Alright, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Realme 9i and the Nokia G100. I’ll break down the specs, analyze what they mean for you, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how the Realme 9i and Nokia G100 stack up, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Realme 9i | Nokia G100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm, 190g | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm, 195.1g | The Nokia is slightly taller, wider, and thicker, which might feel a bit more bulky. The Realme is a touch lighter, which can be nicer during long use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard non-folding smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.52" | Both are quite large; a minor difference in size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2412 | 720x1600 | The Realme 9i offers a sharper and more detailed screen; better for media, text and general use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 269 | Higher PPI on Realme means noticeably clearer images and text, while the Nokia has a pixelated display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same panel type, with comparable colour reproduction |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | The Realme offers a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices have the same peak brightness, which is not bright enough for outside use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | The Snapdragon 680 in the Realme is more power-efficient and offers better general performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 216,850 | 201,615 | Realme should feel snappier in day-to-day use and provide slightly better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 | Both have same GPUs, so gaming performance is similar |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer all-day battery life for moderate users. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | The Realme will charge much faster, minimizing downtime, while the Nokia will be slow to charge. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.0 | Realme's higher-resolution camera should capture more detailed and sharper photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.1 | 8MP, f/2.4 | Realme’s selfie camera has a wider aperture, resulting in better low light and sharper images. |
| Wide Angle | None | 5MP, f/2.2 | Nokia provides a wide-angle option for group shots and landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia G100 has a dedicated portrait mode to blur backgrounds. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme allows for detailed close-up shots, better for artistic photography. |
| B/W lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme allows for black & white photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer standard 1080p video recording. |
| Camera features | PDAF, Touch Focus, HDR | Digital Stabilization, Touch Focus, Night Mode | Realme has faster autofocus, while Nokia has night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | Nokia comes with the newer software, but Realme will also get an upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards, with good coverage. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (A2DP, APT-x, SBC, AAC) | 5.0 LE (A2DP, LE) | The Realme offers better audio codec support, while the Nokia offers better battery efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Realme supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIMs, good for managing multiple lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 32/128GB | Both offer similar storage options, and both lack storage expansion. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 3/4GB | The Realme has more RAM, providing smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | Realme has a Hi-Res audio and stereo speaker configuration for better audio, while the Nokia has better call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, for quick and secure unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia screen is more resistant to scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Nokia includes gyroscope for more accurate motion sensing and a barometer for weather data. Realme includes a compass for direction sensing. |
2. Key Insights
Realme 9i Strengths:
- Superior Display: The Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate offers a significantly sharper and smoother experience compared to the Nokia's HD+ screen with a standard 60Hz.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 680 chipset offers superior performance, making apps faster and smoother with a more snappy UI. The AnTuTu score also confirms the same.
- Faster Charging: With 33W fast charging, the Realme charges much quicker, which is a huge time saver for busy users.
- Better Camera: Realme has higher resolution sensors in its main and selfie camera, better aperture, and additional features like macro and black & white lenses.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers ensure a more immersive listening experience.
- More RAM: the 6GB RAM option makes multi-tasking easier.
Nokia G100 Strengths:
- More Recent Software: Ships with Android 12 out of the box, though Realme is upgradable to 13.
- Wide Angle Lens: The 5MP wide-angle lens offers versatility in photography.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection, while not the latest, is better than an unknown screen protection.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer and Gyroscope are present which is useful for some.
- Better call audio: 2 microphones ensures clearer voice calls.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Realme 9i: Lacks a wide angle camera, doesn't have expandable storage, lacks screen protection.
- Nokia G100: Suffers from a lower resolution display, less powerful chipset, and significantly slower charging, lacks stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme 9i:
- Best For: Users who prioritize display quality, performance, and fast charging, especially for multimedia consumption, social media, and gaming. It is a great daily driver.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, gaming, taking photos, everyday tasks, and multitasking.
- Value: Offers superior tech at a competitive price.
Nokia G100:
- Best For: Users who value a wide-angle camera, a robust screen, and have basic smartphone needs, good call quality and more accurate sensors.
- Use Cases: General browsing, calls, occasional photos, and those who prefer the simplicity of Nokia devices.
- Value: More about simple functionality rather than premium performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself:
- How important is display quality? If you consume a lot of videos or read often, the Realme 9i's sharper, smoother screen is a big win.
- How important is camera versatility? If you want a more complete camera system with a wide-angle, the Nokia is better. If high-resolution images are important and you enjoy macro shots then Realme is the choice.
- How important is charging speed and overall performance? If you want a fast-charging phone with snappier performance, the Realme 9i is far superior.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Tech Enthusiast: Choose the Realme 9i. It offers better performance, display, charging, and audio quality.
- The Casual User: The Nokia G100 is a good choice with some extra features for the price, however, for an overall better device the Realme 9i is the better pick.
- The Photo Enthusiast: Choose Realme 9i for its higher resolution, or the Nokia if you value the wide angle, but the Realme camera quality is better.
Which One Would I Choose?
If I had to pick, I'd go with the Realme 9i. The superior display, faster charging, and more robust chipset make it a far better choice for daily use. The higher resolution cameras and additional lenses also make it a more versatile device. While the Nokia G100 has its strong points, the Realme 9i provides the best overall user experience and value. The faster charging alone is a significant convenience that makes all the difference when you’re constantly on the go. I don't need a wide angle lens very often. In my usage, speed, clarity, and good audio matter more, therefore, the Realme 9i ticks all the right boxes for me.
