The Honor X9 series offers compelling value in the budget smartphone market. But with two iterations – the Honor X9 5G and the standard Honor X9 – choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their key differences to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9 5G takes the lead thanks to its 5G connectivity and more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset. While both offer excellent 66W charging and a vibrant display, the 5G's performance edge makes it the better choice for most users, especially those wanting future-proofed connectivity.
| 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, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 29 | 2022, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 29 | Available. Released 2022, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 166.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% 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, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
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 | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | ANY-NX1 | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Honor X9 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Performance (Snapdragon 695)
- Slightly better image processing
- Excellent Battery Life
- 66W Fast Charging
- Slightly higher price
- May have marginally less RAM in some configurations
Honor X9
- More Affordable
- Excellent Battery Life
- 66W Fast Charging
- Large, Vibrant Display
- No 5G Connectivity
- Slower Performance (Snapdragon 680)
- Less future-proof
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.8-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080). Color accuracy and brightness are comparable, offering a pleasant viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. There's minimal difference here, making it a draw.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance is average. The X9 5G *may* offer slightly improved image processing due to the more powerful chipset, but the difference is likely minimal. It's a close call, leaning slightly towards the X9 5G.
Performance
The Honor X9 5G boasts the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, a significant upgrade over the Honor X9's Snapdragon 680 4G. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The 695's Adreno GPU also provides a better graphical experience. The X9 5G is the clear winner in this category.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery and support 66W fast charging, achieving an 81% charge in 30 minutes. Battery life is excellent on both, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. This is a draw.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and future-proofing. The Honor X9 is a great option for those prioritizing a slightly more affordable price and don't need 5G, focusing on everyday tasks and photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X9 5G worth the extra money?
If you want 5G connectivity and better performance, the Honor X9 5G is worth the investment. Otherwise, the Honor X9 offers excellent value for its price.
❓ How does the camera compare in low light?
Both phones struggle in low light, but the Honor X9 5G's more powerful chipset *may* result in slightly better image processing and noise reduction.
