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 X9a. Both offer compelling features, but which one comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9a edges out the X30 Max thanks to its significantly faster charging, improved display, and generally more modern features. While the X30 Max boasts a larger screen, the X9a's overall package makes it the better 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 / 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 / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 02 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| 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) | 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 | 228 g (8.04 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 (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 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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/Violet | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | KKG-AN70 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 320 EUR | $ 212.08 |
Honor X30 Max
- Large 6.95-inch display
- Potentially longer battery life
- Good value for money
- Slower 22.5W charging
- IPS LCD display (less vibrant)
- Older chipset
Honor X9a
- Vibrant OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Faster 40W charging
- Slightly better performance
- More modern design
- Smaller battery capacity than X30 Max
- Potentially slightly higher price
Display Comparison
The Honor X9a features a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The X30 Max has a larger 6.95-inch IPS LCD display, but lacks the OLED contrast and higher refresh rate. The X9a's display is noticeably superior.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The X30 Max typically has a 64MP main sensor, while the X9a often includes a 48MP main sensor. Image quality is comparable in good lighting, but the X9a's processing tends to be slightly more refined. Low-light performance is similar on both.
Performance
The Dimensity 900 in the X30 Max is a capable chip, but the Snapdragon 695 5G in the X9a generally offers slightly better performance and efficiency, especially in 5G connectivity. Both handle everyday tasks well, but the X9a shows a slight edge in demanding applications.
Battery Life
The X30 Max typically has a larger battery capacity (around 6000mAh), potentially offering slightly longer battery life under heavy use. However, the X9a's 40W charging is significantly faster than the X30 Max's 22.5W, allowing for much quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Honor X30 Max is ideal for users prioritizing a large display for media consumption and gaming on a tight budget. The Honor X9a is a better fit for those who value faster charging, a more vibrant display, and a slightly more premium feel, even within the budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X9a generally offers slightly better gaming performance due to its more efficient chipset and smoother 120Hz display.
❓ Is the Honor X30 Max worth buying if I prioritize battery life?
Yes, the X30 Max's larger battery can provide longer battery life, but consider the slower charging speed.
