Honor X9 5G vs Honor X9a: A Detailed Comparison

The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Honor X9 5G and the Honor X9a. Both offer attractive designs and solid features, but key differences exist. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Honor X9 5G takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster 66W charging and 5G connectivity. While the X9a boasts a slightly improved CPU clock speed and potentially a more durable display, the X9 5G's charging speed and 5G capabilities provide a more compelling overall package for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Honor X9 5G	Honor X9a

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	SA/NSA
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE, 5G
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
	Virtual proximity sensing	-

Launch
Announced	2022, March 29	2023, January 04
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 29	Available. Released 2023, January 06

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)	161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	189 g (6.67 oz)	175 g (6.17 oz)

Display
Resolution	1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size	6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)	6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 120Hz	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Adreno 619
OS	Android 11, Magic UI 4.2	Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM

Main Camera
Dual	-	64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	16 MP, f/2.5	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
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, (wide)
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, aptX HD
Infrared port	-	Yes
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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
	-	24-bit/192kHz audio

Battery
Charging	66W wired, 81% in 30 min	40W wired
Type	Li-Po 4800 mAh	Li-Po 5100 mAh

Misc
Colors	Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black	Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black
Models	ANY-NX1	RMO-NX1
Price	About 240 EUR	$ 212.08

Honor X9 5G

Faster 66W Charging
5G Connectivity
Potentially more affordable
Solid overall performance

Likely flat display (less immersive)
Camera performance may be average

Honor X9a

Potentially more durable curved display
Slightly improved CPU clock speed
Stylish design

Slower 40W Charging
No 5G connectivity
Curved display can be prone to accidental touches

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.7-inch display, likely with a similar resolution (likely FHD+). The X9a is rumored to have a curved display, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience and improved drop resistance due to its curved edges. However, curved displays can sometimes suffer from accidental touches and color accuracy issues. The X9 5G likely has a flat display, which is generally more practical for everyday use.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are likely similar, with a main sensor around 64MP. The X9 5G and X9a likely share similar ultrawide and macro lenses. Image quality will depend more on software processing than hardware differences. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset. The X9a has a slightly higher clock speed for one of its CPU cores (1.7 GHz vs 1.8 GHz), which *might* translate to marginally better performance in certain tasks, but the difference is likely negligible in real-world usage. Both phones will handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming with ease.

Battery Life

The Honor X9 5G has a clear advantage here with its 66W fast charging. This allows for significantly quicker top-ups compared to the X9a's 40W charging. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), so the charging speed is the key differentiator.

Buying Guide

The Honor X9 5G is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging and 5G connectivity. It's a great choice for those who frequently stream, download, or game online. The Honor X9a is better suited for users who value a potentially more durable display and slightly improved CPU performance, but are less concerned about rapid charging or 5G.