The Realme 9 Pro+ and Honor X8c represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Realme 9 Pro+ aims for performance with its Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset, while the Honor X8c prioritizes efficiency and affordability with the Snapdragon 685. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 920 offers a significant performance uplift over the Snapdragon 685. However, the Honor X8c provides a compelling value proposition for those seeking a reliable daily driver with decent battery life at a lower price point.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 16 | 2025, January 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 21 | Available. Released 2025, January 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Dimensions | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) | 161.1 x 74.6 x 7.1 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, compass, proximity (ultrasonic) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min | 35W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition | Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple |
| Models | RMX3392, RMX3393 | ABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3 |
| Price | £ 493.68 | € 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00 |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme 9 Pro+
- Significantly faster processor for gaming and multitasking
- 60W fast charging with PD3.0 for quick top-ups
- Higher display brightness for better outdoor visibility
- Potentially higher price point
- Battery endurance rating, while good, isn't exceptional
Honor X8c
- More affordable price point
- Potentially better battery life under light usage due to efficient chipset
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Slower processor struggles with demanding applications
- Slower 35W charging
Display Comparison
The Realme 9 Pro+ boasts a measured peak brightness of 613 nits, which will provide a more visible experience outdoors compared to the Honor X8c (brightness data unavailable). While both utilize LCD panels, the Realme’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage. The absence of high refresh rate information for the Honor X8c suggests a standard 60Hz panel, while the Realme 9 Pro+’s refresh rate is not specified, but is likely higher, contributing to smoother scrolling. The Realme’s brightness advantage will be particularly noticeable when viewing HDR content.
Camera Comparison
Camera details beyond 'Photo/Video' are limited for the Realme 9 Pro+. However, the chipset’s ISP capabilities suggest a more robust image processing pipeline than the Snapdragon 685. The Honor X8c’s camera specifications are also sparse. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. It’s reasonable to assume the Realme 9 Pro+ will offer superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, due to its more powerful processor and likely larger sensor. The absence of details on OIS for either device suggests reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Realme 9 Pro+ features the Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6nm) with its octa-core configuration (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), while the Honor X8c utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) with a different core arrangement (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53). The Dimensity 920’s Cortex-A78 cores are significantly more powerful than the X8c’s Cortex-A73 cores, translating to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 685 prioritizes efficiency, potentially offering better battery life under light loads, but will struggle to match the 920’s peak performance. The 6nm process node in both chips contributes to improved power efficiency compared to older manufacturing processes.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 Pro+ has an endurance rating of 117 hours, indicating solid battery life. Crucially, it supports 60W wired charging with PD3.0, achieving a 100% charge in just 44 minutes. The Honor X8c offers 35W wired charging, which is slower. While the Honor X8c’s battery capacity is unknown, the Realme’s faster charging significantly reduces downtime, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The Realme’s charging speed is a major advantage for those who value quick power-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you need a phone capable of handling demanding games and applications, and value the convenience of 60W fast charging. This is the choice for power users and mobile gamers. Buy the Honor X8c if you prefer a more budget-friendly option focused on all-day battery life and essential smartphone functionality, making it ideal for casual users and those on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor X8c struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 685 is a mid-range chipset and will likely require reduced graphics settings and frame rates to achieve playable performance in demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty. Expect occasional frame drops and longer loading times compared to the Realme 9 Pro+.
❓ How does the 60W charging on the Realme 9 Pro+ compare to standard 33W charging in terms of real-world usage?
The 60W charging on the Realme 9 Pro+ is significantly faster. While 33W charging can still provide a decent top-up, 60W can take a phone from near-empty to 50% in around 20-25 minutes, and fully charge it in under an hour. The Realme 9 Pro+’s 44-minute full charge time is a substantial convenience advantage.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications on both phones a cause for concern?
Yes, the limited camera information makes a precise comparison difficult. However, the Realme 9 Pro+'s more powerful processor suggests a better image processing pipeline, likely resulting in superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Honor X8c will likely perform adequately for casual photography but won't match the Realme's potential.
