The Blackview Shark 8 and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Shark 8 aggressively targets gamers with its Mediatek Helio G99, while the Honor X9b prioritizes a balance of efficiency and usability with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing sustained gaming and maximum battery life, the Blackview Shark 8 emerges as the winner. Its Helio G99, coupled with impressive endurance, provides a better experience for demanding tasks. However, the Honor X9b’s more efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and reverse charging offer a compelling alternative for everyday users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, November | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168.5 x 76.6 x 8.4 mm (6.63 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198.3 g (6.98 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 7 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 13, Doke OS 4.0 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
Secondary unspecified camera | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Galaxy Blue, Scorching Gold, Moonlight Grey | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | - | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 970 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 52:24h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class C (126 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Blackview Shark 8
- Exceptional battery endurance (52:24h)
- Proven gaming performance with Helio G99
- High charge cycle count (800 cycles) for long-term reliability
- Less efficient chipset may lead to more heat
- Charging speed is moderate (33W)
Honor X9b
- More efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset
- Reverse wired charging for added convenience
- Potentially better sustained performance due to 4nm process
- Battery endurance likely lower than Shark 8
- Gaming performance may not match the Shark 8's peak
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, we can assume both utilize LCD panels. The choice will likely come down to color calibration and brightness, areas where Honor typically excels. The Shark 8's focus on gaming may indicate a higher refresh rate, but this is speculative. Without specific data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner.
Camera Comparison
Without camera specifications, a detailed comparison is impossible. However, given the market segment, we can expect both phones to feature multi-camera systems. The focus will likely be on the main sensor's megapixel count and aperture. Image processing algorithms will also play a crucial role. It's reasonable to assume Honor, with its established camera expertise, will deliver more refined image processing, but the Shark 8 may prioritize a higher megapixel count for marketing appeal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview Shark 8’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is a proven performer in the budget gaming space, featuring a dual-core Cortex-A76 setup clocked at 2.2 GHz. The Honor X9b counters with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm), utilizing a more modern Cortex-A78 architecture, also clocked at 2.2 GHz. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers a significant advantage in thermal efficiency, potentially leading to less throttling during prolonged use. While the G99 offers raw power, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s architecture and process node suggest superior sustained performance and power management. The Honor X9b's CPU configuration (4x A78 vs 2x A76) also indicates a stronger multi-core performance advantage.
Battery Life
The Blackview Shark 8 boasts an impressive 52:24h endurance rating and a claimed 800 charge cycles, suggesting a focus on longevity. While the Honor X9b’s battery capacity is unknown, its more efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset will contribute to longer runtimes. The Shark 8 charges at 33W, while the X9b offers 35W with the added benefit of reverse wired charging. This reverse charging capability is a significant advantage for the X9b, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices. The Shark 8’s endurance rating suggests a larger battery capacity, potentially offsetting the slightly slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Shark 8 if you need a phone primarily for gaming, value extended battery life, and appreciate a more aggressive performance profile. Buy the Honor X9b if you prefer a more balanced experience, prioritize power efficiency for all-day use, and appreciate the convenience of reverse wireless charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Blackview Shark 8 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G99 is known to generate more heat than newer chipsets. While the Shark 8 likely incorporates cooling solutions, prolonged, demanding gaming may lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance over time. The Honor X9b’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, with its 4nm process, is less prone to overheating.
❓ How useful is the reverse charging feature on the Honor X9b in real-world scenarios?
The Honor X9b’s reverse wired charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While it won’t fully charge another phone quickly, it can provide a crucial power boost in emergencies, offering a practical advantage over the Blackview Shark 8.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b support high frame rates in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but achieving consistently high frame rates (60fps or higher) will depend on the game settings and the phone's thermal management. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it should provide a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience at medium settings.
