Choosing a new 5G phone can be overwhelming. The Honor X10 Max 5G and Honor X9a are both solid contenders in the mid-range market, but they offer different strengths. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9a edges out the X10 Max 5G thanks to its faster charging, more modern chipset (6nm vs 7nm), and potentially improved camera capabilities. While the Dimensity 800 is capable, the X9a's Snapdragon 695 5G offers a more refined experience overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79, 80, 84 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 02. Released 2020, July 03 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 174.4 x 84.9 x 8.3 mm (6.87 x 3.34 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 | 232 g (8.18 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~356 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.09 inches, 125.5 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10 | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57MP4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10, Magic UI 3.1, no Google Play Services | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Nano Memory (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | KKG-AN00 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | $ 212.08 |
Honor X10 Max 5G
- Large 6.7-inch display
- Decent performance for the price
- 5G connectivity
- Slower 22.5W charging
- Older 7nm chipset
- Potentially less refined camera
Honor X9a
- Faster 40W charging
- More efficient 6nm chipset
- Potentially better camera performance
- Modern design
- Slightly smaller display
- May be more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely LCD panels. The X10 Max 5G boasts a larger 6.7-inch screen, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience. The X9a's display might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to its newer panel technology, but this would require specific testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are crucial here. While the X10 Max 5G likely has a multi-lens setup, the X9a's Snapdragon 695 5G often pairs with improved image processing algorithms. Expect the X9a to potentially deliver better low-light performance and more vibrant colors. Specific camera hardware details are needed for a definitive comparison.
Performance
The Mediatek Dimensity 800 in the X10 Max 5G is a capable chipset, but the Snapdragon 695 5G in the X9a benefits from a more modern 6nm manufacturing process, leading to improved power efficiency and potentially slightly better sustained performance. Gaming performance should be comparable, but the X9a might handle demanding tasks more smoothly.
Battery Life
The X9a's 40W charging is a significant advantage over the X10 Max 5G's 22.5W charging. This means significantly faster charging times. Battery capacity is likely similar, but the X9a's more efficient chipset could translate to slightly better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
The Honor X10 Max 5G is a good choice for users prioritizing a large display and decent performance on a tighter budget. The Honor X9a is ideal for those seeking faster charging, a more efficient chipset, and potentially better camera quality, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X9a's Snapdragon 695 5G and more efficient chipset likely offer slightly better sustained gaming performance, especially in demanding titles.
❓ Is the Honor X10 Max 5G worth buying if I'm on a tight budget?
Yes, the X10 Max 5G remains a viable option if budget is your primary concern. It provides a large display and 5G connectivity at a lower price point.