The Realme 12+ and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Realme 12+ prioritizes raw processing power with the Mediatek Dimensity 7050, while the Honor X9b focuses on efficiency and a balanced experience with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and demanding tasks, the Realme 12+ emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 7050 chipset delivers noticeably faster performance. However, the Honor X9b offers a more efficient processor and reverse wired charging, making it a strong contender for everyday users seeking longevity and 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, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 29 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March 02 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, silicone polymer back (eco leather), plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm (6.42 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 600 nits (typ), 2000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 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) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/3.0" | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 67W wired, 50% in 19 min | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pioneer Green, Navigator Beige | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | RMX3867 | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | € 192.98 / $ 200.22 / £ 203.26 / ₹ 18,999 | About 970 EUR |
Realme 12+
- Faster processor for gaming and demanding tasks
- Significantly brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Ultra-fast 67W charging
- Potentially less battery efficiency
- Lacks reverse wireless charging
Honor X9b
- More efficient processor for longer battery life
- Reverse wired charging for added convenience
- Potentially better thermal management
- Slower processor compared to the Realme 12+
- Slower charging speed
Display Comparison
The Realme 12+ boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1148 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight compared to the Honor X9b (brightness data unavailable, but typically lower in this segment). While both likely utilize AMOLED panels for vibrant colors, the Realme’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage for media consumption and outdoor usability. We expect both to have FHD+ resolutions, but the Realme’s brightness gives it an edge.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset’s ISP capabilities play a role. The Dimensity 7050 generally offers robust image processing, potentially leading to more detailed and vibrant photos. Both phones likely feature multi-camera systems, but the Realme 12+’s processing power could give it an edge in low-light photography and video recording. We anticipate both will include standard wide, ultrawide, and potentially macro lenses, but the primary sensor quality and software optimization will be key differentiators.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 12+’s Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6nm) features a 2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 core configuration, promising higher peak performance than the Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm). The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 uses a 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 setup. While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 benefits from a more efficient 4nm process, the Dimensity 7050’s higher clock speeds and core count should translate to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 will likely result in better sustained performance and less thermal throttling under prolonged load.
Battery Life
The Realme 12+ achieves a commendable 13:03 hours of active use, indicating solid battery life. The Honor X9b’s battery capacity is unknown, but its more efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset could potentially offset a smaller battery. The Realme 12+’s 67W wired charging is significantly faster than the Honor X9b’s 35W charging, allowing for a 50% charge in just 19 minutes. The Honor X9b’s inclusion of reverse wired charging is a unique feature, enabling it to charge other devices, a convenience the Realme 12+ lacks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 12+ if you frequently game, edit videos, or run demanding applications and need the fastest possible performance in this price bracket. Buy the Honor X9b if you prioritize battery life, appreciate the convenience of reverse wireless charging, and prefer a more balanced, efficient smartphone experience for daily tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 7050 in the Realme 12+ overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 7050 is a powerful chip, the 6nm process and Realme’s cooling solutions will be crucial. Expect some heat, but the phone should maintain stable performance for moderate gaming durations. Prolonged, graphically intensive gaming may lead to some throttling, but it shouldn't be severe.
❓ How useful is the reverse wired charging feature on the Honor X9b in real-world scenarios?
Reverse wired charging is incredibly convenient for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches on the go. While it won't fully charge another phone quickly, it can provide a crucial power boost in emergencies, making it a valuable feature for travelers or those frequently away from power outlets.
❓ Does the Realme 12+ support high refresh rate displays for smoother scrolling and animations?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Realme typically includes high refresh rate displays (90Hz or 120Hz) in this price range. This would contribute to a smoother user experience, especially when scrolling through social media or playing games. Confirming the refresh rate is crucial before purchase.
