Honor X9b vs Samsung Galaxy S21
The Verdict
Honor X9b delivers exceptional value at $279, featuring a massive 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 2000 nits brightness, robust 5800 mAh battery with 35W charging, and a versatile 108 MP main camera. However, its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor struggles with demanding tasks compared to the Galaxy S21's flagship Snapdragon 888. Samsung Galaxy S21 remains a premium choice at $799, offering superior performance, a polished design with IP68 rating, and camera prowess including 8K video and 3x telephoto zoom. Battery capacity disappoints at 4000 mAh, though wireless charging compensates partially. For budget-conscious users prioritizing display and battery life, Honor X9b excels. Those seeking premium performance, durability, and professional camera features should invest in the Galaxy S21 despite its higher cost.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 if…
- →$200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- →Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- →120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Samsung Galaxy S21
Pros
- $200 price cut from S20 launched at $799
- Lightweight and compact at 169 g
- 120Hz AMOLED with adaptive refresh
- Snapdragon 888 performance
- Eye-catching Contour Cut camera design
Cons
- Plastic (Glasstic) back panel
- FHD+ only, no QHD option
- No microSD card slot
- Slow 25W charging
- No charger included in the box
Full Specifications
| Spec | Honor X9b | Samsung Galaxy S21 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 (MagicOS 7.2) | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 185 g | 169 g |
| Material | Plastic frame, glass front (2-ply drop resistant), plastic back | Aluminum frame, Glasstic back |
| IP rating | IP53 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 74.9 x 7.98 mm | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 108 MP, f/1.75, PDAF | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.5 | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Macro | 2 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Telephoto | — | 64 MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB / 12 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5800 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging | 35W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.78 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2436 x 1116 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1300 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 710 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
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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