The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Honor X20 and the Nokia X100. Both promise a compelling experience, but which one truly delivers?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X20 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster processor, quicker charging, and generally more premium feel. While the Nokia X100 offers 5G connectivity and a clean Android experience, the X20's performance advantage makes 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41, 71 |
| 5G bands | NSA | 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 13 | 2021, November 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 13 | Available. Released 2021, November 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 74.7 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 171.4 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.75 x 3.14 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 217 g (7.65 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~78.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9 (wide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, gyro-EIS | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4470 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver, Black | Midnight Blue |
| Models | NTN-AN20 | - |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Honor X20
- Significantly faster processor
- 66W fast charging
- Brighter display
- Generally better camera performance
- Sleeker design
- Software updates may be less frequent than Nokia
- No expandable storage
Nokia X100
- 90Hz refresh rate display
- 5G connectivity
- Clean Android experience
- Guaranteed software updates
- Expandable storage
- Slower processor
- Slow charging
- Less vibrant display
- Lower overall performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch display, but the Honor X20 boasts a 60Hz refresh rate while the Nokia X100 has a 90Hz refresh rate. This means smoother scrolling and animations on the Nokia X100. Resolution is similar, around 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering decent sharpness. The Honor X20's display is generally brighter.
Camera Comparison
The Honor X20 features a 64MP main camera, while the Nokia X100 has a 48MP main camera. Both offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions. The Honor X20 generally produces more vibrant and detailed photos. Low-light performance is comparable, but both phones could benefit from improved night mode algorithms.
Performance
This is where the Honor X20 shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 900 is considerably more powerful than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the Honor X20. The Nokia X100 can handle everyday tasks, but struggles with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Honor X20 packs a 4000mAh battery and supports 66W fast charging, allowing for a full charge in around 36 minutes. The Nokia X100 has a 4470mAh battery but only supports 18W charging, taking significantly longer to reach full capacity.
Buying Guide
The Honor X20 is ideal for users prioritizing performance and fast charging, especially gamers or those who frequently multitask. The Nokia X100 is a good fit for those seeking a reliable, clean Android experience with 5G and a focus on software updates, even if it means sacrificing some processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Nokia X100 get regular software updates?
Yes, Nokia is known for providing timely and consistent software updates, including Android version upgrades, for its devices.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
The Nokia X100 offers a microSD card slot for expandable storage, while the Honor X20 does not.
