The vivo Z3x and Honor 8X Max represent a fascinating intersection in the mid-range smartphone market. Both devices leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, but diverge in features like charging capabilities and potentially software optimization. This comparison aims to dissect these differences, revealing which phone delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing convenience and faster charging, the Honor 8X Max is the better choice. Its 18W charging support significantly reduces downtime compared to the Z3x, which lacks this feature. While performance is nearly identical, the added charging functionality provides a tangible benefit.
| 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, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | 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, April. Released 2019, May | 2018, September. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 154.8 x 75 x 7.9 mm (6.09 x 2.95 x 0.31 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 | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~350 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~84.2% 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 (4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 512 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 | 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 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, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3260 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Aurora | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | V1730GA | ARE-AL00, ARE-L22HN, ARE-AL10 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 250 EUR |
vivo Z3x
- Potentially cleaner software experience (based on vivo's brand reputation)
- Snapdragon 660 provides solid performance for the price
- Likely a competitive price point
- Lacks fast charging support
- No reverse wired charging
- Camera performance is unknown
Honor 8X Max
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- 5W reverse wired charging for added convenience
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed (1.95 GHz vs 2.2 GHz)
- Potentially more pre-installed software (based on Honor's history)
- Larger size may not appeal to all users
- Camera performance is unknown
Display Comparison
Both the vivo Z3x and Honor 8X Max likely feature IPS LCD panels, common for this price point. However, specific details like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The Honor 8X Max's larger screen size (implied by 'Max' branding) suggests a more immersive viewing experience, but this comes at the cost of potentially lower pixel density. Without knowing the exact panel specifications, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the larger display of the Honor 8X Max will appeal to media consumers.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable, making a direct comparison challenging. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and potentially depth or macro lenses. The image processing algorithms employed by vivo and Honor will be the key differentiator here. Vivo is known for its beauty mode and vibrant color profiles, while Honor typically aims for more natural-looking images. Without sample images or sensor size details, it's impossible to determine which phone captures superior photos.
Performance
The core performance of both devices is remarkably similar, stemming from the identical Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset. Both utilize an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.2 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores. The Honor 8X Max edges out the Z3x with a slightly higher clock speed on the Gold cores (1.95 GHz vs 2.2 GHz), but this difference is unlikely to be noticeable in real-world usage. The Snapdragon 660 is a capable SoC for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, but will struggle with demanding titles at high settings. RAM configurations are unknown, but will significantly impact multitasking performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Honor 8X Max boasts 18W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, a significant advantage over the vivo Z3x, which lacks fast charging. This means the Honor 8X Max can be charged much faster, reducing downtime. The 5W reverse wired charging allows the Honor 8X Max to act as a power bank for other devices, a useful feature for travelers or those with multiple gadgets. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Honor 8X Max's faster charging provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z3x if you prioritize a potentially cleaner software experience and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It's a solid option for users who don't heavily rely on quick top-ups. Buy the Honor 8X Max if you value faster charging, reverse wired charging, and a more feature-rich experience, even if it means potentially dealing with more pre-installed software.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 660 in the Honor 8X Max handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 660 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth frame rate. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's adequate for casual gaming.
❓ Does the Honor 8X Max's 18W charging significantly reduce charging time compared to a standard 5W charger?
Yes, 18W charging will dramatically reduce charging time. A standard 5W charger could take several hours to fully charge the battery, while 18W charging can bring it from 0% to 100% in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is a significant convenience factor.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Honor 8X Max useful for charging accessories like Bluetooth headphones?
While 5W reverse charging is slower than dedicated chargers, it's perfectly adequate for topping up small accessories like Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, or even a friend's phone in an emergency. It's a convenient feature to have, especially when you're away from a power outlet.
