In the bustling arena of smartphones under ₹25,000, manufacturers are consistently vying for supremacy. Some devices excel in performance, while others boast striking designs or quirky features that leave us puzzled.
Enter the Realme 9 Pro Plus – a smartphone that confidently showcases a striking back panel, a camera that delivers performance beyond its numbers, and premium specifications that defy its price tag.
But does the Realme 9 Pro Plus live up to the hype? Or is it just another player lost in the crowd of “budget flagships”? Let’s delve deeper into this device.
A Camera That Punches Above Its Weight
The current smartphone market is rife with devices flaunting high megapixel counts as marketing gimmicks. The Realme 9 Pro Plus, however, adopts a more sophisticated approach. Its 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor isn’t about just boasting numbers; it’s a serious contender that would typically belong to pricier offerings.
What stands out is the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), ensuring that your night shots won’t turn out to be unintentional art pieces. With 4K video recording capabilities at 30fps and an innovative Street Photography 2.0 mode, capturing your best moments has never been easier. It’s as if the camera intuitively understands your needs before you even tap the shutter.
Full Rear Camera Setup:
- 50MP Sony IMX766 Primary Camera with OIS
- 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera for expansive landscape shots
- 2MP Macro Camera—though its utility is debatable, it’s present!
Low-light performance is surprisingly impressive, ultra-wide shots are acceptable, and the macro lens? You’ll probably try it once and never touch it again. But that’s par for the course these days.
Dazzling Design: The Color-Changing Back
Many smartphones blend into the surrounding sea of glass slabs, but the Realme 9 Pro Plus turns heads with its “Sunrise Blue” variant, featuring a UV-reactive finish that transitions from shimmering blue to fiery red in sunlight. It’s not merely a party trick; it’s an eye-catching feature that makes the phone feel lively.
The build quality is equally commendable. With Gorilla Glass 5 protecting the front, this phone feels both durable and chic. Weighing in at just under 182g, it strikes a perfect balance—light enough for comfortable one-handed use, yet sturdy enough not to feel flimsy.
AMOLED Goodness With Smooth Performance
At the heart of the Realme 9 Pro Plus is a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display. This means you’ll experience deep blacks, vibrant colors, and visuals that shine without venturing into oversaturation. While it may not top the charts as the best display out there, it undeniably delivers excellent quality for its pricing tier.
The 90Hz refresh rate adds to the fluidity of interactions, whether you’re scrolling through social media, multitasking, or engaging in mobile gaming like BGMI. However, during direct sunlight, you may find yourself wanting for a brightness boost—though it performs adequately most of the time.
For media consumption, gaming, or catching up on photos, this display truly impresses, especially in its “Natural” color mode that offers a more balanced color representation.
Dimensity 920 + 5G: Performance Meets Connectivity
MediaTek’s Dimensity series has long been viewed as a work-in-progress, but the Dimensity 920 5G brings refreshing change. This 6nm processor is designed to handle everyday tasks with ease—app transitions are seamless, and multitasking feels effortless.
When it comes to gaming titles like Genshin Impact or CoD Mobile, the 90Hz refresh rate coupled with the robust chipset makes for a surprisingly smooth experience. Frame drops remain rare, and heating is kept to a manageable level. It’s not a dedicated gaming powerhouse, but it performs admirably well for casual gamers.
Configuration Options:
- 6GB RAM with 128GB Storage
- 8GB RAM with 256GB Storage
Do remember—there’s no option for expandable storage. If you anticipate storing many large files or game updates, the 256GB variant is preferable.
Battery Life That Actually Lasts
While a 4500mAh battery might seem standard, the Realme 9 Pro Plus defies expectations with its impressive stamina. Thanks to its optimized display and energy-efficient chipset, you can expect it to last through a full day of gaming, streaming, and social media.
Charging capabilities are where this phone truly shines. Realme has implemented 60W SuperDart charging, allowing you to jump from 0% to 50% in roughly 15 minutes. A complete charge from dead? Around 45 minutes, provided you aren’t distracted by notifications along the way.
This fast charging feature becomes invaluable when you’re in a hurry—no more long charging waits!
Feature Highlights You Didn’t Know You Needed
Among its other impressive capabilities, the Realme 9 Pro Plus includes a heart rate monitor discreetly embedded within the under-display fingerprint sensor. While it’s not meant for medical use, its accuracy is noteworthy for casual checks.
Additional Features:
- Dolby Atmos Support
- Dual Stereo Speakers delivering crisp sound
- Wi-Fi 6 and NFC Support
- Dual 5G SIM Capabilities
- USB-C Connectivity
- Hi-Res Audio Certification ideal for audiophiles
All of this packed into a smartphone priced below ₹23,000 is simply astonishing.
Software Experience: Realme UI 3.0
The Realme 9 Pro Plus runs on Android 12 with Realme UI 3.0. The software is visually appealing and functional, though it’s slightly cluttered with pre-installed applications—which you can uninstall if they don’t suit your preferences.
Despite its busyness, the UI offers several useful features, from floating windows to customization options for notifications and themes. While Realme is not the fastest when it comes to rolling out updates, it does maintain a reputation that’s better than most in this segment.
Is the Realme 9 Pro Plus Worth It?
Let’s sum it up:
- Impressive Flagship Main Camera (with OIS)
- Vibrant AMOLED Display
- Decent Performance with 5G Connectivity
- Super-Fast Charging Capabilities
- Unique Design and Extra Features including a heart rate monitor
And the best part? All this starts at just ₹22,499.
When considering its features, it’s clear that the Realme 9 Pro Plus offers exceptional value that could easily overshadow its competitors. The absence of an IP rating and expandable storage are minor setbacks, but they’re unlikely to dissuade mainstream users.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy daily driver that doesn’t compromise on photography, performance, or style, the Realme 9 Pro Plus is a compelling option. It gracefully strikes the right balance without attempting to be an all-powerful device.
Final Word: Realme 9 Pro Plus – A Balanced Act Done Right
In an environment where smartphones often aspire to be everything to everyone, the Realme 9 Pro Plus effectively chooses its strengths and excels. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a binge-watcher, or a casual gamer, this phone delivers impressively.
If your current device is letting you down, the Realme 9 Pro Plus could very well be your next dependable all-rounder.
Explore this smartphone, and perhaps take a moment to watch the captivating color-shifting back in the sunlight. You might just find it oddly satisfying.
FAQs
Q: How good is the camera in low light?
A: The low-light performance is impressive, thanks to the 50MP Sony IMX766 sensor equipped with OIS, which provides clear images with minimal noise.
Q: Is the Realme 9 Pro Plus suitable for gaming?
A: It performs admirably for gaming, with smooth gameplay and minimal heating issues, making it a solid choice for mobile gamers.
Q: Does it support fast charging?
A: Yes, it features 60W SuperDart charging, capable of achieving approximately 50% battery in just about 15 minutes.
Q: What’s the story behind the color-changing back panel?
A: The Sunrise Blue variant features a UV-reactive finish that transitions colors in sunlight, offering a unique aesthetic.
Q: Can I use two SIMs with this device?
A: Yes, the Realme 9 Pro Plus supports dual-SIM (5G) functionality.
Q: Is there an option to expand storage?
A: Unfortunately, there is no expandable storage option, so choose your configuration wisely.
Q: How reliable is the heart rate monitor feature?
A: While not medical-grade, the heart rate monitor is surprisingly accurate and adds a fun touch to the device.
Q: What operating system does it run?
A: The Realme 9 Pro Plus runs Android 12 with Realme UI 3.0 out of the box.
Q: How is the speaker quality?
A: The dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support provide clear and impressive sound quality for various media consumption.
