The Honor X7a and X7 are both contenders in the budget smartphone arena, offering attractive features at accessible prices. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X7 takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset and more efficient 6nm manufacturing process. While the X7a offers reverse charging, the X7's superior performance and efficiency make it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 04 | 2022, March 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 06 | Available. Released 2022, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 167.6 x 77.2 x 8.6 mm (6.60 x 3.04 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765H Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5330 or 6000 mAh (market/region dependent) | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Ocean Blue, Titanium Silver |
| Models | RKY-LX1, RKY-LX2, RKY-LX3 | CMA-LX2, CMA-LX1, CMA-LX3 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Honor X7a
- Reverse wired charging
- Large 6.7-inch display
- Affordable price
- Slower performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially lower display quality
Honor X7
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 680)
- More efficient chipset
- Likely better display quality
- More future-proof
- No reverse charging
- Slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.7-inch displays, but the X7 likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced panel. The X7a's display is adequate but may lack the vibrancy of the X7.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar camera setups (likely a 48MP main sensor, plus depth and macro lenses). However, the X7's more powerful processor should allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect slightly better dynamic range and detail on the X7.
Performance
This is where the Honor X7 shines. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) offers a substantial performance boost over the Helio G37 (12nm) in the X7a. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better gaming performance on the X7. The X7a will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones have large batteries (likely around 5000mAh). However, the X7's more efficient chipset should translate to better battery life in real-world usage, despite having a slightly smaller battery. The X7a's reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
The Honor X7a is a good option for users prioritizing reverse charging and a slightly larger screen, and who are on a very tight budget. The Honor X7 is ideal for those seeking better performance, smoother multitasking, and a more future-proof device, even if the price is slightly higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X7a worth buying if I'm on a very tight budget?
The X7a can be a decent option if your budget is extremely limited and you value reverse charging. However, consider stretching your budget for the X7 if possible, as the performance difference is significant.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X7 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset. The X7a will struggle with more demanding games.