The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Honor X8 5G and the Honor X9a. Both offer 5G connectivity, but which one provides the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9a emerges as the clear winner thanks to its faster Snapdragon 695 chipset, significantly improved 40W charging, and generally better display. While the X8 5G is a decent option, the X9a's upgrades make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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 | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 25 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (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, (wide) |
| 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, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Ocean Blue | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | VNE-N41 | RMO-NX1 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | $ 212.08 |
Honor X8 5G
- Large 6.8-inch display
- 5G connectivity
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Slower processor
- Less vibrant display (IPS LCD)
- Slow charging (22.5W)
- Subpar camera performance compared to X9a
Honor X9a
- Faster Snapdragon 695 processor
- Vibrant AMOLED display with 120Hz
- Fast 40W charging
- Improved camera performance
- Modern design
- Slightly more expensive than X8 5G
- Screen is slightly smaller
Display Comparison
The Honor X9a boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling. The X8 5G has a 6.8-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, but the color accuracy and contrast are noticeably inferior to the AMOLED panel. The X9a's display is a significant upgrade.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 64MP main camera, but the X9a's image processing is generally better, resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos. The X9a also benefits from a more capable ultrawide lens. Low-light performance is also improved on the X9a. While both are decent for the price, the X9a takes the lead.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 in the Honor X9a is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 480+ in the X8 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the X9a. The X8 5G is adequate for basic tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the X9a's 40W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing it to charge significantly faster than the X8 5G's 22.5W charging. This is a major advantage for the X9a.
Buying Guide
The Honor X8 5G is a good choice for users on a very tight budget who prioritize 5G connectivity and a large display. The Honor X9a is ideal for those seeking better performance, faster charging, and a more modern design, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X8 5G good for gaming?
The Honor X8 5G can handle basic games, but it may struggle with more demanding titles due to its less powerful processor. The Honor X9a is a better choice for gamers.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer similar battery life, lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, the Honor X9a charges significantly faster.
❓ What is the difference between the displays?
The Honor X9a has an AMOLED display with vibrant colors and deep blacks, while the Honor X8 5G has an IPS LCD display which is less vibrant and has lower contrast.
