Google Pixel 8 vs Honor X9b
The Verdict
Google Pixel 8 and Honor X9b occupy different market segments, with the Pixel 8 commanding a 150% price premium at $699 versus $279. Pixel 8 excels with its Tensor G3 processor, superior display quality (2000 nits brightness, 6.2-inch Actua OLED), and exceptional computational photography through its 50 MP main camera with f/1.68 aperture and OIS. The Pixel 8 also delivers faster 27W charging and premium wireless charging via Pixel Stand, plus IP68 water resistance versus IP53. Honor X9b counters with practical advantages: larger 6.78-inch AMOLED screen, substantially bigger 5800 mAh battery, faster 35W charging, and respectable 108 MP camera hardware. However, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor lags significantly behind Tensor G3 in computational tasks and AI features. Android 14 on Pixel 8 versus Android 13 on X9b matters for security and features. For photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and those prioritizing long-term software support, Pixel 8 justifies its cost. Budget-conscious buyers needing basic performance and exceptional battery life should consider Honor X9b, though its durability ceiling (IP53) and older chipset present limitations.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 8 if…
- →Compact and comfortable design
- →Seven years of updates
- →Excellent main camera
Buy the Honor X9b if…
- →Massive 5800 mAh battery provides outstanding multi-day endurance
- →2000-nit AMOLED display brightness is excellent for outdoor use
- →108 MP main sensor captures detailed photos in good lighting
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 8
Pros
- Compact and comfortable design
- Seven years of updates
- Excellent main camera
- Bright Actua OLED display
- On-device AI features
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Tensor G3 thermals can be inconsistent
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow charging vs rivals
Honor X9b
Pros
- Massive 5800 mAh battery provides outstanding multi-day endurance
- 2000-nit AMOLED display brightness is excellent for outdoor use
- 108 MP main sensor captures detailed photos in good lighting
- Enhanced drop resistance with 2-layer glass structure
- 5G connectivity at an affordable price point
Cons
- 35W charging is slow for the large 5800 mAh battery
- 5 MP ultrawide and 2 MP macro cameras are filler
- IP53 splash resistance is basic protection
- No wireless charging
- MagicOS has some bloatware and ads
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 8 | Honor X9b |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 13 (MagicOS 7.2) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 187 g | 185 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Plastic frame, glass front (2-ply drop resistant), plastic back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP53 |
| Dimensions | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm | 161.5 x 74.9 x 7.98 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS | 108 MP, f/1.75, PDAF |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8-degree | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Macro | — | 2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4575 mAh | 5800 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 35W wired |
| Wireless charging | 18W (Pixel Stand) | No |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.2 inches | 6.78 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2436 x 1116 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 2000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 710 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.1 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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