The Tecno Camon 30 and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. The Camon 30 prioritizes charging speed and leverages Mediatek’s Helio G99 Ultimate, while the X9b focuses on efficiency with Qualcomm’s 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the Honor X9b emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, built on a 4nm process, offers superior efficiency and a more capable CPU, despite the Camon 30’s faster charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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, February 27 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 02 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) | - |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.3 x 7.7 mm (6.51 x 2.96 x 0.30 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 | - | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.9 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, HIOS 14 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB, 256GB 12GB | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.57", PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-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 | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone | - |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), AF | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | 70W wired, 0-100% in 45 min | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iceland Basaltic Dark, Uyuni Salt White, Sahara Sand Brown | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | CL6, CL6k | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | - | About 970 EUR |
Tecno Camon 30
- Significantly faster 70W charging
- Potentially lower price point (depending on market)
- Helio G99 Ultimate is a proven performer in its class
- Less efficient 6nm process may lead to throttling
- CPU architecture is older than the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
- No reverse charging
Honor X9b
- More efficient 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
- Superior CPU architecture with Cortex-A78 cores
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Slower 35W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially less impressive peak charging speed
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 absence of LTPO technology suggests neither will offer adaptive refresh rates for power saving. Bezels and color accuracy will likely be similar, with both aiming for acceptable, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. The real-world difference will likely come down to panel calibration, which requires hands-on testing.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image signal processing (ISP) capabilities. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon ISPs are generally regarded as more advanced, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in the X9b’s photos and videos. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and OIS makes it impossible to definitively declare a winner, but the Snapdragon’s ISP gives the X9b a slight edge. We can assume both phones will include standard features like portrait modes and night modes, but the quality of these will depend heavily on software optimization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X9b’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) boasts a more modern architecture with 4x Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the Tecno Camon 30’s Helio G99 Ultimate with 2x Cortex-A76 cores at the same speed. The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon is crucial; it translates to significantly better power efficiency and thermal management, meaning the X9b is less likely to throttle under sustained loads. While both have octa-core CPUs, the A78 cores in the Snapdragon offer a performance advantage in multi-threaded tasks and gaming. The Camon 30’s G99 Ultimate is a capable chip, but the X9b’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 provides a more refined and efficient experience.
Battery Life
The Tecno Camon 30’s 70W wired charging is a significant advantage, promising a 0-100% charge in just 45 minutes. The Honor X9b’s 35W charging is considerably slower. However, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s 4nm efficiency could offset the difference in battery capacity (which is unknown). The X9b also offers reverse wired charging, a convenient feature for topping up accessories. While the Camon 30 excels in charging speed, the X9b’s efficiency may result in comparable or even better real-world battery life, depending on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 30 if you absolutely need the fastest possible charging speeds and frequently find yourself topping up your battery throughout the day. Buy the Honor X9b if you value a more balanced experience with a focus on efficient performance, potentially longer battery life during moderate use, and a chipset built on a more advanced manufacturing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, the 4nm process and Cortex-A78 cores provide sufficient power for a smooth gaming experience, especially considering the phone's likely target resolution.
❓ How much faster is the 70W charging on the Tecno Camon 30 compared to the 35W charging on the Honor X9b in real-world use?
The Tecno Camon 30’s 70W charging will significantly reduce charging time. Expect a full charge in approximately 45 minutes, while the Honor X9b will likely take over an hour and a half. This difference is most noticeable when starting from a very low battery percentage.
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate in the Tecno Camon 30 get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G99 Ultimate is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 due to its 6nm process. Prolonged gaming or intensive tasks may lead to noticeable warming and potential throttling, impacting sustained performance. The Honor X9b’s 4nm Snapdragon is better equipped to handle heat.
