Honor has been aggressively targeting the budget and mid-range smartphone markets with compelling devices. The X50i and 90 Smart both leverage the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, but cater to slightly different priorities. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor 90 Smart emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same processor, the 90 Smart’s slightly more refined design and potentially better software optimization give it a small edge. However, the X50i remains a strong contender, especially if price is the primary concern.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 05 | 2024, April 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 05 | Available. Released 2024, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.30 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 | 179 g (6.31 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, 90Hz | 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 6020 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, Magic OS 7.1 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 100 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 35W wired, 55% in 30 min | 35W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5330 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink, Light Blue | Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | CRT-AN00 | CLK-NX1, CLK-NX3 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor X50i
- Potentially faster charging (55% in 30 mins)
- Likely more affordable price point
- Reliable Dimensity 6020 performance
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
- May have less refined software experience
Honor 90 Smart
- Potentially more polished design
- Possible software optimizations for smoother performance
- Reliable Dimensity 6020 performance
- Charging speed may be slightly slower
- Likely a higher price tag than the X50i
Display Comparison
Both the Honor X50i and 90 Smart lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their market 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 notable. Users prioritizing media consumption should investigate these details further before purchasing, as a higher peak brightness will improve outdoor visibility. The lack of LTPO technology suggests neither phone will offer adaptive refresh rates for power saving.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality of the secondary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors) is typically limited. The primary camera’s performance will be the deciding factor. Users should look for reviews that specifically assess image quality in various lighting conditions, focusing on dynamic range and detail preservation. Image processing algorithms will also play a crucial role in differentiating the two.
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. This means performance will be nearly identical in CPU-bound tasks like web browsing and social media. The GPU performance will also be the same. The real-world difference will likely come down to RAM management and software optimization. While RAM specifications aren't provided, the 90 Smart may benefit from slightly more aggressive background app management, leading to a smoother multitasking experience. Thermal throttling is unlikely to be a major concern with this chipset, given its 7nm fabrication process.
Battery Life
Both the Honor X50i and 90 Smart support 35W wired charging. The X50i boasts a claim of reaching 55% charge in 30 minutes, while the 90 Smart doesn’t provide a specific time. This suggests the X50i might have a slightly smaller battery capacity, allowing it to charge faster with the same wattage. However, without knowing the actual battery capacity (mAh) of each device, it’s impossible to determine which offers better overall battery life. A larger capacity, even with slower charging, could provide longer usage times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X50i if you prioritize maximizing value and are comfortable with a potentially more basic user experience. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device. Buy the Honor 90 Smart if you prefer a more polished aesthetic and potentially smoother software performance, and are willing to spend a little extra for those refinements. It’s a good fit for users who want a modern-looking phone without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 6020 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 6020 is a capable chipset for casual gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights, but the experience should be generally playable. Both phones will likely experience similar gaming performance.
❓ Is the 35W charging significantly slower compared to phones with 65W or 120W charging?
Yes, 35W charging is considerably slower than the faster charging technologies available on some other phones. However, it's still a respectable charging speed for this price range. Expect a full charge to take around 1.5 to 2 hours. The Honor X50i's claim of 55% in 30 minutes is a good indicator of its charging speed, but it won't be as quick as phones with significantly higher wattage.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use (eMMC vs UFS)?
This information isn't provided. However, given the price point, it's likely both phones utilize UFS 2.2 storage. UFS is significantly faster than eMMC, resulting in quicker app loading times and smoother overall performance. Confirming the storage type in reviews is recommended.
