Honor continues to offer compelling mid-range smartphones, and the Honor 70 and X9a are two popular contenders. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor 70 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster processor, brighter display, superior camera capabilities, and incredibly fast 66W charging. While the X9a offers a more budget-friendly option, the 70's overall performance and features justify the price difference for most users.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 30 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 02 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm (6.35 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Triple | 54 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.49", PDAF
50 MP, f/2.2, 122˚ (ultrawide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 60% in 20 min
5W reverse wired | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Emerald Green, Icelandic Frost, Crystal Silver | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | FNE-AN00, FNE-NX9 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | £ 201.00 / € 189.90 | $ 212.08 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 100h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-29.4 LUFS (Average)
| - |
Honor 70
- Significantly faster processor
- Brighter display
- Superior camera capabilities
- Incredibly fast 66W charging
- Excellent battery life (100h endurance)
Honor X9a
- More affordable
- Decent display
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Slower processor
- Lower brightness display
- Less impressive camera
- Slower 40W charging
- Likely shorter battery life
Display Comparison
The Honor 70 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 790 nits peak brightness compared to the X9a's likely lower brightness (estimated around 400-500 nits based on the Snapdragon 695). Both feature curved AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the 70's higher brightness makes it more usable outdoors. The contrast ratio is likely excellent on both, though the 70's 'infinite' rating is a nominal marketing term.
Camera Comparison
The Honor 70 is expected to have a more advanced camera system, likely featuring a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing capabilities. While specific camera specs are missing, the 778G+ chipset generally supports better camera features and image quality compared to the 695. Both phones likely offer decent video recording, but the 70 should provide better stabilization and overall quality.
Performance
Here's where the Honor 70 truly shines. Its Snapdragon 778G+ chipset is a substantial upgrade over the X9a's Snapdragon 695. The 778G+ offers noticeably faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The X9a is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks, but the 70 provides a more responsive and fluid experience.
Battery Life
The Honor 70's endurance rating of 100h is exceptional, suggesting excellent battery life. The X9a's battery life is likely good, but not as impressive as the 70. The 70's 66W charging is a game-changer, allowing for a 60% charge in just 20 minutes, while the X9a's 40W charging is slower.
Buying Guide
The Honor 70 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and fast charging. It's a great choice for content creators, gamers, and anyone who wants a premium experience without breaking the bank. The Honor X9a is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable smartphone with a decent display and battery life, but aren't as concerned about top-tier performance or camera features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor 70 worth the extra money compared to the X9a?
If you value performance, camera quality, and fast charging, then yes, the Honor 70 is worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and only need a basic smartphone, the X9a is a decent option.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor 70 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 778G+ chipset. It will handle demanding games with smoother frame rates and less lag.
