The Realme V50s and Honor X8a represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches. The Realme V50s prioritizes processing power with its newer Dimensity 6100+ chipset, while the Honor X8a focuses on a balance of features including a relatively fast 22.5W charging solution.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Realme V50s is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 6100+ chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Honor X8a’s Helio G88. However, the Honor X8a’s 22.5W charging provides a quicker top-up, making it suitable for users who value convenience over raw speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 12 | 2023, February 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December 20 | Available. Released 2023, February 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | - | 100 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (CRT-LX1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 22.5W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple | Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black |
| Models | RMX3781, RMX3783 | CRT-LX1, CRT-LX2, CRT-LX3 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Realme V50s
- Significantly faster processor with the Dimensity 6100+
- More efficient 6nm chipset for better battery life under load
- Potentially better gaming performance due to improved GPU
- Likely slower charging speeds compared to the Honor X8a
- Battery capacity is unknown, potentially smaller than the X8a
Honor X8a
- Faster 22.5W charging with 50% charge in 30 minutes
- Potentially optimized software for display color accuracy
- Good value for everyday tasks and media consumption
- Older and less powerful Helio G88 chipset
- 12nm process node leads to lower power efficiency and potential throttling
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Honor X8a may benefit from a slightly more refined software implementation for color calibration, as Honor historically focuses on display quality. The Realme V50s, being newer, *could* incorporate a higher refresh rate, but this is speculative without further data.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role. The Dimensity 6100+ includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) capable of handling more complex image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance on the Realme V50s. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors, but the quality of the primary sensor will be the deciding factor, and that information is currently unavailable. We can expect the Realme V50s to have better video recording capabilities due to the more powerful ISP.
Performance
The Realme V50s’ Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Honor X8a’s Helio G88 (12nm). The 6nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal performance. Architecturally, the Dimensity 6100+ features a more modern CPU configuration with 2x Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the X8a’s 2x Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to faster single-core and multi-core performance, benefiting demanding applications and multitasking. The Dimensity 6100+ also boasts a more capable GPU, providing a smoother gaming experience. The larger process node of the Helio G88 will likely result in more throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Honor X8a’s 22.5W wired charging is a key advantage. The ability to reach 50% charge in 30 minutes offers a significant convenience factor. While the Realme V50s may have a larger battery, the slower charging speed (likely around 18W based on Realme’s typical budget offerings) will result in longer charging times. The Dimensity 6100+'s 6nm efficiency *could* offset some of this, providing comparable real-world battery life despite potentially slower charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V50s if you frequently multitask, play mobile games, or need a phone that will remain responsive for years to come. The Dimensity 6100+ provides a noticeable performance advantage. Buy the Honor X8a if you prioritize a balanced experience with a focus on quick charging and are less demanding in terms of processing power. It’s a good choice for everyday tasks and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G88 in the Honor X8a struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Helio G88 is a budget chipset and will likely require significantly reduced graphics settings and frame rates to achieve playable performance in demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential stuttering, especially during intense action sequences. The Realme V50s with the Dimensity 6100+ will offer a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the Dimensity 6100+ and the Helio G88 in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference won't be dramatic. However, when multitasking, opening multiple apps, or editing photos/videos, the Dimensity 6100+ will feel noticeably snappier and more responsive. The 6nm process and more modern CPU architecture provide a clear advantage in these scenarios.
❓ Is the 22.5W charging on the Honor X8a fast enough to quickly top up the battery during a short break?
Yes, the 22.5W charging is a significant benefit. Reaching 50% charge in 30 minutes is convenient for a quick boost when you're short on time. While not the fastest charging available, it's a practical speed for everyday use.