The Honor X9 and Magic5 Lite are both compelling budget smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer attractive designs and a range of features, but which one truly delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key aspects to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor Magic5 Lite edges out the X9 thanks to its 5G connectivity, brighter display, and slightly more powerful chipset. While the X9 boasts faster charging, the Magic5 Lite's superior overall package makes it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 31 | 2023, February 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 14 | Available. Released 2023, February 20 |
| 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch/drop-resistant glass |
| 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, 90Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| 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, MagicOS 7.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB 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 |
| 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, (wide) |
| 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 |
| 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, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| 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 | Midnight Black, Emerald Green, Titanium Silver |
| Models | - | RMO-NX1, RMO-NX3 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 111h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-31.4 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 387250 (v9)
GeekBench: 1912 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Honor X9
- Fast 66W Charging
- Large 6.8-inch Display
- Competitive Price
- No 5G Connectivity
- Older Chipset
- Potentially Less Bright Display
Honor Magic5 Lite
- 5G Connectivity
- Brighter Display
- Longer Battery Life
- More Powerful Chipset
- Slower 40W Charging
- Potentially Larger Size/Weight
Display Comparison
The Honor Magic5 Lite takes the display crown with a measured peak brightness of 864 nits, significantly brighter than the X9. While the X9 has a large 6.8-inch display, the Magic5 Lite's contrast ratio (nominally infinite) suggests excellent image quality. The Magic5 Lite's display is generally more visually appealing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed camera specifications are missing. Based on general knowledge, the Magic5 Lite likely offers slightly better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance due to its more modern chipset. Both are expected to deliver decent photo and video quality for the price range.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 5G in the Magic5 Lite offers a noticeable performance boost over the X9's Snapdragon 680 4G. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Magic5 Lite will feel snappier and handle more demanding apps and games with greater ease. The 5G capability is also a significant advantage.
Battery Life
The Magic5 Lite boasts an impressive endurance rating of 111 hours, suggesting exceptional battery life. While the X9's 66W charging is faster, the Magic5 Lite's larger battery capacity and efficient chipset likely result in longer overall usage time between charges.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9 is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging and a large display for media consumption, especially if 5G isn't a necessity. The Honor Magic5 Lite is perfect for those seeking a future-proof device with 5G, a vibrant display, and a longer-lasting battery, even if charging is a bit slower.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X9 worth buying if I don't need 5G?
If 5G isn't a priority and you value fast charging and a large display, the Honor X9 can be a good option. However, consider the Magic5 Lite's overall improvements.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor Magic5 Lite is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chipset.
