The Honor 8S 2020 and Honor 9A represent Honor’s entry-level offerings, targeting users seeking affordable smartphones. While both devices share a similar aesthetic, a closer look reveals significant internal differences, particularly in processing power and display capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone provides the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor 9A is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeably smoother experience than the quad-core Helio A22 in the 8S 2020. The brighter display further enhances usability, making the 9A a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 27. Released 2020, May 27 | 2020, April 29. Released 2020, May 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.1 x 70.8 x 8.5 mm (5.79 x 2.79 x 0.33 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762R Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9, Google Play Services | 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 |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3020 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Midnight Black, Green | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | MOA-LX9N |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.2 LUFS (Good)
|
Honor 8S 2020
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow performance with the Helio A22
- Likely a lower-quality display
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Honor 9A
- Significantly faster performance with the Helio P22
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly higher price than the 8S 2020
- Camera performance likely remains basic
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
The Honor 9A boasts a significantly more capable display, achieving a measured peak brightness of 546 nits compared to the 8S 2020’s unspecified brightness. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. Furthermore, the 9A’s 1583:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the 9A’s specifications indicate a superior viewing experience, particularly for media consumption. The 8S 2020’s display, while functional, will likely appear washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is expected to excel in photography. Given the context data, a detailed camera comparison is limited. Both likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. However, the 9A’s potential for better image processing, driven by its more powerful chipset, could result in slightly improved photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. It's reasonable to assume both phones will struggle with low-light photography.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Honor 9A’s Mediatek Helio P22 is an octa-core processor (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53), offering a substantial advantage over the Honor 8S 2020’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 Helio A22. This means the 9A can handle multitasking and more demanding applications with greater ease. The P22’s architecture allows for more efficient task distribution, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user interface. While both chips are built on a 12nm process, the additional cores in the P22 provide a clear performance uplift.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Honor 9A’s more efficient chipset could translate to slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The 9A’s ability to handle tasks more efficiently means less power is consumed during everyday use. Charging wattage is also unknown, so 0-100% charge times remain speculative. The 9A’s improved processing power may also allow for more intelligent battery management features.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor 8S 2020 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those with minimal smartphone requirements. Buy the Honor 9A if you value a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or appreciate a brighter, more vibrant display. The 9A offers a significant performance boost for a relatively small price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Honor 9A handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P22 isn't a gaming powerhouse, the Honor 9A can run PUBG Mobile at lower settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, but it's playable. The Honor 8S 2020 will struggle significantly with this title.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio A22 and Helio P22 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio P22’s octa-core architecture allows for smoother app switching, faster loading times, and a more responsive overall experience. The Helio A22 in the 8S 2020 will feel sluggish in comparison, especially when multitasking.
❓ Does the Honor 9A support fast charging?
Unfortunately, neither Honor nor Mediatek provides specific fast charging support details for the Helio P22 in the 9A. Expect standard charging speeds, meaning a full charge will likely take several hours.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos on YouTube?
The Honor 9A is the clear winner for video consumption. Its brighter display and higher contrast ratio will deliver a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience compared to the 8S 2020.
