Honor's X series consistently aims to deliver compelling features at accessible price points. The X7c and X9a represent two distinct approaches within this strategy. The X7c focuses on efficiency with the newer Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, while the X9a steps up with the 5G-enabled Snapdragon 695. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X9a emerges as the better choice. While the X7c's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is efficient, the X9a's Snapdragon 695 offers a noticeable performance uplift, particularly in 5G connectivity and sustained workloads, justifying the slight price premium. The faster 40W charging is also a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 18 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 20 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.9 x 76.8 x 8.2 mm (6.57 x 3.02 x 0.32 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 |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Aluminosilicate glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 850 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 613 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 14, MagicOS 8 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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 | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 35W wired | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moonlight White, Forest Green | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | ALT-NX1 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | $ 212.08 |
Honor X7c
- Potentially better battery efficiency due to the 4nm process.
- More affordable price point.
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks.
- Less powerful processor for demanding applications.
- Lacks 5G connectivity.
- Slower charging speed.
Honor X9a
- Faster Snapdragon 695 processor for smoother performance.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- Faster 40W charging.
- Potentially better camera image processing.
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load.
- Slightly higher price.
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket, but detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing. The core difference lies in the chipsets powering them. While display quality is likely similar, the Snapdragon 695 in the X9a may offer slightly better image processing capabilities. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of budget-focused designs.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 695 typically offers a more capable image signal processor (ISP) than the 4 Gen 2, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The ISP handles noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image processing. It's reasonable to assume the X9a will deliver superior camera performance, even if both phones share similar sensor resolutions. We'd caution against placing too much emphasis on secondary sensors (like 2MP macros) on either device.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 (6nm) in the X9a represents a significant step up from the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) in the X7c. While both utilize octa-core CPUs with similar peak clock speeds (2.2 GHz), the 695's Kryo 660 Gold cores are architecturally more advanced than the Cortex-A78 cores in the X7c. This translates to better multi-core performance and improved responsiveness. The 6nm process node of the 695 also contributes to better thermal management under sustained load, potentially reducing throttling during gaming. The X9a's 5G modem is a key advantage for users in areas with 5G coverage.
Battery Life
The X7c's 35W charging is respectable, but the X9a's 40W charging offers a faster top-up time. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2's efficiency in the X7c could lead to comparable or even slightly better battery life in typical usage scenarios. However, the X9a's faster charging will be more convenient for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X7c if you prioritize long-term battery life and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light messaging. It's ideal for users who don't heavily rely on 5G or demanding applications. Buy the Honor X9a if you want a more responsive experience, faster charging, and the benefits of 5G connectivity for streaming, gaming, and future-proofing. It's the better option for users who multitask frequently or enjoy mobile gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the X9a handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to adjust graphics settings to medium or low for a consistently smooth experience. The X7c's Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 will struggle with higher settings and may exhibit more noticeable frame drops.
❓ How much faster is the 40W charging on the X9a compared to the X7c's 35W charging?
While exact charging times depend on battery capacity (which isn't specified), the 40W charging on the X9a will likely reduce a 0-100% charge time by approximately 15-20 minutes compared to the X7c. This difference is most noticeable when quickly topping up the battery.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the X9a worth the extra cost if I don't currently have 5G coverage in my area?
Even without immediate 5G access, the X9a offers future-proofing. As 5G networks expand, you'll be ready to take advantage of faster speeds. The 5G modem also often includes improvements in 4G connectivity, potentially offering better performance even on older networks.
