The iQOO U5x and Honor X8c represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6-series, but diverge significantly in charging speed and CPU architecture. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X8c emerges as the superior choice. Its 35W fast charging dramatically reduces downtime, and the slightly more powerful Snapdragon 685 CPU offers a noticeable performance edge in demanding tasks. While the iQOO U5x is a capable device, the X8c’s charging advantage is a game-changer.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 28 | 2025, January 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 28 | Available. Released 2025, January 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 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 | 179 g (6.31 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 (~83.0% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
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 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive | 5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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 | 10W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Light Blue | Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple |
| Models | V2180GA | ABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | € 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00 |
vivo iQOO U5x
- Potentially lower price point
- Efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Reliable Qualcomm platform
- Extremely slow 10W charging
- Less powerful CPU compared to the X8c
- Likely basic camera performance
Honor X8c
- Significantly faster 35W charging
- More powerful Snapdragon 685 CPU
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- Slightly higher price
- May not have a dramatically better camera
- Still a budget-focused device
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Without specific display specs, it's reasonable to assume similar resolutions (likely 1080p+) and refresh rates (60Hz). The real difference lies elsewhere. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be typical for budget phones – adequate, but not color-critical.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and supporting lenses (depth, macro). The image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 685 might offer slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction. The aperture of the main sensor will be a key factor; a wider aperture (lower f-number) will allow more light in, resulting in better low-light performance. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) would be a significant differentiator, but is unlikely in this price range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X8c’s Snapdragon 685 features a more modern CPU configuration with 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 cores, compared to the iQOO U5x’s 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold cores. While both are octa-core designs built on a 6nm process, the Cortex-A73 cores in the 685 offer a performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks like app loading and multitasking. The Kryo 265 Gold cores in the U5x are optimized for efficiency, but lag behind in raw processing power. Both phones likely share similar RAM configurations, but the 685’s CPU advantage will be more noticeable than any RAM differences.
Battery Life
The Honor X8c’s 35W wired charging is the standout feature. This will drastically reduce charging times compared to the iQOO U5x’s slow 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential capacity disadvantage. A full charge on the X8c could take under an hour, while the U5x will likely require several hours. This difference is crucial for users who need to quickly top up their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U5x if your priority is a slightly lower initial cost and you aren't heavily reliant on quick top-ups. It's a solid option for basic smartphone use. Buy the Honor X8c if you value faster charging, a more responsive user experience, and are willing to spend a little more for the convenience of significantly reduced charging times. It’s ideal for users who actively use their phones throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor X8c handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 685 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's sufficient for casual gaming.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to charge the iQOO U5x from 0% to 100%?
With only 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours. This is a significant drawback for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Is the 35W charging on the Honor X8c compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
While the Honor X8c supports 35W charging, it's best to use the charger included in the box to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Compatibility with third-party PD chargers may vary.
❓ Does either phone have a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage?
This information isn't provided. However, many phones in this price range *do* include a microSD card slot, so it's worth checking the official specifications or user reviews to confirm.
