how they stack up, and what they mean in real-world terms:
| Feature | Realme 9i | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-10 | 2024-04-29 | Pura 70 Pro is much newer; Expect newer tech and software. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones; No folding or special designs. |
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Similar size; Realme 9i slightly taller, Pura 70 Pro a tad wider, same thickness |
| Weight | 190g | 220g | Realme 9i is noticeably lighter; More comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Pro's display will look sharper, with significantly more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 460 PPI | Pura 70 Pro will have a noticeably clearer and crisper display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Pura 70 Pro's OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Pura 70 Pro's screen feels smoother in animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Pro is much better for outdoor use, clearly visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Pura 70 Pro is significantly faster for apps, games, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 216,850 | 869,707 | Pura 70 Pro offers significantly smoother performance in all tasks, and longer future proofing |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Maleoon 910 | Pura 70 Pro's graphics are far more powerful, superior for gaming and graphics intensive tasks |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Battery capacities are virtually the same, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging, 80W Wireless | Pura 70 Pro charges MUCH faster, with added convenience of wireless charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Wireless, Non-Removable | Pura 70 Pro has advanced charging features like wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP f/1.4, 1/1.3", 1.20µm | Pura 70 Pro has a larger sensor and wider aperture, capturing more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.1, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | 13MP f/2.4 | Realme 9i has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP f/2.1 | Pura 70 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, enabling better zoom shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.5MP f/2.2 | Pura 70 Pro can capture more expansive landscapes and group shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Realme 9i has a macro lens for very close-up shots. |
| B&W Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Realme 9i has a Black and white lens for special effect shots |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K | Pura 70 Pro shoots in higher quality 4K video and has better video stabilization |
| Features | Standard | 4K Video, Optical Zoom, OIS, Raw, Night Mode | Pura 70 Pro's camera offers greater flexibility and better low light performance, with better stabilization and optical zoom capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | - | Realme 9i is running an older Android version, but the lack of OS on the Pura 70 Pro is concerning. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Pura 70 Pro offers faster Wi-Fi speeds, better performance in congested areas. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Pura 70 Pro has slightly newer, more energy efficient Bluetooth version with LDAC support. |
| GPS | Multiple Systems | Much more accurate multiple systems | Pura 70 Pro offers much more accurate GPS location, more future proofed. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Pura 70 Pro offers much more storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 12GB | Pura 70 Pro's has much more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so choose storage capacity carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Both phones have stereo speakers. Realme 9i has Hi-Res audio, Pura 70 Pro has Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Realme 9i uses a more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyro, Hall, RGB | Pura 70 Pro features a more comprehensive sensor suite for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Realme 9i Strengths:
- Lighter Design: Easier to handle for extended periods.
- Macro and B&W Cameras: Offers the flexibility to capture special effect shots, and is good for extreme close-ups
- Affordable Price: Typically available at a lower price point.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: This method is usually more accurate, faster, and more convenient.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: The OLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate provides a significantly better visual experience. The brighter display is excellent for outdoor visibility.
- Massively Superior Performance: The Kirin 9010 chipset combined with significantly higher AnTuTu score means the Pura 70 Pro will offer a much smoother experience in all apps and games.
- Advanced Camera System: Larger sensor, wider aperture, dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and superior video capabilities make this a much more versatile and high-quality camera for photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: The 100W fast charging and 80W wireless charging means less time tethered to a charger, and the added benefit of reverse charging
- More Storage and RAM: Offers much more internal storage space and RAM for storing data and multitasking, much faster than the Realme 9i.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster, more reliable connections.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Gyro, Hall, and RGB sensors for better gaming and advanced features.
- Better Future Proofing: Much newer, with superior specifications means that it will last much longer and perform better for longer.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Realme 9i:
- Lower performance is not ideal for heavy gaming or multitasking.
- IPS LCD screen is less vibrant than OLED.
- Basic camera setup with less low-light performance.
- No expandable storage, limited RAM and internal storage.
- Older Android software version.
- Slower charging and no wireless charging options.
- Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Heavier device, potentially less comfortable for some users.
- Software is unknown and could be problematic.
- No Macro or Black and White Camera lenses.
- Higher Price
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme 9i is best for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks.
- Users who prioritize battery life and a lighter device.
- Those who do not have heavy processing needs, and prefer a simple design with a side mounted fingerprint sensor
- Those who want a macro camera.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro is best for:
- Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility.
- Those who need top performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- Users who prefer a premium display and overall user experience.
- Those who value fast charging capabilities, wireless charging, and battery technology.
- Users who want the best future-proofing and updated connectivity technologies.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? The Realme 9i is a budget-friendly option, while the Pura 70 Pro is a premium device.
- How important is performance and camera quality? If these are critical, then the Pura 70 Pro is the clear choice.
- What type of tasks do you perform most frequently? Basic tasks can be handled by the Realme 9i, while heavy users would be happier with the Pura 70 Pro.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User: If you primarily browse the web, check emails, and use social media, the Realme 9i will likely satisfy your needs.
- Mobile Gamer: The Pura 70 Pro is far better suited for gaming, with its powerful processor and enhanced graphics capabilities.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Pura 70 Pro's advanced camera system is a significantly better choice for high-quality photos and videos.
- Power User: For those who multitask, use demanding applications, and need to do so smoothly, the Pura 70 Pro will offer significantly better performance and convenience with its faster charging and extra storage space.
Final Recommendation
If I had to choose, I'd choose the Huawei Pura 70 Pro, no questions asked. While the lack of software information is concerning, its advantages in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and advanced features like 100W fast charging, 80W wireless charging, and a modern suite of connectivity standards are simply too compelling to pass up. Despite the price difference, the value you get from the Pura 70 Pro justifies the investment, especially if you prioritize a premium experience. The Realme 9i is a competent budget phone, but it cannot compete with the power and versatility of the Pura 70 Pro.
The Pura 70 Pro’s features make it a better device for heavy users, and offers a much better experience overall.
