Honor's X series consistently delivers value, but the X7c 4G and X8a represent diverging strategies. The X7c leverages Qualcomm's efficient Snapdragon 685, while the X8a opts for MediaTek's Helio G88. This comparison dissects these choices, focusing on performance, charging, and the user experience to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Honor X7c 4G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 685, built on a 6nm process, offers a more refined experience than the 12nm Helio G88 in the X8a. However, the X8a's faster 22.5W charging is a significant advantage for those who frequently need a quick power boost.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 18 | 2023, February 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 18 | Available. Released 2023, February 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.9 x 76.8 x 8.1 mm (6.57 x 3.02 x 0.32 in) | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g or 196 g (6.84 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Tempered glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1610 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~261 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.77 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, MagicOS 8 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | - | 100 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (CRT-LX1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 35W wired | 22.5W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5200/6000 mAh (market/region dependent) | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Forest Green, Moonlight White | Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black |
| Models | ALT-LX2 | CRT-LX1, CRT-LX2, CRT-LX3 |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
Honor X7c 4G
- More efficient Snapdragon 685 chipset
- Faster 35W wired charging
- Potentially better sustained performance
- May have slightly less aggressive pricing
- Charging speed advantage may not be fully utilized without a compatible charger
Honor X8a
- Faster charging (22.5W, 50% in 30min)
- Potentially lower price point
- MediaTek's gaming optimizations
- Less efficient Helio G88 chipset (12nm)
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
- Likely lower overall performance
Display Comparison
Neither Honor provides display specs beyond resolution, so a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of high refresh rates is standard for this price bracket. Bezels are expected to be comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints. Color accuracy will likely be tuned for vibrant visuals, typical of Honor's displays.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth sensor, with the X8a potentially including a macro lens. The image processing algorithms will likely differ, with Honor typically favoring vibrant, saturated colors. The larger sensor (if present in the X7c) would capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which may introduce some artifacts in videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X7c 4G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) boasts a more modern architecture than the Honor X8a’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm). The Snapdragon 685’s Cortex-A73 cores, clocked at 2.8 GHz, offer a performance edge over the X8a’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. The 6nm process of the Snapdragon 685 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. While the X8a’s octa-core CPU is capable, the X7c’s chipset is better equipped for demanding applications and multitasking. The X7c will likely exhibit smoother performance in graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
The Honor X7c 4G features 35W wired charging, significantly faster than the X8a’s 22.5W. The X8a claims a 50% charge in 30 minutes, while the X7c should achieve a similar or faster result. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Snapdragon 685’s efficiency in the X7c will likely offset any capacity difference, providing comparable or better real-world battery life. The X8a’s faster charging is a clear benefit for users who prioritize quick top-ups, but the X7c’s efficiency minimizes the need for frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X7c 4G if you need a phone that balances performance with battery life for everyday tasks and light gaming. Its efficient chipset will translate to longer usage times between charges. Buy the Honor X8a if you prioritize quick charging and don't mind potentially sacrificing some sustained performance. This phone is ideal for users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G88 in the Honor X8a overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The MediaTek Helio G88, built on a 12nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Snapdragon 685. While it can handle casual gaming, extended sessions with demanding titles may lead to reduced performance as the chip heats up. The X7c's 6nm Snapdragon 685 will maintain higher sustained performance.
❓ Does the 35W charging on the Honor X7c 4G require a specific charger, and is one included in the box?
While the X7c 4G supports 35W charging, Honor often includes a slower charger in the box to reduce costs. To achieve the full 35W charging speed, you'll likely need to purchase a compatible charger separately. Check the packaging or Honor's website for details.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (Cortex-A73 vs. Cortex-A75) noticeable in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference between the Cortex-A73 and Cortex-A75 cores will be minimal. However, the Snapdragon 685's more efficient architecture and higher clock speeds will result in snappier performance when multitasking or launching apps.
