Honor's Play10C and X9a represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market. The Play10C, with its Mediatek Dimensity 6300, aims for efficiency, while the X9a leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 for a balance of performance and connectivity. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the most value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing faster charging and a slightly more robust chipset for sustained tasks, the Honor X9a is the better choice. Its 40W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 695 offers a small but noticeable performance edge over the Dimensity 6300. However, the Play10C remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
| 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 | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 08 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released Exp. release 2025, August 12 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.61 inches, 105.3 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 1010 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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 | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Green | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | NIC-AN00 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | $ 212.08 |
Honor Play10C
- Potentially better battery efficiency due to the Dimensity 6300's architecture.
- More affordable price point.
- 5G connectivity for future-proofed data speeds.
- Slower 15W charging.
- Slightly less powerful processor compared to the Snapdragon 695.
Honor X9a
- Significantly faster 40W charging.
- More capable Snapdragon 695 chipset for smoother multitasking.
- Likely improved camera performance due to a potentially larger sensor.
- Higher price compared to the Play10C.
- Potentially slightly lower battery life due to the more powerful processor.
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The X9a, being the slightly more premium model, *may* feature a higher peak brightness and potentially better color accuracy. Bezels are likely comparable, aiming for maximizing screen real estate within their respective budgets. Without specific data, it's reasonable to assume the X9a offers a marginally better viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, it's safe to assume both phones feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. The X9a, positioned as the higher-tier device, likely boasts a larger primary sensor, potentially with a wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance. Image processing algorithms will also differ, with the X9a potentially offering more sophisticated scene recognition and HDR capabilities. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered supplementary and not a primary factor in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Honor Play10C features the Mediatek Dimensity 6300, built on a 6nm process, with a CPU configuration of 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Honor X9a utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (also 6nm) with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver cores. While both are 6nm, the Snapdragon 695 generally exhibits slightly better sustained performance due to Qualcomm's optimizations and GPU. The Play10C's Cortex-A76 cores offer a performance boost over the A55s, but the Snapdragon 695's Kryo 660 Gold cores are generally more efficient. The X9a is better suited for moderate gaming and multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but the charging speeds reveal a significant difference. The Play10C supports 15W wired charging, while the X9a boasts 40W wired charging. This means the X9a can replenish its battery much faster – potentially going from 0-100% in under an hour, compared to the Play10C's longer charging time. While a larger battery capacity on the Play10C *could* offset this, the convenience of 40W charging on the X9a is a substantial advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play10C if you need a highly affordable 5G phone with a focus on basic daily tasks and appreciate a potentially longer battery life due to the more efficient chipset. Buy the Honor X9a if you prefer quicker charging speeds, a more capable processor for multitasking and light gaming, and are willing to spend a bit more for a smoother overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the X9a handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a consistently smooth experience. While it can handle high settings, you may encounter occasional frame drops during intense action. The Dimensity 6300 in the Play10C will require lower settings for comparable performance.
❓ How much faster is the 40W charging on the X9a compared to the 15W charging on the Play10C in real-world use?
The 40W charging on the X9a can realistically cut charging time by over half. A full charge from 0% could take around 60-75 minutes on the X9a, while the Play10C could take upwards of 2 hours or more. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance between the Dimensity 6300 and Snapdragon 695 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference in performance will be minimal. Both processors are capable of handling these tasks smoothly. However, when multitasking or running more demanding apps, the Snapdragon 695 in the X9a will provide a more responsive and fluid experience.
