The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Honor X40 and the Honor X9. Both offer attractive designs and competitive features, but which one comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 66W charging, 4G connectivity, and generally stronger performance. While the X40 boasts 5G, the X9's overall package provides a more compelling experience for most users, especially considering its price.
| 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 | 2022, September 15 | 2022, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 15 | Available. Released 2022, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 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 | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 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 12, Magic UI 6.1 | 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 |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Silver | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | RMO-AN00 | - |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Honor X40
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly Newer Chipset
- Modern Design
- Slower Charging
- Potentially Less Optimized Software
- Camera Performance Could Be Better
Honor X9
- Faster 66W Charging
- Larger Display
- Stronger Performance (in some scenarios)
- 4G Stability
- No 5G
- Older Chipset
- Camera Performance Could Be Better
Display Comparison
The Honor X9 features a larger 6.8-inch display compared to the X40's 6.7-inch screen. Both utilize IPS LCD panels, offering decent color accuracy and viewing angles. The X9's larger size makes it better for media consumption and gaming, while the X40's slightly smaller size might be preferred by those who prioritize one-handed usability.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature multi-camera setups. The X40 typically includes a 50MP main sensor, while the X9 often has a 64MP main sensor. Image quality is generally comparable, with both phones capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is a weakness for both.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 5G in the X40 offers a slight edge in raw processing power compared to the Snapdragon 680 4G in the X9. However, the X9's more efficient CPU architecture and potentially better software optimization often translate to smoother real-world performance. The X40's 5G capabilities are a key differentiator for future-proofing.
Battery Life
The Honor X9's 66W charging is a significant advantage, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. The X40's 40W charging is still respectable, but noticeably slower. Both phones have similar battery capacities (around 4000-5000mAh), offering all-day battery life with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The Honor X40 is ideal for users who prioritize 5G connectivity and a slightly more modern chipset. The Honor X9 is a better choice for those who value faster charging, a larger display, and a more powerful processor, even if it lacks 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X40 worth buying if I need 5G?
If 5G is a must-have for you, the X40 is the only option between these two. However, consider if the slower charging and potentially less optimized software are worth the trade-off.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer all-day battery life, but the X9's faster charging significantly reduces charging time, making it more convenient.
