The Honor X series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Two contenders vying for your attention are the Honor X9a and the Honor X9 5G. Both offer 5G connectivity and a focus on design, but key differences exist. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X9 5G takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 66W charging and slightly improved CPU clock speed. While the X9a boasts a curved display, the X9 5G's charging speed and overall performance edge make it the better choice for most users.
| 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 | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 04 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 06 | Available. Released 2022, March 29 |
| 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) | 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 |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 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 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB 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 | - | 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, (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 |
| 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, gyro, compass |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5100 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | RMO-NX1 | ANY-NX1 |
| Price | $ 212.08 | About 240 EUR |
Honor X9a
- Curved AMOLED Display
- Sleek Design
- Decent Performance for the Price
- Slower 40W Charging
- Flat Display on X9 5G is more practical
Honor X9 5G
- Faster 66W Charging
- Slightly Better Performance
- More Durable Flat Display
- Less Visually Striking Display
- Potentially Less Vibrant Colors
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch display, but the X9a distinguishes itself with a curved AMOLED panel, offering a more immersive and visually striking experience. The X9 5G has a flat LCD display, which is generally more durable and easier to use with screen protectors. Resolution is likely similar (FHD+), but color accuracy and viewing angles will favor the X9a's AMOLED.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are not fully detailed, both phones likely feature a similar main camera setup (typically a 64MP primary sensor). Image quality will depend on software processing and optimization. Expect decent daytime photos from both, but low-light performance might be comparable. The X9 5G may have slightly better image processing due to potential software updates.
Performance
Both devices utilize the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, but the X9 5G has a slightly higher clock speed on one of its cores (1.8 GHz vs 1.7 GHz on the X9a). This difference, while minor, could translate to marginally better performance in demanding tasks. Both will handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming well.
Battery Life
The X9 5G's 66W charging is a significant advantage over the X9a's 40W charging. This means the X9 5G can charge from 0% to 81% in just 30 minutes, while the X9a will take considerably longer. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), so the charging speed is the key differentiator here.
Buying Guide
The Honor X9a is ideal for users prioritizing a visually appealing curved display and don't mind slower charging. The Honor X9 5G is perfect for those who value faster charging, slightly better performance, and a more practical flat display, all while staying within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor X9a's curved display worth it?
The curved display is visually appealing, but it can also be less practical for using screen protectors and may introduce slight distortion. It's a matter of personal preference.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X9 5G has a slight edge due to its marginally faster CPU clock speed, but both phones are capable of handling most mobile games at moderate settings.
