The Tecno Spark 9T and Honor X8c represent compelling options in the crowded sub-$200 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take distinctly different approaches to core components like the chipset and charging technology. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X8c emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 685 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better thermal management compared to the Tecno Spark 9T’s Helio G37. The 35W fast charging is a game-changer, significantly reducing recharge times.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 20 | 2025, January 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Available. Released 2025, January 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 161.1 x 74.6 x 7.1 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.28 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 32 MP, (wide) | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | 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 | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasonic) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Quantum Black, Burano Blue, Particle Silver, Vitality Green | Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple |
| Models | KH6 | ABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | € 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00 |
Tecno Spark 9T
- Lower price point makes it very accessible.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Acceptable performance for light usage.
- Slow 10W charging is a major drawback.
- Helio G37 chipset is less efficient and powerful.
- Potential for performance throttling under load.
Honor X8c
- Faster Snapdragon 685 chipset offers better performance.
- 35W fast charging significantly reduces recharge times.
- More efficient 6nm process improves battery life.
- Slightly higher price compared to the Tecno Spark 9T.
- May still struggle with demanding games at high settings.
- Display specifications are not exceptional.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the focus here is on the underlying processors impacting the user experience. A smoother UI, enabled by the Honor X8c’s more powerful chipset, will translate to a more responsive visual experience, even on a similarly specced panel.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role. Qualcomm’s ISPs are generally known for their superior image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos taken with the Honor X8c. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization, where the Snapdragon 685’s processing power could again provide an advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X8c’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Tecno Spark 9T’s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 685 delivers superior power efficiency, meaning less heat generation during sustained workloads and potentially less performance throttling. The Snapdragon 685’s CPU configuration – 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53 – also offers a performance edge over the Spark 9T’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times and a more fluid multitasking experience on the Honor X8c.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Honor X8c’s 35W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Tecno Spark 9T’s 10W charging is comparatively slow, requiring considerably longer to reach a full charge. The Snapdragon 685’s efficiency also contributes to better battery life, potentially offsetting any capacity differences. Users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their phone will greatly benefit from the Honor X8c’s faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 9T if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost above all else. Buy the Honor X8c if you value smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and significantly faster charging speeds, even if it means spending a little more. The X8c is the better all-rounder for users who demand more from their device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor X8c handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 685 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the Helio G37 in the Tecno Spark 9T, which may struggle even at lower settings.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Tecno Spark 9T with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, a full charge on the Tecno Spark 9T will likely take over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4, depending on the battery capacity. This is a considerable amount of time compared to the Honor X8c’s 35W charging, which can achieve a full charge in around an hour.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Helio G37 and Snapdragon 685 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 685 provides a smoother and more responsive experience when multitasking, opening apps, and browsing the web. The Helio G37 may exhibit slight lag or stuttering during these tasks, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Does the Honor X8c support any form of fast charging protocols beyond its 35W standard?
While specific protocol support isn't widely publicized, the Honor X8c likely supports standard USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) for fast charging compatibility with a wider range of chargers. However, to achieve the full 35W charging speed, using the included charger is recommended.
