The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. But with two compelling options – the Honor X8 5G and the Honor X9 – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster charging, more powerful processor (despite being 4G), and generally smoother performance. While the X8 5G offers 5G connectivity, the X9's overall package provides a better user experience for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 25 | 2022, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2022, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 166.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Ocean Blue | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | VNE-N41 | - |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Honor X8 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Slightly more compact design
- Decent main camera
- Slower performance
- Slower charging
- Lower resolution display
- Can feel sluggish
Honor X9
- Faster charging (66W)
- Better performance (Snapdragon 680)
- Higher resolution display
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Improved camera quality
- No 5G connectivity
- Slightly larger size
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.8-inch display, but the X9 boasts a slightly higher resolution (FHD+ vs. HD+ on the X8 5G) and a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The X9's display is generally considered more vibrant and detailed.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 64MP main camera, but the X9 generally produces slightly better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The X9 also benefits from improved image processing algorithms. The X8 5G's camera is adequate but not exceptional.
Performance
The Snapdragon 680 in the Honor X9, despite being a 4G chip, offers noticeably better performance than the Snapdragon 480+ 5G in the X8 5G. The X9 handles multitasking and demanding apps with greater ease. The X8 5G can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
The Honor X9's 66W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing it to charge from 0% to 81% in just 30 minutes. The X8 5G's 22.5W charging is considerably slower, taking significantly longer to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
The Honor X8 5G is ideal for users prioritizing 5G connectivity and a slightly more compact design. The Honor X9 is a better choice for those who value faster charging, improved performance, and a larger, more immersive display, even if it means sacrificing 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X8 5G worth it if I need 5G?
If 5G is a must-have and you're on a tight budget, the X8 5G is an option. However, consider if the performance trade-offs are acceptable.
❓ Which phone has better battery life overall?
While both have similar battery capacities, the X9's faster charging significantly reduces charging time, making it feel like it has better overall battery management.
❓ Can the Honor X9 handle gaming?
The Honor X9 can handle most casual games well. Demanding titles may require lower graphics settings for smooth gameplay.
