The Honor 8A Prime and 9A represent Honor's continued push into the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they differ in key areas like processing power and display quality. This comparison dissects these differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor 8A Prime offers a slightly better overall experience due to its more powerful Helio P35 chipset. While the Honor 9A boasts a brighter display, the performance advantage of the 8A Prime translates to smoother multitasking and app loading, making it the more practical choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 30. Released 2020, March 30 | 2020, April 29. Released 2020, May 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.3 x 73.5 x 8.2 mm (6.15 x 2.89 x 0.32 in) | 159.1 x 74.1 x 9 mm (6.26 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~79.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762R Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9 | Android 10, Magic UI 3.1, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio; built-in antenna |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | JAT-LX1 | MOA-LX9N |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.2 LUFS (Good)
|
Honor 8A Prime
- More powerful Helio P35 processor for smoother performance
- Likely better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially better battery efficiency due to faster task completion
- Likely lower display brightness compared to the 9A
- Display specifications are unknown
Honor 9A
- Brighter display with 546 nits peak brightness
- Higher contrast ratio (1583:1) for more vibrant visuals
- Better visibility in direct sunlight
- Less powerful Helio P22 processor
- Slower application loading and multitasking
Display Comparison
The Honor 9A distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 546 nits and a 1583:1 contrast ratio. This suggests a more vibrant and visible display, especially outdoors. The 8A Prime’s display specifications are not provided, but given its market positioning, it likely features a lower peak brightness and contrast ratio. This difference will be most noticeable when viewing HDR content or using the phone in direct sunlight. The 9A’s higher brightness will reduce eye strain in bright conditions.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is expected to excel in photography. Details regarding camera sensors are absent, suggesting both likely feature basic configurations. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the overall positioning, image processing will likely be similar, focusing on basic scene optimization rather than advanced features. The absence of OIS on either device indicates reliance on software stabilization, which will be limited in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor 8A Prime utilizes the Mediatek Helio P35, featuring an octa-core CPU clocked up to 2.3 GHz. The Honor 9A, conversely, employs the Helio P22, with a slightly slower octa-core CPU peaking at 2.0 GHz. While both are 12nm chips, the higher clock speeds of the P35 in the 8A Prime translate to faster application loading and a more fluid user experience. The CPU architecture is identical (Cortex-A53), but the speed difference is significant for tasks beyond basic operation. The 8A Prime will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps more effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, considering their budget nature, both likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unspecified. The performance advantage of the 8A Prime’s chipset *could* translate to slightly better battery life due to more efficient task completion, but without concrete battery capacity and charging speed data, this remains speculative. Real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor 8A Prime if you prioritize responsiveness and smoother performance for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light gaming. Its Helio P35 chipset provides a noticeable edge. Buy the Honor 9A if a brighter screen is paramount, particularly if you frequently use your phone outdoors or in brightly lit environments, and are willing to trade some processing power for that visual benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Honor 9A struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P22 in the Honor 9A is a budget chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at lower graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops during intense moments. The Honor 8A Prime, with its Helio P35, will offer a slightly smoother experience, but neither phone is ideal for high-end gaming.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Helio P35 and P22 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The 8A Prime’s Helio P35 will result in faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience when switching between applications. While the P22 is adequate for basic tasks, the P35 provides a more fluid and enjoyable user experience.
❓ Does the Honor 9A's brighter screen make a significant difference for outdoor use?
Absolutely. The 546 nits peak brightness of the Honor 9A’s display significantly improves visibility in direct sunlight. If you frequently use your phone outdoors, this is a major advantage over the 8A Prime, which likely has a dimmer screen.
