LG X4+ vs Honor 8X Max: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The LG X4+ and Honor 8X Max represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The X4+ prioritizes affordability, while the 8X Max aims for a more balanced experience with a more powerful processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Honor 8X Max is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset offers a substantial performance leap over the LG X4+'s Snapdragon 425. However, the X4+ may appeal to those seeking the absolute lowest price point and minimal usage.

PHONES
Phone Names LG X4+ Honor 8X Max
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 381, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - Global
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China
Launch
Announced2018, January. Released 2018, February2018, September. Released 2018, September
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions148.6 x 75.1 x 8.6 mm (5.85 x 2.96 x 0.34 in)177.6 x 86.3 x 8.1 mm (6.99 x 3.40 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight172.3 g (6.07 oz)210 g (7.41 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~277 ppi density)1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~350 ppi density)
Size5.3 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~69.4% screen-to-body ratio)7.12 inches, 127.8 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm)Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm)
GPUAdreno 308Adreno 512
OSAndroid 7.0 (Nougat)Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9 (Pie), EMUI 9
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual-16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-18W wired 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsLavender Violet, Moroccan BlueBlack, Blue, Red
ModelsLM-X415L, LM-X410L, LM-X415SARE-AL00, ARE-L22HN, ARE-AL10
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 250 EUR

LG X4+

  • Likely the most affordable option
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface
  • Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Limited multitasking capabilities
  • Outdated chipset

Honor 8X Max

  • Much faster performance with Snapdragon 660
  • 18W fast charging
  • Better multitasking and gaming experience

  • Likely more expensive than the LG X4+
  • Potentially shorter battery life under heavy use
  • Larger size may not appeal to all users

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) makes a direct comparison difficult. The Honor 8X Max's larger size (implied by 'Max' in the name) suggests a larger screen, potentially beneficial for media consumption. The LG X4+ likely prioritizes cost savings over display quality.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is challenging. However, the Honor 8X Max’s more powerful chipset likely enables more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The LG X4+ will likely rely on simpler image processing, resulting in less detailed and dynamic range in photos. The absence of OIS or high-resolution sensors on either device suggests a focus on basic photography capabilities.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Honor 8X Max’s Qualcomm SDM660, built on a 14nm process, features an octa-core CPU (4x1.95 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) compared to the LG X4+'s quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 on the older 28nm Snapdragon 425. This translates to a dramatically faster experience in nearly all scenarios. The 660’s Kryo cores offer superior single-core and multi-core performance, making app launches, web browsing, and multitasking significantly smoother. The 14nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, though this can be offset by the more powerful CPU.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Honor 8X Max’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. This allows for much faster charging times compared to the likely 5W-10W charging on the LG X4+. While the Snapdragon 660 is more efficient than the 425, its higher performance demands could negate some of those gains. The 18W charging capability of the 8X Max provides a practical benefit for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG X4+ if you need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Honor 8X Max if you prefer a smoother user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently multitask between apps, and are willing to spend a bit more for improved performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Honor 8X Max handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 660 in the Honor 8X Max is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The LG X4+'s Snapdragon 425 would struggle significantly with this title.
❓ Is the difference in performance between these two phones noticeable for everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is very noticeable. Simple tasks like opening apps, browsing the web, and switching between apps will feel significantly faster and smoother on the Honor 8X Max due to its more powerful processor.
❓ Does the Honor 8X Max support reverse wired charging?
Yes, the Honor 8X Max supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices, albeit at a slow charging speed.