The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive features at affordable prices. But with two compelling options – the X9a and X8a – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9a takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 695 chipset and faster charging. While the X8a offers a slightly better battery claim, the X9a's overall performance and charging speed make it the better choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly upgrade.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 04 | 2023, February 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 06 | Available. Released 2023, February 11 |
| 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) | 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 |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 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, (wide) | 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, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired | 22.5W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black | Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black |
| Models | RMO-NX1 | CRT-LX1, CRT-LX2, CRT-LX3 |
| Price | $ 212.08 | About 170 EUR |
Honor X9a
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 695)
- Faster Charging (40W)
- Potentially Better Image Processing
- Sleek Design
- Potentially Slightly Smaller Battery
- Price may be slightly higher
Honor X8a
- Slightly Larger Battery Capacity
- More Affordable
- Good Value for Money
- Slower Processor (Helio G88)
- Slower Charging (22.5W)
- Less Powerful for Demanding Tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.7-inch displays, likely with similar resolutions (likely FHD+). The X9a *may* have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more modern chipset, but this is not definitively confirmed without testing. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-lens camera system, probably including a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens. The X9a's more powerful processor *could* lead to slightly better image processing and low-light performance, but both are likely to produce comparable results in good lighting conditions. Expect around 64MP main sensors on both.
Performance
This is where the X9a shines. The Snapdragon 695 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Helio G88. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the X9a. The X8a will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The X8a boasts a slightly larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh) and a claim of 50% charge in 30 minutes with its 22.5W charger. The X9a has a 40W charger, which should provide faster overall charging times despite a potentially smaller battery (likely 4800mAh). Real-world battery life will likely be similar for both, depending on usage.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9a is ideal for users who prioritize performance, smoother multitasking, and faster charging. The Honor X8a is a good option for those on a tighter budget who value longer battery life and a more streamlined experience, but are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X9a is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset. It will handle games with higher graphics settings and smoother frame rates.
❓ Is the Honor X8a worth buying if I'm on a tight budget?
Yes, the Honor X8a offers excellent value for money. It provides a decent experience for everyday tasks and is a good option if you prioritize affordability over raw performance.
