Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Honor X8a
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 162.9 × 74.5 × 7.5 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly thicker (8.7mm vs 7.5mm), while the Honor X8a is slightly wider. OnePlus 9 Pro has larger volume. |
| Weight | 197g | 179g | Honor X8a is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 1080x2388 | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly sharper text, images, and video. |
| PPI | 525 | 391 | OnePlus 9 Pro display is noticeably clearer and more detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Honor X8a offers an LCD screen which is a good entry level display technology | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro's screen is smoother, particularly for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro is much easier to see outdoors, even in direct sunlight. The Honor X8a's brightness is not known so direct outdoor visibility comparison cannot be assessed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro offers far superior performance, for demanding tasks and future proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 253,700 | OnePlus 9 Pro loads apps faster, has smoother multitasking, and higher gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | OnePlus 9 Pro's GPU handles graphically intensive games significantly better. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.8) | 100MP (f/1.9) | Honor X8a has higher MP but OnePlus 9 Pro has wider aperture. |
| Standard Camera Sensor | Sony IMX789 (1/1.43") | OnePlus 9 Pro has a higher end Sony sensor. The Honor X8a's standard camera sensor is not known. | |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 50MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | OnePlus 9 Pro captures far more detailed wide-angle photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP (f/2.4) | None | OnePlus 9 Pro allows for optical zoom, offering better image quality. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Honor X8a can capture very close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | OnePlus 9 Pro can capture artistic black and white photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.4) | 16MP (f/2.45) | Similar selfie camera specs, though OnePlus has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro records higher quality video with more features (HDR and EIS). |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | OnePlus 9 Pro has better video stabilization for smoother videos, Honor X8a lacks it. |
| DxOMark Camera Score | 122 | N/A | OnePlus 9 Pro has been tested and offers higher quality image capturing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both phones should have similar battery life with general use. |
| Charging | 65W fast charging | 22.5W fast charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges significantly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 50W | No | OnePlus 9 Pro offers wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | OnePlus 9 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | Honor X8a ships with a slightly newer Android OS, but OnePlus 9 Pro is upgradable to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | OnePlus 9 Pro has the latest WiFi standard and MIMO technology, offering faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a newer version of Bluetooth that is better, particularly for power consumption and speed. |
| GPS | More systems (L1+L5, etc.) | Basic systems | OnePlus 9 Pro has more accurate GPS for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones have the same storage capacity options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | OnePlus 9 Pro has more RAM available for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly better audio with Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Honor X8a has a more convenient and responsive fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro has a more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Gyroscope, etc. | Accelerometer, Compass | OnePlus 9 Pro has a gyroscope, which is important for augmented reality and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 888 chipset offers significantly faster processing, graphics, and overall performance.
- High-Quality Display: Sharper resolution, higher refresh rate, and excellent brightness make for a much better viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher-quality sensors, telephoto lens, better video recording, and a wider range of features.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Both wired and wireless charging are significantly faster, with more features like reverse charging.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a superior audio experience.
- Better Connectivity: Latest WiFi standard and better Bluetooth version for faster and more reliable connections.
- More Sensors: Gyroscope for enhanced AR and gaming capabilities.
- Screen Protection: Superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
Honor X8a Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for prolonged usage due to reduced weight.
- Macro Lens: Can capture close-up shots.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and potentially faster than the in-display fingerprint sensor of the OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with a slightly newer Android version out of the box.
Significant Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Heavier and thicker than the Honor X8a, which might make it less comfortable to hold for some users. The phone is also slightly older.
- Honor X8a: Significant compromise in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speeds compared to the OnePlus 9 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: People who need the best performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and mobile gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want excellent photo and video quality with a variety of features.
- Media Consumers: Those who watch videos and movies on their phone and appreciate a high-quality display and audio.
- Tech Savvy: Individuals who want the latest technology and features, like wireless charging and faster connectivity.
Use Cases for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Gaming with demanding titles at high frame rates
- Editing videos and photos on the go
- Consuming media with immersive visuals and sound
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various situations
- Multitasking between demanding applications without slowdowns
Honor X8a Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a decent phone without spending too much.
- Basic Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and social media.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: Those who prefer a lightweight and thinner phone.
- Casual Photographers: Users who mainly need a camera for basic photos.
Use Cases for Honor X8a:
- General day-to-day tasks like web browsing, social media, and messaging
- Casual gaming and media consumption
- Taking basic photos and videos
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9 Pro offers significantly more value for users seeking high performance, top-tier display and camera quality, faster charging and great audio.
- The Honor X8a is a budget-friendly option that sacrifices performance and features for a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? This will significantly impact your choice between these phones.
- What are your performance needs? Do you need a high-performance phone or will the basic performance of the Honor X8a suffice?
- What is the importance of camera quality, screen quality and sound quality? Do you prioritize these, or are they less of a concern?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High performance, camera and display are prioritized: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. It provides superior performance, better display, faster charging, and a significantly better camera experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget-conscious, a basic phone is needed with a lighter feel: Choose the Honor X8a. It is suitable for budget buyers needing a basic phone with a light feel.
- Scenario 3: A balance is needed between a good camera and a slightly better screen: Choose the OnePlus 9 Pro as it has the better overall screen and significantly better camera performance. The Honor X8a sacrifices performance and has a more basic display and camera.
My Choice
Given the specifications, features and typical use cases for both phones, I would choose the OnePlus 9 Pro. While it's older and slightly bulkier, the massive jump in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is too significant to ignore. I prioritize a smooth and fast user experience, and the superior performance of the Snapdragon 888, paired with its high-refresh rate display, and amazing camera capabilities, makes it the clear winner for my needs. Even though the Honor X8a is a more recent device and is more comfortable to hold due to its lighter weight and thinner profile, I cannot compromise on the overall experience when comparing the two devices.
The OnePlus 9 Pro provides a much better overall experience for someone who frequently uses their phone for gaming, media, and photography.
