The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. But with two compelling options – the Honor X9 and the Honor X8 5G – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster processor, superior charging speed, and generally more premium feel. While the X8 5G offers 5G connectivity, the X9's overall performance and features justify its slight price premium.
| 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 | 2022, July 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 14 | Available. Released 2022, August 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (VNE-N41 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Midnight Black, Ocean Blue |
| Models | - | VNE-N41 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor X9
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 680)
- 66W Fast Charging
- Potentially Better Camera
- Larger Battery Capacity
- Premium Build Quality (often)
- May be slightly more expensive
- No 5G connectivity
Honor X8 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- More Affordable
- Decent Display
- Respectable Camera
- Slower Processor (Snapdragon 480+)
- Slower Charging (22.5W)
- Potentially Lower Display Quality
- Less Powerful Camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, but the X9 typically boasts a slightly higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The X9's display is often reported to be brighter, offering better visibility in sunlight. The X8 5G's display is still respectable for its price point.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer multiple rear cameras, the X9 generally has a more versatile camera system with potentially better image processing. Expect slightly better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the X9. Both phones likely offer decent selfie cameras.
Performance
The Snapdragon 680 in the Honor X9 is a clear winner here. It offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 480+ 5G in the X8 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the X9.
Battery Life
The Honor X9 has a larger battery capacity and, crucially, 66W fast charging. This means significantly faster charging times and potentially longer battery life in real-world usage compared to the X8 5G's 22.5W charging.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9 is ideal for users prioritizing performance, fast charging, and a smoother user experience. The Honor X8 5G is a good choice for those who need 5G connectivity and are on a tighter budget, willing to compromise slightly on performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X9 worth the extra money?
If performance and fast charging are important to you, then yes. The X9 offers a noticeably better experience.
❓ Does the Honor X8 5G have good 5G speeds?
It should provide decent 5G speeds, but performance will depend on your carrier and network coverage.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Honor X9, thanks to its more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset, will handle games much better.
❓ What is the typical battery life like on each phone?
Both offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The X9's faster charging makes topping up much quicker.