The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Xiaomi Poco C75 5G and Honor X8a represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their core components – from chipsets and charging speeds to overall value – to determine which device emerges as the superior choice for different user profiles.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the Xiaomi Poco C75 5G is the better buy. Its Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset, built on a more efficient 4nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in responsiveness and thermal management over the Honor X8a’s Helio G88, despite similar CPU core configurations.
| 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, 28, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, December 17 | 2023, February 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, December 20 | Available. Released 2023, February 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.9 x 77.8 x 8.2 mm (6.77 x 3.06 x 0.32 in) | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.5 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 212.4 g (7.51 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4635 Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 611 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, HyperOS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Triple | - | 100 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (CRT-LX1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 22.5W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5160 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Bliss, Enchanted Green, Silver Stardust | Cyan Lake, Titanium Silver, Midnight Black |
| Models | MZB0IDJIN | CRT-LX1, CRT-LX2, CRT-LX3 |
| Price | ₹ 7,499 | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | - |
Xiaomi Poco C75 5G
- More efficient Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset
- Better long-term performance potential
- Potentially superior image processing
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely less refined software experience
Honor X8a
- Faster 22.5W charging with 30-minute 50% claim
- Potentially more polished software
- Aggressive marketing around camera features
- Less efficient Helio G88 chipset
- Potential for thermal throttling under load
- Lower overall performance ceiling
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut are missing, the focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, prioritizing vibrancy over absolute precision.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both will rely on primary sensors around the 50MP mark. The Honor X8a’s marketing often emphasizes camera capabilities, but the Poco C75 5G benefits from the Snapdragon’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally delivers better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both is largely marketing fluff and should be disregarded by serious photographers.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco C75 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (4nm) is a significant step up from the Honor X8a’s MediaTek Helio G88 (12nm). The 4nm fabrication process translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, crucial for sustained performance. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration, the Snapdragon’s architecture and process node give it an edge in real-world responsiveness. The Helio G88, while capable, will likely exhibit more throttling under prolonged load. RAM configurations are not specified, but LPDDR4X is probable on both, limiting memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
The Honor X8a’s 22.5W charging is a clear advantage over the Poco C75 5G’s 18W charging. Honor claims a 50% charge in 30 minutes, a significant convenience. Battery capacity is not specified, but both likely hover around the 5000mAh mark. The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2’s superior efficiency in the Poco C75 5G could offset the slower charging, potentially resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite the wattage difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco C75 5G if you need a phone capable of handling moderate multitasking, occasional gaming, and benefit from the efficiency of a modern 5G chipset. Buy the Honor X8a if you prioritize faster charging speeds and a potentially more polished software experience, accepting a trade-off in raw processing power and long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G88 in the Honor X8a struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G88 can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The chipset is prone to throttling under sustained load, potentially leading to stuttering and dropped frames during extended gaming sessions. The Poco C75 5G’s Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 will offer a smoother experience, even at medium settings.
❓ How much faster is the Honor X8a's 22.5W charging in real-world use compared to the Poco C75 5G's 18W?
Honor claims 50% charge in 30 minutes. While real-world results may vary, expect the X8a to charge noticeably faster, potentially shaving off 15-20 minutes for a full charge compared to the Poco C75 5G. However, the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2’s efficiency might partially offset this difference in overall usage time.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on both phones equally reliable?
Both phones support 5G, but the actual performance will depend on your carrier and location. The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 in the Poco C75 5G generally has a more advanced 5G modem, potentially offering slightly better signal reception and data speeds in fringe areas. However, the difference is unlikely to be significant for most users.
