The Xiaomi Redmi 13x and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this goal, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences and more, helping you determine which device best suits your priorities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and sustained performance, the Honor X9b emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, built on a 4nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in thermal management and overall responsiveness compared to the Redmi 13x’s Helio G91 Ultra. However, the Redmi 13x remains a viable option for casual users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 28 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 28 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 168.6 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 550 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G91 Ultra (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14, HyperOS | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5030 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | 24049RN28L | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 970 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi 13x
- Potentially lower price point.
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks.
- 33W fast charging.
- Less efficient Helio G91 Ultra chipset.
- Likely more thermal throttling under load.
- Potentially inferior image processing.
Honor X9b
- More efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.
- Reverse wired charging capability.
- Potentially better sustained performance.
- Slightly higher price.
- May not offer a dramatically different camera experience without further specs.
- No significant standout features beyond the chipset.
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price bracket, both likely feature LCD panels. However, the Honor X9b, benefiting from a more modern chipset, may have access to more advanced display controllers, potentially leading to slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests standard refresh rates, likely 60Hz or 90Hz. Bezels are expected to be comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset plays a role in image signal processing (ISP) capabilities. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 likely benefits from Qualcomm’s more advanced ISP, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos. The Redmi 13x’s Helio G91 Ultra is capable, but may struggle to match the X9b’s processing power in challenging lighting conditions. The presence or absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device would be a significant differentiator, but is unknown.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) boasts a more modern architecture with 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, offering a significant performance uplift over the Redmi 13x’s MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra (12nm) and its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. The 4nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon is crucial; it translates to significantly improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, meaning the X9b will likely exhibit less throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. While both utilize Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency, the Snapdragon’s superior core count and architecture provide a clear advantage in multi-tasking and demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Redmi 13x supports 33W wired charging, while the Honor X9b offers 35W wired charging *and* reverse wired charging. While the wattage difference is minor, the reverse wired charging capability of the X9b is a notable convenience feature, allowing it to charge other devices. The actual 0-100% charging time will depend on battery capacity (not provided), but the X9b’s slightly higher wattage and more efficient chipset could result in faster charging times overall. Battery life will ultimately depend on usage patterns, but the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s efficiency should contribute to longer runtimes on the X9b.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 13x if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and value a slightly lower initial cost. Buy the Honor X9b if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, moderate gaming, and appreciate the benefits of a more efficient processor, even if it comes at a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G91 Ultra in the Redmi 13x struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G91 Ultra can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 12nm process and less powerful GPU compared to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 mean it will be more prone to frame drops and thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Honor X9b will offer a smoother, more consistent gaming experience.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b offer noticeable improvements in app loading times compared to the Redmi 13x?
Yes, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s more modern CPU architecture and faster processing speeds will result in noticeably quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking. While both phones will handle everyday apps adequately, the X9b will feel more responsive when switching between applications or launching demanding software.
❓ How much of a difference will the 4nm process of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 make in real-world battery life?
The 4nm process is a significant advantage for the Honor X9b. It allows the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 to operate more efficiently, consuming less power for the same level of performance. This translates to longer battery life, especially during demanding tasks like gaming or video streaming. You can expect a noticeable difference in standby time and overall usage duration.
