vivo V30 vs Honor X9b: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Snapdragon Power

The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo V30 and Honor X9b represent compelling options for users seeking a balance of features and affordability. While both leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform, they target slightly different priorities – the V30 with a focus on faster processing and charging, and the X9b aiming for a strong value proposition. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the vivo V30 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset delivers noticeably better performance, and the 80W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the Honor X9b offers a competitive price, the V30’s superior processing power and faster charging justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo V30 Honor X9b
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, February 042023, October 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, March 04Available. Released 2023, October
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, glass back-
Dimensions164.4 x 75.1 x 7.5 mm (6.47 x 2.96 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-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
Display
ProtectionSchott Alpha-
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak)AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 720Adreno 710
OSAndroid 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 14Android 13, Magic OS 7.2
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, 15mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF 2 MP, f/2.4 (market/region dependent)108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR-
Single50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired, PD, 100% in 48 min Reverse wired35W wired Reverse wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 5800 mAh
Misc
ColorsBloom White, Waving Aqua, Lush Green, Noble BlackSunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green
ModelsV2318ALI-NX1
PriceAbout 690 EURAbout 970 EUR

vivo V30

  • Faster Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset for superior performance
  • 80W fast charging for quick power-ups
  • Higher peak display brightness for better outdoor visibility

  • Likely higher price point compared to the Honor X9b
  • No information on storage options

Honor X9b

  • More affordable price point
  • Efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset for everyday tasks
  • Reverse wired charging for topping up accessories

  • Slower Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset limits gaming and multitasking
  • 35W charging is significantly slower than the V30

Display Comparison

While both devices likely employ AMOLED panels (data not provided), the vivo V30 boasts a measured peak brightness of 1253 nits, suggesting a significantly more visible display in direct sunlight compared to what is typical for the Honor X9b’s segment. The absence of refresh rate data for the X9b implies a standard 60Hz panel, while the V30 is likely to offer a smoother experience with a higher refresh rate. This brightness advantage benefits users who frequently consume content outdoors or in brightly lit environments.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset difference suggests the V30 will have a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor), enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 supports more advanced camera features, such as 4K HDR video recording, which may not be available on the X9b. While both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, the V30’s processing power will likely result in more detailed and vibrant images.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the vivo V30 utilizes the Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm), while the Honor X9b features the SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm). The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3’s CPU configuration – a 1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715, 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715, and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510 – is architecturally superior to the X9b’s 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55. This translates to faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 7 Gen 3’s more modern core design and higher clock speeds provide a tangible advantage for demanding tasks. The 4nm process node in both chips ensures reasonable thermal efficiency, but the 7 Gen 3’s more advanced architecture will likely result in better sustained performance under load.

Battery Life

The vivo V30 achieves a full charge in just 48 minutes with its 80W wired charging, a significant advantage over the Honor X9b’s 35W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the V30’s active use score of 15:01h demonstrates excellent battery life. The faster charging speed is a crucial benefit for users who need to quickly top up their device. The X9b’s slower charging will require a longer commitment to the wall, even if its battery capacity is comparable.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo V30 if you prioritize smooth multitasking, responsive gaming, and quick charging – ideal for power users and those constantly on the go. Buy the Honor X9b if you’re on a tighter budget and primarily need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light media consumption. The X9b represents excellent value for those less concerned with peak performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is capable of running many games, but it will likely require lower graphics settings and may experience frame drops in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. The V30’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 offers a significantly smoother gaming experience with higher settings and more consistent frame rates.
❓ How much faster is the 80W charging on the vivo V30 compared to the 35W charging on the Honor X9b in real-world use?
The 80W charging on the V30 can add a substantial amount of charge in a short period. While exact times depend on battery level, you can expect a full charge in approximately 48 minutes. The X9b’s 35W charging will take considerably longer, likely exceeding 90 minutes for a full charge, making the V30 a better choice for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their battery.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the vivo V30 offer noticeable improvements in app loading times compared to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1?
Yes, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3’s more powerful CPU and GPU result in significantly faster app loading times. You’ll notice a quicker response when launching apps, switching between tasks, and overall system responsiveness compared to the Honor X9b.