The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Honor X8 5G and the Honor X8a. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X8 5G edges out the X8a thanks to its 5G connectivity and slightly more powerful chipset. However, the X8a boasts faster charging and potentially a more refined camera experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: 5G speed or quicker power-ups.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 25 | 2023, February 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2023, February 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 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 (6.84 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (VNE-N41 only) | Yes (CRT-LX1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | 22.5W wired | 22.5W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Ocean Blue | Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black |
| Models | VNE-N41 | CRT-LX1, CRT-LX2, CRT-LX3 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor X8 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly Faster Processor
- Better Multitasking Performance
- More Efficient Chipset (8nm)
- Slower Charging
- Potentially Less Refined Camera
Honor X8a
- Faster Charging (50% in 30 min)
- Potentially Better Camera Image Processing
- Sleek Design (likely)
- No 5G
- Slower Processor
- Less Efficient Chipset (12nm)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.7-inch display, likely with a resolution around 1080 x 2400 pixels. While specific panel types aren't explicitly stated, expect LCD panels with decent color accuracy. The X8a might have a slightly better display calibration due to potential software optimizations, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor around 64MP. The X8a might have a slightly better image processing pipeline, potentially resulting in better low-light photos and more vibrant colors. However, the X8 5G's camera is still capable of producing good quality images in well-lit conditions.
Performance
The Honor X8 5G's Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the X8a's Helio G88. The Snapdragon's 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the X8 5G. Gaming performance will be better on the X8 5G, though neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the X8a's 22.5W charging is significantly faster than the X8 5G's 22.5W charging (the X8a advertises 50% charge in 30 minutes, implying a more efficient charging circuit). This means the X8a will recharge much quicker.
Buying Guide
The Honor X8 5G is ideal for users who prioritize 5G connectivity and a bit more processing power for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Honor X8a is a better choice for those who value faster charging and potentially a slightly improved camera system, especially in low-light conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X8 5G is slightly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset.
❓ Does the Honor X8a support 5G?
No, the Honor X8a does not support 5G connectivity. The Honor X8 5G is the only one of the two with 5G capabilities.
❓ Which phone has faster charging?
The Honor X8a has faster charging, reaching 50% in approximately 30 minutes, compared to the X8 5G's standard 22.5W charging.
