Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone from Honor? The X7a and X9a are popular contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall user experience to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9a is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster processor, faster charging, and a more modern chipset. While the X7a offers decent value, the X9a's upgrades make it a worthwhile investment for most users seeking a smoother and more future-proof experience.
| 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 | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 04 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 06 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765H Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5330 or 6000 mAh (market/region dependent) | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | RKY-LX1, RKY-LX2, RKY-LX3 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | $ 212.08 |
Honor X7a
- Large Display
- Long Battery Life
- Affordable Price
- Reverse Charging
- Slow Processor
- Slow Charging
- Outdated Chipset
- LCD Display
Honor X9a
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 695 5G)
- Fast Charging (40W)
- AMOLED Display (Likely)
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly Higher Price
- Battery life may be marginally shorter than X7a
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, but the X9a's panel is likely to be brighter and offer better color accuracy due to its more modern technology. The X7a likely uses a standard LCD, while the X9a is expected to have an AMOLED display. Resolution is likely similar, around FHD+.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer multiple rear cameras, the X9a's more powerful processor and potentially improved image processing algorithms should result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect the X9a to have a slight edge in video recording as well.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 5G in the X9a is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37 in the X7a. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the X9a. The X7a will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have large batteries (likely around 5000mAh). However, the X9a's 40W fast charging will allow it to charge much faster than the X7a's 22.5W charging. The X7a's larger battery *might* offer slightly longer overall usage, but the charging speed difference is significant.
Buying Guide
The Honor X7a is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize a large display and long battery life over raw performance. The Honor X9a is better suited for those who want a smoother experience, faster charging, and 5G connectivity, even within a budget-conscious price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X7a good for gaming?
The Honor X7a can handle basic games, but it will struggle with more demanding titles due to its slower processor. Expect lag and reduced graphics settings.
❓ Does the Honor X9a support 5G?
Yes, the Honor X9a supports 5G connectivity thanks to its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While both have large batteries, the X7a *might* offer slightly longer usage. However, the X9a's 40W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
❓ What type of display does each phone have?
The Honor X7a likely has an LCD display, while the Honor X9a is expected to have an AMOLED display, offering better contrast and color accuracy.