Oppo Reno12 F vs Honor X9b: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo Reno12 F and Honor X9b represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take different approaches to achieving this. The Reno12 F leverages MediaTek's Dimensity 6300, while the X9b opts for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficient power usage, the Honor X9b emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, built on a 4nm process, provides a noticeable advantage in thermal management and overall responsiveness compared to the Reno12 F's Dimensity 6300. However, the Reno12 F's 45W charging offers a quicker top-up.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo Reno12 F Honor X9b
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, June 282023, October 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, JulyAvailable. Released 2023, October
Body
Dimensions163.1 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.42 x 2.98 x 0.31 in)163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight187 g (6.60 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
Display
ProtectionAsahi Glass AGC DT-Star2-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 600 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HMB), 2100 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 710
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 15, ColorOS 15Android 13, Magic OS 7.2
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama-
Single32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired, PD2.0 Reverse wired35W wired Reverse wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5800 mAh
Misc
ColorsOlive Green, Amber OrangeSunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green
ModelsCPH2637ALI-NX1
Price€ 197.00 / $ 390.00About 970 EUR

Oppo Reno12 F

  • Faster 45W charging for quicker top-ups.
  • Potentially more vibrant image processing with ColorOS.
  • Reverse wired charging for accessory power.

  • Less efficient 6nm Dimensity 6300 chipset.
  • Potential for more thermal throttling under heavy load.
  • CPU architecture is a generation behind the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1.

Honor X9b

  • More efficient 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.
  • Superior thermal management for sustained performance.
  • Newer Cortex-A78 CPU cores for improved responsiveness.

  • Slower 35W charging compared to the Oppo Reno12 F.
  • Image processing may lean towards a more natural, less vibrant look.
  • May require more time to fully charge.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (OLED vs LCD, peak brightness) are missing, the focus here is on the chipsets. Display quality will likely be similar, with both targeting a smooth 120Hz refresh rate common in this segment. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, but the real differentiator will be software-level color calibration and viewing angles, which are difficult to assess without direct comparison.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, both phones likely employ similar sensor configurations targeting the mid-range market. The absence of high-resolution sensors or advanced features like OIS suggests a focus on computational photography. Image processing styles will likely differ – Oppo’s ColorOS tends towards vibrant, saturated colors, while Honor often aims for a more natural look. The real-world performance will depend heavily on software optimization and the quality of the primary sensor, which is currently unknown for both devices.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) offers a significant architectural advantage over the Oppo Reno12 F’s MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm). The 4nm process inherently leads to better power efficiency and reduced heat generation. While the Dimensity 6300 features Cortex-A76 cores, the X9b’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 utilizes Cortex-A78 cores, which are a generation newer and offer improved performance per watt. This translates to less throttling under sustained loads, benefiting gamers and heavy multitaskers. The X9b's CPU configuration (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) also provides a slight edge in peak performance compared to the Reno12 F's (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55).

Battery Life

The Oppo Reno12 F’s 45W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Honor X9b’s 35W charging. This means significantly faster 0-100% charging times for the Reno12 F. While battery capacity is not specified, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s superior efficiency in the X9b could offset a potentially smaller battery size, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. Both devices support reverse wired charging, a convenient feature for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo Reno12 F if you prioritize faster charging speeds and a potentially more refined software experience (depending on ColorOS preference). It's ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and value quick power boosts. Buy the Honor X9b if you prioritize consistent performance during extended use, such as gaming or multitasking, and appreciate the efficiency of the 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This phone is better suited for users who demand reliable performance throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings, but expect some frame rate dips during intense firefights. The 4nm process and improved thermal management will help maintain stable performance for longer periods compared to the Reno12 F, but it's not a flagship-level gaming experience.
❓ Does the Oppo Reno12 F's ColorOS software offer significant advantages over Honor's MagicOS?
ColorOS and MagicOS are both heavily customized Android skins. ColorOS is known for its vibrant interface and extensive features, while MagicOS aims for a cleaner, more streamlined experience. The 'better' OS is subjective and depends on personal preference. Both offer similar core functionality and regular updates.
❓ How much faster is the 45W charging on the Oppo Reno12 F compared to the 35W charging on the Honor X9b?
While exact charging times depend on battery capacity (which is currently unknown), the 45W charging on the Reno12 F will likely charge the phone from 0-100% approximately 20-30 minutes faster than the 35W charging on the X9b. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.