The Honor X9a and Magic5 Lite are both compelling budget smartphones vying for your attention. Both offer a blend of features and affordability, but which one truly comes out on top? 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 X9a primarily due to its exceptional battery life and brighter display. While both share the same Snapdragon 695 chipset, the Magic5 Lite's endurance and screen quality provide a noticeably better overall user experience, especially for power 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 | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 04 | 2023, February 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 06 | Available. Released 2023, February 20 |
| 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) | 161.6 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 |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch/drop-resistant glass |
| 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 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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) | 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 |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 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, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired | 40W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5100 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black | Midnight Black, Emerald Green, Titanium Silver |
| Models | RMO-NX1 | RMO-NX1, RMO-NX3 |
| Price | $ 212.08 | 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 X9a
- Sleek Design
- Potentially Lower Price
- Decent Performance
- Less Bright Display
- Shorter Battery Life
- Unspecified Camera Details
Honor Magic5 Lite
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Brighter Display
- Potentially Better Image Processing
- 'Infinite' Contrast Ratio Claim is Nominal
- Performance Similar to X9a
- Price May Be Slightly Higher
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar displays based on the Snapdragon 695 chipset's capabilities. However, the Magic5 Lite boasts a measured peak brightness of 864 nits, significantly brighter than the X9a, offering better visibility in sunlight. The Magic5 Lite also advertises an 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels, though this is a nominal claim. The X9a likely has a more standard contrast ratio.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is a key area where detailed comparisons are difficult without extensive testing. Both phones are described as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, suggesting standard camera setups. The Magic5 Lite likely has slightly better image processing due to Honor's software optimizations, but both will likely produce comparable results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely to be similar.
Performance
Performance is largely identical, as both devices utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset. Expect smooth everyday usage, but don't anticipate flagship-level gaming performance. Both phones will handle social media, browsing, and light gaming with ease. Differences in software optimization could slightly impact perceived speed.
Battery Life
The Honor Magic5 Lite shines in this category. Its 'Endurance rating' of 111 hours is exceptionally high, indicating outstanding battery life. The X9a, while offering decent battery performance, doesn't match the Magic5 Lite's longevity. This makes the Magic5 Lite a clear winner for users who need a phone that can last through multiple days on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9a is a good choice for users prioritizing a sleek design and potentially a slightly lower price point (depending on retailer). The Honor Magic5 Lite is ideal for those who value long battery life, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a generally more polished experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 695 chipset good for gaming?
The Snapdragon 695 is suitable for casual gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics settings. It's best for less intensive mobile games.
❓ What is the difference between the Honor X9a and Magic5 Lite cameras?
While both have 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Magic5 Lite likely benefits from Honor's image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing.
