Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Honor X6 and the Samsung Galaxy A35. We'll break down the specs, highlight the real-world implications, and figure out which phone is the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Honor X6 | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.7 × 75.1 × 8.7 mm, 194g | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm, 209g | A35 is slightly shorter and thinner but wider and heavier. X6 feels lighter but slightly thicker |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 offers superior screen protection, while X6's protection is unknown. This means the A35 is less prone to scratches and cracks. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both are reasonably sized, with A35 being 0.1" larger. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | A35's higher resolution will result in sharper images, text, and videos. The difference will be noticeable, especially for media consumption. |
| Pixel Density | 270 ppi | 390 ppi | A35 has significantly sharper display, making text and images clearer and less pixelated |
| Technology | TFT LCD | AMOLED | A35's AMOLED screen offers richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and is more power-efficient when using dark themes compared to the LCD of X6. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A35 provides smoother scrolling, animations, and transitions, improving the overall user experience compared to the standard 60Hz of X6. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical brightness, which can be a limitation in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | A35's newer 5nm chip provides significantly better performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 100,890 | 578,500 | The A35 will run significantly smoother and handle demanding apps and games much better than the X6. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35 has a faster and more powerful GPU, contributing to better graphics in apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96" sensor, Samsung GN8, 0.80µm pixels | While both have 50MP main cameras, A35's larger sensor and pixel size and the fact it uses a specific camera sensor model result in better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | A35's selfie camera provides significantly higher resolution photos and better low-light performance compared to the X6. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | A35 has a dedicated wide-angle lens to capture broader landscapes and group photos which the X6 lacks. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Honor X6 includes a dedicated portrait lens for depth effects in photos. A35 does not have a dedicated depth sensor |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixels | A35's higher resolution macro lens can capture more detailed close-up shots compared to the 2MP on X6. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@60fps, EIS, slow motion: 240fps | A35 offers far better video recording quality with 4K support, electronic image stabilization, and slow-motion at 240fps compared to the 1080p and lack of EIS of X6. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life given equal usage patterns. |
| Charging | 10W | 25W | The A35 charges significantly faster, which is a big plus for those who hate long charging times. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | A35 has a more up-to-date operating system and will likely receive updates for longer. |
| Wi-Fi | up to 802.11ac | up to 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | A35 supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard, which offers faster and more efficient wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 | A35 has a newer Bluetooth version with potentially better connection stability and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A35 offers slightly better location accuracy due to the QZSS system |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | A35 offers more internal storage options out of the box. The base of A35 is the top option of X6. |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB or 8GB | A35 offers higher RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and better handling of multiple apps at once. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The A35 offers enhanced audio quality with more advanced audio features, more immersive experiences. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Honor X6 uses a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor, A35 utilizes basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Fingerprint | The A35 boasts a broader sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Honor X6 Strengths:
- Lighter Design: At 194g, the Honor X6 is lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use.
- Dedicated Portrait Camera: Has a dedicated 2MP portrait lens.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more convenient design for unlocking the phone.
Honor X6 Limitations:
- Lower Resolution Display: The 720p display is noticeably less sharp than the A35's 1080p screen.
- Basic Performance: The Helio G25 chip is significantly weaker, resulting in slower performance.
- Basic Camera System: The cameras lack the advanced features of the A35, leading to poorer photos and videos.
- Older Software: Runs on an older version of Android, potentially limiting future feature updates.
- Basic Audio: Lacks advanced audio features like stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio.
- No Screen Protection: Unknown screen protection, making it more prone to damage
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors, smooth animations, and sharp details.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 1380 chip is much more powerful, providing smoother app experiences, multitasking, and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Better main and selfie cameras, plus an additional wide-angle lens and higher video resolution.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging dramatically reduces charging time.
- Modern Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, ensuring better features and longer update support.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, improving the audio experience
- Superior Screen Protection: Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Limitations:
- Heavier: Weighs 15g more than the Honor X6, which might be less comfortable for some.
- Basic Fingerprint Sensor: Lacks the side-mounted convenience found in Honor X6.
- No dedicated Portrait Camera: Lacks a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
- No Expandable Storage: Neither phone offers expandable storage
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Honor X6 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who are on a very tight budget and need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Light Users: Individuals who don't need high performance or advanced features.
- Users that prefer side fingerprint sensors: Its side mounted fingerprint sensor is a more convenient placement compared to the A35 basic fingerprint sensor.
Samsung Galaxy A35 is best for:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos and browsing content.
- Mobile Gamers: Those who want a smartphone capable of running demanding games smoothly.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile camera systems with better low-light performance.
- Power Users: Individuals who multitask frequently and need a phone that doesn't lag.
- Users who prefer audio quality: The phone boasts enhanced audio features
- Users that want their phone protected: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus will keep the screen scratch and crack free.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
- What is your primary use case? If it's basic communication, the Honor X6 will do. If you want to do more like photography, gaming, or watching videos, go for A35.
- How much do you value display quality? The A35's AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate is vastly superior to the X6’s TFT LCD screen.
- What is your budget? The A35 is a superior phone overall, but it comes at a higher price point.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I need a basic phone for calls and texts": If you need a secondary phone, then the Honor X6 will suffice.
- "I love watching movies and playing mobile games": The Samsung Galaxy A35 is the clear winner here with its superior display and performance.
- "I take a lot of pictures": The A35 has a more versatile camera system with better image quality and video recording.
- "I need a phone that lasts all day": Both have good battery life, but the A35 charges much faster.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I would unequivocally go for the Samsung Galaxy A35. The improvements in almost every aspect - display, performance, camera, and software - are just too significant to ignore. While the Honor X6 is lighter and has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, the trade-offs in performance and display quality are not worth it. The A35 provides a substantially better user experience, and those are features I value more. The A35 simply provides better value for the cost with its upgraded features.
