The Oppo A52 and Honor 9X Pro represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving it. The A52 relies on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 665, prioritizing efficiency, while the 9X Pro boasts the more powerful Kirin 810. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and display quality, the Honor 9X Pro is the clear winner. Its Kirin 810 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Snapdragon 665 in the Oppo A52. However, the A52’s more readily available software updates and potentially lower price point make it a viable alternative for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Version 1 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat12 600/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 40, 41 - China | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 20. Released 2020, April 20 | 2019, July 23. Released 2019, August 09 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 163.5 x 77.3 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.59 inches, 106.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.88 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Kirin 810 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MP6 |
| OS | Android 10, ColorOS 7.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, EMUI 9.1, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 12 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm - Global
or
8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) - China only | Motorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE (International)5.0, A2DP, LE (China) |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Twilight Black, Stream White | Midnight Black, Phantom Purple |
| Models | CPH2061, CPH2069, PADM00, PDAM10 | HLK-AL10, HLK-TL10, HLK-L41, HLK-L42 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 104h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1319:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-31.1 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 312668 (v8)
GeekBench: 7836 (v4.4), 1911 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A52
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially more affordable price
- Reliable Qualcomm chipset
- Significantly weaker performance compared to Kirin 810
- Less detailed display specifications
- Likely slower software updates
Honor 9X Pro
- More powerful Kirin 810 chipset
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially higher price
- Honor's software update history is less consistent
Display Comparison
The Honor 9X Pro’s display immediately stands out with its measured peak brightness of 517 nits, offering a noticeably more visible experience outdoors compared to the Oppo A52 (brightness data unavailable, assumed lower). Both displays share a 1319:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar black levels and overall image depth. However, the 9X Pro’s higher brightness translates to better HDR content viewing and improved readability in direct sunlight. The A52’s display specifications are less detailed, making a direct comparison of color accuracy and panel technology difficult, but it likely utilizes a standard IPS LCD panel.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a precise comparison is impossible. However, the Honor 9X Pro’s more powerful chipset likely enables more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) within the Kirin 810 further enhances its image processing capabilities. The Oppo A52’s camera system is likely more focused on providing a basic, functional experience, while the 9X Pro aims for a more refined photographic output.
Performance
The Kirin 810 in the Honor 9X Pro, fabricated on a 7nm process, represents a substantial leap in performance over the 11nm Snapdragon 665 found in the Oppo A52. The Kirin 810’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x 2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x 1.88 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides significantly faster processing speeds for demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 665’s 4x 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x 1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores are more geared towards efficiency. This difference translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the 9X Pro. While the A52 is adequate for everyday use, the 9X Pro handles graphically intensive games with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A52 and Honor 9X Pro achieve an endurance rating of 104 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The Oppo A52 supports 18W wired charging, allowing for a faster top-up compared to the Honor 9X Pro’s slower 10W charging. This means the A52 can replenish its battery more quickly, even if both phones offer similar overall endurance. The faster charging speed is a practical advantage for users who frequently need to quickly recharge their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A52 if you need a reliable daily driver with a focus on software stability and potentially longer software support, and if your usage primarily revolves around basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media. Buy the Honor 9X Pro if you prioritize performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications, and value a brighter, more vibrant display experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Kirin 810 in the Honor 9X Pro get noticeably warm during extended gaming sessions?
While the Kirin 810 is a capable chipset, it's not known for exceptional thermal efficiency. Expect some degree of warming during prolonged gaming, but it's unlikely to reach throttling levels under normal usage. The phone's thermal design will play a crucial role in managing heat dissipation.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Honor 9X Pro a significant drawback in 2024?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. It will take considerably longer to fully charge the device compared to the Oppo A52's 18W charging. This is a trade-off for the 9X Pro's superior performance, but it's a factor to consider if you prioritize quick charging.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 665 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile on the Oppo A52?
The Snapdragon 665 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not ideal for competitive players.
❓ What software update support can I expect from both Oppo and Honor?
Oppo generally provides more consistent and longer software support for its devices compared to Honor, particularly in the budget segment. Honor's software update track record has been less reliable, though they have been improving in recent years. Check the manufacturer's website for specific update commitments.
