The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor X8c and Infinix Note 11s represent compelling options. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this. The Honor X8c leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685, prioritizing efficiency, while the Infinix Note 11s opts for MediaTek’s Helio G96, aiming for a performance edge. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and consistent performance, the Honor X8c emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 685, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers better thermal management and sustained performance than the Infinix Note 11s’ Helio G96. While the Note 11s boasts slightly faster charging, the X8c’s overall balance is more compelling.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 08 | 2025, January 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 08 | Available. Released 2025, January 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Dimensions | 173.1 x 78.4 x 8.7 mm (6.81 x 3.09 x 0.34 in) | 161.1 x 74.6 x 7.1 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 10 | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasonic) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Haze Green, Mithril Gray, Symphony Cyan | Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple |
| Models | X698 | ABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00 |
Infinix Note 11s
- Potentially higher peak gaming performance
- Faster charging (marginally)
- May have a slightly larger main camera sensor
- Less power-efficient chipset (12nm)
- Likely runs hotter under load
- Potentially shorter battery life
Honor X8c
- More power-efficient chipset (6nm)
- Better sustained performance
- Longer battery life
- Cooler operating temperatures
- Slightly lower peak CPU clock speeds
- Charging speed is only marginally slower
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, a common choice in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are missing, the Honor X8c’s focus on efficiency suggests a potentially lower-power panel. The Infinix Note 11s, aiming for performance, might prioritize brightness over efficiency. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be typical for this segment – adequate, but not professional-grade.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with depth and macro sensors. The Infinix Note 11s, given its performance focus, *might* have a slightly larger primary sensor, potentially capturing more light. However, the Snapdragon 685’s image signal processor (ISP) in the Honor X8c is known for its efficient image processing, potentially delivering better dynamic range and noise reduction. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X8c’s Snapdragon 685 (6nm) is a significant advantage over the Infinix Note 11s’ Helio G96 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance. While the Helio G96’s Cortex-A76 cores clock slightly higher (2.05 GHz vs 2.8 GHz on the X8c’s A73 cores), the Snapdragon 685’s architecture and process node provide a more consistent experience. The X8c’s four Cortex-A73 cores will handle multitasking and demanding apps more efficiently than the Note 11s’ six Cortex-A55 cores. This difference will be noticeable in prolonged gaming sessions and heavy app usage.
Battery Life
The Honor X8c’s Snapdragon 685’s efficiency is the key here. While the Infinix Note 11s offers 33W charging, the X8c counters with 35W. However, the difference in charging speed will be marginal. More importantly, the X8c will likely provide significantly longer battery life due to the 6nm chipset’s lower power consumption. Expect the X8c to comfortably last a full day of moderate use, while the Note 11s might require a top-up before the end of the day, especially with gaming.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Note 11s if you frequently engage in graphically demanding mobile gaming and prioritize raw processing power, even at the cost of some battery life. The Helio G96 offers a higher peak performance ceiling. Buy the Honor X8c if you value long-lasting battery life, consistent performance during everyday tasks, and a cooler operating temperature. The Snapdragon 685 excels in efficiency, making it ideal for users who prioritize practicality over peak specs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G96 in the Infinix Note 11s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G96 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 685. While it can deliver higher peak performance, expect thermal throttling to kick in during extended gaming, reducing sustained frame rates. The Honor X8c’s Snapdragon 685 will maintain more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 6nm process of the Snapdragon 685 make in battery life?
The 6nm process is a significant advantage. Expect the Honor X8c to offer at least 10-20% longer battery life compared to the Infinix Note 11s under similar usage conditions. This translates to a more reliable all-day experience, especially for users who frequently use their phone for navigation, social media, or streaming.
❓ Is the 35W charging on the Honor X8c significantly faster than the 33W charging on the Infinix Note 11s?
The difference in charging speed is marginal. Both phones will likely take around 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge from 0%. The Honor X8c’s efficiency advantage means it might reach a usable charge level slightly faster, but the overall difference won’t be dramatic.
