The Honor X8c and vivo V23e represent compelling options in the crowded sub-$250 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this. The X8c leverages Qualcomm’s efficiency-focused Snapdragon 685, while the V23e opts for MediaTek’s Helio G96, prioritizing raw processing power. This comparison dissects these choices, revealing which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-day battery life and consistent performance, the Honor X8c emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 685, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers better thermal management and sustained performance than the vivo V23e’s Helio G96, despite a slightly lower peak CPU clock speed.
| 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, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 09 | 2025, January 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 09 | Available. Released 2025, January 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 74.3 x 7.4 mm (6.33 x 2.93 x 0.29 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 | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 15, MagicOS 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasonic) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 69% in 30 min | 35W wired |
| Type | 4050 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Aurora | Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple |
| Models | - | ABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | € 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00 |
vivo V23e
- Faster 44W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for short bursts.
- MediaTek’s image processing algorithms can produce vibrant photos.
- Less efficient 12nm process leads to higher power consumption.
- Potential for thermal throttling during extended use.
- Battery life likely shorter than the Honor X8c.
Honor X8c
- More efficient 6nm Snapdragon 685 for better battery life.
- Sustained performance due to superior thermal management.
- Qualcomm’s ISP delivers strong image processing.
- Slower 35W charging compared to the vivo V23e.
- Lower peak CPU clock speed compared to the Helio G96.
- May not achieve the highest frame rates in demanding games.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like OLED vs. LCD) are missing, the focus here is on performance. The absence of high refresh rates on both suggests a cost-saving measure. The real difference lies under the hood; the efficiency of the Snapdragon 685 in the X8c could translate to slightly better battery life even with similar display characteristics, as it reduces the overall system load.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 685 is generally known for its strong image processing capabilities, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Helio G96 also has a capable ISP, but the 6nm process allows the X8c to potentially handle image processing tasks more efficiently, reducing power consumption. The absence of OIS on either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X8c’s Snapdragon 685 (6nm) utilizes four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.8 GHz, paired with four Cortex-A53 cores. This contrasts with the vivo V23e’s Helio G96 (12nm), featuring two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.05 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores. While the G96’s A76 cores offer higher single-core performance, the 6nm process of the Snapdragon 685 provides a significant advantage in power efficiency and sustained performance. The G96’s larger node means more heat generation, potentially leading to throttling during prolonged gaming or intensive tasks. The X8c’s architecture favors consistent performance over short bursts of speed.
Battery Life
The vivo V23e’s 44W charging is faster than the Honor X8c’s 35W, achieving 69% charge in 30 minutes. However, the Snapdragon 685’s superior efficiency means the X8c will likely offer longer overall battery life despite the slightly slower charging speed. The G96’s power draw will deplete the battery faster during active use, requiring more frequent charging. The X8c prioritizes endurance, while the V23e focuses on quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V23e if you frequently engage in graphically demanding tasks like mobile gaming and need the potential for higher frame rates, even if it comes at the cost of battery life. Buy the Honor X8c if you prioritize a smooth, reliable daily experience with excellent battery endurance and appreciate a more efficient chipset that minimizes throttling during extended use. The X8c is ideal for everyday users, social media enthusiasts, and those who value longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G96 in the vivo V23e overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G96, built on a 12nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Snapdragon 685. While it can deliver higher peak performance, expect frame rate drops and reduced performance after extended gaming sessions. The larger process node generates more heat, which the phone struggles to dissipate effectively.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 6nm process of the Snapdragon 685 make in the Honor X8c?
The 6nm process is a significant advantage for the X8c. It translates to lower power consumption at the same performance level, or higher performance at the same power consumption. This means longer battery life, cooler operation, and more consistent performance during demanding tasks. You'll notice this difference in everyday use and during extended gaming.
❓ Is the 44W charging on the vivo V23e a game-changer?
While 44W is faster than the X8c’s 35W, the difference isn’t massive. The V23e can reach 69% in 30 minutes, but the X8c’s superior battery efficiency means you’ll likely need to charge it less frequently overall. The convenience of faster charging is offset by the shorter battery life.
❓ Which phone is better for multitasking?
The Honor X8c, with its Snapdragon 685, is better suited for multitasking. The more efficient chipset and thermal management allow it to handle multiple apps running simultaneously without significant performance degradation. The V23e’s Helio G96 may struggle with sustained multitasking due to potential throttling.
