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 and the Honor X9. Both offer attractive designs and competitive features, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X30 takes the edge thanks to its 5G connectivity and more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset. While the X9 boasts a slightly larger display and marginally faster charging, the X30's future-proofed 5G and superior performance 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 16 | 2022, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 25 | Available. Released 2022, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.32 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 5.0 | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 80% in 30 min | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver, Gold | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | ANY-AN00 | - |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Honor X30
- 5G Connectivity
- More Powerful Processor (Snapdragon 695)
- Slightly more efficient chipset (6nm)
- Good Value for Money
- Slightly smaller display
- Charging marginally slower
Honor X9
- Larger Display
- Slightly Faster Charging
- Comfortable for Media Consumption
- No 5G Connectivity
- Less Powerful Processor (Snapdragon 680)
- Older chipset
Display Comparison
The Honor X9 features a larger 6.8-inch display compared to the X30's 6.7-inch screen. Both utilize an IPS LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. The X9's larger size might be preferable for media consumption, but the X30's slightly smaller form factor could be more comfortable for one-handed use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a similar camera setup, typically including a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance may be average. The X30's more powerful processor could potentially lead to slightly better image processing.
Performance
Here's where the X30 shines. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is significantly more powerful than the X9's Snapdragon 680 4G. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The X30's 6nm process also contributes to improved efficiency.
Battery Life
Both devices offer a 66W fast charging solution, allowing for quick top-ups. The X9 charges slightly faster (81% in 30 min vs 80% in 30 min for the X30), but the difference is minimal. Both phones typically have a 4000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Honor X30 is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity and a smoother overall experience, especially for gaming or multitasking. The Honor X9 is a good option for those prioritizing a larger display and slightly faster charging, and who don't necessarily need 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X30 worth buying if I don't need 5G?
While the X9 offers a larger screen, the X30's superior performance and future-proofing with 5G make it a more compelling choice for most users, even if you don't currently need 5G.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Honor X30, thanks to its Snapdragon 695 chipset, offers significantly better gaming performance compared to the Honor X9.
