Honor has been aggressively targeting the mid-range market with compelling devices. The X9d and 90 Smart represent two distinct approaches: the X9d leverages Qualcomm's latest 6-series silicon, while the 90 Smart opts for a MediaTek Dimensity chip. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X9d emerges as the stronger contender. Its newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, built on a more efficient 4nm process, promises better sustained performance and thermal management compared to the 7nm Dimensity 6020 in the 90 Smart. The faster 66W charging is also a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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 | 2025, September 24 | 2024, April 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 09 | Available. Released 2024, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.9 x 76.1 x 7.8 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 166.7 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.56 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Aluminosilicate glass | - |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2640 pixels (~427 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 112.1 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR, 800 nits (typ), 1800 nits (HBM), 6000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 850 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.3 GHz Cortex-A720s & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A720s & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520s) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 810 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, Magic OS 9 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, 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/6, 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, compass, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired
7.5W reverse wired | 35W wired |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 8300 mAh | Li-Po 5330 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Reddish Brown, Midnight Black, Sunrise Gold, Forest Green | Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | MTN-NX1 | CLK-NX1, CLK-NX3 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor X9d
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset
- Faster 66W wired charging
- 7.5W reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially higher price point
- Display specifications unknown, potentially not AMOLED
Honor 90 Smart
- More affordable price
- Acceptable performance for everyday tasks
- Likely a clean and streamlined software experience
- Less powerful Dimensity 6020 chipset
- Slower 35W charging
- Potentially lower sustained performance under load
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given the market positioning, we can infer the 90 Smart likely utilizes an LCD panel, while the X9d *may* feature an AMOLED. The absence of refresh rate data is notable; both are likely 60Hz. Bezels are expected to be similar, reflecting the mid-range segment. Color accuracy will likely be adequate for general use on both, but neither is expected to challenge flagship-level displays.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes a definitive judgment impossible. It's reasonable to assume the X9d, being positioned slightly higher, may have a larger main sensor, resulting in better low-light performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X9d’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4nm) boasts a more modern architecture – Cortex-A720s cores – compared to the 90 Smart’s Dimensity 6020 (7nm) with Cortex-A76 cores. The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon offers superior power efficiency, translating to less heat generation under load and potentially longer sustained performance. While the Dimensity 6020’s A76 cores have a slightly higher clock speed (2.2 GHz vs 2.3 GHz peak on the X9d), the architectural improvements and process node advantage favor the Snapdragon. The X9d is likely to exhibit better multitasking and smoother performance in graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
The Honor X9d’s 66W wired charging is a clear advantage over the 90 Smart’s 35W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4’s efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery in the X9d, providing comparable or even better real-world battery life. The X9d also offers 7.5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the 90 Smart, allowing it to charge accessories like earbuds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X9d if you prioritize sustained performance for gaming or demanding applications, and value faster charging speeds. It's ideal for users who frequently multitask or enjoy mobile gaming. Buy the Honor 90 Smart if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option and prioritize a clean user experience with acceptable performance for everyday tasks. It's a solid choice for social media, browsing, and light app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6020 in the Honor 90 Smart struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 6020 is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. The 7nm process and older core architecture may lead to thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, impacting performance consistency. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 in the X9d is better equipped to handle such titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Honor X9d with the 66W charger?
While a precise time requires testing, a 66W charger typically takes around 45-60 minutes to fully charge a mid-range smartphone with a 4500-5000mAh battery. This is significantly faster than the Honor 90 Smart's 35W charging, which could take over 90 minutes for a full charge.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Honor X9d useful for everyday accessories?
The 7.5W reverse wired charging is primarily useful for topping up smaller accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. It won't rapidly charge a smartphone, but it's a convenient feature for emergency situations or when you only have one charger available.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 in the X9d support 5G connectivity?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 does include an integrated 5G modem. Therefore, the Honor X9d should support 5G connectivity, provided your carrier and region support it. The Dimensity 6020 in the 90 Smart also supports 5G.
