The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. But with two compelling options like the X9 5G and X8a, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9 5G takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, 66W fast charging, and 5G connectivity. While the X8a offers a stylish design and decent camera, the X9 5G provides a superior overall experience for the price.
| 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 |
| 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 | 2023, February 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 29 | Available. Released 2023, February 11 |
| 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) | 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 |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 179 g (6.31 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 (~89.6% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
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 | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min | 22.5W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black |
| Models | ANY-NX1 | CRT-LX1, CRT-LX2, CRT-LX3 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor X9 5G
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 695 5G)
- 66W Fast Charging
- 5G Connectivity
- Likely Higher Refresh Rate Display
- Better Overall Performance
- Potentially less refined design than X8a
- Camera might not be as high-resolution as X8a's
Honor X8a
- Stylish Design
- 108MP Main Camera
- Good Value for Money
- Decent Display Quality
- Slower Processor (Helio G88)
- 22.5W Slow Charging
- No 5G Connectivity
- Lower Refresh Rate Display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.7-inch displays, but the X9 5G likely has a slightly higher refresh rate (potentially 120Hz) compared to the X8a (likely 60Hz), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. The X8a's display might have slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
The X8a boasts a 108MP main camera, which sounds impressive on paper. However, the X9 5G's camera system, while potentially lower in megapixel count, benefits from the more powerful processor, which aids in image processing and low-light performance. Both phones likely offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but the X9 5G is expected to have a slight edge.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 5G in the X9 5G is a clear winner here. It offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance than the Helio G88 in the X8a. Expect smoother app loading, better gaming performance, and overall snappier responsiveness on the X9 5G.
Battery Life
The X9 5G's 66W fast charging is a major advantage. It can charge the battery from 0% to 81% in just 30 minutes, while the X8a's 22.5W charging takes considerably longer. Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh), so the X9 5G will offer faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9 5G is ideal for users who prioritize performance, fast charging, and 5G connectivity. It's great for gaming, multitasking, and those wanting future-proof technology. The Honor X8a is a good choice for users who value aesthetics, a large display, and a reliable camera, but aren't as concerned about raw power or blazing-fast charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X9 5G worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance and fast charging are important to you. The Snapdragon 695 5G and 66W charging make a significant difference in the user experience.
❓ Which phone has a better camera for social media?
Both are capable, but the X8a's 108MP sensor might produce slightly more detailed images, especially in good lighting. However, the X9 5G's processing capabilities could result in better overall image quality.
