Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Blackview A90 and Honor 8X Max are both contenders, offering large screens and decent specs at affordable prices. But which one comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor 8X Max edges out the Blackview A90 thanks to its faster charging, slightly better performance, and more refined software experience. While the A90 offers a competitive price, the 8X Max provides a more well-rounded package for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 04 | 2018, September. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.3 x 77.6 x 8.8 mm (6.55 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 177.6 x 86.3 x 8.1 mm (6.99 x 3.40 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~350 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~77.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.12 inches, 127.8 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9 (Pie), EMUI 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 4280 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Orange, Purple | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | ARE-AL00, ARE-L22HN, ARE-AL10 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Blackview A90
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent camera
- Slower charging
- Potentially less polished software
- Performance can be sluggish at times
Honor 8X Max
- Faster charging (18W)
- Slightly better performance
- Larger battery capacity
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly more expensive than A90
- Design may not appeal to everyone
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays – the Honor 8X Max boasts a 6.8-inch screen, while the Blackview A90 has a 6.53-inch display. Resolution is similar, both offering Full HD+ panels. The Honor 8X Max's screen generally receives slightly better reviews for color accuracy and brightness, though both are perfectly adequate for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is comparable. Both phones feature multiple rear cameras (likely including a main sensor, ultrawide, and depth sensor). Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but both struggle in low light. The Honor 8X Max's image processing might be slightly more refined, resulting in marginally better photos.
Performance
The Honor 8X Max's Snapdragon 660 generally outperforms the Blackview A90's Helio P60 in benchmarks and real-world usage. The Snapdragon 660 is known for its efficiency and smooth performance, while the Helio P60 can sometimes feel a bit sluggish, especially with demanding apps. Both handle everyday tasks well, but the 8X Max offers a more responsive experience.
Battery Life
The Honor 8X Max has a significant advantage in battery capacity (5000mAh vs. 5080mAh - very close) and charging speed (18W vs 10W). The faster charging is a major convenience, and the larger battery ensures all-day battery life for most users.
Buying Guide
The Blackview A90 is a good choice for users prioritizing a very budget-friendly option and are comfortable with a potentially less polished software experience. The Honor 8X Max is ideal for those seeking a balance of performance, battery life, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life, but the Honor 8X Max's faster charging makes it more convenient.
❓ Is the Blackview A90 worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
Yes, the Blackview A90 is a solid option if you're looking for the absolute cheapest smartphone with a large screen. Just be aware of its limitations in performance and charging speed.
