Honor X9b vs vivo Y100i: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance and Value

The Honor X9b and vivo Y100i represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this goal, primarily through their chipset choices and charging implementations. This comparison dissects those differences to help you determine which device best suits your priorities.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the Honor X9b emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, built on a more efficient 4nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in multi-tasking and gaming, despite the vivo Y100i’s faster 44W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo Y100i Honor X9b
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41
5G bands1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, November 302023, October 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, December 02Available. Released 2023, October
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back-
Dimensions164.1 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190 g (6.70 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2388 pixels (~395 ppi density)1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density)
Size6.64 inches, 106.8 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 710
OSAndroid 13, OriginOS 3Android 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
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple-108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging44W wired Reverse wired35W wired Reverse wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5800 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, PinkSunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green
ModelsV2279AALI-NX1
PriceAbout 210 EURAbout 970 EUR

vivo Y100i

  • Faster 44W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
  • Reverse wired charging for accessory support.
  • Potentially more affordable price point.

  • Less efficient 7nm Dimensity 6020 chipset.
  • Cortex-A76 cores offer lower peak performance than A78.
  • Likely to throttle more under sustained load.

Honor X9b

  • More efficient 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.
  • Cortex-A78 cores deliver superior performance.
  • Better thermal management for sustained performance.
  • Reverse wired charging for accessory support.

  • Slower 35W wired charging.
  • Potentially higher price point.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are missing, the focus should be on real-world viewing angles and color accuracy. The absence of high refresh rates on either device suggests a focus on battery life over visual fluidity.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market segment suggests both phones will rely on primary sensors in the 50MP-100MP range. Image processing will be a key differentiator. Honor typically emphasizes vibrant, social media-ready images, while vivo often aims for a more natural look. The absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization, which may struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.

Performance

The core battleground is the chipset. The Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) holds a clear architectural advantage over the vivo Y100i’s MediaTek Dimensity 6020 (7nm). The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 utilizes Cortex-A78 cores, offering superior single-core performance compared to the Dimensity 6020’s Cortex-A76 cores. This translates to snappier app launches and a more responsive user experience. Furthermore, the 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 results in improved thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Dimensity 6020, while capable, will likely exhibit more thermal limitations under sustained load.

Battery Life

The vivo Y100i’s 44W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Honor X9b’s 35W charging. This translates to faster top-up times, potentially reducing downtime. However, battery life is a more complex equation. While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s 4nm efficiency could offset the difference in charging speeds, resulting in comparable real-world battery endurance. The inclusion of reverse wired charging on both devices is a convenient feature for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo Y100i if you prioritize rapid charging and frequently top up your phone throughout the day. Its 44W charging is a significant advantage for those who dislike waiting. Buy the Honor X9b if you value consistent performance during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and appreciate the efficiency benefits of a newer, 4nm chipset, even if it means slightly slower charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 6020 in the vivo Y100i struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 6020 is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The 7nm process and Cortex-A76 cores will be a limiting factor compared to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, which offers more headroom for demanding titles.
❓ How much faster is the 44W charging on the vivo Y100i compared to the 35W charging on the Honor X9b in a real-world scenario?
Expect the vivo Y100i to charge from 0-100% approximately 20-30 minutes faster than the Honor X9b. While the exact charging times depend on battery capacity, the 9W difference in charging wattage is substantial and will be noticeable in daily use.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b get noticeably warm during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1's 4nm process is designed to mitigate heat buildup. While some warmth is inevitable during extended gaming, it's less likely to experience significant throttling compared to the vivo Y100i's Dimensity 6020, which operates on a less efficient 7nm node.