The Realme Narzo 70 and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. Both aim to deliver a balanced experience, but they take different approaches to achieving it. The Narzo 70 prioritizes processing power with the Mediatek Dimensity 7050, while the X9b focuses on efficiency with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Realme Narzo 70 is the better choice. Its Dimensity 7050 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b, and the 45W charging is significantly quicker. However, the X9b’s 4nm process offers potential efficiency gains.
| 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, April 24 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 25 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.42 x 2.97 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 | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 600 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14, Realme UI 5.0 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, 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, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 50% in 27 min | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Olive Green, Sky Blue | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | RMX3869 | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 970 EUR |
Realme Narzo 70
- Faster 45W charging significantly reduces downtime.
- More powerful Dimensity 7050 chipset for better performance.
- Likely better gaming performance due to CPU configuration.
- 6nm process may result in slightly higher power consumption.
- Lacks reverse wired charging functionality.
Honor X9b
- More efficient 4nm process potentially improves battery life.
- Reverse wired charging adds versatility.
- Snapdragon chipset generally offers good software optimization.
- Slower 35W charging.
- Less powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, considering the price bracket, both likely feature FHD+ AMOLED panels. The absence of LTPO technology suggests neither will offer adaptive refresh rates for optimal battery life. Bezels and color accuracy will likely be similar, requiring hands-on testing for a definitive assessment. The display will likely be a differentiating factor based on calibration and peak brightness, not inherent panel technology.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera system with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. The absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or OIS makes it impossible to determine which phone will deliver superior image quality. Image processing algorithms will play a crucial role, and brand-specific tuning will likely differentiate the results. We can assume both will perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be the key differentiator.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Narzo 70’s Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6nm) boasts a 2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 core configuration, suggesting stronger peak performance compared to the Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) with its 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 setup. While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 benefits from a more efficient 4nm process, the Dimensity 7050’s higher clock speeds and core configuration will translate to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Narzo 70 is likely to handle graphically intensive games with higher frame rates. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 *could* lead to better thermal management under sustained load, but this requires real-world testing.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo 70’s 45W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Honor X9b’s 35W charging. Realme claims a 50% charge in 27 minutes, while the X9b will take considerably longer. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the Narzo 70 will be more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their device. The Honor X9b’s inclusion of reverse wired charging is a useful feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Narzo 70.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 70 if you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and value faster charging speeds. You'll benefit from the more powerful processor and quicker top-ups. Buy the Honor X9b if you prioritize battery efficiency and potentially longer sustained performance due to the 4nm process, and appreciate the convenience of reverse wired charging, making it a useful power bank for other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 7050 in the Realme Narzo 70 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the 6nm process isn't as efficient as the 4nm in the Honor X9b, Mediatek's thermal management has improved significantly. The Narzo 70 likely incorporates cooling solutions to mitigate heat. However, sustained gaming at maximum settings will inevitably generate heat, and some throttling is possible. Real-world testing is needed to determine the extent of throttling.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Honor X9b useful for charging a laptop or tablet?
The 35W output of the Honor X9b’s reverse wired charging is sufficient for charging smartphones, earbuds, and other small accessories. However, it’s unlikely to significantly charge a laptop or tablet, as these devices typically require higher wattage power delivery. It’s best suited for emergency top-ups of smaller devices.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 *does* include an integrated 5G modem. This means the Honor X9b is capable of connecting to 5G networks, provided your carrier supports it and you have a 5G SIM card.
