The Xiaomi Civi and Honor 90 Smart represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they take different approaches to processing power and charging technology. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing consistent performance and faster charging, the Xiaomi Civi emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset provides a noticeable edge in processing power, while the 55W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the Honor 90 Smart offers a viable alternative for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.
| 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, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 27 | 2024, April 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2024, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 158.3 x 71.5 x 7 mm (6.23 x 2.81 x 0.28 in) | 166.7 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.56 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~91.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | OLED, 1B colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 120Hz, 950 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 850 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, 24mm (wide), 0.8µm, AF | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 32 MP, 24mm (wide), 0.8µm, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | 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/6, 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 55W wired, QC4, 100% in 45 min | 35W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5330 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink | Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | 2109119BC | CLK-NX1, CLK-NX3 |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Xiaomi Civi
- Faster 55W charging with QC4 support
- More powerful Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset
- Potentially better image processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Battery capacity not specified, potentially smaller
Honor 90 Smart
- More affordable price point
- Efficient Dimensity 6020 chipset for everyday tasks
- Clean user experience (typical of Honor)
- Slower 35W charging
- Less powerful chipset for demanding applications
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price bracket, both likely feature AMOLED panels. However, the Xiaomi Civi, historically, has focused on display quality. We anticipate a slightly higher peak brightness and potentially better color accuracy on the Civi. The Honor 90 Smart will likely prioritize cost-effectiveness, potentially resulting in a slightly less vibrant display. Bezels are expected to be comparable, with both aiming for a modern, immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a role. The Snapdragon 778G’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more advanced, offering better image processing capabilities. We can expect the Civi to deliver slightly more detailed and dynamic range in photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Honor 90 Smart will likely rely more on software algorithms to enhance image quality. The absence of information regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) makes it difficult to assess video recording performance; its presence would be a significant advantage for either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Civi’s Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) boasts a more powerful CPU configuration – an octa-core setup with a prime Cortex-A78 core clocked at 2.4 GHz, alongside three additional Cortex-A78 cores at 2.2 GHz. This contrasts with the Honor 90 Smart’s MediaTek Dimensity 6020 (7nm), which features two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. The Snapdragon 778G’s more advanced core architecture and higher clock speeds translate to superior single-core and multi-core performance, benefiting demanding apps and gaming. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While the Dimensity 6020 is a capable chip, it’s geared towards efficiency rather than raw power.
Battery Life
The Honor 90 Smart’s 35W wired charging is a clear disadvantage compared to the Xiaomi Civi’s 55W wired charging, which supports QC4. The Civi can reach 100% charge in approximately 45 minutes, while the 90 Smart will require considerably longer. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the Civi mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day will greatly benefit from the Civi’s quicker charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Civi if you need a phone capable of handling demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, and value quick charging. Its Snapdragon 778G offers a smoother experience for multitasking and graphically intensive tasks. Buy the Honor 90 Smart if you prioritize affordability and a clean user experience, and your usage primarily revolves around everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light media consumption. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6020 in the Honor 90 Smart struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 6020 is capable, Genshin Impact and similar titles will likely require reduced graphics settings for a smooth experience. The Snapdragon 778G in the Xiaomi Civi offers a more comfortable gaming experience at higher settings due to its superior GPU performance.
❓ How much faster is the 55W charging on the Xiaomi Civi compared to the 35W charging on the Honor 90 Smart in real-world usage?
The Xiaomi Civi can fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 45 minutes. The Honor 90 Smart will likely take over an hour and fifteen minutes to achieve the same, representing a significant time saving with the Civi, especially for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Civi support expandable storage via microSD card?
This information is not provided in the specifications. However, Xiaomi often omits microSD card slots in their mid-range devices. It's advisable to check official product listings or reviews to confirm storage options before purchasing.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance between the Snapdragon 778G and Dimensity 6020 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks like browsing and social media, the difference will be minimal. Both chipsets are more than capable of handling these workloads. The performance gap becomes more apparent when multitasking, running demanding apps, or playing graphically intensive games.
