The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Honor X40 and the Honor X9a. Both offer 5G connectivity and a focus on design, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same Snapdragon 695 chipset and 40W charging. The X9a distinguishes itself with a curved display and potentially a slightly improved camera system. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for screen design and specific camera features, with the X9a edging out the X40 for a more premium feel.
| 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 | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 15 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 15 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 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 | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 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, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| 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, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Silver | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | RMO-AN00 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | $ 212.08 |
Honor X40
- Flat display - easier to use with screen protectors
- Potentially more affordable
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Less premium design compared to X9a
- Camera may be slightly less impressive
Honor X9a
- Curved display - more immersive viewing experience
- Potentially improved camera system
- Premium design and feel
- More expensive than X40
- Curved display can be prone to accidental touches
Display Comparison
The Honor X40 features a flat 6.7-inch OLED display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Honor X9a boasts a 6.67-inch curved OLED display, providing a more immersive and modern aesthetic. The curved display can be more prone to accidental touches, but many find it visually appealing. Resolution is likely similar on both, around 1080 x 2400 pixels.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, the X9a may offer a slightly improved main sensor or additional features. The X40 likely has a 48MP main camera, while the X9a could have a 64MP main camera. Expect similar ultrawide and macro lenses on both. Low-light performance and video recording capabilities are key areas to consider.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but they should handle social media, browsing, and streaming without issue. RAM and storage configurations will likely vary depending on the region.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a battery capacity around 4000-5000mAh, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The 40W wired charging will offer relatively fast charging speeds, taking approximately 60-75 minutes to fully charge.
Buying Guide
The Honor X40 is ideal for users prioritizing a flat display and a more traditional smartphone experience. The Honor X9a is a better choice for those who appreciate a curved screen and a potentially enhanced camera experience, willing to pay a slight premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Honor X40 and X9a?
The main difference is the display – the X40 has a flat screen while the X9a has a curved screen. The X9a may also have a slightly better camera system and a more premium design.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer similar performance thanks to the Snapdragon 695 chipset. Neither is ideal for demanding games, but they can handle most casual titles.
