The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo S15e and Honor X9d represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. The S15e, powered by Samsung’s Exynos 1080, offers a proven track record, while the X9d brings Qualcomm’s newer, 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 to the table. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X9d emerges as the stronger choice. While the Exynos 1080 in the vivo S15e is a capable chip, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4’s more efficient 4nm process and architectural improvements translate to better sustained performance and potentially longer battery life, all at a similar price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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 | 2022, April 25 | 2025, September 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 30 | Available. Released 2025, October 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.6 x 8.5 mm (6.29 x 2.90 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Aluminosilicate glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1200 x 2640 pixels (~427 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.79 inches, 112.1 cm2 (~90.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR, 800 nits (typ), 1800 nits (HBM), 6000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.3 GHz Cortex-A720s & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A720s & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520s) |
| Chipset | Exynos 1080 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP10 | Adreno 810 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 15, Magic OS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, compass, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 50% in 18 min | 66W wired
7.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 4700 mAh | Si/C Li-Ion 8300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver/Pink | Reddish Brown, Midnight Black, Sunrise Gold, Forest Green |
| Models | V2190A | MTN-NX1 |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 300 EUR |
vivo S15e
- Proven Exynos 1080 performance
- Mature software ecosystem (Funtouch OS)
- Fast 66W wired charging
- 5nm process less efficient than Snapdragon 6 Gen 4’s 4nm
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
- Lacks reverse wireless charging
Honor X9d
- More efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4nm)
- Reverse wired charging for accessories
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is a newer platform, potential for early software bugs
- Honor’s Magic UI may not appeal to all users
- Lacks detailed display specifications
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display, focusing instead on value. While specific panel details (OLED vs LCD, peak brightness in nits) are missing, both likely target a similar FHD+ resolution. The key difference lies in potential software optimizations. Honor’s Magic UI often includes features like eye comfort mode, while vivo’s Funtouch OS offers similar options. Without detailed display testing, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner, but the absence of LTPO technology on either suggests neither will offer adaptive refresh rates for maximum efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4’s integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) benefits from Qualcomm’s advancements in computational photography. This could translate to better dynamic range and noise reduction in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, making steady hands or a tripod essential for sharp photos and videos. The 2MP macro cameras found on many phones in this price range are generally of limited utility, offering minimal detail and often inferior image quality compared to using the main sensor in close-up mode.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The vivo S15e’s Exynos 1080 (5nm) features a Cortex-A78 prime core clocked at 2.8GHz, paired with additional A78 cores. This is a solid configuration, but the Honor X9d’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4nm) utilizes newer Cortex-A720s cores at 2.3GHz. The 4nm process node is crucial; it allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. This means the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 is likely to deliver comparable, and potentially superior, sustained performance, especially in graphically demanding tasks, with less thermal throttling. The Snapdragon’s newer architecture also offers gains in AI processing, impacting camera performance and other smart features.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 66W wired charging, promising a quick top-up – vivo claims 50% charge in 18 minutes. The Honor X9d adds 7.5W reverse wired charging, a convenient feature for topping up accessories like earbuds. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4’s superior efficiency suggests the X9d will likely offer longer real-world battery life, even with a similar capacity to the S15e. The 4nm process allows for lower power consumption during both active use and standby.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S15e if you prioritize a phone with a slightly more mature software ecosystem and are comfortable with a chipset that, while powerful, may exhibit more thermal throttling under extended heavy loads. Buy the Honor X9d if you value efficiency, potentially longer gaming sessions without significant performance drops, and the benefits of Qualcomm’s latest mid-range silicon, including reverse wireless charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1080 in the vivo S15e overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1080 is a capable chip, but its 5nm process is less efficient than the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4’s 4nm. This means the S15e is more likely to experience thermal throttling during extended gaming, leading to reduced performance over time. While it won't shut down, expect frame rate drops in demanding titles.
❓ Is the 7.5W reverse charging on the Honor X9d actually useful?
Yes, the 7.5W reverse charging is a surprisingly handy feature. While slow, it's perfect for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even a friend's phone in a pinch. It's a convenience feature that the vivo S15e lacks.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 should deliver a smooth PUBG Mobile experience at high settings. The newer Cortex-A720s cores and 4nm process provide the necessary horsepower and thermal headroom for sustained performance. Expect stable frame rates and less noticeable lag compared to the Exynos 1080 under similar conditions.
❓ Are the camera differences between these phones noticeable in everyday photos?
While both phones likely have capable cameras, the Honor X9d’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 benefits from Qualcomm’s image processing expertise. Expect slightly better dynamic range, more accurate colors, and improved noise reduction, particularly in low-light scenarios. However, the difference won't be dramatic for casual users.
