Realme 9 Pro+ test: a mid-range smartphone with real photo ambitions

With the 9 Pro+, Realme does not hide its photographic ambitions. In this price segment, few mobiles manage to deliver a high quality experience. This smartphone is based on a triple photo module consisting of a 50 megapixel wide-angle whose lens opens at f / 1.8, an 8 Mpx ultra wide-angle (f / 2.3) and a sensor of 2 MP depth (f/2.4).

The main sensor is a Sony IMX 766, which was found in particular on much more expensive smartphones such as the Oppo Find X3 Pro and Neo. Of course, the sensor alone does not allow you to display shots of the same level, but Realme’s work on this 9 Pro+ remains interesting, especially in this price range.

Main module: 50 Mpx, f/1.8, eq. 26mm

The main 50MP module captures snapshots at 12.5MP by default. It benefits like its congeners from the technology of the pixel binding which allows four pixels to be merged into one in order to capture more light when it runs out.

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In good light conditions, the Realme 9 Pro+ proves to be very convincing. The rendering is much more flattering than on the Nord 2, even if the latter displays a good level of detail. The image is better exposed, sharper and above all more colorful.

As on the other devices that use the IMX766, there is a slight tendency towards saturation and a slightly too red tint, but this is not really a problem with regard to the general quality.

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The exercise is necessarily more complicated at night, but once again, the Realme 9 Pro+ supplants its opponent. Despite the darkness, the algorithm manages to maintain a high level of detail while remaining sharp. Ditto, the exposure is better managed, which makes it possible to display a slightly fairer colorimetry. On the Nord 2, digital smoothing is much more noticeable.

50MP mode

By default, the smartphone captures snapshots in 12.5 Mpx, but it is possible to choose the 50 Mpx mode, which is of course worth comparing. To do this, we isolated a 0.45 MP area on each shot, the one at 12.5 MP and the second at 50 MP. A good way to get an idea of ​​the difference in scale.

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By day, we see that the full definition allows you to enjoy an even more precise image. We notice it in particular on the faces (in the pupil of the man, in particular). This doesn’t allow for a giant leap, but can come in handy for some detail-rich shots.

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At night, we observe that the algorithm reacts differently depending on the definition chosen. The standard shot tends to accentuate micro-contrasts, while the second opts for more pronounced smoothing. In 50 Mpx, we have the impression of recovering less information, but that the image is softer. This can therefore be interesting depending on the case.

Ultra-wide-angle module: 8 Mpx, f/2.3, 119°, eq. 16mm

The ultra wide-angle does not share the same ambitions as its neighbor. We find ourselves here with an entry-level module and the rendering is affected. Its performance is also quite similar to that of the OnePlus model.

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In good light conditions, the two devices offer an almost equal level of detail. We are therefore far from the result of the wide-angle. Once again, the 9 Pro+ benefits from better exposure and a bit more sharpness. This can be seen for example on the color patterns, which are a little less diffuse.

The higher saturation provides a more advantageous rendering and should therefore work better on landscape photos, highlighting greenery, for example.

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At night, do not expect miracles. The two shots are almost similar and are difficult to read.

Front and video module

The Realme 9 Pro+ is equipped with a 16 Mpx front module whose lens opens at f/2.5. When the light is present, the rendering is good even if the portrait mode can be quite easily misled by flyaways.

The Dimensity 920 allows him to film in 4K at 30 fps (but also in Full HD at 60 fps). The result is interesting in both modes, even if you never avoid a few tremors. The management of the dynamics is effective and makes it possible to produce videos of good quality.