The Honor X series consistently delivers affordable smartphones with decent features. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Honor X8 and the Honor X7a. Both offer attractive designs and competitive pricing, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X8 edges out the X7a thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and a better overall user experience. While the X7a offers 5W reverse charging, the X8's superior processing power makes it the better choice for most users.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 11 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 24 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 74.7 x 7.5 mm (6.43 x 2.94 x 0.30 in) | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765H Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5330 or 6000 mAh (market/region dependent) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Midnight Black, Ocean Blue | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | TFY-LX1, TFY-LX2, TFY-LX3 | RKY-LX1, RKY-LX2, RKY-LX3 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Honor X8
- More powerful processor (Snapdragon 680)
- Potentially better display quality
- Slightly better camera processing
- Sleek design
- May be slightly more expensive than the X7a
- No reverse charging
Honor X7a
- More affordable
- 5W reverse charging
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Weaker processor (Helio G37)
- Potentially lower display quality
- Slower performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.7-inch display, likely with a resolution around 1080 x 2400 pixels. However, the X8 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially more advanced panel technology. Expect similar viewing experiences overall, though.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a quad-camera setup, with a primary sensor around 64MP. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions. However, the X8's more powerful processor could lead to slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Video recording capabilities should be similar.
Performance
This is where the X8 shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the X8. The X7a will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The X7a's 5W reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to charge other devices, but it won't significantly impact overall battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Honor X8 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. The Honor X7a is a good option for those on a tighter budget who primarily need a phone for basic communication and media consumption, and appreciate the added reverse charging capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X8 worth the extra money?
If performance is a priority, then yes. The Snapdragon 680 offers a significant upgrade over the Helio G37 in the X7a.
❓ Can the Honor X7a handle gaming?
It can handle basic games, but don't expect smooth performance on demanding titles. The X8 is a better choice for gamers.
❓ What is reverse charging?
Reverse charging allows your phone to charge other devices wirelessly or via a cable, using its battery as a power source.
