Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme 9i and the Motorola Moto G73. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and give you some practical recommendations to help you decide which phone is right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a deep dive into the technical specifications, focusing on what each one means for you in real life:
| Feature | Realme 9i | Motorola Moto G73 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm | 161.4 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm | G73 is slightly more compact, which could be more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 190g | 181g | G73 is lighter, making it a bit easier to carry around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Both have large, immersive screens. The size difference is minimal. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer a sharp Full HD+ display. The resolution difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 405 | Both have similar pixel density, offering clear visuals and text. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use standard LCD technology with no major differences in image quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | G73 offers smoother scrolling and animations, which might be noticeable to discerning users. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical on both and may have a hard time in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Dimensity 930 (6nm) | G73’s chip has a significant performance advantage, offering faster app loads and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 216,850 | 497,466 | G73 benchmarks about 129% higher. It will offer a much more responsive and smoother experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | IMG BXM-8-256 | G73 offers enhanced graphics, better suited for demanding applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 30W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 9i has slightly faster charging capabilities; Both batteries will likely last all day. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 0.64µm | 50MP f/1.8, 1.00µm | Moto G73's larger pixel size may capture more light in low conditions, giving an advantage here. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP f/2.1, 1.00µm | 16MP f/2.4, 1.00µm | 9i has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Camera | None | 8MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | G73 has an additional wide-angle lens, for capturing more in a single shot. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | 9i has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Black & White Camera | 2MP f/2.4, 1.75µm | None | 9i has a dedicated black and white lens for creative monochrome photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow 120fps | 1080p@60fps, Slow 240fps | Moto G73 offers 60fps, along with more detailed slow-motion videos. |
| Features | PDAF, triple lens | 4K video, dual-lens, ultravid | Moto G73 offers better video quality; Both come with good set of standard features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | G73 has a newer, more up-to-date OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | G73 supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi, especially in busy networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | G73 has a newer version with better power efficiency, range, and data transfer. |
| GPS | Standard | Standard + QZSS, L1+L5, B1, NavIC | G73 has more advanced GPS for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | G73 offers a larger max storage option. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 8 GB | G73 has more RAM, beneficial for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage; Consider carefully the internal storage you may need. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers, 2 mics | G73 offers better quality sound recording and spatial audio, while 9i offers hi-res sound playback and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both have convenient side-mounted fingerprint readers. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Standard + Gravity | Standard | Both offer similar set of sensors but 9i additionally offers Gravity. |
2. Key Insights
Performance: The Motorola Moto G73 is the clear winner in terms of performance. Its Dimensity 930 chipset provides significantly better benchmark scores and will provide a much smoother user experience, especially when multitasking or gaming.
Display: The G73 takes the win with its 120Hz refresh rate, offering a slightly smoother visual experience than the 9i's 90Hz.
Camera: The Realme 9i provides a more versatile camera setup with its macro and black & white lenses, but the Motorola G73 has superior standard and wide angle lenses, along with 4K video, and better low-light pixel size, offering better standard shots.
Software: The Motorola G73 comes with a newer version of Android out of the box which means more up-to-date features.
Connectivity: The Motorola Moto G73 has an advantage with its faster Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and more advanced GPS.
Storage: The Motorola Moto G73 provides a 256 GB option for larger storage, as compared to the 128GB of the 9i.
Audio: The Moto G73 with its Dolby Atmos and dual mics take the lead here.
Trade-offs: The Realme 9i offers a slightly better selfie camera and macro options, while the Moto G73 focuses on offering a better overall experience for multimedia, video, performance, and connectivity.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme 9i: This phone is a good fit for users who prioritize budget-friendliness, like experimenting with different camera filters (macro and black & white), and appreciate slightly better selfies. Its macro and black and white lenses will allow more creative photography.
Motorola Moto G73: This is the phone for those who want smoother, faster performance, a more up-to-date Android experience, improved audio and video, and better connectivity. It excels in everyday tasks, gaming, and video consumption.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How important is performance to you? If you're a heavy user who multitasks and games, the Moto G73 is the clear winner. The G73's Dimensity chipset and 8GB of RAM will handle intensive tasks with ease. If you're a light user who sticks to basic apps, the 9i may suffice.
What kind of camera features are most valuable to you? If you prioritize high-quality photos with good detail and low light performance, the Moto G73 with its larger pixel size and better main camera is the better choice, and its 4K video recording also gives it a win. If you enjoy creative photography and like using filters, the 9i with its dedicated macro and monochrome lenses would suit you better.
Do you prefer updated software and better connectivity? If having the latest Android OS and faster network connectivity is a priority, then the Moto G73 with its Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 is ideal.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
The Casual User: If you primarily browse social media, make calls, and use basic apps, the Realme 9i is a budget-friendly option.
The Multimedia Lover: If you stream videos, enjoy gaming, and want better audio quality, the Motorola Moto G73 is the way to go.
The Photography Enthusiast: If you love playing around with filters and close up photos, the Realme 9i's additional lenses will be great. If you prefer a better, all around main camera with great video features, then the Moto G73 is a better pick.
Which one I would choose
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G73. While the Realme 9i has some appealing aspects, the G73's superior performance is simply too hard to pass up. As a tech journalist, I'm constantly multitasking, running benchmarks, and testing apps, and I need a device that can keep up without any hiccups. Moreover, the smoother display, better connectivity, and advanced audio features of the G73 align more with my daily needs and the kind of features I value in a smartphone. I would certainly use the extra RAM and the upgraded performance, plus I prefer the additional wide-angle lens, and better standard video recording. The newer Android OS on the G73 is also a big plus. The few extra features of the 9i don't outweigh the many advantages the G73 provides.
