The ZTE nubia Focus and Honor X9b represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank, they take distinctly different approaches to core components, particularly in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world implications for performance, battery life, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the Honor X9b emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, built on a more efficient 4nm process, offers a noticeable advantage in both CPU and GPU tasks, alongside faster 35W charging. The nubia Focus remains a viable option for basic use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 28 | 2023, October 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, Q2 | Available. Released 2023, October |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.34 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 | 205.5 g (7.27 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1220 x 2652 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~431 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 112.6 cm2 (~91.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz (90Hz - LATAM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x Cortex-A76 & 4x Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Adreno 710 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
or
8 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W or 33W wired | 35W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Coral | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
| Models | Z2455 | ALI-NX1 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 970 EUR |
ZTE nubia Focus
- Potentially lower price point
- Unisoc T760 is adequate for basic tasks
- May offer longer battery life due to potentially larger battery (unconfirmed)
- Less powerful chipset compared to Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
- Slower charging speeds
- Likely shorter software support lifespan
Honor X9b
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset
- Faster 35W charging with reverse wired charging
- Likely better camera performance due to superior ISP
- Potentially longer software support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is still a mid-range chip
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels. The Honor X9b, being newer, may benefit from improved color calibration and potentially higher peak brightness. The absence of LTPO technology on either suggests standard refresh rates, impacting smoothness during scrolling and animations. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within their respective price brackets.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a crucial role in image signal processing (ISP). The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1’s ISP is generally more advanced, enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the X9b’s ISP will likely extract more detail and produce more vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes makes it impossible to determine which phone has a potential advantage in low-light photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X9b’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) is a significant step up from the ZTE nubia Focus’s Unisoc T760 (6nm). The 4nm fabrication process inherently provides better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance under load. While both CPUs feature octa-core architectures, the X9b utilizes four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2GHz, a more powerful design than the nubia Focus’s mix of A76 and A76 cores. This means the X9b will exhibit superior performance in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The Snapdragon’s Adreno GPU also offers a substantial graphical advantage. The X9b’s likely use of LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 RAM further enhances its performance edge.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Honor X9b’s 35W wired charging with reverse wired charging provides a clear advantage over the nubia Focus’s 22.5W or 33W options. Faster charging significantly reduces downtime, allowing users to quickly top up their battery. The 4nm process of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a slightly smaller battery capacity compared to the nubia Focus. Reverse wired charging on the X9b adds convenience for charging accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Focus if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. Buy the Honor X9b if you value smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, faster charging speeds, and a chipset that’s likely to receive longer software support. The X9b is the better investment for users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T760 in the nubia Focus struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Unisoc T760 is likely to struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact. While it can handle less demanding titles, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings significantly to achieve playable frame rates. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 in the Honor X9b offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the Honor X9b support 5G connectivity?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 typically includes 5G modem capabilities. However, 5G support also depends on regional carrier compatibility. It's advisable to check with your carrier to confirm 5G compatibility before purchasing.
❓ How much faster is the 35W charging on the Honor X9b compared to the nubia Focus's 22.5W/33W charging?
The 35W charging on the Honor X9b will likely charge the phone from 0-100% approximately 20-30% faster than the nubia Focus's 22.5W option, and around 10-15% faster than the 33W option. This translates to significantly less time tethered to a charger.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture (A78 vs A76) noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the Cortex-A78 cores in the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 offer a noticeable performance boost over the Cortex-A76 cores in the Unisoc T760, even in everyday tasks. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience.
