The Realme 13 and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they take different approaches to processing power and charging technology. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Mediatek Dimensity 6300-powered Realme 13 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1-equipped Honor X9b, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Honor X9b emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, built on a 4nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in thermal management and overall responsiveness compared to the Realme 13’s Dimensity 6300. However, the Realme 13’s faster 45W charging is a significant benefit for those who value quick top-ups.
| 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, August 29 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 06 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.8 mm (6.52 x 3.00 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 (~392 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 580 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF, OIS
other unspecified camera | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | 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, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 50% in 30 min | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Speed Green, Dark Purple | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | RMX3951 | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | ₹ 14,599 | About 970 EUR |
Realme 13
- Faster 45W charging for quick top-ups
- Potentially slightly better single-core CPU performance
- Realme’s typically vibrant display tuning
- Less efficient 6nm Dimensity 6300 chipset
- Potential for more thermal throttling under sustained load
- No reverse wired charging
Honor X9b
- More efficient 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset
- Superior multi-core CPU performance
- Reverse wired charging for added convenience
- Slower 35W charging
- Potentially less vibrant display tuning
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Display specifications are currently unavailable for both devices. However, given their market positioning, we anticipate both will feature FHD+ LCD panels. The key differentiator will likely be peak brightness and color accuracy. Realme historically focuses on vibrant displays, while Honor often aims for more natural color reproduction. The absence of LTPO technology suggests neither phone will offer adaptive refresh rates, a common omission in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are currently limited. Assuming both phones follow market trends, we can expect a primary camera around 50MP. The Honor X9b’s image processing, leveraging Qualcomm’s ISP, may prioritize detail preservation and dynamic range. Realme’s image processing often leans towards more saturated colors and boosted contrast. Without knowing sensor sizes and aperture values, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) will be a crucial factor, favoring the phone that includes it for sharper images and smoother video recording.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) boasts a more efficient architecture than the Realme 13’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm). While the Dimensity 6300 utilizes Cortex-A76 cores for its prime processing, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 employs Cortex-A78 cores, offering a performance uplift. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon further enhances efficiency, leading to less heat generation and potentially reduced throttling during demanding tasks. The CPU configuration – 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 vs 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 – suggests the Honor X9b will excel in multi-threaded workloads, while the Realme 13 might show a slight edge in single-core performance. The GPU performance will also favor the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 due to its architectural advantages.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is currently unknown for both devices. However, the charging speeds provide a clear distinction. The Realme 13’s 45W wired charging will significantly reduce charging times, achieving a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. The Honor X9b’s 35W charging is slower, but the inclusion of reverse wired charging offers added versatility, allowing it to charge other devices. The efficiency of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 may offset a potentially smaller battery capacity in the Honor X9b, resulting in comparable real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 13 if you prioritize rapid charging and frequently need to quickly replenish your battery. Its 45W charging capability will significantly reduce downtime. Buy the Honor X9b if you value consistent performance during extended use, such as gaming or multitasking, and appreciate the efficiency gains of a 4nm chipset. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 provides a smoother, more reliable experience under load.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is well-equipped to handle PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings. The 4nm process and Cortex-A78 cores contribute to stable frame rates and reduced thermal throttling, providing a more consistent gaming experience compared to the Dimensity 6300.
❓ How much faster is the 45W charging on the Realme 13 compared to the 35W charging on the Honor X9b in real-world use?
The Realme 13’s 45W charging will noticeably reduce charging times. While exact figures depend on battery capacity, you can expect a 0-100% charge to be approximately 30-45 minutes faster on the Realme 13 compared to the Honor X9b. The Realme 13’s claim of 50% charge in 30 minutes is a significant advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the Realme 13 tend to overheat during prolonged use?
The 6nm process of the Dimensity 6300 is less efficient than the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This means the Realme 13 is more likely to experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions or demanding tasks, potentially leading to reduced performance over time.
