Comparing the HONOR X9b, X8b, and X7b: similarities and differences

In the Philippines, HONOR is rapidly becoming synonymous with affordable, yet durable devices. The brand continues to expand its presence, launching a series of devices that cater to a wide range of consumers. While the HONOR Magic V2 has made waves as a flagship device, it’s the X-series that has truly captured the market’s attention. With a naming scheme that could cause some head-scratching, we’re here to demystify the latest offerings.

As of March 2024, HONOR has introduced three new contenders in the X-series lineup: the HONOR X9b 5G, HONOR X8b, and the HONOR X7b.

Let’s first start with the price. In the Philippines, the HONOR X9b 5G is at PhP 16,999 while the X8b is priced at PhP 12,999. The most affordable of the bunch is the recently released X7b with a PhpP  8,999 price tag.

All of the X-series devices available here so far run on Android 13 with MagicOS 7.2, boast a 108MP main camera,  All three models also aim to emphasize HONOR’s confidence in their generous internal storage options: 256GB internal storage for the X9b and X7b and up to 512GB for the X8b.

Despite their similarities, each model has its unique selling points. The HONOR X9b 5G shines with its 6.78-inch AMOLED display, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate that promises smooth visuals, making it a delight for gamers and video enthusiasts.

The HONOR X7b prioritizes longevity with a robust 6000mAh battery, perfect for users who need their device to last through the day and beyond. Among the three, it’s also the only one without a leather back option.

The HONOR X8b, while sharing the 108MP main camera feature, steps up the selfie game with a 50MP front camera. In comparison, the X9b and X7b sport 16-megapixel and 8-megapixel front cameras, respectively. The X8b also stands out as the lightest and slimmest in the series, highlighting its portability.

READ: HONOR X9b 5G No charge challenge: Tougher than ever but what else can you expect?

 

Under the hood, the HONOR X9b 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, providing the necessary muscle for 5G connectivity and high-performance tasks. In contrast, the X7b and X8b are equipped with the Snapdragon 680 chipset, which is more than capable of handling everyday tasks with ease.

 

    

 

HONOR X9b 5GHONOR X7bHONOR X8b
Display6.78″ AMOLED, 120Hz6.8″ TFT LCD, 90Hz6.78″ AMOLED, 90Hz
Resolution1200 x 2652 pixels2412 x 1080 pixels2400 x 1080 pixels
ProcessorSnapdragon 6 Gen 1Snapdragon 680Snapdragon 680
RAM12GB6GB/8GB8GB
Storage256GB128GB/256GB256GB/512GB
Rear Camera108MP + 5MP + 2MP108MP + 5MP + 2MP108MP + 5MP + 2MP
Front Camera16MP8MP50MP
Battery5800mAh6000mAh4500mAh
Charging35W wired35W wired35W wired
OSMagicOS 7.2 (based on Android 13)MagicOS 7.2 (based on Android 13)MagicOS 7.2 (based on Android 13)
Weight185g199g166g
Dimensions163.6 x 75.5 x 7.98 mm166.7 x 76.5 x 8.24 mm163.6 x 74.7 x 7.45 mm
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM)Dual SIM (Nano-SIM)Dual SIM (Nano-SIM)

HONOR is sure to release more as the year goes on, we’ll keep this guide updated to ensure you stay informed about the latest releases.

Additionally, HONOR does have other members of its X-series also available including the HONOR X6a and X5 Plus.

Search
-

5 best affordable laptops for online classes and WFH (2021)

09/01/2021

With online classes and WFH setups becoming the new norm, it’s more important than ever to invest in a reliable laptop. Not all notebooks are equal, however. You need to pick one that suits your specific needs and fits the budget.

For this list, we prioritize three factors: brand, specifications, and price. We highly recommend purchasing from reputable brands and shops because they offer reasonable warranty for their laptops.

For specs, it’s important to aim for at least a Core i3 or Ryzen 3 CPU; anything lower than those could cause stutter during heavy usage. Lastly, we chose a price limit of PhP 30,000, which excludes certain models such as those from Microsoft and MSI.

While you could find laptops cheaper than the ones listed below, you run the risk of subpar performance or trade-offs such as cheap keyboards or low-resolution displays. When it comes to long-term gadgets, it’s best to invest in the best.

SEE ALSO: 5 best affordable tablets for online classes and WFH (2021)

Acer Aspire 5

 

Specifications and Price:

  • 14-inch 1080p display
  • Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor
  • 8GB RAM
  • Intel UHD graphics
  • 256GB SSD
  • PhP 27,999

Acer’s Aspire 5 does everything right: an 11th-generation Core i3 processor, the bare minimum 8GB of RAM, and a healthy 256GB SSD. On top of all that, it comes with a two-year warranty. It’s tough to beat its value, especially since it’s well below the PhP 30,000 mark.

Its design is unremarkable, but if you’re spending most of your time at home, no one’s going to notice.

ASUS ExpertBook P1

Specifications and Price:

  • 15.6-inch 1080p display
  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Processor
  • 4GB RAM
  • Radeon Vega 3 graphics
  • 128GB SSD
  • PhP 26,995

The ASUS ExpertBook P1 has a large 15.6-inch display and a number pad, both of which make this laptop great for heavy data crunching. In addition, the Ryzen 3 processor with its Vega 3 graphics make Chrome and Photoshop usage smooth.

On the other hand, the 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD definitely need to be upgraded down the line. Fortunately, at PhP 26,995, you’ll have extra cash to spend.

Dell Inspiron 3501

Specifications and Price:

  • 15.6-inch 1080p display
  • Intel Core i3-1125G4 processor
  • 4GB RAM
  • Intel UHD graphics
  • 256GB SSD
  • PhP 29,990

While this Dell Inspiron looks plain on the surface, its hardware has a nice mix of the aforementioned Acer and ASUS laptops. You get the larger 15.6-inch display, 11th-generation Core i3 processor, and generous 256GB SSD.

However, this is another model that requires a RAM upgrade for its measly 4GB. On the bright side, Dell’s home service applies to this laptop’s warranty.

CHECK OUT: Value for money gaming laptops starting at PhP30K

Huawei MateBook D 15

Specifications and Price:

  • 15.6-inch 1080p display
  • Intel Core i3-10110U processor
  • 8GB RAM
  • Intel UHD graphics
  • 256GB SSD
  • PhP 31,999

The MateBook D 15 goes above the P30,000 limit, but Huawei often includes freebies such as a backpack to the package. It’s certainly worth spending extra for this model: it comes with all the essential hardware, plus some nifty features, such as a fingerprint reader for logging in, USB-C charging, and Huawei Share for easier pairing with your smartphone.

The only downside is its recessed webcam above the keyboard; people on the other end of the video call would have a clear view of your nostrils.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3i

Specifications and Price:

  • 14-inch 1080p display
  • Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor
  • 4GB RAM
  • Intel UHD graphics
  • 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD
  • PhP 29,995

If you’re after lots of storage, the IdeaPad 3i is your best bet. In addition to the 128GB SSD, it includes a 1TB HDD for all your locally saved files. It also comes with a physical shutter for its webcam, allowing you to cover it when not in use.

Other than those, this IdeaPad has run-of-the-mill specifications from its 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor to the 14-inch Full HD display.

Alternatives

Apple MacBook

It’s time to address the elephant in the room: you can’t score a brand-new MacBook at this price point. Alternatively, you could find secondhand or refurbished models on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

A MacBook’s main advantage would be its macOS operating system. You’d have access to apps and software that you can’t use on Windows laptops. MacBooks also tend to last longer than their Windows counterparts thanks to sturdier build quality and service centers specifically catered to repair Apple products.

Chromebook

If you aren’t loyal to Windows or macOS and are on a tight budget, the next best thing is a Chromebook. They hover around the P10,000 to PhP 15,000 range from known brands including ASUS and Lenovo. The catch is that the build quality may not be as solid as the laptops above and your apps will be limited to what Google allows you to install.

Thankfully, Chromebooks have access to the Play Store, providing a similar experience to what you’d find on an Android smartphone except with a much larger screen.

Final thoughts

You can’t go wrong with any of the aforementioned Windows laptops. If we were forced to recommend only one, it would be the Acer Aspire 5. It has every specification covered, and it’s one of the cheapest Core i3 laptops you can find brand new.

Best of all, the two-year warranty is unmatched in providing peace of mind during your online classes or work from home. Our runner-up would be the Dell Inspiron 3501.

If you have an extra stick of RAM to insert, it’s easily the most complete 15-inch laptop you can find at this price point.

[wptb id=17751]

REVIEWS