Both the Cubot X19 and Honor 9X Lite target the ultra-budget smartphone market, but they approach it with significantly different hardware. The Cubot X19 relies on the older Mediatek Helio P23, while the Honor 9X Lite features Huawei’s Kirin 710F. This comparison dissects the implications of these chipset choices, revealing which phone delivers a superior experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Honor 9X Lite is the clear winner. Its Kirin 710F chipset, built on a smaller 12nm process, offers demonstrably better performance and efficiency compared to the Cubot X19’s 16nm Helio P23. While both phones are affordable, the 9X Lite provides a smoother, more responsive experience.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2020, April 17. Released 2020, May 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 155 x 74.7 x 9.6 mm (6.10 x 2.94 x 0.38 in) | 160.4 x 76.6 x 7.8 mm (6.31 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~407 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~397 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.93 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~78.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.2 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763T Helio P23 (16 nm) | Kirin 710F (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1, Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
2 MP | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 3750 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gradient, Black | Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | - | JSN-L21, JSN-L22, JSN-L23 |
| Price | - | About 220 EUR |
Cubot X19
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May offer expandable storage (market dependent)
- Outdated and inefficient chipset
- Noticeable lag and slowdowns during multitasking
- Poorer camera performance
- Shorter battery life
Honor 9X Lite
- More powerful and efficient Kirin 710F chipset
- Smoother user experience and faster app launches
- Better camera image processing
- Improved battery life
- Likely better software support
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May lack expandable storage
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the target price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Honor 9X Lite, benefiting from a more modern overall design philosophy, likely features slightly smaller bezels. Color accuracy and peak brightness are expected to be similar, leaning towards the basic side, but the Kirin 710F’s ISP *could* offer slightly better image processing for display output.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the Kirin 710F’s image signal processor (ISP) is significantly more advanced than the one found in the Helio P23. This translates to better image processing, improved dynamic range, and potentially superior low-light performance. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the quality of those sensors and the software processing will be the deciding factors. The Honor 9X Lite is likely to produce more consistently pleasing images, even in challenging conditions.
Performance
The Kirin 710F represents a significant architectural leap over the Helio P23. The P23 utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz, a design that prioritizes clock speed over efficiency. The 710F, built on a 12nm process versus the P23’s 16nm, employs a big.LITTLE architecture with four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.2 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. This allows the 710F to dynamically allocate tasks to the more powerful A73 cores when needed, resulting in faster app launches and smoother multitasking. The 12nm process also contributes to lower power consumption and reduced thermal throttling. Users will notice a substantial difference in responsiveness when navigating the UI and running demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Kirin 710F’s superior power efficiency, stemming from its 12nm manufacturing process and big.LITTLE architecture, will result in longer battery life for the Honor 9X Lite, even if both phones have similar battery capacities. The Honor 9X Lite’s 10W charging is relatively slow by today’s standards, but the more efficient chipset means it won’t need to be charged as frequently. The Helio P23’s higher power draw will necessitate more frequent charging cycles.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X19 if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you are prioritizing the absolute lowest price point. Buy the Honor 9X Lite if you value a more fluid user experience, occasional gaming, and a chipset that will likely handle software updates and app compatibility better over the long term. The 9X Lite is the better choice for anyone who doesn't want to constantly fight with lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P23 in the Cubot X19 struggle with modern app updates?
Yes, the Helio P23 is an older chipset and may encounter compatibility issues with newer app updates that are optimized for more modern architectures. This could lead to app crashes, slowdowns, or even the inability to run certain apps altogether. The Kirin 710F in the Honor 9X Lite is much better positioned to handle future software demands.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Honor 9X Lite a significant drawback?
While 10W charging is slow compared to modern fast charging standards, the Kirin 710F’s power efficiency mitigates this issue. You won’t need to charge the phone as frequently, lessening the impact of the slower charging speed. The Helio P23’s higher power consumption means the Cubot X19 will likely require more frequent charging, making the slower charging feel even more restrictive.
❓ Can I expect a smooth gaming experience on either of these phones?
Gaming performance will be limited on both devices. The Helio P23 will struggle with most modern games, even at low settings. The Kirin 710F can handle less demanding games and older titles at lower settings, but don’t expect a high-framerate, graphically intensive experience on either phone.
