The iQOO U5 and Honor X9d represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches. The iQOO U5 relies on the established Snapdragon 695, while the Honor X9d debuts with the newer, more efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 4. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X9d emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift and improved power efficiency compared to the iQOO U5’s Snapdragon 695. The significantly faster 66W charging is a game-changer, offsetting the slightly smaller potential battery capacity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 24 | 2025, September 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 01 | Available. Released 2025, October 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 161.9 x 76.1 x 7.8 mm (6.37 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1200 x 2640 pixels (~427 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 112.1 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, HDR10 | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR, 800 nits (typ), 1800 nits (HBM), 6000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.3 GHz Cortex-A720s & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A720s & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520s) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 810 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 15, Magic OS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD/Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, compass, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 66W wired
7.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Si/C Li-Ion 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Gray, Aurora | Reddish Brown, Midnight Black, Sunrise Gold, Forest Green |
| Models | V2165A | MTN-NX1 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 300 EUR |
vivo iQOO U5
- Potentially lower price point
- Proven Snapdragon 695 platform
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Less efficient Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Likely shorter software support lifespan
Honor X9d
- Faster Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset
- Significantly faster 66W charging
- Improved power efficiency
- 7.5W reverse wired charging
- Potentially higher price
- Newer chipset may have initial software quirks
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, both likely feature LCD panels with FHD+ resolution. The Honor X9d, being a newer release, *may* benefit from slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of information regarding refresh rates or PWM dimming makes it difficult to assess potential advantages for users sensitive to flicker.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is impossible. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. The iQOO U5’s image processing will likely lean towards a more saturated look, typical of vivo’s camera tuning. The Honor X9d, benefiting from a newer ISP within the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, *could* offer improved dynamic range and noise reduction, particularly in low-light conditions. The absence of OIS information suggests neither phone will excel in challenging lighting scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X9d’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the iQOO U5’s Snapdragon 695 (6nm). The Gen 4 utilizes newer Cortex-A720s cores, offering improved single-core and multi-core performance. The 4nm process node translates to better thermal efficiency, meaning the X9d is less likely to throttle under sustained load, benefiting gamers and multi-taskers. While both are octa-core CPUs, the X9d’s core configuration (1x2.3GHz + 3x2.2GHz + 4x1.8GHz) suggests a more aggressive performance profile than the iQOO U5’s (2x2.2GHz + 6x1.7GHz).
Battery Life
The Honor X9d’s 66W wired charging is a standout feature, allowing for a significantly faster 0-100% charge compared to the iQOO U5’s 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential disadvantage from a smaller battery. The X9d also includes 7.5W reverse wired charging, a convenient feature for topping up accessories, which the iQOO U5 lacks. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4’s improved power efficiency further contributes to potentially longer real-world battery life on the Honor X9d.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U5 if you prioritize a proven, if slightly older, platform and are on an extremely tight budget. It’s a functional device for basic tasks and light 5G usage. Buy the Honor X9d if you value faster performance, significantly quicker charging speeds, and a more modern chipset that will likely receive longer software support. It’s the better investment for users who want a phone that can keep up with their daily demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 in the Honor X9d handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 represents a substantial improvement over the 695, and should provide a playable experience in PUBG Mobile at medium settings. However, don't expect flagship-level performance; you may need to lower graphics settings for consistently smooth frame rates. The improved thermal efficiency of the 4nm process will also help prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Honor X9d with the 66W charger?
With 66W charging, the Honor X9d should be able to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on the battery capacity. This is a significant advantage over the iQOO U5’s 18W charging, which would likely take over 2 hours for a full charge.
❓ Does the Honor X9d support 5G connectivity, and what 5G bands are compatible?
Yes, the Honor X9d utilizes the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, which includes an integrated 5G modem. Specific 5G band compatibility will vary depending on the region and carrier. It's crucial to check with your local carrier to ensure the X9d supports the 5G bands used in your area.
