The realme 9 Pro+ is the hero smartphone of the latest number series from the brand. This release also signals that realme is now inclined in using the "Pro+" moniker on their popular smartphone line. And based on the spec sheet, the handset is endowed with compelling features - the shiny design, powerful Dimensity 920 chipset, Sony IMX766 50MP camera, and more.
realme 9 Pro+ Unboxing
We were very lucky to get the first dibs on this device. In a few days of testing the device, there's a lot to unpack, but we're saving the juicy details for our review coming soon. Right now, join us as we discuss our unboxing experience and our first impressions of the new realme 9 Pro+.
What's in the Box?
The realme 9 Pro+ also signals the company's departure from the old plain yellow box to a redesigned box. Though we still have the same yellow-black combination, the texts are now very prominent in the box. Likewise, the bottom part is in thick black accents which extends at the back.
Opening the box, you'll see a packet that contains the jelly case, SIM ejector tool, and documentations. The main unit can be found underneath this packet; and further down are the USB-C cable and 60-watt capable wall adapter.
Design
realme will be releasing two color variants in the Philippines as of this writing - the Aurora Green and the color-changing Sunrise Blue. The latter changes its color when exposed to direct sunlight; however, we got the former which is quite a toned-down color option.
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| realme 9 Pro+ in Aurora Green |
The design has a bluish-green hue in the middle portion of the phone which runs from top to bottom, while the sides are in black. Looking at the panel in a certain angle reveals the sand-blaster glitter all over the backing. This design is quite unique - it's subtle yet appealing in certain angles. We also have the triple camera setup at the back framed in a protruding module; and of course - the realme branding.
Flipping the device, you'll see the hole-punch design in the front panel. Bezels are now slimmer; however, the chin is still sizable. It's also worth-mentioning that the receiver also doubles as a second speaker giving the phone stereo capabilities (more on this on the review).
The 9 Pro+ feels like it has a metallic frame, but realme is yet to comment about this as of this writing. As usual, sides house the buttons and ports - power button (right), volume rocker (left), SIM tray (left), secondary microphone (top), 3.5-mm jack (bottom), primary microphone (bottom), USB-C port (bottom), and speaker grille (bottom).
The sides are not curved unlike what we've been accustomed to with the realme GT Master Edition. However, it still gives good handling to users. The 9 Pro+ has the same dimensions as the realme GT Master Edition which is quite a breath of fresh air for me. The body is very easy on the hands - one handed use is very possible in this frame.
Related: realme GT Master Edition Review: The Premium-Affordable Smartphone
Display and Initial Impressions
The realme 9 Pro+ sports a 6.43-inch FHD+ display with 1080 x 2400p resolution, which is a generous real estate for content consumption. Likewise, it boasts a 90Hz refresh rate. The display is quite bright compared to other phones in its league. On top of that, colors are quite accurate with good amount of contrast.
You can unlock the phone with the in-display fingerprint sensor. And it's also worth-noting that it doubles as a heart rate sensor - quite an amazing feat from a phone coming from this segment.
The 9 Pro+ now boots with realme UI 3.0. This bring a handful of new features in the system. Plus, having the Dimensity 920 chipset makes the whole interface buttery. The chipset also handles gaming well, especially when we tried Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in High graphics.
Its camera is also something to be lauded about, our initial run with it gave us flagship-grade outputs that we haven't seen from a mid-range device. This is due to the new Sony IMX766 sensor which apparently captures more light than previous generations.
The Wrap
I'd love to share more but I think I'll save those in our review. However, I think that the realme 9 Pro+ has a lot of new tricks. For now, I can only say that it is worth the hype with its powerful processor, the Sony IMX766 sensor, 90Hz refresh rate, and stunning new design.
The handset will be officially announced on March 15 at 6PM in realme PH's official Facebook page.
realme 9 Pro+ Specs
- 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio, 409 PPI, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM), Corning Gorilla Glass 5
- MediaTek Dimensity 920 5G (6 nm)
- 2.5GHz Octa-core CPU
- Mali-G68 MC4 GPU
- 256GB 8GB RAM UFS 2.2
- Triple rear cameras: 50MP, f/1.8 main with OIS, PDAF + 8MP, f/2.2, 119˚ ultrawide + 2MP, f/2.4 macro
- Front camera: 16MP, f/2.4
- Videos: up to 4K@30fps with gyro-EIS (rear), 1080p@30fps with gyro-EIS (front)
- Loudspeaker with stereo speakers
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Dual SIM (Nano)
- Dual-5G
- 5G, 4G/LTE
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
- Bluetooth v5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
- GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
- NFC
- USB Type-C 2.0, USB OTG
- Fingerprint (under display, optical)
- Heart rate monitor feature
- Realme UI 3.0, based on Android 12
- 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm, 182 grams
- Li-Po 4500 mAh battery
- 60W Fast charging, USB Power Delivery 3.0
- Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue
- AnTuTu: 507737