Alright, let's break down the Realme 9i and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. This is a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, and while both are smartphones, their target audiences and capabilities are worlds apart. I'll take you through a detailed comparison, focusing on the practical implications for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a deep dive into the specs, laid out for easy understanding:
| Feature | Realme 9i | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Both have similar widths and thicknesses, but the Realme is slightly taller. Pura 70 Ultra is a touch more compact |
| Weight | 190g | 226g | Realme 9i is noticeably lighter, which is great for comfort during extended use; the Pura 70 Ultra is a bit hefty. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Ultra offers a tad more screen real estate for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 1260x2844 | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra's significantly higher resolution translates to sharper text and images, plus more detail in photos and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 460 PPI | The Pura 70 Ultra will look crisper and smoother, particularly when you have fine details on screen. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | OLED panels on the Pura 70 Ultra offer better contrast (deeper blacks), more vibrant colors, and wider viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Smoother animations and scrolling on the Pura 70 Ultra due to the higher refresh rate, especially when gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 Ultra’s significantly higher brightness makes it much more usable in direct sunlight and brightly lit environments. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | The Pura 70 Ultra's chip offers a monumental leap in performance for demanding apps and graphics intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 216,850 | 869,707 | A massive difference. The Pura 70 Ultra is significantly faster for everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Maleoon 910 | The Pura 70 Ultra's GPU provides a vastly superior graphics performance, meaning smoother gameplay and video editing capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5200mAh | Marginally larger battery in the Pura 70 Ultra, which might translate to slightly longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 33W fast charging | 100W fast charging, 80W Wireless | The Pura 70 Ultra charges much faster and also has super convenient wireless charging capabilities. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Wireless Charging | Pura 70 can charge other devices wirelessly; both are non-removable. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.6, 1", Sony IMX989 | The Pura 70 Ultra's larger sensor and wider aperture will capture significantly more light, leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.1 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Realme has a higher res selfie cam, but Pura likely produces higher quality with a larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Available | 50MP, f/2.1 | Pura 70 Ultra offers superior optical zoom capabilities, letting you get close to the action without quality loss. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 40MP, f/2.2 | The Pura 70 Ultra offers wide angle photography for landscapes. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | The Realme 9i has a macro lens, for those times you need to get really close to a subject. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Realme 9i can take black and white photos natively for a different effect. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization | Yes, OIS, 4k | The Pura 70 Ultra records higher-quality videos with robust stabilization features. |
| DxO Mark | Not Available | 163 (Mobile) | Pura 70 is a high scoring camera, and has had testing conducted on the device |
| Features | Basic Features | Advanced features | Pura 70 ultra has RAW, optical zoom, OIS, and night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Up to Android 13 | - | The Realme 9i is a couple generations back in software; the Pura 70 will be running a recent OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | The Pura 70 Ultra supports the newer, faster WiFi 6 standard for quicker downloads and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Pura 70 Ultra offers newer bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, QZSS & More | The Pura 70 Ultra offers more precise and reliable location tracking across the globe. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 512/1024GB | Pura 70 Ultra has significantly more internal storage. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 16GB | Pura 70 has significantly more ram. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage, so manage your files accordingly. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers; Realme supports Hi-Res audio while Huawei supports Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Realme's side mounted sensor is more convenient; Huawei has a basic sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both are unknown; treat with care! |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Pura 70 has a more advanced sensor suite for enhanced gaming and app interaction. |
2. Key Insights
Realme 9i:
- Strengths: The Realme 9i excels in its budget-friendly price point and offers good value for everyday use. It's lightweight, has a decent display for the price, and a large battery for longer use. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is also a plus for convenience.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone is all about affordability. If you need a reliable device for basic tasks without breaking the bank, it's a good choice.
- Trade-offs: It sacrifices performance, camera capabilities, and display quality compared to higher-end models. The chipset and display are geared towards everyday tasks rather than demanding use cases.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- Strengths: The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is a powerhouse. It boasts a premium OLED display with high resolution and brightness, top-tier performance, a phenomenal camera system, and ultra-fast charging. It's designed for users who demand the best of the best.
- Competitive Advantages: Its main strengths are in its camera (especially low-light capabilities), overall performance, and display quality. The design and build feel premium. It has wireless charging and other advanced features.
- Trade-offs: The Pura 70 Ultra is heavier, more expensive, and aimed at those who need cutting-edge technology. It is also using a less popular brand of chipset, meaning you may have difficulty with updates down the line.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme 9i: Best for students, budget-conscious users, and those who need a basic phone for communication, social media, and casual browsing. Ideal for users not looking for a premium camera and advanced gaming capabilities.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra: Ideal for photography enthusiasts, power users, and those who want a top-tier smartphone experience. It's suitable for users who frequently use their phone for content creation, gaming, and media consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself These Three Key Questions:
- What is my budget? The price difference between these phones is substantial. How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- What are my primary uses? Do you need high-end performance for gaming and professional photography, or is a simple phone for everyday tasks enough?
- How important are display quality and camera capabilities to me? Are vibrant colors, sharp text, and amazing low-light photos essential, or can you live with a simpler experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you're on a tight budget: Go for the Realme 9i. It will serve your basic needs at an affordable price.
- If you're a photography enthusiast: The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra's camera is leaps and bounds ahead, and will reward you in every situation.
- If performance is key: The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the clear winner for demanding games and apps, with its significantly higher performance capabilities.
- If battery life and fast charging are crucial: The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra will ensure you stay charged up and ready to go.
- If comfort and usability are important: The Realme 9i is lighter and more comfortable for daily tasks, and the side-mounted sensor is convienient.
Final Thoughts: What I Would Choose and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones for myself, I'd lean towards the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I need a device that can handle demanding tasks, take great photos, and provide an excellent user experience. The Pura 70 Ultra's OLED display is superb, the performance is top-notch, and the camera system is in a class of its own. The ability to charge quickly and use wireless charging is also a significant plus for me.
Yes, the Pura 70 Ultra comes with a premium price tag, but it delivers a premium experience, which I value as both a professional and a consumer. The difference in performance and features between the two devices is substantial, making the Pura 70 Ultra a clear winner for my needs.
I have to say though, the side mounted fingerprint sensor on the Realme is a nice feature, and the weight difference is considerable for some people.
In conclusion, both phones serve their respective purposes, but the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is the more technologically advanced and overall better performing device.
