Realme P3x vs Honor X9b: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance

The Realme P3x and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The P3x leverages MediaTek's Dimensity 6400, while the X9b opts for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This comparison dissects their core differences, focusing on performance, charging, and overall user experience to determine which device offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Honor X9b emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, built on a 4nm process, provides a noticeable advantage in thermal management and overall responsiveness compared to the Realme P3x's Dimensity 6400. However, the P3x's faster 45W charging is a significant benefit for those constantly on the go.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme P3x Honor X9b
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, February 182023, October 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, February 28Available. Released 2023, October
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)-
Dimensions165.7 x 76.2 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight197 g (6.95 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
Display
ProtectionArmorShell glass-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 950 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 710
OSAndroid 15, Realme UI 6.0Android 13, Magic OS 7.2
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 2.88", 0.61µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple-108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama-
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, BLE Audio5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging45W wired 5W reverse wired35W wired Reverse wired
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 6000 mAhLi-Po 5800 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Blue, Stellar Pink, Lunar SilverSunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green
ModelsRMX3944ALI-NX1
Price₹ 12,990About 970 EUR

Realme P3x

  • Faster 45W wired charging
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Reverse wired charging for accessories

  • Less efficient 6nm Dimensity 6400 chipset
  • Likely to throttle under sustained load
  • Potentially lower peak performance

Honor X9b

  • More efficient 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset
  • Better thermal management
  • Smoother sustained performance

  • Slower 35W wired charging
  • Potentially higher price point
  • May lack some of Realme's software features

Display Comparison

While display specifications aren't provided, both phones likely feature LCD panels typical of this price segment. The key difference will be color accuracy and peak brightness. Given Honor's history, the X9b may offer slightly more refined color calibration. Bezels are expected to be comparable, with neither phone likely pushing the boundaries of edge-to-edge display technology. PWM dimming rates are unknown, but a higher rate on either device would benefit users sensitive to screen flicker.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, it's difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the focus should be on the main sensor. Assuming both phones include a primary camera, a larger sensor size on either device will capture more light and result in better low-light performance. Image processing algorithms will also play a crucial role. Honor typically emphasizes natural-looking images, while Realme often leans towards more vibrant, saturated colors. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either phone would be a significant advantage for video recording and reducing blur in low-light photos. The 2MP macro cameras often found on phones in this price range are generally of limited utility.

Performance

The core of the comparison lies in the chipsets. The Honor X9b’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) boasts a more efficient architecture than the Realme P3x’s Dimensity 6400 (6nm). This translates to better thermal performance under sustained load. While the P3x’s Cortex-A76 cores have a slightly higher clock speed (2.5GHz vs 2.2GHz on the X9b’s A78 cores), the A78 architecture is generally more efficient per clock cycle. The 4nm process further enhances the X9b’s efficiency. The X9b’s CPU configuration (4x2.2GHz A78 & 4x1.8GHz A55) is optimized for a balance of performance and power consumption, making it ideal for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The P3x’s (2x2.5GHz A76 & 6x2.0GHz A55) may show brief bursts of speed, but will likely throttle more quickly.

Battery Life

The Realme P3x’s 45W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Honor X9b’s 35W charging. This will result in significantly faster 0-100% charge times. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s superior efficiency in the X9b may offset a potentially smaller battery size. The P3x’s reverse wired charging (5W) is a useful feature for topping up accessories, while the X9b also offers reverse wired charging, though the wattage is unspecified. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the X9b is likely to offer comparable or even better endurance due to its more efficient chipset.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme P3x if you prioritize rapid charging and frequently need to top up your battery quickly. Its 45W charging is a clear advantage. Buy the Honor X9b if you value consistent performance during extended use, such as gaming or multitasking, and appreciate the efficiency gains of the 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset. The X9b is the better choice for users who demand a smoother, more reliable experience over longer periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings, but expect to potentially dial back some settings for consistently smooth frame rates, especially during intense firefights. The 4nm process and improved thermal management will help maintain performance for longer sessions compared to the Realme P3x.
❓ How much faster is the 45W charging on the Realme P3x compared to the 35W charging on the Honor X9b in real-world use?
The 45W charging on the Realme P3x will likely shave off around 20-30 minutes from a full 0-100% charge compared to the Honor X9b. While the exact time depends on battery capacity, the P3x will offer a significantly quicker top-up when you're short on time.
❓ Does the Dimensity 6400 in the Realme P3x suffer from significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 6400, being built on a 6nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling under sustained load compared to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. Expect performance to decrease slightly after prolonged gaming, potentially leading to dropped frames or stuttering.
❓ Which phone is better for multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously?
The Honor X9b, with its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, is better suited for multitasking. The more efficient chipset and optimized CPU architecture allow it to handle multiple apps running in the background without significant performance degradation.