The Honor Play7T and X9a are both compelling budget smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer attractive features at accessible price points, but significant differences exist under the hood. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9a emerges as the stronger contender thanks to its faster Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, significantly quicker 40W charging, and generally more premium feel. While the Play7T is a solid option, the X9a offers a better overall experience for the price.
| 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 / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 28 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 04 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 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 6020 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 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 | - | 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 | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | 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, 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 | 22.5W wired | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | RKY-AN10 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | $ 212.08 |
Honor Play7T
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Good battery life
- Sleek design
- Affordable price
- Slower charging speed
- Less powerful chipset
- Potentially lower display refresh rate
- Image processing may be less refined
Honor X9a
- Faster Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
- 40W fast charging
- Likely better display (90Hz)
- Potentially better camera performance
- More premium design
- Slightly higher price
- May have slightly shorter battery life due to faster charging (though capacity is similar)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.6-6.7 inches. The X9a is expected to have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz vs potentially 60Hz on the Play7T), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Display quality (color accuracy, brightness) will need to be assessed in a full review, but the X9a's slightly more premium build might suggest a better panel.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, the X9a's Snapdragon 695 often pairs with better image processing capabilities. Expect slightly better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance from the X9a. Specific megapixel counts and sensor sizes will influence the final outcome.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 5G in the X9a holds a clear advantage. Its 6nm process and Kryo 660 cores offer noticeably better CPU and GPU performance compared to the Dimensity 6020's 7nm and Cortex-A76/A55 combination. Expect smoother app launches, better gaming performance, and improved multitasking on the X9a.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh. However, the X9a's 40W charging is a significant advantage over the Play7T's 22.5W. This translates to much faster charging times, a crucial factor for many users.
Buying Guide
The Honor Play7T is ideal for users prioritizing a reliable, no-frills smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The Honor X9a is better suited for those who want a smoother performance for gaming, multitasking, and faster charging, and appreciate a more visually appealing design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor Play7T good for gaming?
The Play7T can handle basic games, but demanding titles may experience lag. The Honor X9a is a better choice for smoother gaming.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
The Honor Play7T takes approximately 2-2.5 hours to fully charge with its 22.5W charger. The Honor X9a charges significantly faster, taking around 1 hour with its 40W charger.
