The realme 9i finally launched in the Philippines. Is it worth getting this latest addition to realme’s 9 series? Luckily for us, I was able to try this device before its official release. More on my thoughts and observations below, along with its pricing and specs table.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Display | 6.6in. (2412 x 1080p) 90Hz IPS LCD |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| RAM | 6GB |
| ROM | 126GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Main Camera2MP Macro2MP Depth |
| Front Camera | 16MP Front Camera |
| Card Slot | 2 Micro SIM + dedicated microSDXC |
| OS | Android 11 + Realme UI 2.0 |
| Weight | 190g |
UNBOXING
As previously mentioned in our first impressions article of the realme 9i, you get the following in the box:
- realme 9i
- 33W Dart Charger
- USB-C Cable
- Transparent Case
- SIM Ejector Tool
- Manual
DESIGN
The realme 9i uses a Stereo Prism Design giving off a three-dimensional effect. There will be two color options – we have here the Prism Blue variant and it will also be available in Prism Black.
On top, another microphone, and the front camera is positioned on the upper-left of the display. The top speakers are also visible here.
Meanwhile, on the left are the volume buttons and the SIM Tray slot right above it. As for the sound experience, the Dual-Stereo Speakers are enough to immerse me with what I am viewing on the screen without earphones on hand.
The SIM Tray has a dedicated microSDXC slot with two micro SIM card slots.
The Ultra-Fast Side Fingerprint Sensor was super convenient for me because all I had to do was naturally hold the phone and place my finger or thumb on the power button while holding the phone, without even needing to press it. Being right-handed, it feels comfortable for me to just position my right thumb around that area just like holding any phone whenever I need to unlock it. I can still reach the power button with my left hand using my left middle and index fingers.
Here at the bottom, we have the USB-C charging port, a 3.5mm audio jack, microphone, and speakers.
Its 5000mAh battery fully charges in 70 minutes with the included 33W Dart Charger. It has been able to keep up with my activities be it in calls, video editing, and gaming.
PERFORMANCE
Speaking of gaming, I was able to check what graphics settings the realme 9i can run. For Mobile Legends, you have the option to run it on Ultra Graphics with High Refresh Rate. Call of Duty Mobile can run Very High Graphics Quality with Medium Frame Rate, and Low Graphic Quality if you want to set it to High Frame Rate. Genshin Impact can run smoothly at Low Graphics Quality while setting it to Medium will show a pop-up warning since it’s not recommended to run it on anything higher than Low on this device.
This will come in 6GB of memory, further expandable up to a total of 11GB with virtual memory, along with 128GB of internal storage. This device houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Processor to keep up with demanding mobile activities. Sporting a 90Hz Ultra Smooth Display, you can take advantage of the performance boost with the viewing experience feeling smoother. This device also makes use of the latest realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11.
If you want to get more technical with me here, below are some 3DMark and Geekbench 5 benchmarking results of the realme 9i. However, your actual experience with its performance should be better since the review unit we got only has 4GB of memory, unlike the 6GB configuration that will be on sale.
GAME SPACE
There is also a built-in app called Game Space where you can access all of your games in one place. It offers three Performance Modes – Low power mode, Balanced mode, and Pro Gamer mode.
On the upper left of the game screen, you can swipe it out for a selection of extra various features. For example, you can bring out a small floating window to open your Facebook Messenger app. It is quite convenient to take advantage of the Screen Record function when you want to keep track of your awesome playthroughs. You can drag the brightness up or down, and even lock it if you don’t want it to change.
The Autoplay feature “locks” the screen until you swipe anywhere when you are ready to get back into action. I find this useful when updating games so that the screen does not turn off. Maybe this could also be useful in a game like Clash of Clans? Who knows, maybe you can test that out for yourself.
CAMERA
The rear cameras feature a 50MP AI Triple Camera:
- 50MP main camera
- 2MP black and white lens
- 2MP 4cm macro lens
The only turn-off for me is the absence of the ultra-wide lens. I find that quite important when taking photos. In exchange, for the realme 9i, you can take extra HD photos – up to 8160p instead of the usual 4080p – when you turn on the 50MP function in the camera.
Be careful with your storage space if you like taking a lot of photos like me though. It seems like it will consume almost three times as much space if you want to get the best quality photos out of the phone camera. If you need all the details you can get in one shot, it will be worth it for you.
Below are a few photos using the camera:
VERDICT
The Ultra-Fast Side Fingerprint Sensor is actually my favorite feature on the realme 9i just because of how easy it is to open the phone and it’s immediately ready to use. I would highly recommend this to friends who need a device that is easier to access, and hopefully, I get to see more of this in other devices in the future.
I find the colors or brightness of the screen kind of inaccurate for my taste, but you would only really notice that if you are as meticulous. Prism Blue seems cool to look at and I just might prefer using a transparent case just to showcase the design.
The 5000mAh battery capacity is helpful to keep me going for a whole day – or even until the next day.
AVAILABILITY
The realme 9i is definitely something you should consider getting with all these features that do not come with too high of a price tag either. This will be available in a 6GB+128GB variant for PHP 11,990 by May 5, 2022.
There will also be an early bird promo, exclusive on the realme Shopee page, where you can get your hands on the new realme 9i for PHP 1,200 off at PHP 10,970. You can also find this device available in all realme official stores and partner dealers nationwide.
Caroline seems like she has done it all; from petting every four-legged friend out on the street, indulging in different stories through books and anime, or even vibing to any song especially EDM. Nothing can stop her curiosity from trying anything under the sun for that Life XP. Having grown up with a GBA emulator, then owning a PSP and NDS, nothing piqued her interest more than gaming. Fun fact: another hobby of hers is watching gameplay videos while eating brunch. For years, despite her love for all things digital, all she had was a potato laptop and a dream - until now. Although, according to the prophecy, rarely will anyone ever see her go outside after completing her PC setup.
