Honor's mid-range lineup presents a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers. The newly released Honor 300 aims to deliver a significant performance boost with its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, while the Honor X9b focuses on a balance of features and affordability with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Honor 300 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 offers a noticeable upgrade in processing power and gaming capabilities. However, the Honor X9b remains a strong contender for those seeking a reliable and affordable smartphone experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, December 02 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, December 02 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161 x 74.2 x 7 mm (6.34 x 2.92 x 0.28 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 | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 2664 pixels (~436 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.5 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 4000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), AF | - |
| 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 | 4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS (B1I+B1c) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, ultrasound proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 100W wired, 53% in 15 min
5W reverse wired | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 5300 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green, Purple, Gray | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | AMM-AN00 | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 970 EUR |
Honor 300
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor
- Ultra-fast 100W wired charging
- Potentially better image processing capabilities
- Likely higher price point
- Battery capacity not specified - could be smaller than X9b
Honor X9b
- More affordable price
- Balanced feature set for everyday use
- Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Slower Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor
- Slower 35W wired charging
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature LCD panels (spec not provided), the display experience will differ based on other factors. We anticipate the Honor 300, being the newer model, may have a slightly higher peak brightness. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests standard refresh rates, impacting smoothness compared to flagship phones. Bezels are likely comparable given the market segment, and color accuracy will depend on software calibration, a detail not specified in the provided data.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing capabilities. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the Honor 300 benefits from a more advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor), potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. We can assume both phones will feature a primary camera, but the sensor size and aperture are unknown. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) would be a significant advantage, but this information is not provided. Ignoring the likely inclusion of low-resolution macro lenses on both devices, the Honor 300’s superior processing power gives it an edge in computational photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor 300’s Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) represents a significant leap over the X9b’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm). The 7 Gen 3 utilizes a tri-cluster configuration with Cortex-A715 cores, offering superior multi-core performance compared to the X9b’s Cortex-A78 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 4nm process node on both chips ensures reasonable thermal efficiency, but the 7 Gen 3’s more advanced architecture will likely result in better sustained performance under load. The Honor 300 will be the better choice for gamers and power users.
Battery Life
The Honor 300’s 100W wired charging is a game-changer, capable of adding 53% charge in just 15 minutes. This drastically reduces downtime compared to the X9b’s 35W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the 300 mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. The X9b’s slower charging will require significantly more time to reach a full charge, making it less convenient for users who frequently need a quick power boost. The 5W reverse wired charging on the 300 is a useful addition for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor 300 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, enjoy mobile gaming, and value the convenience of 100W fast charging. Buy the Honor X9b if you prioritize a balanced feature set, long-lasting battery life for everyday tasks, and a more budget-friendly price point. The X9b is ideal for users who don't require the absolute latest in processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the Honor 300 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is a capable chipset, and should handle Genshin Impact at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. However, sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling, and you might need to adjust graphics settings for optimal gameplay. It's a significant improvement over the X9b's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in gaming performance.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to fully charge the Honor 300 with the 100W charger?
While Honor claims 53% in 15 minutes, a full 0-100% charge with the 100W charger is estimated to take around 25-30 minutes. This is significantly faster than the Honor X9b, which will likely take over an hour to fully charge with its 35W charger.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Honor 300 useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the 5W reverse wired charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. While it's not a fast charging solution, it can provide a small boost when you're away from a power outlet.
❓ Does the Honor X9b have enough processing power for smooth multitasking with several apps open?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b is adequate for basic multitasking with a few apps. However, if you frequently switch between many demanding applications, you may experience some lag or slowdown. The Honor 300 with its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 will handle multitasking much more efficiently.
