Honor's X and 90 series represent their commitment to delivering compelling features at accessible price points. The X40i and 90 Smart both utilize Mediatek Dimensity chipsets, but subtle differences in processing power and charging capabilities create distinct user experiences. This comparison dives deep into these nuances to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and slightly faster charging, the Honor X40i emerges as the better choice. While the Honor 90 Smart offers a newer chipset, the Dimensity 700 in the X40i provides comparable performance with a 9W charging advantage, making it ideal for those who frequently top up their devices.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 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, July 13 | 2024, April 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 22 | Available. Released 2024, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.4 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.29 in) | 166.7 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.56 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 850 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5330 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Green. Aurora | Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | DIO-AN00 | CLK-NX1, CLK-NX3 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor X40i
- Faster 44W wired charging
- Proven Dimensity 700 chipset
- Potentially better sustained performance due to thermal headroom
- Older chipset generation
- Lack of detailed display specifications
Honor 90 Smart
- Newer Dimensity 6020 chipset
- Potentially improved power efficiency
- Slightly more modern architecture
- Slower 35W wired charging
- Performance gains over Dimensity 700 likely minimal
Display Comparison
Both the Honor X40i and 90 Smart lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their market positioning, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of information regarding refresh rates or resolution suggests both are standard 60Hz displays. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of visual fidelity, with the potential for slight color variations depending on panel calibration. Without further data, a definitive winner cannot be determined.
Camera Comparison
The provided data doesn't detail camera specifications beyond the chipsets. Given the budget nature of these phones, we can expect similar camera setups focused on everyday photography. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 700 and 6020 will handle image processing, but differences in ISP tuning could lead to variations in color accuracy and dynamic range. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. Users should expect adequate performance for social media sharing but not flagship-level image quality.
Performance
Both devices are equipped with an octa-core CPU configuration featuring 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. However, the chipset differs: the X40i uses the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm), while the 90 Smart utilizes the Dimensity 6020 (7nm). While both are 7nm chips, the Dimensity 6020 is a slightly newer design, potentially offering minor improvements in efficiency. However, the core configuration is identical, suggesting real-world performance differences will be minimal for typical tasks. The X40i’s Dimensity 700 has a proven track record, ensuring stable performance, while the 6020 in the 90 Smart benefits from incremental architectural improvements.
Battery Life
The Honor X40i supports 44W wired charging, while the 90 Smart is limited to 35W. This 9W difference translates to a noticeably faster charging experience for the X40i. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging speed allows the X40i to replenish its battery more quickly, reducing downtime. For users who frequently need to top up their phones throughout the day, the X40i’s 44W charging is a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X40i if you need a reliable daily driver with a proven chipset and prioritize faster wired charging for quick top-ups. This phone is ideal for users who stream videos, browse social media, and play casual games. Buy the Honor 90 Smart if you prefer a slightly newer chipset and are less concerned about charging speed. It's a good option for users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks and appreciate a more recent processor generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I notice a significant performance difference between the Dimensity 700 and 6020 for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
No, you likely won't notice a significant difference. Both chipsets are capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly. The Dimensity 6020 offers incremental improvements, but these are unlikely to be perceptible during typical usage. The core CPU configuration is identical, meaning performance will be very similar.
❓ How much faster is the 44W charging on the Honor X40i compared to the 35W charging on the Honor 90 Smart?
The 44W charging on the X40i will noticeably reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times are unavailable, expect the X40i to charge approximately 20-30% faster than the 90 Smart, making it more convenient for users who need quick top-ups.
❓ Are there any known thermal throttling issues with either the Dimensity 700 or 6020?
Neither chipset is particularly prone to severe thermal throttling under normal usage. However, prolonged gaming or intensive tasks may cause some performance reduction. The X40i's slightly more mature chipset and potentially better thermal design could offer a small advantage in sustained performance.
