The Honor 20S and Huawei P30 lite New Edition represent compelling options in the mid-range smartphone market, particularly as older models now available at discounted prices. Both leverage Huawei’s Kirin chipset family, but a significant architectural difference exists between the Kirin 810 in the 20S and the Kirin 710 in the P30 lite New Edition. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications for users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Honor 20S is the clear winner. Its Kirin 810 chipset, built on a 7nm process, delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the 12nm Kirin 710 in the P30 lite New Edition, making it better suited for demanding tasks and gaming. However, the P30 lite remains a viable option for basic usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 20, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, October | 2020, January 14. Released 2020, January 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 74 x 7.9 mm (6.07 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) | 152.9 x 72.7 x 7.4 mm (6.02 x 2.86 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 152.9 g (5.40 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~412 ppi density) | 1080 x 2312 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~415 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 96.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.15 inches, 93.6 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.88 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Kirin 810 (7 nm) | Kirin 710 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP6 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Magic 2.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, EMUI 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, 120˚, 17mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| |
32-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3750 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3340 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Peacock Blue, Midnight Black, Pearl White, Breathing Crystal |
| Models | YAL-AL50 | Marie-L21BX, MAR-LX2B, HWV33 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 360 EUR |
Honor 20S
- Superior performance with Kirin 810 chipset
- Faster 20W wired charging
- More efficient 7nm process for better battery life
- May be slightly more expensive than the P30 lite New Edition
- Potentially larger file size for software updates due to more complex chipset
Huawei P30 lite New Edition
- More affordable price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Decent battery life for light usage
- Noticeably slower performance with Kirin 710 chipset
- Slower 18W wired charging
- Less efficient 12nm process
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature LCD panels (specific panel tech is not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving the visuals. The Honor 20S’s superior chipset can render graphics more efficiently, potentially leading to smoother animations and faster app loading times. Bezels are likely comparable given the market segment, and color accuracy is expected to be similar without specific display calibration data.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Honor 20S’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Kirin 810 chipset will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The 810’s enhanced capabilities can handle more complex algorithms for noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the 20S will likely extract more detail and clarity from its sensors.
Performance
The Kirin 810 in the Honor 20S represents a substantial upgrade over the Kirin 710 in the P30 lite New Edition. The 7nm fabrication process of the 810 is significantly more efficient than the 12nm process of the 710, resulting in better performance and thermal management. The CPU architecture also differs: the 20S utilizes 2x Cortex-A76 cores for peak performance alongside 6x Cortex-A55 cores, while the P30 lite uses 4x Cortex-A73 and 4x Cortex-A53 cores. The A76 cores are demonstrably faster and more efficient than the A73 cores, translating to quicker app launches and smoother multitasking. This difference is particularly noticeable in graphically intensive tasks and gaming.
Battery Life
The Honor 20S’s 20W wired charging is a clear advantage over the P30 lite New Edition’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed will translate to quicker top-ups. The Kirin 810’s 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. Users who frequently need to recharge their phones will benefit from the 20S’s faster charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor 20S if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, or want a device that will remain responsive for longer. Buy the Huawei P30 lite New Edition if you prioritize affordability and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light web browsing. The P30 lite is a good choice for users on a tight budget who don't require high-end performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Honor 20S handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
The Kirin 810 chipset in the Honor 20S is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Kirin 710 in the P30 lite New Edition.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 20W really noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 2W difference, combined with the more efficient power delivery of the 20S, translates to a noticeable reduction in charging time. You'll likely see a 10-15% faster charge from 0-100% with the Honor 20S, which is beneficial for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Does the Kirin 710 in the P30 lite New Edition struggle with multitasking?
The Kirin 710 can handle basic multitasking, such as switching between messaging apps and web browsing. However, it may exhibit slowdowns or lag when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously. The Honor 20S, with its Kirin 810, offers a much smoother multitasking experience.
