The Realme 9i and Honor X8c represent a sweet spot in the smartphone market – affordable 4G devices aiming to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank. Both leverage Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6-series, but subtle differences in CPU architecture and charging capabilities could make one a better fit for your needs. This comparison dissects those nuances to help you choose.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X8c edges out the Realme 9i. While both share the same Snapdragon 680/685 base, the X8c’s slightly faster CPU core configuration and 35W charging offer a tangible advantage in everyday responsiveness and convenience, justifying a potential price premium.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2025, January 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 10 | Available. Released 2025, January 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Dragontrail Pro), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Dragontrail Pro Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4 | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 - Vietnam
UFS 2.1 - India | - |
| 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 |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasonic) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 70 min | 35W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple |
| Models | RMX3491 | ABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3 |
| Price | € 149.90 / $ 209.00 / £ 140.09 | € 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00 |
Realme 9i
- Potentially lower price point
- Established Realme software experience
- Reliable Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Slower CPU clock speeds
- Slightly slower charging (33W)
- May exhibit more noticeable lag during multitasking
Honor X8c
- Faster CPU clock speeds (Snapdragon 685)
- Faster 35W charging
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Honor’s software experience can be polarizing
- No significant camera advantages based on available data
Display Comparison
Neither Realme nor Honor provide display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Assuming both utilize standard IPS LCDs common in this price bracket, the display experience will likely be similar. Expect adequate brightness for indoor use, but potential struggles in direct sunlight. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO suggests neither phone is geared towards visually demanding users.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. However, the image processing algorithms will be key differentiators. Realme typically leans towards vibrant, saturated images, while Honor often aims for a more natural look. Given the price point, expect limitations in low-light performance and dynamic range. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which may introduce artifacts in videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU configuration. The Realme 9i features the Snapdragon 680 with a Kryo 265 Gold core clocked at 2.4 GHz, paired with Kryo 265 Silver cores at 1.9 GHz. The Honor X8c utilizes the Snapdragon 685, boasting Cortex-A73 cores clocked higher at 2.8 GHz alongside 1.9 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This higher clock speed on the X8c’s performance cores translates to quicker app launches and smoother multitasking, particularly noticeable when switching between several applications. Both chipsets are built on a 6nm process, offering good efficiency, but the architectural advantage favors the Honor X8c.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, both phones likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this segment. The Honor X8c’s 35W charging is a clear advantage over the Realme 9i’s 33W. This translates to a faster 0-100% charge time – Honor claims full charge in under an hour, while the Realme 9i takes approximately 70 minutes. This difference is significant for users who prioritize quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme 9i if you prioritize a proven track record within the Realme ecosystem and find it at a significantly lower price point. It’s a reliable option for basic smartphone tasks. Buy the Honor X8c if you value slightly snappier performance for multitasking and app loading, and appreciate the convenience of faster 35W charging, making it ideal for users who are frequently on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor X8c handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 685 is capable, don't expect flagship-level gaming performance. PUBG Mobile will likely run at medium settings with a stable frame rate. Higher settings may result in noticeable frame drops and overheating. The Realme 9i will offer a similar gaming experience.
❓ Does the Honor X8c support reverse wireless charging?
Neither the official specifications nor marketing materials for the Honor X8c mention reverse wireless charging. It's highly unlikely this feature is included, given the phone's price point and target audience.
❓ How does Honor's Magic UI compare to Realme UI in terms of bloatware?
Both Realme UI and Honor’s Magic UI come pre-installed with a degree of bloatware. However, Magic UI has historically been criticized for including more pre-installed apps, some of which may be difficult to uninstall. Realme UI generally offers a cleaner experience, but both can be customized to reduce unwanted apps.
