The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme C61, powered by a Unisoc Tiger T612, aims for affordability, while the Honor X9b, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, promises a step up in performance and features. This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X9b is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset delivers significantly better performance and efficiency, coupled with 35W fast charging. While the Realme C61 offers a lower entry price, the X9b’s advantages justify the slight 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, July | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 25 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm (6.59 x 3.02 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14, Realme UI | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.5", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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 | 15W wired | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sparkle Gold, Dark Green | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | RMX3939, RMX3930 | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | $ 109.15 / £ 79.00 / € 89.99 | About 970 EUR |
Realme C61
- Most affordable option
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 15W charging
- Less efficient chipset
Honor X9b
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
- Faster 35W charging with reverse wired capability
- More efficient chipset for longer gaming sessions
- Slightly higher price
- May not be significantly better for extremely basic use cases
- Potentially more expensive repairs
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the core difference lies elsewhere. The focus here is on the chipset's ability to drive the display smoothly, which the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is better equipped to do. Bezels are likely comparable given the price point, and both will likely utilize LCD panels.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the chipset plays a crucial role in image processing. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced, enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, the X9b will likely handle complex scenes and low-light conditions more effectively. Expect both to include lower-resolution auxiliary cameras of limited utility.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) is a clear upgrade over the Realme C61’s Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm). The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 utilizes more modern Cortex-A78 cores (4x2.2 GHz) compared to the C61’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x1.8 GHz), resulting in a substantial boost in CPU performance. The 4nm process node also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. Gamers and multitasking users will see a noticeable difference in responsiveness and smoothness on the X9b.
Battery Life
The Realme C61’s 15W charging is a significant disadvantage compared to the Honor X9b’s 35W wired charging, which also includes reverse wired charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the X9b will result in significantly quicker top-ups. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s superior power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer real-world battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. The X9b can likely go from 0-100% in under an hour, while the C61 will take considerably longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C61 if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light social media use. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Honor X9b if you value smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and faster charging. It’s ideal for users who consume more media, play mobile games occasionally, and appreciate a more responsive user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C61 struggle with demanding apps like TikTok or Instagram?
While the Realme C61 can run these apps, you may experience occasional lag or stuttering, especially when multitasking. The Unisoc T612 is designed for basic tasks, and these social media apps can be resource-intensive.
❓ How much faster is the 35W charging on the Honor X9b compared to the 15W charging on the Realme C61?
The Honor X9b’s 35W charging will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a full charge in under an hour, whereas the Realme C61 could take over two hours to reach 100% from a low battery level.
❓ Can the Honor X9b handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with playable frame rates. However, don't expect the highest graphics settings or consistently smooth performance during intense battles.
❓ Does the Honor X9b support any form of video stabilization?
Without specific camera specs, it's difficult to confirm. However, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s ISP often includes electronic image stabilization (EIS), which can help reduce camera shake in videos. The Realme C61 is less likely to have advanced stabilization features.
