Realme C85 vs Honor X9b: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Realme C85 emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 6300 chipset offers a noticeable edge in CPU-intensive tasks, and the 45W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the Honor X9b’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 provides a more balanced experience with potentially better thermal management.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Realme C85 | Honor X9b |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 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, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 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 | 2025, November 02 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, November 13 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 166.1 x 77.9 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.07 x 0.33 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 | 215 g (7.58 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1570 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~254 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 113.0 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 144Hz, 1200 nits (HBM) | 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 15, Realme UI 6.0 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | Up to 256GB | 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, 28mm (wide), 1/2.96", PDAF | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 45W wired Reverse wired Bypass charging | 35W wired Reverse wired |
| Type | Si/C Li-Ion 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Green, Purple | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | RMX5253 | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | - | About 970 EUR |
Realme C85
- Faster 45W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Potentially higher CPU performance with the Dimensity 6300.
- Bypass charging allows usage while charging.
- 6nm process may lead to higher heat generation.
- Potential for less efficient battery usage compared to the Snapdragon.
Honor X9b
- More efficient 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.
- Potentially better thermal management for sustained performance.
- Qualcomm’s optimized software integration.
- Slower 35W charging.
- Lower peak CPU clock speeds compared to the Realme C85.
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels. The choice will likely come down to color calibration and peak brightness, which are currently unknown. We anticipate both will offer standard 60Hz refresh rates. The absence of high refresh rate panels is typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is impossible. However, the chipset plays a role in image signal processing (ISP) capabilities. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series generally excels in computational photography, potentially giving the Honor X9b an edge in image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Realme C85’s Dimensity 6300 is capable, but may rely more heavily on software optimization to achieve comparable results. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor would be a significant differentiator, but this information is currently unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C85’s MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) features a dual-core Cortex-A76 setup clocked at 2.4GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz. This configuration prioritizes peak CPU performance. Conversely, the Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) employs a quad-core Cortex-A78 setup at 2.2GHz alongside four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz. The Snapdragon’s 4nm process node offers superior power efficiency, potentially leading to better thermal management and sustained performance during prolonged gaming sessions. While the Dimensity 6300 boasts higher clock speeds on its prime cores, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s architecture is more modern and efficient.
Battery Life
The Realme C85’s 45W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Honor X9b’s 35W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, allowing users to quickly replenish the battery. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s superior efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery in the Honor X9b, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The Realme C85’s bypass charging feature is also a plus, allowing the phone to be used while charging without generating excessive heat.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C85 if you frequently engage in multitasking, light gaming, or need rapid charging for a fast-paced lifestyle. Its stronger CPU core configuration will be beneficial for demanding applications. Buy the Honor X9b if you prioritize a smoother, more consistent experience, potentially longer battery life during mixed usage, and appreciate Qualcomm’s optimized software integration. It’s the better choice for everyday tasks and moderate usage.