The Honor X6b and Samsung Galaxy A25 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$250 smartphone market. The X6b leverages Qualcomm’s efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, while the A25 opts for Samsung’s in-house Exynos 1280. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficient power usage, the Honor X6b emerges as the stronger contender. Its 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset offers a noticeable advantage in thermal management and overall responsiveness, despite the A25’s brighter display. However, Samsung’s software experience and potentially better camera processing are worth considering.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June | 2023, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.9 x 76.8 x 8.1 mm (6.57 x 3.02 x 0.32 in) | 161 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm (6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g or 193 g (6.74 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Aluminosilicate glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1610 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~261 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.77 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 850 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 613 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 14, MagicOS 8 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Market/region dependent |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 35W wired
Reverse wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Forest Green | Brave Black, Personality Yellow, Fantasy Blue, Optimistic Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A256E, SM-A256E/DS, SM-A256E/DSN, SM-A256B, SM-A256B/DS, SM-A256B/DSN, SM-A256U, SM-A256U1 |
| Price | - | € 175.99 / $ 120.32 / ₹ 18,399 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Honor X6b
- Faster 35W charging with reverse wired capability
- More efficient 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
- Potentially better thermal management for sustained performance
- Likely dimmer display compared to the A25
- Camera performance is less predictable without detailed specs
Samsung Galaxy A25
- Brighter 1030 nit display for outdoor visibility
- Samsung’s One UI software experience
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Less efficient 5nm Exynos 1280 chipset
- Slower 25W charging
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A25 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1030 nits. This is a clear advantage for outdoor use under direct sunlight. While the Honor X6b’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be dimmer. The A25’s panel technology and refresh rate are not specified, but the brightness difference is the key differentiator. The A25’s higher peak brightness will provide a more vibrant and visible experience in bright environments.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are limited, but the focus should be on the main sensors and image processing. While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the quality will hinge on sensor size and software optimization. Samsung generally excels in image processing, potentially delivering more vibrant and shareable photos with the A25. The Honor X6b’s camera performance is less predictable without further details, but Qualcomm’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally competent. We can assume both phones will include standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the A25 likely has an edge in overall image quality.
Performance
The core of the performance difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A25’s Exynos 1280 (5nm) has a slightly higher clocked Cortex-A78 core (2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz on the X6b’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2). However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 benefits from a more modern 4nm manufacturing process. This translates to improved thermal efficiency, meaning the X6b is less likely to throttle under sustained load. The Exynos 1280, while capable, may experience more performance dips during prolonged gaming or demanding tasks. The X6b’s architecture is also more power efficient, potentially leading to better battery life during intensive use.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A25 shines with a reported 10:19 hours of active use, indicating excellent battery life. The Honor X6b’s battery capacity is not specified, but its more efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset could potentially close the gap. The A25 supports 25W wired charging, while the X6b offers faster 35W wired charging, and even reverse wired charging. This means the X6b will likely charge from 0-100% faster, and can also act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X6b if you need a phone that can handle extended gaming sessions or multitasking without significant throttling, and if you value long-term software support from Honor. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A25 if you prioritize a brighter display for outdoor visibility, prefer Samsung’s One UI software ecosystem, and are looking for a phone with a potentially more refined camera experience, even if it comes at the cost of some performance headroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A25 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280, being a 5nm chip, can generate heat under sustained load. While it's not a severe issue, users may experience some throttling after extended gaming sessions, potentially leading to frame rate drops. The Honor X6b’s 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is designed for better thermal efficiency, making it a more suitable choice for long gaming sessions.
❓ How significant is the charging speed difference between the 35W Honor X6b and the 25W Samsung Galaxy A25 in real-world use?
The 10W difference in charging wattage translates to a noticeable, but not dramatic, difference in charging times. The Honor X6b will likely charge from 0-100% approximately 20-30 minutes faster than the Galaxy A25. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging feature on the Honor X6b useful for everyday scenarios?
Reverse wired charging is a niche feature, but can be surprisingly useful. It allows you to use the Honor X6b to charge other devices, like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch, in a pinch. It's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank, but it's a convenient feature to have when you're on the go and a friend needs a quick charge.
