The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor X50 GT and vivo S18e represent compelling options for users seeking a balance of performance and price. The X50 GT leverages the older, but still potent, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, while the S18e opts for the more recent, efficiency-focused Mediatek Dimensity 7200. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and gaming capabilities, the Honor X50 GT is the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. However, the vivo S18e offers a more balanced experience with its efficient Dimensity 7200, faster 80W charging, and potentially better thermal management for sustained tasks, making it ideal for everyday users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December 14 | 2024, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 13 | Available. Released 2024, January 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 162.4 x 74.9 x 7.7 mm (6.39 x 2.95 x 0.30 in) | 163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1800 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC4 | Adreno 730 |
| OS | Android 14, OriginOS 4 | Android 13, MagicOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.95", 0.65µm, PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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/6, 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, gyro, ultrasound proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 80W wired, PD
Reverse wired | 35W wired
7.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 4800 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Silver | Black, Silver |
| Models | V2334A | ALP-AN00 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 260 EUR |
vivo S18e
- Superior gaming performance with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Potentially better image processing
- Stronger peak performance for demanding apps
- Slower 35W charging
- Potentially higher thermal throttling
- Likely shorter battery life under heavy load
Honor X50 GT
- Faster 80W wired charging
- More efficient Dimensity 7200 chipset
- Potentially better thermal management
- Reverse wired charging
- Lower peak performance compared to Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- May struggle with the most demanding games
- Image processing may not match the X50 GT
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the X50 GT's gaming focus, it likely features a higher refresh rate panel. The S18e, positioned as a more style-conscious device, may prioritize color accuracy and viewing angles. Without knowing the panel technology (AMOLED vs. LCD) or resolution, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. Bezels and peak brightness will be key differentiators once confirmed.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, analysis is limited. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 typically offers superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance on the Honor X50 GT. However, vivo is known for its image processing prowess, and the S18e could compensate with software optimizations. Sensor size and aperture are crucial factors missing from the provided data. A larger sensor generally captures more light, improving image quality, especially in challenging conditions. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) would also be a significant differentiator.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X50 GT’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) boasts a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 3.0 GHz, alongside three Cortex-A710 performance cores and four Cortex-A510 efficiency cores. This configuration delivers significantly higher peak performance than the vivo S18e’s Dimensity 7200 (4nm), which uses two Cortex-A715 cores at 2.8 GHz and six Cortex-A510 cores. While both are 4nm chips, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1’s architecture is geared towards sustained high performance, making it superior for demanding games. However, the Dimensity 7200’s architecture is more efficient, potentially leading to better thermal management and longer battery life during less intensive tasks. The X50 GT will likely exhibit higher benchmark scores, but the S18e may maintain smoother performance over extended periods due to less throttling.
Battery Life
The Honor X50 GT’s 35W charging is considerably slower than the vivo S18e’s 80W wired charging. This means the S18e will significantly reduce downtime, potentially adding hours of use in just minutes. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Dimensity 7200’s efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery size in the S18e. The X50 GT’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is more power-hungry, meaning it will likely drain the battery faster under heavy load. The S18e’s reverse wired charging capability is also a convenience feature absent on the X50 GT.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S18e if you need a phone that excels at daily tasks, offers fast charging, and prioritizes efficiency for all-day battery life. It’s the better choice for social media users, content consumers, and those who value a sleek design. Buy the Honor X50 GT if you prefer a phone capable of handling demanding games and applications, and you’re willing to trade some battery life and potentially deal with more heat for that extra performance boost. It’s geared towards mobile gamers and power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Honor X50 GT overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is known to generate heat under sustained load. While Honor likely implements thermal management solutions, some throttling is possible during extended gaming. The Dimensity 7200 in the S18e is generally more efficient and less prone to overheating, offering potentially more consistent performance over longer periods.
❓ How much faster is the 80W charging on the vivo S18e compared to the 35W charging on the Honor X50 GT?
The 80W charging on the S18e will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a full charge in approximately 30-40 minutes, while the X50 GT’s 35W charging will likely take over an hour. This difference is substantial for users who prioritize minimizing downtime.
❓ Is the Dimensity 7200 in the vivo S18e powerful enough for popular games like PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 7200 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Genshin Impact, but you may need to lower graphics settings to achieve consistently smooth frame rates. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the X50 GT will provide a more comfortable experience with higher graphics settings and more stable performance.
❓ Does the Honor X50 GT support any gaming-specific features like trigger buttons or dedicated cooling systems?
The provided specifications do not mention any gaming-specific features. However, given the X50 GT's positioning, it's possible it includes software optimizations for gaming or a more advanced cooling solution than the S18e. Further research is needed to confirm.
