The Honor 80 SE and X9a are both compelling budget smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer attractive designs and decent features, but significant differences in performance and charging speed set them apart. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor 80 SE takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster charging and more powerful Dimensity 900 chipset. While the X9a boasts a curved display and potentially better durability, the 80 SE's performance edge makes it the better overall choice 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 | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 23 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 09 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 73.4 x 7.7 mm (6.35 x 2.89 x 0.30 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 | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (~444 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.9 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, MagicOS 7 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | 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, 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 3-80% in 30 min | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4600 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink, Crystal Blue | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | GIA-AN8 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 370 EUR | $ 212.08 |
Honor 80 SE
- Faster Charging (66W)
- More Powerful Chipset (Dimensity 900)
- Likely better gaming performance
- Potentially better low-light camera performance
- May have a less premium feel than the X9a
- Flatter display (less modern look)
Honor X9a
- Curved Display (more modern aesthetic)
- Potentially more durable build (speculative)
- Good value for money
- Slower Charging (40W)
- Less Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 695 5G)
- May struggle with demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, but the X9a has a curved edge, offering a more modern look. The 80 SE likely has a flatter display, potentially making it easier to use with screen protectors. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both, but brightness and color accuracy should be verified in full reviews. The X9a's curved screen might introduce accidental touches.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, with a primary sensor around 108MP. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The 80 SE might have a slight edge in low-light performance due to the more powerful chipset assisting with image processing. Video recording capabilities should be comparable.
Performance
The Honor 80 SE's Dimensity 900 chipset is considerably more powerful than the X9a's Snapdragon 695 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 80 SE. The X9a will handle everyday tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding games or applications.
Battery Life
The Honor 80 SE's 66W charging is a major advantage, allowing for a full charge in under an hour. The X9a's 40W charging is slower, taking considerably longer to reach a full charge. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), so the 80 SE's faster charging makes it the winner in this category.
Buying Guide
The Honor 80 SE is ideal for users who prioritize performance and fast charging. If you frequently game or multitask, the 80 SE's chipset will be a noticeable upgrade. The Honor X9a is a good option for those who value aesthetics (curved display) and potentially a more durable build (though this is speculative without drop tests), and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor 80 SE good for gaming?
Yes, the Honor 80 SE's Dimensity 900 chipset provides significantly better gaming performance than the X9a's Snapdragon 695 5G. You'll experience smoother frame rates and less lag in most games.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both phones likely have similar battery capacities, the Honor 80 SE's faster charging makes it more convenient. You'll spend less time plugged in.