The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y55 and Honor X9 5G represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. While both devices share a similar price point, they diverge significantly in their core components, particularly their chipsets and charging capabilities. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing faster charging and future-proofing with 5G, the Honor X9 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 695 offers a performance edge and 5G connectivity, while the 66W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the vivo Y55 remains a viable option for those prioritizing a stable, well-optimized experience and aren't immediately concerned with 5G.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 02 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 02 | Available. Released 2022, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 73.8 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.91 x 0.33 in) | 166.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Schott Xensation glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 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, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 50% in 27 min | 66W wired, 81% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Galaxy, Ice Dawn | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | - | ANY-NX1 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 240 EUR |
vivo Y55
- Potentially more optimized software experience due to simpler chipset.
- Reliable Snapdragon 680 platform for everyday tasks.
- Competitive 44W fast charging.
- Lacks 5G connectivity, limiting future-proofing.
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Snapdragon 695.
Honor X9 5G
- Faster 66W charging for quicker top-ups.
- 5G connectivity for future network compatibility.
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset for smoother performance.
- Software optimization may not be as refined as the vivo Y55.
- Potentially slightly higher price point.
Display Comparison
Neither vivo nor Honor provided display specs beyond resolution. Assuming both utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket, the display experience will likely be similar. However, the Honor X9 5G's potential for higher peak brightness, given the more powerful chipset driving it, could translate to better outdoor visibility. Bezels are expected to be comparable, and color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, requiring calibration for professional use.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing. The Snapdragon 695’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in the Honor X9 5G’s photos. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth/macro sensors; focusing on the main sensor’s megapixel count and aperture will be key to assessing image quality. We anticipate similar performance in well-lit conditions, but the Honor X9 5G should have an edge in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X9 5G’s Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) boasts a more modern architecture – Kryo 660 cores – compared to the vivo Y55’s Snapdragon 680 (6nm). While both are 6nm, the 695’s CPU configuration (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) offers a slight advantage over the Y55’s (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver). This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Honor. Crucially, the 695 integrates a 5G modem, offering future-proof connectivity, while the Y55 is limited to 4G. The GPU within the 695 will also provide a better gaming experience, though neither phone is designed for high-end titles.
Battery Life
Both phones feature sizable batteries, but the charging speeds are a significant differentiator. The Honor X9 5G’s 66W charging can deliver 81% charge in 30 minutes, drastically reducing downtime. The vivo Y55’s 44W charging, while respectable, takes 27 minutes to reach 50%. This means the Honor X9 5G will spend less time tethered to a charger, a crucial advantage for users on the go. While battery capacity wasn't provided, the Snapdragon 695's efficiency could offset any capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y55 if you need a reliable daily driver with a focus on efficient power management and don't require 5G connectivity. It's ideal for users who prioritize a smooth, consistent experience over raw performance. Buy the Honor X9 5G if you prefer faster charging speeds, the benefits of 5G connectivity for future network access, and a slightly more powerful processor for demanding applications and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Honor X9 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 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 gaming powerhouse, but it offers a better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 680 in the vivo Y55.
❓ How much faster is the 66W charging on the Honor X9 5G compared to the 44W on the vivo Y55 in real-world use?
The Honor X9 5G's 66W charging can deliver an 81% charge in 30 minutes, while the vivo Y55 takes 27 minutes to reach only 50%. This means a full charge on the Honor X9 5G will be significantly faster, saving you valuable time.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the vivo Y55 a major drawback?
If you live in an area with readily available 5G coverage and plan to keep your phone for several years, the lack of 5G on the vivo Y55 is a significant drawback. 5G offers faster download and upload speeds, and will become increasingly prevalent in the future.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos in low-light conditions?
The Honor X9 5G is likely to perform better in low-light conditions due to the more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 695 chipset. This ISP can process images more effectively, reducing noise and improving dynamic range.
