1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 168.9 × 79.7 × 9.1 mm | 161.1 × 74.6 × 6.8 mm | Nokia X20 is larger, which might be less comfortable for one-handed use; Honor X8b is slimmer and more pocketable |
| Weight | 220g | 166g | Honor X8b is significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use and portability |
Display
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference, both offer ample screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Very similar sharpness; both provide a good viewing experience for most content |
| PPI | 395 | 394 | Virtually identical pixel density, no practical difference in clarity |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Honor X8b has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, also better for battery saving with dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Honor X8b provides smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid user experience |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Honor X8b is significantly brighter, much better outdoor visibility, especially in sunlight |
Performance
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Nokia X20 has 5G capabilities while Honor X8b is 4G only. The 480 is slightly faster in terms of processing power. |
| Antutu Score | 323,425 | 250,000 | Nokia X20 offers slightly faster app loading and smoother overall performance |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Nokia X20's GPU is slightly better for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 | 108MP, f/1.75 | Honor X8b's higher resolution sensor captures more detail. Both have large apertures for decent low-light performance; Honor X8b likely edges slightly |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/2.1 | Honor X8b captures more detail in selfies, the difference in aperture is minimal in real life scenarios. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP | 5MP, f/2.2 | Comparable wide-angle quality; both good for landscape shots and group photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP | None | Nokia X20 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait effects; Honor X8b relies on software processing for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer basic macro shots for close-up photography |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, Slow-mo 120fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo 120fps | Both phones offer similar video recording capabilities; sufficient for social media videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4470mAh | 4500mAh | Negligible difference in battery capacity; both offer similar battery life |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 35W Fast Charging | Honor X8b charges significantly faster, reducing downtime |
| Removable | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have integrated batteries (standard for most modern phones) |
Other
| Feature | Nokia X20 | Honor X8b | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 13 | Honor X8b comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. Nokia X20 has an upgrade path but may be limited in time. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Both offer good Wi-Fi capabilities; Honor X8b supports Wi-Fi Display |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP | 5.0 LE, A2DP, SBC, AAC | Both phones support basic Bluetooth audio, Honor X8b has additional audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, GPS (L1+L5) | Both have accurate GPS; Honor X8b offers dual frequency GPS for better accuracy |
| Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB | Honor X8b offers more storage options (up to 512 GB); Nokia X20 is limited to 128 GB. Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | Both are good for multitasking; Honor X8b consistently offers 8 GB of RAM |
| Audio | 2 microphones | Basic Audio Features | Nokia X20 may have slightly better microphone pickup for calls and voice recordings |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Both offer convenient and secure biometric authentication |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Unable to compare, as the specifications are unknown. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Gravity | Nokia X20 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, while Honor X8b includes gravity and ultrasonic proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Nokia X20 Advantages:
- Slightly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 480 5G offers a slightly higher Antutu benchmark score (323,425 vs 250,000). It has 5G capabilities.
- More Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a gyroscope which is useful for AR/VR apps and games.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated 2MP depth sensor, which is beneficial for portrait photos.
- 2 Microphones Offers dual microphones which is beneficial for audio recording.
Honor X8b Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness (2000 nits) provides a better visual experience with more vibrant colors and better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 35W charging is much quicker compared to 18W on the Nokia X20.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: The 108MP main and 50MP selfie cameras capture more detailed photos.
- More Storage Options: Available with 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of internal storage, compared to the 128GB of the Nokia X20.
- More advanced Bluetooth codecs: Better audio quality.
- Lighter and Slimmer: Honor X8b is much lighter and slimmer making it more portable and comfortable to hold.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box
Significant Trade-offs:
- Nokia X20: Slightly better performance and a depth sensor at the cost of an older IPS LCD screen, slower charging, and heavier design.
- Honor X8b: Superior display and camera quality with faster charging but trades off a little processing power, sensor capability, and dual microphones. It lacks 5G capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Nokia X20 Ideal User:
- Gamers/AR Enthusiasts: Those who want slightly better performance and a gyroscope.
- Users Who Prefer Simple Functionality Users who prefer devices with less camera frills.
- Users who need dual microphones for better audio recording
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with better processing power and a gyroscope.
- AR/VR experiences using the gyroscope
- Reliable performance for everyday apps and tasks.
Honor X8b Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize display quality for watching videos and browsing.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want high-resolution main and selfie cameras.
- Users Who Value Portability: Those who prefer a slim and lightweight phone.
- Users who value fast charging
- Users who prefer to have more storage
Use Cases:
- Enjoying movies, TV shows, and social media on a vivid display.
- Taking detailed photos and selfies.
- Using the phone for longer periods with a lightweight design.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Honor X8b provides a higher value to those who prioritize display quality, fast charging, and good cameras. Nokia X20 offers good processing power, but its other specifications are less compelling.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display quality, or processing power? If display quality and higher brightness for outdoor visibility are more important, the Honor X8b is the clear winner. If processing power and 5G capabilities are more important, the Nokia X20 is better, but it is not a massive difference.
- Is battery charging speed important to you? The 35W charging on the Honor X8b is significantly faster than 18W charging of the Nokia X20.
- Is having 5G an important factor for you? Nokia X20 is 5G compatible while Honor X8b is 4G only.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy media consumption and photography: Choose the Honor X8b for its superior AMOLED display, faster charging, and higher resolution cameras.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gaming and AR apps: The Nokia X20 is a better choice for its slightly more powerful processor and gyroscope.
- Scenario 3: General daily use with a preference for portability: The Honor X8b is lighter, slimmer, and has faster charging, making it convenient for everyday use.
- Scenario 4: More storage flexibility is needed: Go with the Honor X8b as it offers options for storage at 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB.
What I would choose and why!
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Honor X8b. While the Nokia X20 has a slightly more powerful processor and a gyroscope which are enticing, the superior AMOLED display with its vibrant colors and higher brightness, combined with faster 35W charging and a more modern design, offer a much better overall user experience. The higher resolution cameras are also a big plus for me, as I like capturing memories and sharing it on social media. The lightweight and slim design of the Honor X8b make it a more comfortable companion for daily use. For my needs of media consumption, daily productivity, and casual photography, the Honor X8b provides a more balanced and enjoyable experience. Finally the newer Android version with upgrade options and more available storage make the Honor X8b the better choice.
