The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Honor X9 5G and the Honor X8. Which one offers the best bang for your buck?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9 5G takes the crown thanks to its 5G connectivity, significantly faster charging, and more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset. While the X8 is a solid option, the X9 5G's performance and future-proofing make it the better overall 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 29 | 2022, March 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 29 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 163.4 x 74.7 x 7.5 mm (6.43 x 2.94 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 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 | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Titanium Silver, Midnight Black, Ocean Blue |
| Models | ANY-NX1 | TFY-LX1, TFY-LX2, TFY-LX3 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Honor X9 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Charging (66W)
- More Powerful Processor
- Generally Better Camera
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May have slightly less battery capacity than X8
Honor X8
- Large Display
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- More Affordable
- Good Value for Money
- No 5G
- Slower Charging (22.5W)
- Less Powerful Processor
- Inferior Camera Performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.8-inch LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth visual experience. However, the X9 5G might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more advanced chipset capabilities, though this is often subtle.
Camera Comparison
The X9 5G generally boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing capabilities. While both phones offer decent camera performance for their price range, the X9 5G tends to produce slightly better images, especially in low light. Both typically feature a 64MP main camera, but the X9 5G's processing is superior.
Performance
The X9 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is a clear winner here. It offers significantly improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the X8's Snapdragon 680. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the X9 5G.
Battery Life
The Honor X8 often has a slightly larger battery capacity (typically around 5000mAh), potentially offering marginally longer battery life under moderate usage. However, the X9 5G's 66W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, making it more convenient.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity, faster charging, and a smoother overall experience. The Honor X8 is a good choice for those on a tighter budget who prioritize a large display and long battery life, and don't need 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X9 5G worth the extra money?
Yes, if 5G connectivity and faster performance are important to you, the X9 5G is a worthwhile upgrade. The improved chipset and charging speed offer a noticeable difference in the user experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Honor X8 often has a slightly larger battery, potentially leading to marginally longer battery life under moderate usage. However, the X9 5G's faster charging makes up for any potential difference.
