The sub-$250 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y38 and Honor X9b are two strong contenders. Both leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon series, but with different approaches. The Y38 prioritizes a newer, more efficient chipset, while the X9b opts for a step-up in processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and potentially longer software support, the vivo Y38 emerges as the winner. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, built on a 4nm process, offers a compelling blend of performance and power management. However, users demanding slightly more raw processing power for demanding apps or gaming should consider the Honor X9b.
| 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, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 02 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76 x 8 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.68 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 613 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | 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, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Dark Green | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | - | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | - | About 970 EUR |
vivo Y38
- Faster 44W charging
- More efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
- Potentially longer software support due to newer chipset
- Slightly less raw processing power than the X9b
- Camera specs are unknown
Honor X9b
- More Cortex-A78 cores for potentially better multitasking
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offers a performance step up
- Slower 35W charging
- Potentially less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display, focusing instead on value. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, both likely utilize LCD panels given their price point. The core difference lies in the chipsets powering the displays; the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the X9b *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but this is unlikely to be a significant difference in real-world use. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely employ a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes it impossible to determine which device captures better images. It's reasonable to assume both will perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will likely be a weak point for both. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Honor X9b’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) features 4x Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the vivo Y38’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4nm) with 2x Cortex-A78 cores at 2.2 GHz. While the X9b has more A78 cores, the Y38’s newer architecture and 4nm process could lead to comparable, or even superior, sustained performance due to better thermal management. The Y38’s CPU architecture is slightly more modern, potentially offering better single-core performance. Both devices will handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the X9b might show a slight edge in heavier multitasking or graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
The vivo Y38’s 44W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Honor X9b’s 35W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2’s efficiency in the Y38 could offset a potentially smaller battery size, resulting in comparable or even better real-world battery life. The Honor X9b’s inclusion of reverse wired charging is a useful feature for users who frequently need to charge other devices on the go.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y38 if you need a phone that excels in everyday tasks, offers excellent battery life, and benefits from a modern, efficient chipset. It's ideal for social media users, casual gamers, and those who value long-term software support. Buy the Honor X9b if you prefer a phone with a bit more processing muscle for multitasking, slightly more demanding games, and the convenience of reverse wired charging – making it a potential power bank for other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the vivo Y38 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a gaming powerhouse, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but it's perfectly playable for casual gaming. The 4nm process helps mitigate thermal throttling, maintaining performance for longer sessions.
❓ How useful is the reverse wired charging feature on the Honor X9b in real-world scenarios?
Reverse wired charging is a convenient feature for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches. However, the 35W output isn't particularly fast, so don't expect to fully charge a phone quickly. It's best suited for emergency situations or slowly replenishing smaller devices.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b overheat during prolonged use?
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is generally well-managed in terms of thermals. However, sustained gaming or heavy multitasking *could* lead to some heat buildup. The Honor X9b's thermal design will play a crucial role in preventing significant throttling, but it's unlikely to reach critical temperatures.
