The vivo Z1Pro and Honor 8X Max represent a fascinating intersection of value and performance in the mid-range smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches, primarily centered around their respective Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This comparison will dissect the key differences between the Snapdragon 712-powered Z1Pro and the Snapdragon 660-equipped 8X Max, helping you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Z1Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 712 chipset, built on a more efficient 10nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the 14nm Snapdragon 660 in the Honor 8X Max. While both offer 18W charging, the Z1Pro’s superior processing power makes it better suited for demanding tasks and future-proofing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, July | 2018, September. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 162.4 x 77.3 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) | 177.6 x 86.3 x 8.1 mm (6.99 x 3.40 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201 g (7.09 oz) | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~350 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.12 inches, 127.8 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Funtouch 10 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9 (Pie), EMUI 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sonic Blue, Sonic Black, Mirror Black | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | 1951, PD1911F_EX, 1918 | ARE-AL00, ARE-L22HN, ARE-AL10 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | 0.75 W/kg (head) 0.40 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 184517 (v7)
GeekBench: 6001 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
vivo Z1Pro
- Faster Snapdragon 712 processor
- More efficient 10nm process
- Better gaming performance
- Improved image processing
- Lacks reverse wireless charging
- Potentially higher price
Honor 8X Max
- Lower price point
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Good value for budget users
- Slower Snapdragon 660 processor
- Less efficient 14nm process
- Limited gaming performance
- Potential for throttling under load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. The Z1Pro’s faster processor will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience and quicker app loading times, indirectly enhancing the perceived display quality. The Honor 8X Max, with its older chipset, will likely exhibit slightly more lag in these areas.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 712 in the Z1Pro will likely result in faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The 712’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced, allowing for more sophisticated noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. While both phones likely feature similar sensor sizes given their market segment, the Z1Pro’s chipset gives it an edge in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Z1Pro’s Snapdragon 712 (10nm) is a significant step up from the Honor 8X Max’s Snapdragon 660 (14nm). The 712 features Kryo 360 cores with higher clock speeds (2x2.3 GHz Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Silver) compared to the 660’s Kryo 260 cores (4x1.95 GHz Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Silver). This translates to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks. Crucially, the 10nm process node of the SDM712 offers better thermal efficiency, meaning sustained performance will be higher before throttling occurs, benefiting gamers and power users. The GPU in the 712 also provides a noticeable boost in graphics performance.
Battery Life
Both devices support 18W wired charging, offering comparable charging speeds. However, the Snapdragon 712’s improved efficiency means the Z1Pro will likely consume less power during typical usage, potentially resulting in slightly longer battery life despite potentially having similar battery capacities (data missing). The Honor 8X Max also features 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature allowing it to charge other devices, which the Z1Pro lacks. This is a minor convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z1Pro if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and a more responsive user experience. It’s ideal for users who want a phone that can handle everyday tasks with ease and offer some headroom for more demanding applications. Buy the Honor 8X Max if you are on a very tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic communication, social media, and light web browsing. Its focus is on providing essential functionality at the lowest possible price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 660 in the Honor 8X Max struggle with modern multitasking?
Yes, the Snapdragon 660, while capable, will show its age when handling numerous apps simultaneously. Expect occasional lag and app reloading, especially with memory-intensive applications. The Z1Pro’s Snapdragon 712 and potentially faster RAM (spec not provided, but likely LPDDR4X) will provide a much smoother multitasking experience.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the Honor 8X Max actually useful?
The 5W reverse charging is a slow trickle charge, best suited for topping up small accessories like Bluetooth earbuds or a smartwatch. It won’t significantly charge a smartphone quickly, but it can be a convenient feature in a pinch if you’re caught without a dedicated charger for a smaller device.
❓ Can the vivo Z1Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 712 in the Z1Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with reasonable frame rates. However, sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling, so extended gaming sessions might require lowering the graphics settings to maintain a smooth experience. The 8X Max will struggle with consistent performance in demanding titles.
