The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Honor X30 Max and the Honor X30. Both offer large displays and competitive features, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X30 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 66W charging and the generally more efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset. While the X30 Max boasts a larger screen, the X30's charging speed and performance edge 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 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2021, December 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 02 | Available. Released 2021, December 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 174.4 x 84.9 x 8.3 mm (6.87 x 3.34 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 | 228 g (8.04 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~356 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.09 inches, 125.5 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10 | 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 & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 5.0 | Android 11, Magic UI 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| 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 |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 66W wired, 80% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver/Violet | Black, Blue, Silver, Gold |
| Models | KKG-AN70 | ANY-AN00 |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 210 EUR |
Honor X30 Max
- Massive 6.95-inch display
- Large battery capacity (6000mAh)
- Potentially higher resolution main camera
- Slower 22.5W charging
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially bulkier design
Honor X30
- Faster 66W charging
- More efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Slightly more compact design
- Better overall performance
- Slightly smaller display
- Potentially lower resolution main camera
Display Comparison
The Honor X30 Max features a massive 6.95-inch display, offering a truly immersive viewing experience. The Honor X30 has a slightly smaller 6.8-inch display. Both utilize LCD panels with FHD+ resolution, so image quality is comparable, but the X30 Max's size gives it an edge for those who love big screens.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The X30 Max typically has a 108MP main sensor, while the X30 often has a 48MP main sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the X30 Max *may* offer slightly more detail in well-lit conditions. However, the Snapdragon 695's image signal processor (ISP) in the X30 often results in better overall image processing and dynamic range.
Performance
Here's where the Honor X30 pulls ahead. The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset in the X30 is generally more efficient and offers better performance than the Dimensity 900 in the X30 Max. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the X30.
Battery Life
The Honor X30 Max typically has a larger battery capacity (around 6000mAh), but the Honor X30's 66W fast charging is a game-changer. It can charge from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes, while the X30 Max's 22.5W charging takes considerably longer.
Buying Guide
The Honor X30 Max is ideal for users prioritizing a large display for media consumption and gaming, and who aren't overly concerned about charging speed. The Honor X30 is a better fit for those who value faster charging, smoother performance, and a more modern chipset, even with a slightly smaller screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X30 Max worth it if I prioritize screen size?
Yes, if a large display is your top priority, the X30 Max's 6.95-inch screen is hard to beat. However, consider the trade-offs in charging speed and performance.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X30 is generally better for gaming due to its more efficient chipset and smoother performance. The X30 Max's larger screen can be immersive, but the slower processor might lead to lag in demanding games.
