The mid-range 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo V23e 5G and Honor X8 5G both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a solid smartphone experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily in their chipset choices and charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing quick top-ups and slightly better overall performance, the vivo V23e 5G emerges as the winner. Its 44W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Honor X8 5G’s 22.5W, and the Dimensity 810 offers a modest performance edge. However, the Honor X8 5G remains a compelling option for those on a tighter budget.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 23 | 2022, July 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 01 | Available. Released 2022, August 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.3 x 7.4 mm (6.33 x 2.93 x 0.29 in) | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (VNE-N41 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 69% in 30 min | 22.5W wired |
| Type | 4050 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunshine Coast (Sunshine Gold), Moonlight Shadow (Midnight Blue) | Midnight Black, Ocean Blue |
| Models | V2126 | VNE-N41 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 170 EUR |
vivo V23e 5G
- Faster 44W charging for quicker top-ups.
- More powerful Dimensity 810 chipset for smoother performance.
- Potentially better image processing due to the Dimensity 810's ISP.
- Price may be slightly higher than the Honor X8 5G.
- Specific battery capacity is unknown.
Honor X8 5G
- More affordable price point.
- Decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Likely good battery life (depending on capacity).
- Significantly slower 22.5W charging.
- Less powerful Snapdragon 480+ chipset.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like OLED vs. LCD, peak brightness in nits, or color gamut coverage) are absent from the provided data, both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather functional usability. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be adequate for typical consumption. Without further data, a clear winner is difficult to declare.
Camera Comparison
Without sensor size or aperture information, a detailed camera comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the primary sensor. It's reasonable to assume both will include standard wide, ultrawide, and potentially macro lenses. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image processing will rely heavily on software algorithms. The V23e 5G *may* have a slight edge due to the more powerful ISP within the Dimensity 810, potentially leading to better noise reduction and dynamic range. However, this is speculative without further data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo V23e 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) holds a clear architectural advantage over the Honor X8 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ (8nm). The 6nm process node generally translates to better power efficiency and thermal performance. The Dimensity 810’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, are also more powerful than the Snapdragon 480+'s Kryo 460 cores at 2.2 GHz. This means the V23e 5G will handle multitasking and demanding applications with greater ease. While both are octa-core CPUs, the architectural differences will be noticeable in sustained workloads. The Snapdragon 480+ is still capable for everyday tasks, but the Dimensity 810 provides headroom for more intensive use.
Battery Life
The battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but the charging wattage is a significant differentiator. The vivo V23e 5G’s 44W wired charging is substantially faster than the Honor X8 5G’s 22.5W. Vivo claims a 69% charge in 30 minutes, indicating a full charge could take around 45-50 minutes. The Honor X8 5G will likely require over 90 minutes for a full charge. This difference in charging speed is crucial for users who frequently need to top up their phones throughout the day. Even if the Honor X8 5G has a slightly larger battery capacity, the faster charging of the V23e 5G will likely result in less perceived downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V23e 5G if you need faster charging speeds and a slightly more responsive user experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. Buy the Honor X8 5G if you prioritize affordability and are willing to trade some charging speed and processing power for a lower price point. The X8 5G is ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and make calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 810 in the vivo V23e 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 810 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It's not a dedicated gaming chipset, so don't expect flagship-level performance. Expect playable frame rates at medium settings.
❓ How much slower is the 22.5W charging on the Honor X8 5G compared to the vivo V23e 5G in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The vivo V23e 5G can gain around 69% charge in 30 minutes, while the Honor X8 5G will likely take well over an hour to reach the same level. This means if you're often running low on battery, the V23e 5G's faster charging will be a significant convenience.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 480+ in the Honor X8 5G sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Snapdragon 480+ is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks. It will handle browsing, social media, messaging, and video streaming without any noticeable lag. It's when you push it with more demanding apps or multitasking that its limitations become apparent.
