Honor continues to deliver compelling mid-range smartphones, and the X9a and 70 are prime examples. But which one offers the best value and features? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and overall experience to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor 70 emerges as the clear winner, boasting a more powerful Snapdragon 778G+ chipset, faster 66W charging, and a brighter display. While the X9a offers a more affordable entry point, the 70's superior performance and features justify the price difference for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 04 | 2022, May 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 06 | Available. Released 2022, June 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) | 161.4 x 73.3 x 7.9 mm (6.35 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB 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 | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 54 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.49", PDAF
50 MP, f/2.2, 122˚ (ultrawide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired | 66W wired, 60% in 20 min
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black | Midnight Black, Emerald Green, Icelandic Frost, Crystal Silver |
| Models | RMO-NX1 | FNE-AN00, FNE-NX9 |
| Price | $ 212.08 | £ 201.00 / € 189.90 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 100h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.4 LUFS (Average)
|
Honor X9a
- More affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Stylish design
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging
- Lower display brightness
- Potentially less capable camera
Honor 70
- Faster performance
- Faster charging (66W)
- Brighter display
- Likely better camera
- Premium feel
- More expensive
- Slightly larger size
Display Comparison
The Honor 70's display shines with a measured 790 nits max brightness, offering significantly better visibility in outdoor conditions compared to the X9a. While the X9a's display is adequate, the 70's 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests richer colors and deeper blacks. Both utilize AMOLED panels, ensuring vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable camera systems, the Honor 70 likely holds an advantage due to the superior image processing capabilities of the 778G+ chipset. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the 70. Specific camera specs (megapixels, aperture) would need further research to confirm a definitive winner, but the chipset is a key factor.
Performance
The Snapdragon 778G+ in the Honor 70 provides a noticeable performance boost over the X9a's Snapdragon 695. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 70. The 778G+'s architecture, with its Cortex-A78 cores, is simply more powerful.
Battery Life
Both phones boast an impressive endurance rating of 100h. However, the Honor 70's 66W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the X9a's 40W. The 70 can reach 60% charge in just 20 minutes, a considerable advantage.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9a is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize a large display and decent battery life. The Honor 70 is perfect for those seeking a smoother experience, faster charging, and a more capable camera system, willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X9a good for gaming?
The Honor X9a can handle casual games, but demanding titles may experience lag or reduced frame rates due to its less powerful chipset. The Honor 70 is a better choice for serious mobile gamers.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the Honor 70's faster charging means you'll spend less time plugged in.
