The Honor X9c Smart and Motorola Edge 40 Neo represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The X9c Smart aims for aggressive value, while the Edge 40 Neo attempts a more balanced approach with faster charging and a brighter display. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing battery longevity and value, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo emerges as the stronger contender. Its significantly faster 68W charging and demonstrably longer battery life (10:28h active use) outweigh the X9c Smart’s lower price point, offering a more refined daily experience.
| 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, 38, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, December 02 | 2023, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, December 08 | Available. Released 2023, September 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 166 x 75.8 x 7.9 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 159.6 x 72 x 7.9 mm (6.28 x 2.83 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 170 g or 172 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 850 (HBM) | P-OLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7025 Ultra (6 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 (6 nm) |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Mali-G610 MC3 |
| OS | Android 14, Magic OS 8 | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.0", 0.7µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity (ultrasound), compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 35W wired
5W reverse wired | 68W wired, 50% in 15 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5800 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Cyan, Moonlight White | Black, Soothing Sea, Caneel Bay, Peach Fuzz |
| Models | - | XT2307-1 |
| Price | - | $ 299.00 / € 168.73 / ₹ 19,900 |
Honor X9c Smart
- Potentially lower price point
- Reverse wired charging for accessories
- Dimensity 7025 Ultra offers solid performance
- Slower 35W charging
- Likely lower display brightness
- Missing detailed camera specifications
Motorola Edge 40 Neo
- 68W fast charging (50% in 15 min)
- Brighter 1073 nit display
- Excellent battery life (10:28h active use)
- Higher price compared to X9c Smart
- Camera details are limited
- May not offer expandable storage
Display Comparison
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1073 nits. This is a crucial advantage for outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. While the Honor X9c Smart’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls short of this peak brightness. The Edge 40 Neo’s panel likely offers a more pleasant viewing experience in bright environments. We lack information on panel technology (LTPO, AMOLED) for either device, but the brightness difference is a clear win for Motorola.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications for the Honor X9c Smart are missing. The Motorola Edge 40 Neo’s camera capabilities are not fully detailed, but the presence of a dedicated photo/video mode suggests a focus on versatility. Without sensor size or aperture information for either device, a direct comparison is difficult. It’s common for phones in this price range to include low-resolution macro lenses (often 2MP) which offer limited practical benefit. The Edge 40 Neo’s image processing algorithms are likely more refined, offering better dynamic range and low-light performance.
Performance
Both the Honor X9c Smart and Motorola Edge 40 Neo utilize the MediaTek Dimensity 7000 series, specifically the Dimensity 7025 Ultra and Dimensity 7030 respectively. Both chipsets feature the same CPU configuration: an octa-core setup with 2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This suggests similar CPU performance in everyday tasks. However, the Dimensity 7030 in the Edge 40 Neo *may* offer slightly improved GPU performance and potentially better power efficiency due to minor architectural refinements, though this difference is unlikely to be dramatic. Both devices likely pair this with LPDDR4X RAM, impacting multitasking speeds.
Battery Life
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo shines in the battery department. Its active use score of 10:28h and endurance rating of 80h demonstrate excellent battery life. The Honor X9c Smart’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 35W charging is significantly slower than the Edge 40 Neo’s 68W charging, which can reach 50% charge in just 15 minutes. This charging speed difference is a major convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The Edge 40 Neo’s faster charging effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X9c Smart if you need a highly affordable device and are willing to compromise on charging speed and display brightness. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make calls. Buy the Motorola Edge 40 Neo if you prioritize faster charging, a brighter and more vibrant display, and longer battery life, even if it means spending a bit more. This phone is better suited for multimedia consumption, gaming, and users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 7025 Ultra in the Honor X9c Smart struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 7025 Ultra is a capable chip, Genshin Impact and similar graphically intensive games will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Edge 40 Neo’s Dimensity 7030 may offer a slight edge in sustained performance, but both phones are not designed for maximum settings in AAA titles.
❓ How much faster is the 68W charging on the Motorola Edge 40 Neo compared to the 35W charging on the Honor X9c Smart in real-world use?
The 68W charging on the Edge 40 Neo can take a phone from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes. The 35W charging on the X9c Smart will take considerably longer – likely over 45 minutes to reach the same level. This difference is significant for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs for the Honor X9c Smart a major concern?
Yes, it is. Without knowing the sensor size, aperture, or image processing capabilities, it's difficult to assess the X9c Smart’s camera performance. In this price range, Motorola generally offers more refined camera software and hardware.
