The iQOO U5e and Honor X8c represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The iQOO U5e leverages MediaTek’s Dimensity 700, while the Honor X8c opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of these chipsets, alongside battery, charging, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing fast charging and potentially smoother multitasking, the Honor X8c emerges as the better choice. Its 35W charging significantly reduces downtime, and the Snapdragon 685, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a slight edge in sustained performance despite a lower clock speed. However, the iQOO U5e remains a viable option for those seeking a slightly more established brand within the vivo ecosystem.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 23 | 2025, January 14 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2025, January 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasonic) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver | Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple |
| Models | V2197A | ABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00 |
vivo iQOO U5e
- Established brand reputation (vivo/iQOO)
- Potentially strong single-core CPU performance
- Competitive price point
- Slower 18W charging
- Less efficient 7nm chipset
- Potentially lower GPU performance
Honor X8c
- Faster 35W charging
- More efficient 6nm Snapdragon 685 chipset
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Less established brand (Honor)
- CPU clock speeds are lower than iQOO U5e
- Software experience may differ
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 Honor X8c, being a newer release, *may* benefit from slightly improved color calibration or brightness. The absence of high refresh rate support is expected on both, focusing on maximizing battery life. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is highly probable on both. The Snapdragon 685’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions, due to Qualcomm’s established expertise in mobile imaging. However, the ultimate image quality will depend heavily on the sensor size and lens aperture, which are currently unknown.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO U5e’s Dimensity 700 (7nm) features a Cortex-A76 based CPU, offering strong single-core performance, but is built on a larger node. The Honor X8c’s Snapdragon 685 (6nm) utilizes Cortex-A73 cores, which are generally less powerful per clock cycle than the A76, but the 6nm process provides superior power efficiency. This means the Snapdragon 685 is likely to sustain peak performance for longer periods without thermal throttling. While the Dimensity 700’s CPU clock speeds (2x2.2 GHz + 6x2.0 GHz) appear higher, the architectural advantages of the 6nm Snapdragon 685 and its 4x2.8 GHz cores suggest a more balanced performance profile, particularly in graphically intensive tasks. The Snapdragon 685’s Adreno GPU will likely outperform the Mali-G52 MC2 in the Dimensity 700.
Battery Life
The battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Honor X8c’s 35W wired charging is a significant advantage over the iQOO U5e’s 18W charging. This translates to substantially faster charging times – potentially reducing a full charge from over 2 hours to under 1.5 hours. Even with a slightly smaller battery, the faster charging speed of the X8c makes it more convenient for users who need to quickly replenish their battery. The 6nm process of the Snapdragon 685 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life during moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U5e if you prioritize a brand with a strong track record in audio and software optimization, and if 18W charging is sufficient for your usage patterns. Buy the Honor X8c if you value faster charging speeds, a potentially more efficient chipset for longer gaming sessions, and are comfortable with Honor’s software experience. The X8c is ideal for users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor X8c struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 685 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 6nm process helps maintain stable performance during extended gaming sessions, minimizing throttling compared to the Dimensity 700. Expect to adjust graphics settings for optimal balance between visual fidelity and smoothness.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the iQOO U5e slow compared to the 35W on the Honor X8c? How much of a difference will I notice?
Yes, the difference is substantial. 18W charging will take significantly longer to fully charge the device – likely over 2 hours. The 35W charging on the Honor X8c can reduce this to around 1.5 hours or less. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly throughout the day.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates and for how long?
Historically, vivo (and iQOO) have offered relatively consistent software updates for their devices. Honor’s update track record is less predictable, having undergone changes following its separation from Huawei. While Honor is improving, the iQOO U5e likely has a slight edge in terms of long-term software support.
