The Honor X9 series offers compelling mid-range smartphones, but choosing between the standard X9 and the 5G variant can be tricky. Both boast impressive features, but cater to slightly different user needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9 5G takes the lead thanks to its 5G connectivity and slightly more powerful chipset. However, the standard X9 remains a strong contender, especially for those prioritizing 4G reliability and potentially a slightly better price. Ultimately, 5G availability and future-proofing are key factors.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 31 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 14 | Available. Released 2022, March 29 |
| 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, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 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 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB 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 | - | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, 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 230 EUR | About 240 EUR |
Honor X9
- Excellent battery life
- Fast charging (66W)
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Competitive price
- Less powerful chipset than X9 5G
- No 5G connectivity
- Performance can lag with demanding apps
Honor X9 5G
- 5G connectivity
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Better gaming performance
- Future-proof
- Potentially higher price
- Similar camera performance to X9
- Slightly less efficient CPU
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). Visual quality is comparable, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The bezels are relatively slim, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. There's minimal difference here, making it a draw.
Camera Comparison
The Honor X9 features a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. The Honor X9 5G has a similar setup: 64MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is decent on both, but the 5G version might have a slight edge due to its more modern processor. It's a close call, leaning slightly towards the X9 5G.
Performance
The Honor X9 5G’s Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the X9’s Snapdragon 680. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the 695 excels in gaming and multitasking. The 5G variant’s Adreno 619 GPU also provides better graphics performance. The X9 is still adequate for general use, but the 5G version is the clear winner for performance.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery and support 66W fast charging, achieving 81% charge in 30 minutes. Battery life is excellent on both devices, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. This is a draw.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9 is ideal for users who primarily rely on 4G networks, value a potentially lower price point, and don't need 5G speeds. The Honor X9 5G is the better choice for those wanting 5G connectivity, future-proofing, and a slightly more capable processor for demanding tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X9 5G worth the extra money?
If you want 5G connectivity and better performance, especially for gaming, then yes. Otherwise, the standard X9 offers excellent value for its price.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, lasting a full day with moderate use. The charging speed is identical.
