Honor's X series consistently aims for the sweet spot between affordability and features. The X30 Max, with its focus on a large display and solid processing, now faces off against the newer X40 GT Racing, which prioritizes faster charging and potentially improved performance. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing rapid charging and potentially smoother gaming, the Honor X40 GT Racing is the better choice. Its 66W charging significantly reduces downtime, and while CPU details are sparse, the 'GT Racing' branding suggests a performance focus absent in the X30 Max's more balanced approach.
| 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 / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2023, September 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 02 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| 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 8.5 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 228 g (8.04 oz) | 199.5 g (7.05 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, 144Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | - |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 5.0 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS |
| 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 | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 66W wired, 90% in 30 min
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver/Violet | Black, Silver |
| Models | KKG-AN70 | - |
| Price | About 320 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Honor X30 Max
- Potentially larger display size (based on 'Max' branding)
- Efficient Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset
- Balanced performance for everyday tasks
- Slow 22.5W charging
- Lack of reverse charging
- CPU details for X40 GT Racing unknown, potentially outpaced
Honor X40 GT Racing
- Ultra-fast 66W charging (90% in 30 minutes)
- 5W reverse wired charging
- ‘GT Racing’ branding suggests performance optimization
- CPU specifications are missing, creating uncertainty
- Potential for higher price compared to X30 Max
- Display size likely smaller than X30 Max
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given the X30 Max's emphasis on a 'Max' experience, it likely features a larger display. The X40 GT Racing's 'Racing' moniker suggests a focus on responsiveness, potentially indicating a higher refresh rate panel, though this is unconfirmed. Without knowing panel technology (IPS vs AMOLED) or resolution, a definitive comparison is impossible, but the X30 Max likely prioritizes size, while the X40 GT Racing *may* prioritize responsiveness.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are entirely absent beyond the devices themselves. Given the market segment, both are likely to feature multi-camera setups, but without sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing details, a meaningful comparison is impossible. It's reasonable to assume both will offer standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but image quality will depend heavily on the unlisted hardware.
Performance
The Honor X30 Max is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a capable mid-range chipset. The X40 GT Racing's CPU is simply listed as 'octa-core,' lacking specific clock speeds or core configurations. The 'GT Racing' branding strongly implies a focus on gaming and performance, suggesting a potentially more powerful chipset, or at least optimized thermal management. The 6nm Dimensity 900 offers a good balance of power and efficiency, but the X40 GT Racing's unknown CPU could surpass it. RAM specifications are missing for both, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
The most significant difference lies in charging speed. The Honor X30 Max supports 22.5W wired charging, while the X40 GT Racing boasts 66W wired charging, capable of reaching 90% charge in just 30 minutes. This is a substantial advantage for the X40 GT Racing, drastically reducing charging times. The X40 GT Racing also includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices – a feature absent on the X30 Max. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the faster charging of the X40 GT Racing mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X30 Max if you value a large screen experience and are content with slower charging speeds. It's ideal for media consumption and everyday tasks where peak performance isn't critical. Buy the Honor X40 GT Racing if you're a mobile gamer or frequently find yourself needing to quickly top up your battery. The faster charging and potential performance enhancements make it a better fit for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Honor X40 GT Racing's faster charging generate more heat during use?
While 66W charging is faster, Honor likely incorporates thermal management technologies to mitigate heat generation. The 'GT Racing' branding suggests a focus on sustained performance, implying attention to thermal throttling. However, without independent testing, it's impossible to definitively say if it runs hotter than the X30 Max.
❓ Is the lack of specific CPU details for the X40 GT Racing a cause for concern?
It's understandable to be cautious. The omission of CPU specifications is unusual. However, the 'GT Racing' moniker strongly suggests a performance-oriented chipset, potentially a different Dimensity variant or a Snapdragon equivalent. It's likely a step up from the Dimensity 900 in the X30 Max, but the extent of the improvement remains unknown.
❓ Will the Honor X40 GT Racing's reverse charging be useful for charging my earbuds or smartwatch?
The 5W reverse charging is primarily intended for small accessories like earbuds, smartwatches, or other low-power devices. It won't rapidly charge a smartphone, but it's a convenient feature for topping up smaller gadgets when you're away from a power outlet.
