Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Realme 9i and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). Both phones are vying for a spot in the mid-range market, but they offer distinctly different experiences. As a tech journalist with an engineering background, I'll break down the specs and translate them into real-world implications, ensuring you know what you're getting with each device.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, designed to highlight not just the numbers but what they mean for you:
| Feature | Realme 9i | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm, 190g | 168.9 × 75.8 × 9.3 mm, 215g | The Realme 9i is lighter and thinner, which means it will feel more comfortable for prolonged use. The Moto G is noticeably larger and heavier. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, nothing fancy like foldable or clamshell. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.8" | Moto G has slightly more screen real estate. Good for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 1080x2460 | Both displays are Full HD+, meaning clear and crisp images and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 395 | Both have very similar pixel densities, so sharpness will be virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use IPS LCD, known for good color accuracy but not the deep blacks of AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G's 120Hz refresh rate will provide smoother scrolling and animations than Realme 9i's 90Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness of 0 nits, although this data point is a bit strange. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The Moto G's 695 is significantly faster, offering a more fluid and responsive experience. The 680 is a decent chip but notably slower and lacks 5G. |
| AnTuTu Score | 216,850 | 385,000 | Moto G blows Realme 9i out of the water in benchmarks and will feel much quicker in daily use and be better for gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 | Moto G has a faster GPU, which is crucial for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76" | Both have similar primary cameras, but the Realme's wider aperture might perform slightly better in low light. |
| Selfie Lens | 16MP, f/2.1, 1/3.13" | 16MP, f/2.2 | Both have a 16MP front shooter, but the Realme's slightly wider aperture may perform slightly better in low light |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Moto G gives you that extra perspective for landscape shots while the Realme 9i lacks this lens |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a similar 2MP macro for those super close-up shots, and neither stand out in quality. |
| B&W Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | A dedicated black and white lens on the Realme 9i, which may be useful for artistic photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps with EIS, EIS | The Moto G supports 1080p at 60fps as well, with image stabilization, which offers more fluid video quality and stability. |
| Features | PDAF, Panorama | OIS, Night Mode, Manual Focus | Moto G offers image stabilization and a night mode, while the Realme provides PDAF and a Panorama mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery size. Expect comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Realme has 33W fast charging support, while no details were provided for Moto G. This means faster re-charge time for the Realme 9i. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | The Moto G ships with Android 12 out of the box, while the Realme is upgradable but comes with Android 11. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1, LE, EDR, LDAC | Moto G has newer Bluetooth tech with added features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G provides more satellite systems for precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Single SIM | Realme allows use of two SIM cards simultaneously, which might be better for some users. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256 GB | Moto G offers a lot more internal storage which is great for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 8 GB | Moto G has more RAM, meaning better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 2 Microphones | Realme 9i has higher quality audio playback, which is ideal for music lovers; Moto G has dual mics for better recording quality. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is convenient and accessible. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Moto G features a gyroscope which is handy for gaming and AR apps. |
2. Key Insights
Realme 9i
- Strengths: The Realme 9i stands out with its lighter design, potentially a slightly better primary camera with a wider f/1.8 aperture for better low-light performance, a dedicated B&W sensor, Hi-Res Audio with stereo speakers, and fast charging at 33W. It also has dual SIM capabilities, which is convenient for some users.
- Competitive Advantages: Its fast charging capabilities, a lighter build, Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers and the addition of a black and white sensor are definite advantages.
- Trade-offs: The biggest trade-off is its lack of 5G connectivity, slower processor, and less RAM, making it less performant than the Moto G. Its camera features are also comparatively basic, and it has a single speaker output..
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
- Strengths: The Moto G boasts a superior processor with 5G connectivity, smoother 120Hz display, more RAM, more internal storage, a wide angle lens, video recording with stabilization, better Bluetooth tech, a gyroscope, and more GPS system support.
- Competitive Advantages: The faster chipset, high refresh rate, and the added 5G connectivity makes it a much more powerful device. Also, the additional wide angle lens provides more options for photography.
- Trade-offs: The Moto G is significantly heavier and larger. It lacks fast charging, and the audio quality is not as impressive. Also, it's limited to single sim.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme 9i: This phone is ideal for users who prioritize a lighter design, fast charging, and a better audio experience. The absence of 5G may not matter to those who are less concerned about network speeds. It's well-suited for light everyday tasks, casual media consumption, and basic photography.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022): This is for users who want a robust, future-proof device with good performance and a large screen. The 5G connectivity, smoother display, and the added gyroscope make it a better choice for gaming, multi-tasking, and frequent video recording. It's a solid all-rounder that provides good performance at a reasonable price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide between the two, consider these questions:
- Do you prioritize performance or design? If you need a quick and responsive phone and the weight doesn't bother you, go for the Moto G. If you'd rather a lighter phone with decent audio, consider the Realme 9i.
- Do you need 5G connectivity? If 5G speeds are important for you, the Moto G is your only option between these two.
- How important is photography to you? The Moto G provides the wide angle lens and stabilization, while the Realme has some advantages for low light and B&W photography.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Casual User: The Realme 9i is a solid option for everyday tasks with a better audio experience and faster charging.
- Power User/Gamer: The Moto G is the clear winner with its faster processor, 5G, higher refresh rate display, and added gyroscope.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Moto G with the wide angle lens and stabilized video will give you a more well rounded experience.
My Choice
If it were up to me, I'd choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2022). Here's why:
As a tech journalist, performance and future-proofing are vital to me. The Snapdragon 695 5G is a significant upgrade over the 680 in the Realme 9i and provides better multitasking. I also appreciate the smoother 120Hz display, and the inclusion of 5G means the phone will be relevant for a long time. While I value audio quality and faster charging (features of the Realme), the overall performance, bigger storage, and extra features like the wide angle camera and gyroscope make the Moto G a much more capable and versatile device. Plus, the camera features and the ability to record 1080p at 60fps with stabilization are essential for my needs as a tech journalist.
