Honor's X60i and 90 Smart represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$300 smartphone market. Both leverage Mediatek's Dimensity series, but subtle differences in chipset fabrication and clock speeds create distinct performance profiles. This comparison dissects those nuances, helping you determine which device best aligns with your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X60i emerges as the slightly stronger choice. Its Dimensity 6080, built on a 6nm process, offers a marginal performance advantage and potentially better efficiency compared to the 7nm Dimensity 6020 in the 90 Smart, making it ideal for sustained tasks and gaming.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 29 | 2024, April 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 11 | Available. Released 2024, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 74.6 x 7.2 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.28 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 | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, 2000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 850 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, MagicOS 8 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 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 |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, compass, proximity (ultrasonic) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 35W wired
5W reverse wired | 35W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5330 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Purple, White | Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | LYN-AN00 | CLK-NX1, CLK-NX3 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor X60i
- Slightly more powerful chipset (Dimensity 6080)
- More efficient 6nm fabrication process
- Potentially better sustained performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- No specified display advantages
Honor 90 Smart
- Potentially lower price point
- 35W fast charging
- Comparable feature set for basic users
- Less efficient 7nm chipset
- Slightly lower CPU clock speed
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their market positioning, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of LTPO technology suggests standard refresh rates (likely 60Hz). The user experience will likely hinge on color calibration and brightness, areas where Honor typically performs adequately in this segment. Without nit ratings, it's difficult to declare a clear winner; however, newer panels often benefit from incremental improvements in color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor details, a direct camera comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the emphasis will be on the main sensor. Given the price bracket, expect a primary sensor in the 50MP-100MP range. The image processing algorithms employed by Honor will be a key differentiator. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X60i’s Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6nm) boasts a slightly higher peak CPU clock speed (2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz on the 90 Smart’s Dimensity 6020, 7nm). While both utilize the same Cortex-A76 and A55 core configuration, the 6nm fabrication process of the 6080 generally translates to improved power efficiency and potentially better sustained performance under load. This means the X60i is less likely to throttle during prolonged gaming or demanding applications. The GPU performance will be similar, but the 6080’s efficiency advantage extends to graphics processing as well.
Battery Life
Both the Honor X60i and 90 Smart support 35W wired charging, offering comparable charging speeds – expect a full charge in approximately 60-75 minutes. The actual battery life will depend on battery capacity (not specified), but the Dimensity 6080’s 6nm efficiency in the X60i could translate to slightly longer screen-on time, especially during demanding tasks. The 5W reverse wired charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories, present on both models.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X60i if you prioritize consistent performance during extended gaming sessions or multitasking, and value a slightly more efficient chipset. Buy the Honor 90 Smart if you're seeking a balanced device with a comparable feature set at a potentially lower price point, and your usage primarily revolves around everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light app use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6020 in the Honor 90 Smart struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 6020 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you may need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 6080 in the X60i will offer a smoother experience at higher settings due to its slightly superior processing power and efficiency.
❓ Does the 35W charging on either phone support Power Delivery (PD) for faster accessory charging?
While both phones support 35W charging, it's unlikely to fully support the Power Delivery standard without further specification. Expect faster charging with compatible Honor chargers, but compatibility with third-party PD chargers may be limited to standard USB-PD profiles.
❓ How significant is the difference in real-world performance between the 6nm and 7nm chipsets?
The difference isn't massive, but noticeable. The 6nm Dimensity 6080 in the X60i will generally run cooler and more efficiently, allowing it to maintain peak performance for longer periods. The 7nm Dimensity 6020 in the 90 Smart may experience some throttling under sustained load.
