Google Pixel 6a vs Honor X8 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a is the superior choice. Its Google Tensor chipset provides significantly faster performance and a smoother user experience, coupled with exceptional camera capabilities. While the Honor X8 5G offers 5G at a lower price, the performance trade-offs are substantial.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Honor X8 5G | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 25 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| - | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (VNE-N41 only) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Ocean Blue | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | VNE-N41 | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 170 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Honor X8 5G
- Significantly faster performance with Google Tensor
- Exceptional camera quality and computational photography
- Guaranteed software updates and security patches
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Higher price point than the Honor X8 5G
- May run warmer under sustained load
Google Pixel 6a
- More affordable price
- Faster charging speed (22.5W)
- 5G connectivity
- Substantially slower performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Less frequent software updates
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a boasts a notably brighter display, reaching 876 nits measured, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Honor X8 5G. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While both phones likely utilize OLED panels (based on the Pixel 6a’s ‘infinite’ contrast ratio), the Pixel 6a’s superior brightness and Google’s color calibration offer a more vibrant and accurate viewing experience. The Honor X8 5G’s display specs are less defined, suggesting a focus on cost reduction rather than premium visual quality.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera system is a clear advantage. While specific sensor details are missing for the Honor X8 5G, the Pixel 6a leverages Google’s computational photography prowess, delivering exceptional image quality even in challenging lighting conditions. The Tensor chip’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role in this, enabling features like Magic Eraser and Real Tone. The absence of OIS details for the Honor X8 5G suggests a reliance on software stabilization, which is unlikely to match the Pixel 6a’s hardware-assisted stabilization. The Pixel 6a’s image processing style prioritizes natural colors and dynamic range, while the Honor X8 5G likely aims for more saturated, social media-friendly images.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Google Pixel 6a’s Google Tensor, built on a 5nm process, is in a different league than the Honor X8 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ (8nm). Tensor’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 cores, delivers significantly faster processing speeds for demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 480+’s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 cores are geared towards efficiency, but struggle with intensive applications. This difference is particularly noticeable in gaming and multitasking. The Tensor chip also benefits from Google’s AI and machine learning optimizations, enhancing overall responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite differing battery capacities (not specified for the Honor X8 5G). However, the charging speeds differ. The Honor X8 5G supports 22.5W wired charging, while the Pixel 6a is limited to 18W with PD3.0. While the difference isn’t massive, the Honor X8 5G will likely charge slightly faster. The Tensor chip’s power consumption, however, is a factor; it requires more energy than the Snapdragon 480+, potentially offsetting some of the Honor’s charging advantage in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X8 5G if you prioritize 5G connectivity on a strict budget and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light communication. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value performance, camera quality, and a refined software experience, and are willing to spend a bit more for a phone that will remain responsive for years to come.