The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. Two popular contenders are the Honor X20 and the Honor X9 5G. But which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9 5G edges out the X20 thanks to its 5G connectivity, slightly improved charging speed, and generally more modern chipset. While the X20 boasts a powerful Dimensity 900, the X9 5G's future-proofed 5G capabilities make it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 13 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 13 | Available. Released 2022, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 74.7 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 166.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9 (wide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver, Black | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | NTN-AN20 | ANY-NX1 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 240 EUR |
Honor X20
- Potentially slightly faster CPU performance
- Good value for money
- 66W fast charging
- No 5G connectivity
- Slightly older chipset
Honor X9 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Slightly faster charging (claimed)
- More modern chipset
- Potentially better image processing
- Slightly lower peak CPU performance compared to X20
- Price may be slightly higher
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.8-inch display, likely with a similar resolution (FHD+). The X9 5G might have a slightly more modern panel with better color accuracy, but both offer a large, immersive viewing experience. Expect similar refresh rates, likely 60Hz or 90Hz.
Camera Comparison
The Honor X20 typically features a 64MP main camera, while the X9 5G also has a 64MP main camera. Image quality will be comparable, but the X9 5G might offer slightly better image processing and low-light performance due to software optimizations. Both likely have ultrawide and macro lenses.
Performance
The Honor X20's Dimensity 900 generally offers slightly better raw CPU performance than the Snapdragon 695 5G in the X9 5G. However, the Snapdragon 695 5G benefits from 5G connectivity and potentially better efficiency. Gaming performance will be good on both, but the X20 might have a slight edge in demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both phones have a large 4000mAh battery. The X9 5G's 66W charging is slightly faster, claiming to reach 81% in 30 minutes, while the X20 also offers 66W charging but without a specific percentage claim. Battery life should be similar in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The Honor X20 is a great pick for users prioritizing raw processing power and don't need 5G. The Honor X9 5G is ideal for those wanting 5G connectivity, faster charging, and a more modern overall experience, even if it means a slight trade-off in peak CPU performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X20 still worth buying?
Yes, if you don't need 5G and prioritize raw CPU power, the Honor X20 remains a solid choice, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.
❓ Which phone has better 5G speeds?
The Honor X9 5G, by design, is the only phone in this comparison with 5G capabilities.
