The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor X7a and Samsung Galaxy A14 are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features at affordable prices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, helping you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally edges out the Honor X7a thanks to its superior processor (especially the Exynos version), better camera capabilities, and more refined software experience. While the X7a boasts a larger screen and reverse charging, the A14 provides a more well-rounded package 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 04 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 06 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765H Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5330 or 6000 mAh (market/region dependent) | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | RKY-LX1, RKY-LX2, RKY-LX3 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Honor X7a
- Large 6.8-inch display
- Reverse wired charging
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Underpowered processor
- Mediocre camera performance
- Less refined software
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Better performance (Helio G80/Exynos 850)
- Improved camera system
- Samsung's One UI software
- Reliable brand reputation
- Slower charging (15W)
- Smaller display compared to X7a
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
The Honor X7a features a larger 6.8-inch display, offering more screen real estate for videos and games. The Galaxy A14 has a slightly smaller 6.6-inch display. Both utilize IPS LCD panels, so expect decent color accuracy but not the vibrancy of AMOLED. Resolution is generally FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A14 generally has a more versatile and capable camera system. While both offer multiple lenses, the A14's main sensor and image processing tend to produce better results, especially in low light. The X7a's camera is decent but lacks the refinement of the A14.
Performance
This is where the Galaxy A14 pulls ahead. The Helio G80 (or Exynos 850) offers significantly better performance than the Helio G37. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the A14. The X7a's G37 is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large batteries (around 5000mAh), providing all-day battery life. The Honor X7a has a slight edge in battery capacity, but the A14's more efficient processor can offset this. The X7a also includes reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
The Honor X7a is a good choice for users prioritizing a large display for media consumption and those who occasionally need to charge other devices. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is ideal for those seeking a smoother performance, a more capable camera system, and the reliability of the Samsung brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A14 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The Honor X7a can handle basic games, but struggles with more demanding titles.
❓ Does the Galaxy A14 have 5G?
Yes, some versions of the Samsung Galaxy A14 support 5G connectivity. Check the specific model number to confirm.
❓ What is reverse charging?
Reverse charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices wirelessly or via a cable. The Honor X7a supports this feature, while the Galaxy A14 does not.