The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Honor X9a and the Honor X8 5G. Both offer 5G connectivity, but which one provides the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9a emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 695 chipset, faster charging, and likely improved camera performance. While the X8 5G remains a decent budget option, the X9a offers a noticeable upgrade for a relatively small price difference.
| 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 | 2022, July 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 06 | Available. Released 2022, August 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.36 x 2.91 x 0.31 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 |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, MagicOS 7 | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 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, (wide) | 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, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black | Midnight Black, Ocean Blue |
| Models | RMO-NX1 | VNE-N41 |
| Price | $ 212.08 | About 170 EUR |
Honor X9a
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 695)
- Faster Charging (40W)
- Likely Better Camera
- Potentially Higher Refresh Rate Display
- More Premium Build (likely)
- Potentially Higher Price
- May lack some features found on higher-end phones
Honor X8 5G
- More Affordable
- Decent Battery Life
- 5G Connectivity
- Large Display
- Slower Processor (Snapdragon 480+)
- Slower Charging (22.5W)
- Less Impressive Camera
- Lower Refresh Rate Display
Display Comparison
The Honor X9a is expected to feature a larger display with a higher resolution and potentially a smoother refresh rate (likely 90Hz or 120Hz) compared to the X8 5G's standard 6.7-inch display. Color accuracy and brightness are also likely to be improved on the X9a.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, the X9a's Snapdragon 695 chipset typically pairs with better camera sensors and image processing capabilities. Expect improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and potentially more advanced camera features on the X9a. The X8 5G's camera is adequate but not exceptional.
Performance
The Snapdragon 695 in the X9a is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 480+ in the X8 5G. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the X9a. The X8 5G will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. However, the X9a's 40W fast charging will significantly reduce charging times compared to the X8 5G's 22.5W charging.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9a is ideal for users who prioritize performance, faster charging, and a potentially better camera experience. The Honor X8 5G is a good choice for those on a tighter budget who need basic 5G connectivity and don't require top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X9a worth the extra money compared to the X8 5G?
Yes, if performance and faster charging are important to you, the X9a is a worthwhile upgrade. The Snapdragon 695 chipset provides a significant performance boost.
❓ What is the camera like on the Honor X8 5G?
The X8 5G's camera is decent for everyday photos, but it struggles in low-light conditions and lacks advanced features found on the X9a.
