The Infinix Note 40 and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Note 40 aggressively pushes charging speeds and wireless convenience, while the X9b focuses on a more efficient chipset and a refined user experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing rapid charging and wireless convenience, the Infinix Note 40 is the clear winner. Its 45W wired and 20W MagCharge wireless charging significantly outperform the Honor X9b's 35W wired charging. However, the Honor X9b’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers a more efficient architecture for sustained performance.
| 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, 12, 17, 13, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, March 18 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March 19 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 74.5 x 7.8 mm (6.46 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) | 163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.9 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14, XOS 14 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4
3rd unspecified camera | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1" | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 50% in 26 min
20W wireless MagCharge
Reverse wired
Reverse wireless | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titan Gold, Obsidian Black, Racing Edition | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | X6853 | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 970 EUR |
Infinix Note 40
- Significantly faster 45W wired charging
- 20W MagCharge wireless charging
- Reverse wired and wireless charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Less efficient Helio G99 Ultimate chipset
- Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load
- CPU architecture is older generation
Honor X9b
- More efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset (4nm)
- Superior CPU architecture (Cortex-A78)
- Potentially better image processing
- Cleaner software experience (typical of Honor)
- Slower 35W wired charging
- No wireless charging
- Lacks reverse wireless charging
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of LTPO technology suggests neither will offer adaptive refresh rates for power saving. Bezels and color accuracy will likely be similar, with the Honor X9b potentially benefiting from Qualcomm’s image signal processing for slightly more accurate color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor details, a definitive camera comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 typically offers superior image signal processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in the Honor X9b’s photos. The absence of information regarding OIS suggests neither phone features optical image stabilization, relying instead on software stabilization. It’s safe to assume both will include standard wide and potentially ultrawide lenses, but the image quality will largely depend on the sensor size and software tuning.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 40’s MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate, while featuring a Cortex-A76 based CPU, is built on a larger process node than the Honor X9b’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm). This means the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 will exhibit superior thermal efficiency and sustained performance under load. The X9b’s Cortex-A78 cores also offer a performance advantage over the Note 40’s A76 cores. While both have octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon’s architecture translates to better multitasking and gaming capabilities. The Note 40 will be adequate for everyday tasks, but the X9b will handle demanding applications more smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the charging speeds are a key differentiator. The Infinix Note 40’s 45W wired charging can deliver a 50% charge in just 26 minutes, a significant advantage over the Honor X9b’s 35W charging. The addition of 20W MagCharge wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities on the Note 40 provides unparalleled convenience. While the X9b offers reverse wired charging, the Note 40’s wireless reverse charging is a unique selling point. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s efficiency may offset the charging speed difference with longer overall battery life, but the Note 40 excels in quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Note 40 if you need blazing-fast charging, both wired and wireless, and frequently utilize reverse charging for accessories. It’s ideal for users who are always on the go and need to top up quickly. Buy the Honor X9b if you prioritize a more power-efficient processor for longer gaming sessions and all-day battery life, and prefer a cleaner software experience with a focus on stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 Ultimate in the Infinix Note 40 struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G99 Ultimate can run Genshin Impact, you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b will offer a smoother experience at similar settings due to its more efficient architecture and superior GPU.
❓ How much faster is the 45W charging on the Infinix Note 40 compared to the 35W charging on the Honor X9b in real-world use?
The Infinix Note 40 can reach 50% charge in approximately 26 minutes with its 45W charger. The Honor X9b will take considerably longer, likely around 45-60 minutes to reach the same level. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to quickly top up their phone.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging on the Infinix Note 40 useful for charging earbuds or smartwatches?
Yes, the 20W reverse wireless charging is quite practical for charging accessories like earbuds or smartwatches. While it won’t be as fast as using a dedicated charger, it’s a convenient option when you’re away from a power outlet.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is known for its thermal efficiency. While it will get warm during prolonged gaming, it’s less prone to significant throttling compared to the Helio G99 Ultimate, allowing for more sustained performance.
