Honor X50i vs Honor 90 Lite: A Deep Dive into Honor's Budget Contenders

Honor has been aggressively targeting the budget and mid-range smartphone markets with compelling devices. The X50i and 90 Lite both leverage the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, promising similar performance. However, a key difference lies in their charging capabilities – the X50i boasts 35W charging, while the 90 Lite varies between 35W (Europe) and 22.5W (Global). This comparison will dissect these phones to determine which offers the best overall package.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing consistent fast charging, the Honor X50i emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones deliver identical processing power thanks to the Dimensity 6020, the X50i’s guaranteed 35W charging across all regions provides a more reliable and quicker top-up experience, especially crucial for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Honor X50i Honor 90 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41LTE
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSASA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, July 052023, June 20
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, July 05Available. Released 2023, June 20
Body
Dimensions162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.30 in)162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)179 g (6.31 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density)1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 13, Magic OS 7.1Android 13, Magic OS 7.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual100 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-100 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE (5.3, France)
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
Battery
Charging35W wired, 55% in 30 min35W wired, 55% in 30 min (Europe) 22.5W wired (Global)
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Pink, Light BlueTitanium Silver, Cyan Lake, Midnight Black
ModelsCRT-AN00CRT-NX1
PriceAbout 180 EUR£ 143.99

Honor X50i

  • Guaranteed 35W fast charging across all regions.
  • Identical processing power to the Honor 90 Lite.
  • Likely competitive pricing within the budget segment.

  • Missing detailed display specifications.
  • Camera details are currently unknown.

Honor 90 Lite

  • Identical processing power to the Honor X50i.
  • Potential for lower pricing in certain markets.
  • May offer a slightly different design aesthetic.

  • Inconsistent charging speed (35W in Europe, 22.5W globally).
  • Missing detailed display specifications.
  • Camera details are currently unknown.

Display Comparison

Both the Honor X50i and 90 Lite lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their positioning, we can expect both to feature LCD panels, likely with a 6.6-6.8 inch size range. The absence of information regarding refresh rates (60Hz vs 90Hz) or peak brightness is a notable omission. Users prioritizing media consumption should investigate these aspects further before purchasing, as panel quality significantly impacts the viewing experience. Bezels are likely to be similar, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are missing. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones will feature a multi-camera setup, likely headlined by a 50MP or 48MP main sensor. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera is probable on both, but its utility is limited due to the low resolution. Image processing algorithms will likely differ, potentially resulting in variations in color accuracy and dynamic range. Without further details on sensor size, aperture, and image stabilization (OIS), a definitive camera comparison is impossible. Users should focus on real-world image samples to assess camera quality.

Performance

The core of both devices is the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm). This chipset features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, delivering comparable performance in everyday tasks and light gaming. The 7nm process node offers a good balance between power efficiency and performance. The absence of RAM specifications prevents a definitive statement on multitasking capabilities, but both are likely to offer 6GB or 8GB options. Thermal management will likely be similar, relying on passive cooling solutions given the price point. The CPU performance will be nearly identical between the two.

Battery Life

Both phones support 35W wired charging, achieving 55% charge in 30 minutes. However, the Honor 90 Lite has a regional discrepancy, dropping to 22.5W in global markets. This is a significant difference, translating to considerably longer charging times for global users. While battery capacity isn’t specified, both are likely to house a 4500mAh to 5000mAh battery. The X50i’s consistent 35W charging provides a clear advantage for users who frequently need to top up their devices quickly. The 22.5W charging on the global 90 Lite will require significantly more time to reach a full charge.

Buying Guide

Buy the Honor X50i if you need consistently fast 35W charging and prioritize a predictable user experience regardless of your region. Buy the Honor 90 Lite if you are in Europe and can confirm the 35W charging, or if you find a significantly lower price point that outweighs the potential charging speed difference. Both phones are excellent choices for users seeking a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the 22.5W charging on the global Honor 90 Lite significantly impact daily use?
Yes, the difference between 22.5W and 35W charging is noticeable. While 22.5W will still charge the phone, it will take considerably longer to reach 100%. Users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery will find the 35W charging on the X50i more convenient. Expect approximately 30-45 minutes longer to fully charge with the 22.5W charger.
❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 capable of handling popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6020 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, demanding graphics settings and prolonged gaming sessions may lead to some frame drops and potential thermal throttling. It's best suited for casual gaming rather than competitive, high-graphics gameplay.
❓ What type of display technology can I expect on these phones, given their price range?
Given the budget positioning of both the Honor X50i and 90 Lite, it's highly probable they utilize LCD panels. Don't expect OLED or AMOLED technology at this price point. Look for specifications regarding refresh rate (60Hz or 90Hz) and peak brightness to assess the display quality further.