The Honor X7 and X7a are both contenders in the budget smartphone arena, offering large displays and decent features at an affordable price. But which one truly delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X7 edges out the X7a thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset. While both offer large screens and respectable battery life, the X7's improved performance makes it the better choice for smoother multitasking and gaming, despite similar charging speeds.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 30 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 14 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 77.2 x 8.6 mm (6.60 x 3.04 x 0.34 in) | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765H Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| 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 | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5330 or 6000 mAh (market/region dependent) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Titanium Silver | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | CMA-LX2, CMA-LX1, CMA-LX3 | RKY-LX1, RKY-LX2, RKY-LX3 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Honor X7
- More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 680)
- Smoother performance
- Potentially better display drivers
- Slightly better image processing
Honor X7a
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Affordable price
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G37)
- Slower performance
- Potentially less accurate display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.74-inch display, likely with an LCD panel and a resolution of 1080 x 2388 pixels. While the panels are similar in size and resolution, the X7 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more modern chipset potentially enabling better display drivers. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a quad-camera setup, likely including a 64MP main sensor. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions. However, the X7's more powerful processor may allow for slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Video recording capabilities are likely similar, offering 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
This is where the Honor X7 shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Helio G37. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in games on the X7. The X7a will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 22.5W wired. The X7a has a unique 5W reverse wired charging feature, allowing it to charge other devices, which is a nice bonus.
Buying Guide
The Honor X7 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and want a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Honor X7a is a good option for those primarily focused on media consumption and basic usage, and appreciate the added convenience of reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X7a worth buying if I only use my phone for basic tasks?
Yes, the X7a is a decent option for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing. However, the X7 offers a better overall experience, even for basic users.
❓ Can the Honor X7 handle gaming?
The Honor X7 can handle light to moderate gaming reasonably well, thanks to its Snapdragon 680 chipset. Don't expect to play demanding games at high settings, but it should provide a playable experience.