The Honor X8 and OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G both target the competitive budget smartphone market, but approach it with different priorities. The Honor X8 focuses on a streamlined experience with a power-efficient processor, while the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G prioritizes 5G connectivity and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and faster data speeds, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and 33W SuperVOOC charging offer a noticeable advantage over the Honor X8’s Snapdragon 680 and 22.5W charging, despite a similar overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 11 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 24 | Available. Released 2022, April 30 |
| 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) | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 104.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Midnight Black, Ocean Blue | Black Dusk, Blue Tide |
| Models | TFY-LX1, TFY-LX2, TFY-LX3 | CPH2381, CPH2409 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.71 W/kg (body) |
Honor X8
- Excellent power efficiency with the Snapdragon 680.
- Potentially longer battery life for basic usage.
- More affordable price point (likely).
- Limited to 4G connectivity.
- Slower charging speeds (22.5W).
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- Faster 33W SuperVOOC charging.
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 processor.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life under heavy load.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Snapdragon 695 can generate more heat under sustained load.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a flagship-level display, but both utilize 6.59-inch LCD panels. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific refresh rates aren't provided, the focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Both will likely offer a standard 60Hz experience. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price bracket. Color accuracy will likely be similar, leaning towards the 'good enough' range for casual viewing.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature a primary camera accompanied by depth and macro sensors (the usefulness of the latter is questionable). The Snapdragon 695’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the 680’s, potentially leading to better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The OnePlus is likely to offer slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s Snapdragon 695 5G represents a clear step up in processing power compared to the Honor X8’s Snapdragon 680. The 695 features a more modern CPU architecture (Kryo 660 vs Kryo 265) with a slightly higher peak clock speed (2.2 GHz vs 2.4 GHz, though clock speed isn't everything). More importantly, the 695 includes an integrated 5G modem, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds where available. The Honor X8 is limited to 4G. While the X8’s CPU cores reach a higher peak frequency, the 695’s architectural improvements and 5G capability provide a more substantial real-world benefit for users who demand responsiveness and future-proofing. The 695's GPU will also offer a better gaming experience.
Battery Life
Both phones aim for all-day battery life, but achieve it through different means. The Honor X8 benefits from the Snapdragon 680’s inherent power efficiency. However, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G compensates with significantly faster 33W SuperVOOC charging, allowing for a 0-100% charge in approximately 60-70 minutes. The Honor X8’s 22.5W charging will take considerably longer. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the OnePlus is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X8 if you need a reliable, long-lasting phone for everyday tasks and prioritize battery life over 5G connectivity. It’s ideal for users who primarily use Wi-Fi and don’t engage in intensive gaming. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G if you want a phone capable of handling occasional gaming, benefit from 5G network speeds, and appreciate significantly faster charging times – making it a better fit for users on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 680 in the Honor X8.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G compared to the Honor X8’s 22.5W charging?
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G’s 33W charging can fully charge the device in approximately 60-70 minutes, while the Honor X8’s 22.5W charging will likely take over 2 hours. This difference is significant for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G worth the extra cost if 5G isn't widely available in my area?
If 5G coverage is limited, the immediate benefit is minimal. However, purchasing a 5G-enabled phone future-proofs your investment, allowing you to take advantage of faster speeds as 5G networks expand. The 695 also offers improved 4G performance.
