1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | 162.9 × 74.5 × 7.5 mm | Honor X8a is taller and thinner, potentially feeling more sleek. OnePlus 9R has a larger overall volume, possibly feeling more substantial. |
| Weight | 189g | 179g | Honor X8a is lighter by 10g, which can be noticeable during extended use and make it slightly more comfortable to hold. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.55" | 6.7" | Honor X8a has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience for multimedia and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Both offer similar sharpness. Difference is negligible to the naked eye. |
| PPI | 402 | 391 | Both have similar pixel density. The difference is imperceptible to the average user. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | OnePlus 9R's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to the Honor X8a's IPS LCD. Better for viewing photos, videos and consuming media |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | OnePlus 9R's 120Hz provides smoother scrolling and animations, improving the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. Unable to determine if either phone has a usable level of brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) | OnePlus 9R's Snapdragon 870 is significantly more powerful, offering much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 821,600 | 253,700 | OnePlus 9R has a dramatically higher score, translating to significantly better real-world performance in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G52 MC2 | OnePlus 9R's Adreno 650 offers much better graphics performance, important for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 100MP | Honor X8a has a higher resolution main sensor, theoretically allowing for more detailed photos but the real world impact depends on the quality of the lens and sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.9 | OnePlus 9R's wider aperture should capture more light, potentially improving low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 16MP | 16MP | Both have the same selfie camera resolution. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.45 | OnePlus 9R has a slightly wider aperture, potentially helping in low-light situations |
| Wide-Angle Camera Resolution | 16MP | 5MP | OnePlus 9R's wide-angle lens captures more detail. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera | 2MP | Not present | OnePlus 9R offers a dedicated depth sensor which improves bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | OnePlus 9R has better macro details. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | OnePlus 9R can record in much higher resolution, suitable for high-quality video. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | OnePlus 9R has image stabilization, while Honor X8a does not, meaning sharper video recording is only available on the 9R. |
| Slow-motion | 240fps | 120fps | OnePlus 9R has better slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, OIS, RAW | CDAF | OnePlus 9R has additional features including Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Manual Focus and the ability to shoot in RAW, while the Honor X8a has Contrast Detection Auto Focus. |
Battery
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity. Battery life will depend on usage patterns and software optimization. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Battery Type | Non-removable Li-Polymer | Non-removable Li-Polymer | Both phones share this battery feature. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Honor X8a ships with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 5 | OnePlus 9R supports the newer WiFi 6 standard, for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | 5.1 LE, EDR | OnePlus 9R supports higher quality audio codecs over bluetooth. |
| GPS | L1+L5, BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | OnePlus 9R has support for more satellite systems for better location accuracy, especially in urban areas. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality. |
Storage & Audio
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones have identical storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | OnePlus 9R offers more RAM, supporting better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | OnePlus 9R provides enhanced audio features and immersion. |
Security & Sensors
| Feature | OnePlus 9R | Honor X8a | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Honor X8a has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, Fingerprint | OnePlus 9R includes a gyroscope, which is needed for gaming and AR apps. Honor X8a includes a gravity sensor not included in the 9R. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9R Advantages
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides superior performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate offers much better viewing experience, with vibrant colours, deep blacks and smoother animations.
- Faster Charging: 65W charging is significantly faster than the Honor X8a's 22.5W charging, allowing you to recharge quickly and with less downtime.
- Better Camera Capabilities: The OnePlus 9R offers superior video recording quality with 4K@60fps, Optical Image Stabilization, more feature rich features, and better wide angle/macro lenses.
- Enhanced Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provides a more immersive audio experience.
- More advanced connectivity: WiFi 6, better GPS, and bluetooth codecs.
- More RAM: Up to 12GB of RAM for better multitasking.
- Additional Sensors: Gyroscope provides better motion sensing, for gaming and augmented reality apps.
- Software Updates: The OnePlus 9R can be upgraded to Android 13, where the Honor X8a has no confirmation of software updates.
Honor X8a Advantages
- Newer Device: Released approximately 10 months after the OnePlus 9R, it may have a more modern design.
- Slightly Lighter: Weighing 10g less makes it more comfortable to hold.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 100MP main camera may capture slightly more detail, although real-world performance also depends on the sensor and lens quality.
- Slightly larger screen: The phone has a larger screen for immersive viewing.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More ergonomic placement for biometric access.
- Potentially newer software: Shipping with android 12 may provide some advantages.
Trade-offs
- OnePlus 9R: Sacrifices slightly newer design and lower weight for significant performance, display quality, camera capabilities, faster charging, and more features.
- Honor X8a: Offers a newer design and marginally larger display, but compromises heavily on performance, display quality, camera functionality, and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9R
- Gamers: The powerful Snapdragon 870 chipset and 120Hz AMOLED display make it excellent for mobile gaming.
- Power Users: Individuals who multitask heavily, run demanding apps, or require fast processing speeds.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize display quality, for watching videos, viewing photos, and engaging with social media.
- Photography and Videography enthusiasts: People who value high-quality video recording and the versatility of camera features such as Optical Image Stabilization and RAW.
- Users who value fast charging: People who need a phone that will quickly charge.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming at high settings with smooth frame rates.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Enjoying HDR content and high resolution videos on a vibrant display.
- Quickly recharging the phone before heading out.
Ideal Users for Honor X8a
- Casual Users: People who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging.
- Users on a tight budget: People who are looking for a cheap phone, and are willing to make concessions in performance to save money.
- Users who prioritize design over performance: Those who want a thin and light device with a larger screen for casual browsing.
- Users seeking a more modern physical design: The X8a is more recent and therefore may appeal to people who value that.
Specific Use Cases:
- Casual web browsing and social media consumption.
- Basic photography and videography.
- Daily communication and messaging.
- A lightweight phone for easy portability.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Performance Needs: Do you need a high-performance phone for gaming and demanding tasks, or is a basic level of performance sufficient?
- Display Preferences: Do you prioritize an AMOLED display with vibrant colors and a high refresh rate, or is an IPS LCD screen acceptable?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a phone, and is the price premium for the OnePlus 9R worth the additional features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Multimedia: If you are a gamer or frequently consume multimedia, the OnePlus 9R is the clear choice. Its superior performance, display, and audio will greatly enhance your experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual Use and Budget: If you are a casual user on a tight budget, the Honor X8a may be sufficient. Its basic functionality will meet your needs without the additional cost.
- Scenario 3: Photography and Videography: The OnePlus 9R provides superior quality video, and has a better main camera, wide-angle lens, and macro sensor, as well as OIS. Therefore it is recommended for users who value the camera.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus 9R.
While the Honor X8a is newer, its advantages end there. The OnePlus 9R offers a superior experience across nearly every metric that matters. The drastically superior performance of the Snapdragon 870, the high-quality AMOLED display with its 120Hz refresh rate, the significantly faster charging speeds, and more versatile camera system, as well as the better audio, are all critical factors for any user looking for a high quality smartphone experience. The OnePlus 9R also offers a gyroscope and more advanced connectivity which are preferable. The trade-off of a slightly older device is worth it given the sheer difference in specifications, especially for anyone looking for the best possible value proposition for their money. The 9R's ability to upgrade to Android 13 is also a key selling point compared to the X8a. While the Honor X8a is lighter and has a slightly more modern design, these are not significant factors and don't come close to offsetting the 9R's overall advantages.
