The Honor X7b and Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The key differentiator lies in their chipsets: the Honor X7b utilizes the older, 6nm Snapdragon 680, while the Redmi Note 13R features the newer, more efficient 4nm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2. This comparison will dissect these differences and determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and slightly better overall performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2, built on a 4nm process, offers improved power efficiency and a modest performance uplift compared to the Honor X7b’s Snapdragon 680. However, the X7b’s 35W charging provides a slight edge in replenishment speed.
| 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, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 01 | 2024, May 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December 01 | Available. Released 2024, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 166.7 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.56 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.2 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 850 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, MagicOS 8 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (CLK-LX1 only) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 35W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Market-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5330 mAh (Europe and LATAM)· Li-Po 6000 mAh (ROW) | 5030 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Flowing Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | CLK-LX1, CLK-LX2, CLK-LX3 | 2406ERN9CC |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Honor X7b
- Faster 35W wired charging
- Potentially slightly better sustained performance in specific, heavily threaded tasks due to core count
- Established Honor brand reputation
- Less efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Older 6nm manufacturing process
- Potentially shorter battery life
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R
- More efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset
- 4nm manufacturing process for improved battery life
- Modern CPU architecture with Cortex-A78 cores
- Slightly slower 33W wired charging
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be polarizing
- Potentially less brand recognition in some markets
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the provided data focuses on chipsets, we must infer display characteristics based on market positioning. Both likely feature FHD+ LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO suggests a focus on cost optimization. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be adequate but not exceptional. Display differences are unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely employ a primary sensor in the 50MP-64MP range. The Redmi Note 13R’s newer ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 may offer slightly improved image processing capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core of this comparison lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R’s Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 (4nm) is a significant upgrade over the Honor X7b’s Snapdragon 680 (6nm). The 4nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to longer battery life and less thermal throttling under sustained load. While the Snapdragon 680 features a higher clock speed on its prime cores (2.4 GHz vs 2.3 GHz on the 4+ Gen 2), the architectural improvements in the Cortex-A78 cores of the 4+ Gen 2 provide a performance advantage in real-world tasks. The X7b’s Kryo 265 Gold cores are older generation and less efficient. The Redmi Note 13R’s CPU configuration (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) is better suited for multitasking and demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Honor X7b’s 35W wired charging is a slight advantage over the Redmi Note 13R’s 33W charging. This translates to a faster 0-100% charge time, though the difference is unlikely to be substantial. However, the Redmi Note 13R’s more efficient Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 chipset will likely result in longer battery life on a single charge. The 4nm process reduces power consumption, offsetting any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery capacity (assuming similar battery sizes, which is likely given the price point).
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X7b if you prioritize faster charging speeds and are comfortable with a slightly older chipset. It’s a good option for users who frequently top up their phones and don’t heavily rely on demanding applications. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13R if you value battery life, efficiency, and a more modern processor. This phone is ideal for everyday users who want a smooth experience and longer time between charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 in the Redmi Note 13R handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights, but overall performance should be acceptable.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Honor X7b compared to the Redmi Note 13R in real-world usage?
The 2W difference in charging wattage (35W vs 33W) translates to roughly a 10-15 minute difference in a full 0-100% charge. While noticeable, it's not a massive disparity. The Redmi Note 13R’s superior battery efficiency may mean you need to charge less frequently, mitigating the slower charging speed.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Honor X7b get hot during prolonged use, like video recording or gaming?
The Snapdragon 680, being a 6nm chip, is prone to more thermal throttling than the 4nm Snapdragon 4+ Gen 2. Expect some heat buildup during extended gaming sessions or video recording, which may lead to a slight performance decrease as the phone attempts to manage temperatures.
