Honor X9 vs Honor X8a: A Detailed Comparison

The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. But with multiple models available, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison pits the Honor X9 against the Honor X8a, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Honor X9 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 680 chipset and blazing-fast 66W charging. While the X8a offers a stylish design and decent camera, the X9's performance and charging speed provide a superior overall experience for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Honor X9	Honor X8a

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	LTE	LTE
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	-	Virtual proximity sensing

Launch
Announced	2022, March 31	2023, February 08
Status	Available. Released 2022, April 14	Available. Released 2023, February 11

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)	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 + 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, 90Hz	IPS LCD, 90Hz

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)	Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)	Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm)
GPU	Adreno 610	Mali-G52 MC2
OS	Android 11, Magic UI 4.2	Android 12, Magic UI 6.1

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 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
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	-	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, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass
	Virtual proximity sensing	-

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	-	CRT-LX1, CRT-LX2, CRT-LX3
Price	About 230 EUR	About 170 EUR

Honor X9

Faster Processor
66W Fast Charging
Likely Better Display Quality
Potentially Better Image Processing

Design might be less striking than X8a
Camera megapixel count potentially lower

Honor X8a

Stylish Design
108MP Main Camera
Decent Camera Performance

Slower Processor
Slow Charging (22.5W)
Potentially Lower Display Quality
Less Powerful for Gaming

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.7-inch display, but the X9 likely has a slightly higher resolution (likely FHD+ vs. potentially HD+ on the X8a, though official specs are needed for confirmation). The X9's display may also offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more powerful chipset allowing for better display drivers. Viewing angles should be comparable.

Camera Comparison

The X8a boasts a 108MP main camera, which sounds impressive on paper. However, the X9's camera system, while potentially lower in megapixel count, benefits from the more powerful processor, which aids in image processing and overall image quality. Both phones likely offer similar ultrawide and macro lenses. Low-light performance is likely better on the X8a due to the higher resolution sensor, but the X9's processing could close the gap.

Performance

This is where the X9 shines. The Snapdragon 680 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Helio G88. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the X9. The X8a will handle everyday tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding games or heavy applications.

Battery Life

The X9 has a larger battery capacity (likely around 5000mAh) and significantly faster charging (66W) compared to the X8a's 22.5W charging. This translates to quicker charging times and potentially longer battery life, especially with heavy usage.

Buying Guide

The Honor X9 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and fast charging, even on a budget. It's great for multitasking, gaming, and quickly topping up the battery. The Honor X8a is a good choice for those who value aesthetics and a reliable camera, and are less concerned about raw processing power or charging speed.