The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the itel S24 and Honor X6a are two contenders vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The itel S24 leans on a more powerful, albeit older, chipset, while the Honor X6a prioritizes faster charging and a potentially more refined software experience. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and sustained gaming, the itel S24 emerges as the winner. Its Helio G91 Ultra chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable advantage over the Honor X6a’s Helio G36. However, the Honor X6a’s 22.5W charging is significantly faster, making it a better choice for those who value convenience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, March 29 | 2023, July 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April | Available. Released 2023, July 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.5 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 163.3 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (peak) | TFT LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, MagicOS 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 108 MP, f/1.6, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, bypass charging, 50% in 40 min | 22.5W wired, 31% in 20 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Coastline Blue, Starry Black | Cyan Lake, Midnight Black |
| Models | S667LN | WDY-LX1, WDY-LX2 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 150 EUR |
itel S24
- More powerful processor for better performance
- Cortex-A75 cores offer a significant CPU boost
- Bypass charging allows simultaneous use while charging
- Slower charging speed compared to the Honor X6a
- Limited information on display quality
Honor X6a
- Faster 22.5W charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially smoother software experience with Honor’s Magic UI
- Competitive price point
- Less powerful processor compared to the itel S24
- Cortex-A53 cores may struggle with demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither itel nor Honor provided display specs beyond the existence of a display. Assuming both utilize standard IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket, we can expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of details like peak brightness or refresh rate suggests neither phone will excel in outdoor visibility or smoothness. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Given the price point, image quality will likely be adequate in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light. The absence of OIS on either device suggests image stabilization will rely heavily on software processing. The aperture of the main sensor will be a key determinant of low-light performance, but this information is currently unavailable. We can expect similar image processing styles, prioritizing vibrant colors over natural accuracy.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel S24’s Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra utilizes a combination of 2x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A75 cores are significantly more powerful than the Cortex-A53 cores found in the Honor X6a’s Helio G36 (4x 2.2 GHz & 4x 1.7 GHz). This translates to a clear advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. While the G36’s higher clock speed on the A53 cores offers some benefit, the architectural superiority of the A75 cores in the G91 Ultra is more impactful. The G91 Ultra was built on a 12nm process, while the G36 is also on 12nm, so thermal efficiency differences will be minimal. The itel S24 will likely exhibit less stuttering during demanding applications.
Battery Life
The itel S24 supports 18W wired charging, claiming 50% charge in 40 minutes. The Honor X6a boasts 22.5W charging, reaching 31% in 20 minutes. While the Honor X6a’s initial charging speed is faster, the itel S24’s 18W charging isn’t drastically slower. The actual battery capacity of both devices is unknown, but the Honor X6a’s faster charging is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery. The bypass charging feature on the itel S24 allows for simultaneous charging and usage, which can be useful for gamers.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S24 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding mobile games and multitasking without significant slowdown. Its stronger processor will benefit users who frequently stream videos, edit photos, or play graphically intensive titles. Buy the Honor X6a if you prioritize quick top-ups and a potentially smoother user experience, as the faster charging and Honor’s Magic UI could appeal to those who dislike waiting for their phone to charge or prefer a more polished software interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G36 in the Honor X6a struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G36 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The itel S24’s Helio G91 Ultra will provide a noticeably better gaming experience with higher settings and more consistent performance.
❓ Does the itel S24’s 18W charging feel slow compared to other phones on the market?
While 18W isn’t the fastest charging available, it’s adequate for overnight charging. The Honor X6a’s 22.5W charging is a clear advantage if you frequently need to quickly top up your battery throughout the day. The 50% in 40 minutes claim is reasonable, but real-world results may vary.
❓ What kind of software experience can I expect from the Honor X6a?
The Honor X6a runs on Honor’s Magic UI, which is based on Android. Magic UI is generally considered to be a relatively clean and user-friendly interface, with a focus on customization and features. However, it may include some pre-installed apps (bloatware).
