Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The Honor Play7T and Honor 9N (also known as 9i in some regions) are popular contenders. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor Play7T boasts a significantly more modern chipset and faster performance, making it the clear winner for those prioritizing speed and responsiveness. While the Honor 9N remains a decent option, the Play7T's newer technology gives it a considerable edge, especially considering similar price points.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - China |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 1, 3, 5, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 28 | 2018, July. Released 2018, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 149.2 x 71.8 x 7.7 mm (5.87 x 2.83 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 152 g (5.36 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~432 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.84 inches, 85.1 cm2 (~79.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.36 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Kirin 659 (16 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-T830 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 8.0 (Oreo), EMUI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Lavender Purple, Robin Egg Blue, Sapphire Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | RKY-AN10 | LLD-AL20, LLD-AL30 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Honor Play7T
- Modern Dimensity 6020 chipset
- Faster performance
- Likely better camera
- 22.5W fast charging
- More efficient battery usage
- Potentially less storage options than the 9N
- Design might be less premium than the 9N
Honor 9N (9i)
- Potentially lower price
- Mature software (may have more updates)
- Possibly more storage options
- Outdated Kirin 659 chipset
- Slower performance
- Less impressive camera
- Slower charging
- Less efficient battery
Display Comparison
Both phones feature LCD displays, but the Play7T likely has a slightly more modern panel with potentially better color accuracy and brightness. The 9N's display is adequate but may appear less vibrant. Screen sizes are likely similar, around 6.2-6.3 inches.
Camera Comparison
The Play7T likely has a more modern camera sensor and image processing capabilities. While both phones offer multiple lenses (likely a main lens, ultrawide, and potentially a depth sensor), the Play7T should produce sharper, more detailed photos with better low-light performance. Expect the 9N to struggle more in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
This is where the Play7T shines. The Dimensity 6020 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Kirin 659 (16nm). Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Play7T. The 9N can feel sluggish by comparison, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have battery capacities around 3000-4000 mAh. The Play7T's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life, despite the 9N potentially having a slightly larger battery. The 22.5W charging on the Play7T is a significant advantage over the 9N's likely slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Honor Play7T? Users seeking a smoother, faster experience for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Who should buy the Honor 9N (9i)? Those looking for a reliable, older model potentially at a lower price, and who aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor Play7T worth the upgrade from an older Honor phone?
Yes, especially if your current phone is struggling with performance. The Play7T's chipset provides a significant upgrade.
❓ Does the Honor 9N still receive software updates?
Software support for the Honor 9N is likely limited. Check Honor's website for the latest information.
