The smartphone market is overflowing with options, making it tough to choose. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Meizu 18x, known for its performance, and the Honor X8a, aiming for value. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to see which phone reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Meizu 18x is the clear winner in terms of performance, boasting a Snapdragon 870 chipset. The Honor X8a offers a more budget-friendly option with a decent display and camera, but falls short in processing power. If speed and performance are priorities, the Meizu 18x is the better choice.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 22. Released 2021, September 22 | 2023, February 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, February 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 76.4 x 8 mm (6.5 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 500 nits (typ), 700 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Flyme 9.2 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 100 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (CRT-LX1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac/6e, 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 70% in 30 min, 100% in 60 min | 22.5W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Blue, White, Gray | Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black |
| Models | - | CRT-LX1, CRT-LX2, CRT-LX3 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Meizu 18x
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 870)
- Faster Charging (30W)
- Likely Better Camera Image Quality
- Premium Build Quality (Expected)
- Potentially Higher Price
- Smaller Display (Likely)
- Less Focus on Macro Photography
Honor X8a
- More Affordable
- Larger Display (Likely)
- Decent Battery Life
- Good for Everyday Tasks
- Lower Performance (Helio G88)
- Slower Charging (22.5W)
- Less Powerful Camera
- May Feel Less Premium
Display Comparison
The Honor X8a likely features a larger display (estimated 6.7 inches) with a standard refresh rate, while the Meizu 18x probably has a slightly smaller, but potentially higher refresh rate display (estimated 6.2 inches) for smoother visuals. Both likely use AMOLED technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the Meizu 18x might have better color accuracy and brightness.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are missing, the Honor X8a likely features a multi-lens setup with a focus on macro and depth sensing. The Meizu 18x, while potentially having fewer lenses, could leverage the Snapdragon 870's image processing capabilities for better image quality, especially in low light. Expect the Meizu 18x to offer more detail and dynamic range.
Performance
This is where the Meizu 18x truly shines. The Snapdragon 870 is a flagship-level chipset, significantly outperforming the Helio G88 in the Honor X8a. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the Meizu 18x. The Honor X8a will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding games or multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones offer decent battery life. The Meizu 18x's 30W charging is faster than the Honor X8a's 22.5W, allowing for quicker top-ups. Battery capacity is likely similar, around 4000-4500 mAh for both devices, suggesting comparable real-world usage times.
Buying Guide
The Meizu 18x is ideal for users who prioritize performance, gaming, and smooth multitasking. It's a great choice for those willing to spend a bit more for a premium experience. The Honor X8a is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks, social media, and casual photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Meizu 18x worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, the Meizu 18x's Snapdragon 870 chipset makes it worth the investment. However, if you're on a tight budget, the Honor X8a offers a solid alternative.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Meizu 18x is significantly better for gaming due to its powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset. It will handle demanding games with ease, while the Honor X8a may struggle with higher settings.