The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. The Honor X8 and X8a are two contenders vying for your attention. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X8a edges out the X8 thanks to its faster charging and slightly improved display. While the X8 boasts a more efficient chipset, the X8a's overall package, particularly its charging speed, makes it the more compelling choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly phone.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 11 | 2023, February 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 24 | Available. Released 2023, February 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | 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, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
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 | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (CRT-LX1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 22.5W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Midnight Black, Ocean Blue | Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black |
| Models | TFY-LX1, TFY-LX2, TFY-LX3 | CRT-LX1, CRT-LX2, CRT-LX3 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor X8
- More efficient chipset
- Potentially longer battery life (due to efficiency)
- Slightly more mature software support (potentially)
- Slower charging
- Likely 60Hz display
- Older design (potentially)
Honor X8a
- Faster charging (50% in 30 min)
- Likely brighter and more vibrant display (potentially 90/120Hz)
- More modern design
- Potentially better low-light camera performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially shorter battery life (due to display and charging)
- May receive software updates later
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.7-inch display, likely with a resolution around 1080 x 2400 pixels. However, the X8a is expected to have a slightly brighter and more color-accurate display, potentially with a higher refresh rate (likely 90Hz or 120Hz) for smoother scrolling. The X8 likely has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor around 64MP. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance might be slightly better on the X8a due to potential software optimizations. Video recording capabilities will likely be similar, supporting up to 1080p resolution.
Performance
The Honor X8's Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, generally offers better efficiency and slightly better sustained performance than the X8a's Helio G88 (12nm). However, day-to-day tasks will feel responsive on both devices. Gaming performance will be adequate on both, but don't expect flagship-level gaming experiences.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the X8a's 22.5W charging significantly outperforms the X8's 22.5W charging, with the X8a claiming 50% charge in 30 minutes. This is a crucial advantage for users who value quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Honor X8 is a good choice for users prioritizing efficient performance and longer battery life, especially if fast charging isn't a major concern. The Honor X8a is ideal for those who value a vibrant display, faster charging, and a more modern design, even if it means a slight trade-off in raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Honor X8 likely has a slight edge in sustained gaming performance due to its more efficient chipset, but both phones are primarily designed for casual gaming.
❓ Is the Honor X8a worth the extra cost?
If fast charging and a better display are important to you, then the Honor X8a is likely worth the extra cost. If you prioritize battery efficiency above all else, the Honor X8 might be a better choice.
