Sony Xperia 5 III vs Realme 9i - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Realme 9i
Realme 9i
Realme

General

Launch Date October 8, 2021 January 10, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 87.54 cm³ 104.54 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.47 "/g
Weight 168 g 190 g
Height 157 mm 164.4 mm
Width 68 mm 75.7 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Black
  • Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.6 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 21:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 84.2 %
Pixel Density 449 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 480 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.94 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 mAh/cm³ 47.83 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Adreno 660 Adreno 610

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13 13

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 5 III vs. Realme 9i: A User-Centered Comparison

Let's embark on a journey beyond the spec sheet, exploring the Sony Xperia 5 III and Realme 9i as holistic user experiences. We'll uncover how design choices translate into real-world usability, empowering you to choose the device that truly resonates with your needs.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIIRealme 9iUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignRefined, minimalist Android skin with subtle Sony customizationsRealme UI, more vibrant and customizableXperia offers a cleaner aesthetic, Realme UI provides greater personalization options.
Interaction FlowSmooth, thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 888 and 120Hz displayRelatively smooth, but 90Hz display and Snapdragon 680 may show occasional lagXperia provides a more fluid and responsive experience.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android accessibility optionsStandard Android accessibility optionsBoth offer basic accessibility but lack standout features.
Design ErgonomicsCompact and lightweight (157 x 68 x 8.2 mm, 168g)Larger and heavier (164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm, 190g)Xperia is more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah, capturing the vibrant energy of a street festival.

  • Xperia 5 III: Sarah effortlessly switches between the Xperia's triple camera system, utilizing the dedicated telephoto lens to capture distant details and the wide-angle lens to encompass the bustling scene. The 120Hz display provides a smooth viewfinder experience, and the powerful Snapdragon 888 ensures lag-free image processing.

  • Realme 9i: Sarah appreciates the Realme's 50MP main camera for capturing detailed shots, but she misses the versatility of a dedicated telephoto lens. The 90Hz display is responsive, but the Snapdragon 680 processor might exhibit slight delays when processing high-resolution images.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For the Power User: The Xperia 5 III caters to demanding users with its flagship processor, high refresh rate display, and advanced camera system.

  • For the Casual User: The Realme 9i provides a satisfactory experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual photography.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The Xperia 5 III prioritizes a premium, compact design with a focus on performance and a refined user experience. The Realme 9i offers a larger display and longer battery life at a more affordable price point, but compromises on processing power and camera versatility.

My Choice: The Sony Xperia 5 III

While the Realme 9i offers excellent value, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 III. Its compact form factor, combined with the powerful Snapdragon 888 and the smooth 120Hz OLED display, creates a truly engaging and responsive user experience. The versatile camera system, backed by Sony's imaging expertise, allows for greater creative freedom. As someone who values a seamless and premium mobile experience, the Xperia 5 III aligns more closely with my personal preferences, even with the higher price tag. The superior performance, display quality, and camera versatility outweigh the cost difference for me. It's a device that feels meticulously crafted, not just assembled, promising a more enjoyable and enriching interaction every time I pick it up.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.