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Honor 9X Pro Smartphone Review: With a popup cam against the notch

Goodbye Google. As a subsidiary of the Huawei corporation, Honor must also limit itself to an operating system without Google Services. While this initially works well with EMUI 9.1.1 based on Android 9, some limitations will show up in the details. Our review shows what you can expect.
Honor 9X Pro

While the Honor 9X could still be delivered with Google Services, the 9X Pro has to do without these services. Besides the better storage equipment, the more current SoC should be responsible to a significant extent for this, since it means that the Google license from the previous models cannot be used anymore. However, it also brings considerably more performance to the Honor 9X Pro. The Android smartphone has to compete with the comparison devices listed below.

Honor 9X Pro (9 Series)
Processor
HiSilicon Kirin 810 8 x 1.9 - 2.3 GHz, Cortex-A76/-A55
Graphics adapter
Memory
6 GB 
Display
6.59 inch 19.5:9, 2340 x 1080 pixel 391 PPI, capacitive, IPS, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash, 256 GB 
, 243 GB free
Connections
1 USB 2.0, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio port, Card Reader: microSD (up to 512 GB, FAT, FAT23, exFAT), 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: acceleration sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor, magnetometer, USB-C
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 5.0, 2G GSM (B2/B3/B5/B8), 3G UMTS (B1/B2/B5/B8), 4G LTE FDD/TDD (B1/B3/B7/B8/B20/B38/B40/B41), Dual SIM, LTE, GPS
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.8 x 163.1 x 77.2 ( = 0.35 x 6.42 x 3.04 in)
Battery
4000 mAh Lithium-Polymer
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Android 9.0 Pie
Camera
Primary Camera: 48 MPix (f/1.8) + 8MP (f/2.4, 13mm) + 2MP (f/2.4)
Secondary Camera: 16 MPix popup, f/2.2
Additional features
Speakers: 1 speaker (mono), earphones, Keyboard: onscreen, USB charger plug, USB Type-C cable, SIM tool, Silicon bumper case, EMUI 9.1, 24 Months Warranty, fanless
Weight
206 g ( = 7.27 oz / 0.45 pounds), Power Supply: 65 g ( = 2.29 oz / 0.14 pounds)
Price
250 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Comparison Devices

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Best Price
79.7 %
05/2020
Honor 9X Pro
Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6
206 g256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.59"2340x1080
81.3 %
04/2020
Huawei P40 Lite
Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6
183 g128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.40"2310x1080
80.2 %
01/2020
TCL Plex
SD 675, Adreno 612
192 g128 GB UFS 2.0 Flash6.53"2340x1080
79.2 %
11/2019
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2
166 g64 GB eMMC Flash6.40"1560x720

Case - Robust plastic

The Honor 9X Pro is made from plastic and is available in the color "Phantom Purple." On the back, you can find the triple camera, which sticks out of the case by about 1 mm (~0.04 in). All the button controls are positioned on the edges, and the same also goes for the fingerprint sensor. On the top edge, you can clearly see the opening for the popup front camera. However, there are practically no gaps, so that dust or dirt probably cannot enter when it is closed. Right next to it, the NanoSIM/microSD card tray sits tightly in its slot.

Compared to our test field, the Honor 9X Pro is not only heavier, but also slightly larger than the competitors.

Honor 9X Pro
Honor 9X Pro
Honor 9X Pro
Honor 9X Pro
Honor 9X Pro
Honor 9X Pro
Honor 9X Pro
Honor 9X Pro

Size Comparison

163.1 mm / 6.42 inch 77.2 mm / 3.04 inch 8.8 mm / 0.3465 inch 206 g0.4542 lbs162.2 mm / 6.39 inch 76.56 mm / 3.01 inch 7.99 mm / 0.3146 inch 192 g0.4233 lbs159.2 mm / 6.27 inch 76.3 mm / 3 inch 8.7 mm / 0.3425 inch 183 g0.4034 lbs158.5 mm / 6.24 inch 74.7 mm / 2.94 inch 7.8 mm / 0.3071 inch 166 g0.366 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

Equipment - An Android smartphone with a lot of storage

In the 9X Pro, Honor uses a HiSilicon Kirin 810, an ARM Mali-G52-MP6 graphics unit, 6 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of internal storage. The latter can be expanded by up to 512 GB via microSD card according to the manufacturer. However, you will then lose the dual-SIM function, since the Honor smartphone only has a single hybrid slot. While both slots support LTE, the VoLTE and VoWLAN functions were not available. Users also have to make do without a notification LED and DRM Widevine L1. The Camera2 API is available with the "Limited" implementation level.

Top: front camera, NanoSIM/microSD card slot
Top: front camera, NanoSIM/microSD card slot
Left side: no connections
Left side: no connections
Bottom: speaker, USB Type-C, microphone, 3.5-mm audio port
Bottom: speaker, USB Type-C, microphone, 3.5-mm audio port
Right side: volume rocker, power button with integrated fingerprint reader
Right side: volume rocker, power button with integrated fingerprint reader

Software - Android without Google Services

The user interface of the Honor 9X Pro consists of an Android-Pie system with the in-house EMUI 9.1.1 While this is oriented on a pure Android, it does come with several design adjustments and a changed structure of the Settings menu. Since the 9X Pro has to make do without Google Services, there are only the equivalent Huawei apps on the smartphone. As replacement of Google's Play Store, the App Gallery is used, which allows downloading a multitude of apps, such as WhatsApp, for example. However, automatic update functions are only available to a very limited extent.

The App Store from Amazon lends itself as an alternative, since this also offers the Facebook apps, for example. In addition, users have to find an alternative for Google Maps, if they also want to use their smartphone for navigation.

Software Honor 9X Pro
Software Honor 9X Pro
Software Honor 9X Pro
Software Honor 9X Pro
Software Honor 9X Pro
Software Honor 9X Pro
Software Honor 9X Pro
Software Honor 9X Pro

Communication and GPS - The Honor 9X Pro is suited for navigation

The Honor 9X Pro is able to connect in the GSM, 3G, and LTE networks. At close range, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, and WiFi 5 (802.11 ac) are available. With our Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router, the 9X Pro reaches good data transfer rates on average in the WLAN.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Honor 9X Pro
Mali-G52 MP6, Kirin 810, 256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
341 (174min - 373max) MBit/s
Huawei P40 Lite
Mali-G52 MP6, Kirin 810, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
338 (286min - 403max) MBit/s -1%
TCL Plex
Adreno 612, SD 675, 128 GB UFS 2.0 Flash
287 (250min - 308max) MBit/s -16%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Mali-G71 MP2, Exynos 7904, 64 GB eMMC Flash
100 (92min - 105max) MBit/s -71%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
376 MBit/s +11%
TCL Plex
Adreno 612, SD 675, 128 GB UFS 2.0 Flash
359 (330min - 369max) MBit/s +6%
Honor 9X Pro
Mali-G52 MP6, Kirin 810, 256 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
340 (173min - 349max) MBit/s
Huawei P40 Lite
Mali-G52 MP6, Kirin 810, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
298 (61min - 334max) MBit/s -12%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Mali-G71 MP2, Exynos 7904, 64 GB eMMC Flash
122 (119min - 123max) MBit/s -64%
020406080100120140160180200220240260280300320340360Tooltip
Honor 9X Pro; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø334 (173-349)
Honor 9X Pro; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø335 (174-373)
GPS Test indoors
GPS Test indoors
GPS Test outdoors
GPS Test outdoors

The Honor smartphone can use GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou to determine its location. Outdoors, we were able to determine our position with the "GPS Test" app with an accuracy of up to 4 meters (~13 ft). However, it was not possible to determine the location indoors.

During our mandatory bike tour, the Honor 9X Pro showed a slightly higher deviation from the route than our Garmin Edge 500 reference device particularly in the curves.

GNSS - Honor 9X Pro
GNSS - Honor 9X Pro
GNSS - Honor 9X Pro
GNSS - Honor 9X Pro
GNSS - Honor 9X Pro
GNSS - Honor 9X Pro
GNSS - Garmin Edge 500
GNSS - Garmin Edge 500
GNSS - Garmin Edge 500
GNSS - Garmin Edge 500
GNSS - Garmin Edge 500
GNSS - Garmin Edge 500

Telephone Functions and Voice Quality - A clear connection during the call

The Telephone app of the Honor 9X Pro offers direct access to a dial pad and also shows the lists of contacts and favorites. During phone calls, the Android smartphone produces a good volume and transfers voices clearly. Both conversation partners can be easily understood and additional noises are filtered out reliably. 

Cameras - With an automatic popup camera

Picture taken with front camera
Picture taken with front camera

On the back of the 9X Pro, Honor has built in a triple camera with a 48-MP main sensor, an 8-MP sensor with a 120° wide-angle lens, and 2 MP for depth information. The front camera is implemented as a popup camera and allows recordings with 16 MP. Those offer vibrant colors and many details, with the edges of the objects clearly separated. However, in even areas, we can see some significant noise already at low zoom levels. Users have no direct influence on the image quality, since an AI mode automatically selects the best adjustments for the recording. While this can be deactivated, it cannot be manually adjusted. In addition, you can use beautification functions and various color filters.

The pictures taken with the main camera appear slightly pale and show less vibrant colors than the front camera. However, details are easily recognizable and objects are clearly separated. While the image content remains recognizable in bad light conditions, the structures become blurry. Although the ultra-wide-angle function of the camera is able to capture extensive panoramas, the pictures turn out slightly too dark and only have a low resolution. At 5x zoom level, even larger objects are not sharp anymore and small details become very blurry. Users also have the option to let the AI mode automatically select the best settings for the image here. However, you can also use a Pro mode to make manual adjustments for ISO, shutter speed, brightness, focus, and white balance.

The video function of the Honor 9X Pro offers a similar quality as shown in our test images. The camera handles changes between bright and dark areas in the image very well, and the image stabilizer also works well. For example, when using the 2x zoom, it ensures a very stable and even image. The maximum video resolution is 1080p, with 60 fps also being possible in the 16:9 format. Users can also choose between H.265 and H.264 coding.

Image Comparison

Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.

Scene 1Scene 2Scene 3Scene 4

The image of the ColorChecker passport shows that the Honor 9X Pro reproduces green and yellow color tones slightly too bright. On the other hand, blue and gray tones turn out slightly darker than they should be.

Under controlled test conditions, our test chart is reproduced very well. Details and structures are clearly separated, but colors appear slightly weak. In addition, there is some slight paleness in the bottom corners.

ColorChecker
5 ∆E
4.4 ∆E
5.8 ∆E
9.2 ∆E
4.7 ∆E
3.3 ∆E
1.6 ∆E
8.3 ∆E
3.8 ∆E
8.4 ∆E
3.8 ∆E
7.3 ∆E
8.7 ∆E
4 ∆E
3.5 ∆E
4.3 ∆E
5.8 ∆E
3.7 ∆E
7.3 ∆E
5.5 ∆E
3.4 ∆E
6.7 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
4.2 ∆E
ColorChecker Honor 9X Pro: 5.33 ∆E min: 1.57 - max: 9.17 ∆E
ColorChecker
15.3 ∆E
16.1 ∆E
20.9 ∆E
17.8 ∆E
23.2 ∆E
20.5 ∆E
17.2 ∆E
16.5 ∆E
14 ∆E
15.1 ∆E
16.4 ∆E
20.7 ∆E
14.8 ∆E
19.2 ∆E
8.1 ∆E
15 ∆E
17.6 ∆E
23.8 ∆E
18.7 ∆E
18.5 ∆E
22.7 ∆E
24.6 ∆E
20.1 ∆E
12.6 ∆E
ColorChecker Honor 9X Pro: 17.88 ∆E min: 8.06 - max: 24.57 ∆E

Accessories and Warranty - Honor includes the bumper case

The box of the Honor 9X Pro includes a USB charger plug with the corresponding USB Type-C cable, a SIM tool, and a silicon bumper case.

Honor offers buyers of the 9X Pro a warranty period of 24 months.

Input Devices and Operation - A fingerprint sensor on the edge

Honor uses the "SwiftKey" keyboard app for text input. This can be adjusted in a multitude of ways and offers various comfort functions. The touchscreen of the 9X Pro responds to touch very directly and reliably. But for longer drag-and-drop movements, the resistance is slightly too high.

You can unlock the smartphone comfortably using the fingerprint sensor positioned at the edge. Stored fingerprints were always recognized reliably at any time in our test.

Honor has placed the brightness sensor below the display. We did not notice any negative impact on the sensor, such as accidentally covering it with the hand.

Display - Good contrast and saturated black

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid

Honor has equipped the 9X Pro with a 6.59 inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. With the brightness sensor activated, the display achieves a maximum brightness of 488 cd/m², which can compete with the brightness of the Samsung Galaxy A30s. Without the sensor, the Honor smartphone reaches a slightly lower 474 cd/m², and in the APL50 test a similarly good 476 cd/m². The lowest brightness setting is at 1.89 cd/m².

We did not notice any PWM during our measurements.

483
cd/m²
491
cd/m²
469
cd/m²
480
cd/m²
480
cd/m²
462
cd/m²
484
cd/m²
457
cd/m²
457
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 491 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 473.7 cd/m² Minimum: 1.89 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 93 %
Center on Battery: 480 cd/m²
Contrast: 1655:1 (Black: 0.29 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 6.3 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 7.7 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
99.1% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.26
Honor 9X Pro
IPS, 2340x1080, 6.59
Huawei P40 Lite
IPS, 2310x1080, 6.40
TCL Plex
IPS, 2340x1080, 6.53
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Super AMOLED, 1560x720, 6.40
Screen
3%
4%
37%
Brightness middle
480
478
0%
432
-10%
488
2%
Brightness
474
448
-5%
418
-12%
489
3%
Brightness Distribution
93
87
-6%
93
0%
93
0%
Black Level *
0.29
0.49
-69%
0.43
-48%
Contrast
1655
976
-41%
1005
-39%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
6.3
3
52%
3.4
46%
1.7
73%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
10.6
5.6
47%
6
43%
3.3
69%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
7.7
4.1
47%
3.8
51%
2
74%
Gamma
2.26 97%
2.26 97%
2.14 103%
2.1 105%
CCT
8813 74%
7282 89%
6151 106%
6506 100%

* ... smaller is better

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18100 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

With a contrast ratio of 1655:1 and a black value of 0.29 cd/m², image content appears vibrant and saturated on the Honor 9X Pro. However, the CalMAN analysis shows that colors are reproduced with a blue portion that is too high and a too-low red portion. In the settings menu, users can adjust the color reproduction via the "Normal" and "Vibrant" modes or by using a color temperature scale.

CalMAN - Color Accuracy (sRGB)
CalMAN - Color Accuracy (sRGB)
CalMAN - Color Space (sRGB)
CalMAN - Color Space (sRGB)
CalMAN - Grayscale (sRGB)
CalMAN - Grayscale (sRGB)
CalMAN - Saturation (sRGB)
CalMAN - Saturation (sRGB)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
24 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 8.4 ms rise
↘ 15.6 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 48 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
45.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 19.2 ms rise
↘ 26.4 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 75 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Outdoors, the image content on the Honor 9X Pro remains easily recognizable. However, the reflective surface of the display will lead to reflections of the surrounding objects, which impair the view.

Honor 9X Pro - Outdoor use
Honor 9X Pro - Outdoor use
Honor 9X Pro - Outdoor use
Honor 9X Pro - Outdoor use

The viewing angles of the IPS panel of the 9X Pro are very stable. Neither the colors nor the image contents are distorted when viewing from the sides.

Honor 9X Pro - Viewing angle stability
Honor 9X Pro - Viewing angle stability
Honor 9X Pro - Viewing angle stability
Honor 9X Pro - Viewing angle stability

Performance - Hardly any increase with the Performance mode

The hardware of the Honor 9X Pro corresponds to the mid-range and is suited for a multitude of tasks. Everyday apps run without any problems, and the same goes for current games. In the benchmarks, the results remain slightly below those of the Huawei P40 Lite, which has almost identical equipment.

All the benchmarks were performed using the Performance mode. Without that, the results remained about 5% lower on average.

PCMark for Android
Work performance score (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
9824 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
12070 Points +23%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
6628 Points -33%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (9189 - 12070, n=3)
10361 Points +5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10884 - 19297, n=2, last 2 years)
15091 Points +54%
Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
7541 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
9164 Points +22%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
7950 Points +5%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
5474 Points -27%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (7541 - 9164, n=3)
8133 Points +8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9101 - 12871, n=4, last 2 years)
10872 Points +44%
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Score (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
38005 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
41003 Points +8%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
22767 Points -40%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
14020 Points -63%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (34686 - 41003, n=3)
37898 Points 0%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
45182 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
47563 Points +5%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
26320 Points -42%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
14338 Points -68%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (45182 - 47563, n=3)
46563 Points +3%
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
24426 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
27654 Points +13%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
15461 Points -37%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
13009 Points -47%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (18123 - 27654, n=3)
23401 Points -4%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3252 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3437 Points +6%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1618 Points -50%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
827 Points -75%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (3252 - 3437, n=3)
3342 Points +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (712 - 7285, n=52, last 2 years)
3548 Points +9%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3243 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3384 Points +4%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1594 Points -51%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
713 Points -78%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (3243 - 3384, n=3)
3318 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (618 - 9451, n=52, last 2 years)
3905 Points +20%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3286 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3638 Points +11%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1708 Points -48%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1874 Points -43%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (3286 - 3638, n=3)
3433 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1093 - 4525, n=52, last 2 years)
3005 Points -9%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3314 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3591 Points +8%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1621 Points -51%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
933 Points -72%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (3314 - 3591, n=3)
3463 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (704 - 23024, n=115, last 2 years)
9038 Points +173%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3274 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3488 Points +7%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1611 Points -51%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
824 Points -75%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (3274 - 3488, n=3)
3389 Points +4%
Average of class Smartphone
  (607 - 45492, n=114, last 2 years)
15757 Points +381%
2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3463 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
4003 Points +16%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1657 Points -52%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1745 Points -50%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (3463 - 4003, n=3)
3749 Points +8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1075 - 8749, n=114, last 2 years)
4335 Points +25%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2502 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2904 Points +16%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
937 Points -63%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
647 Points -74%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (2502 - 2904, n=3)
2748 Points +10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (286 - 7890, n=102, last 2 years)
2685 Points +7%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Graphics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2347 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2740 Points +17%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
829 Points -65%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
545 Points -77%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (2347 - 2740, n=3)
2599 Points +11%
Average of class Smartphone
  (240 - 9814, n=102, last 2 years)
2675 Points +14%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Physics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3252 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3676 Points +13%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1724 Points -47%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1869 Points -43%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (3252 - 3676, n=3)
3440 Points +6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (858 - 4679, n=102, last 2 years)
3127 Points -4%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2515 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2954 Points +17%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1057 Points -58%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
646 Points -74%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (2515 - 2961, n=3)
2810 Points +12%
Average of class Smartphone
  (317 - 20131, n=174, last 2 years)
6545 Points +160%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2328 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2752 Points +18%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
955 Points -59%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
548 Points -76%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (2328 - 2798, n=3)
2626 Points +13%
Average of class Smartphone
  (267 - 33376, n=173, last 2 years)
9330 Points +301%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3501 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3972 Points +13%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1684 Points -52%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1729 Points -51%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (3501 - 3972, n=3)
3731 Points +7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (938 - 8480, n=173, last 2 years)
4158 Points +19%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2541 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2636 Points +4%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1038 Points -59%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
735 Points -71%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (2541 - 2636, n=3)
2599 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (365 - 6439, n=96, last 2 years)
2611 Points +3%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Graphics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2496 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2552 Points +2%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
916 Points -63%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
620 Points -75%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (2496 - 2552, n=3)
2528 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (298 - 8601, n=96, last 2 years)
2775 Points +11%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Physics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2737 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
2977 Points +9%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
1952 Points -29%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
2096 Points -23%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (2737 - 2977, n=3)
2892 Points +6%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1667 - 3525, n=96, last 2 years)
2671 Points -2%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
57 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
59 fps +4%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
21 fps -63%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (57 - 59, n=3)
57.7 fps +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 165, n=177, last 2 years)
83.6 fps +47%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
85 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
89 fps +5%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
14 fps -84%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (85 - 89, n=3)
87 fps +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (19 - 791, n=177, last 2 years)
243 fps +186%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
55 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
52 fps -5%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
24 fps -56%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (49 - 55, n=3)
52 fps -5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.8 - 165, n=178, last 2 years)
71.3 fps +30%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
48 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
53 fps +10%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
12 fps -75%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (47 - 53, n=3)
49.3 fps +3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9.2 - 363, n=178, last 2 years)
137.9 fps +187%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
30 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
34 fps +13%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
17 fps -43%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (30 - 34, n=3)
32 fps +7%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.7 - 158, n=178, last 2 years)
60.2 fps +101%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
34 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
33 fps -3%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
8.1 fps -76%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (33 - 35, n=3)
34 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.2 - 279, n=178, last 2 years)
97 fps +185%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
17 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
20 fps +18%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
10 fps -41%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (17 - 20, n=3)
18.7 fps +10%
Average of class Smartphone
  (5 - 117, n=178, last 2 years)
42.9 fps +152%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
20 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
19 fps -5%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
5.2 fps -74%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (19 - 21, n=3)
20 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.9 - 166, n=178, last 2 years)
58.6 fps +193%
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
18 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
21 fps +17%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
8.3 fps -54%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
9.7 fps -46%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (18 - 21, n=3)
19.7 fps +9%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=218, last 2 years)
43.3 fps +141%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
20 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
21 fps +5%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
9.1 fps -54%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
5 fps -75%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (20 - 22, n=3)
21 fps +5%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=218, last 2 years)
62.9 fps +215%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
11 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
13 fps +18%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
4.9 fps -55%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
5.8 fps -47%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (11 - 13, n=3)
12.3 fps +12%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 105, n=218, last 2 years)
32.2 fps +193%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
7.7 fps
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
7.9 fps +3%
TCL Plex
Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, Adreno 612, 6144
3 fps -61%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1.8 fps -77%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (7.7 - 7.9, n=3)
7.8 fps +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=218, last 2 years)
25 fps +225%
AnTuTu v8 - Total Score (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
295579 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
319383 Points +8%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
105840 Points -64%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (259370 - 319383, n=3)
291444 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
101336 Points -66%
VRMark - Amber Room (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3318 Score
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
 
3318 Score 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1010 - 10071, n=14, last 2 years)
5281 Score +59%
BaseMark OS II
Overall (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3554 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
3695 Points +4%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1762 Points -50%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (3543 - 3695, n=3)
3597 Points +1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (411 - 11438, n=158, last 2 years)
5704 Points +60%
System (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
6666 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
7178 Points +8%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
3869 Points -42%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (6541 - 7178, n=3)
6795 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2376 - 16475, n=158, last 2 years)
9621 Points +44%
Memory (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
4667 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
4726 Points +1%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
2154 Points -54%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (4667 - 4904, n=3)
4766 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (670 - 12306, n=158, last 2 years)
6230 Points +33%
Graphics (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
4240 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
4339 Points +2%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1118 Points -74%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (4055 - 4339, n=3)
4211 Points -1%
Average of class Smartphone
  (697 - 58651, n=158, last 2 years)
13900 Points +228%
Web (sort by value)
Honor 9X Pro
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
1209 Points
Huawei P40 Lite
HiSilicon Kirin 810, Mali-G52 MP6, 6144
1267 Points +5%
Samsung Galaxy A30s
Samsung Exynos 7904, Mali-G71 MP2, 4096
1035 Points -14%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
  (1209 - 1267, n=3)
1229 Points +2%
Average of class Smartphone
  (10 - 2145, n=158, last 2 years)
1487 Points +23%

The Huawei browser is preinstalled on the Honor 9X Pro. With this, websites are loaded quickly and media content becomes available without delay. The Android smartphone also places slightly below the P40 Lite in this area.

Jetstream 2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=167, last 2 years)
104 Points +141%
Huawei P40 Lite (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
55.4 Points +28%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810 (43.2 - 55.4, n=3)
48.8 Points +13%
Honor 9X Pro (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
43.18 Points
Samsung Galaxy A30s (Chrome 78)
25.69 Points -41%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Huawei P40 Lite (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
91.2 Points +18%
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 104.3, n=2, last 2 years)
85.2 Points +10%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810 (77.4 - 91.2, n=3)
84.6 Points +9%
Honor 9X Pro (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
77.4 Points
Samsung Galaxy A30s (Chrome 78)
42.19 Points -45%
Speedometer 2.0 - Result
Average of class Smartphone (14.9 - 445, n=151, last 2 years)
104.7 runs/min +121%
Huawei P40 Lite (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
53.2 runs/min +12%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810 (47.3 - 53.2, n=3)
49.6 runs/min +5%
Honor 9X Pro (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
47.3 runs/min
Samsung Galaxy A30s (Chrome 78)
23 runs/min -51%
WebXPRT 3 - Overall
Average of class Smartphone (37 - 304, n=118, last 2 years)
130.7 Points +84%
Huawei P40 Lite (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
97 Points +37%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810 (71 - 97, n=3)
83.7 Points +18%
Honor 9X Pro (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
71 Points
Samsung Galaxy A30s (Chrome 78)
43 Points -39%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=202, last 2 years)
33355 Points +109%
Huawei P40 Lite (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
17925 Points +12%
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810 (15947 - 17925, n=3)
16825 Points +6%
Honor 9X Pro (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
15947 Points
Samsung Galaxy A30s (Chrome 78)
8048 Points -50%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Samsung Galaxy A30s (Chrome 78)
5707 ms * -53%
Honor 9X Pro (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
3731 ms *
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810 (2472 - 3731, n=3)
2950 ms * +21%
Huawei P40 Lite (Huawei Browser 10.1.0.300)
2472 ms * +34%
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=165, last 2 years)
1658 ms * +56%

* ... smaller is better

Honor uses a large 256 GB UFS-2.1 storage module in the 9X Pro. This achieves very good read and write rates in the storage benchmarks

There is a microSD card reader to expand the storage, which also achieves very good access speeds with our Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 reference storage card.

Honor 9X ProHuawei P40 LiteTCL PlexSamsung Galaxy A30sAverage 256 GB UFS 2.1 FlashAverage of class Smartphone
AndroBench 3-5
-11%
-30%
-50%
-15%
78%
Sequential Read 256KB
769
913
19%
522
-32%
291.8
-62%
826 ?(496 - 984, n=22)
7%
1468 ?(215 - 4512, n=210, last 2 years)
91%
Sequential Write 256KB
434
181.7
-58%
199.7
-54%
101.7
-77%
358 ?(198.5 - 914, n=22)
-18%
1078 ?(57.5 - 3678, n=210, last 2 years)
148%
Random Read 4KB
208.5
157.3
-25%
130.8
-37%
93.2
-55%
166.6 ?(108.4 - 265, n=22)
-20%
242 ?(22.2 - 543, n=210, last 2 years)
16%
Random Write 4KB
170.6
175.4
3%
130.1
-24%
13.95
-92%
141.5 ?(22.1 - 280, n=22)
-17%
266 ?(13 - 709, n=210, last 2 years)
56%
Sequential Read 256KB SDCard
82.3 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
82.6 ?(Nano Memory Card)
0%
74.9 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-9%
80 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-3%
66.8 ?(25.5 - 82.6, n=4)
-19%
Sequential Write 256KB SDCard
73.3 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
70.6 ?(Nano Memory Card)
-4%
56.2 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-23%
64 ?(Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
-13%
56.3 ?(16.7 - 73.3, n=4)
-23%

Games - Smooth gaming with the Honor 9X Pro

Current games mostly run smoothly at high graphics settings on the Honor 9X Pro. The operation via touchscreen works reliably, and the position sensor can also be used easily for controlling the games. In all the games we tested with GameBench, the frame rates always remained constant.

PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile
Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends
PUBG Mobile
0510152025303540Tooltip
Honor 9X Pro; Smooth: Ø39.9 (37-41)
Honor 9X Pro; Balanced: Ø39 (29-41)
Honor 9X Pro; HD: Ø29.9 (24-31)
Asphalt 9: Legends
051015202530Tooltip
Honor 9X Pro; High Quality: Ø29.5 (24-31)
Honor 9X Pro; Standard / low: Ø29.7 (25-31)

Emissions - The speaker lacks bass

Temperatures

In our test, the Honor 9X Pro warms up to a maximum of 32.9 °C (~91 °F). While this feels warm, it never gets hot. We did not notice any limitations that could be traced back to the temperatures being too high inside.

Max. Load
 31 °C
88 F
30.6 °C
87 F
32.9 °C
91 F
 
 30.4 °C
87 F
30.9 °C
88 F
32.8 °C
91 F
 
 29.5 °C
85 F
30.1 °C
86 F
32.7 °C
91 F
 
Maximum: 32.9 °C = 91 F
Average: 31.2 °C = 88 F
28.8 °C
84 F
29 °C
84 F
30.9 °C
88 F
28.9 °C
84 F
29 °C
84 F
31.1 °C
88 F
28.2 °C
83 F
30 °C
86 F
30.6 °C
87 F
Maximum: 31.1 °C = 88 F
Average: 29.6 °C = 85 F
Power Supply (max.)  28 °C = 82 F | Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated) & Voltcraft IR-260
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31.2 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 32.9 °C / 91 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 31.1 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.3 °C / 85 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
Heat map - top
Heat map - top
Heat map - bottom
Heat map - bottom

Speaker

Speaker characteristics
Speaker characteristics

The speaker of the 9X Pro produces a good volume, but only reproduces tones in the higher sound spectrum ranges, causing the media content to lose some of its impact.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2030.532.72522.4223121.426.84024.328.45028.244.76321.627.58022.325.710020.424.412518.625.316017.239.520017.544.425015.148.931515.255.84001556.450014.259.563013.163.880013.969.710001372.712501372.5160013.771.2200014.273.325001472.7315014.473.6400014.371.9500014.466.9630014.666.1800014.965.51000014.965.51250015.247.31600015.639.4SPL26.482.7N0.852.3median 14.6median 65.5Delta0.812.230.53522.420.121.424.124.323.328.226.321.623.922.321.120.421.318.62917.246.117.551.515.156.915.255.91561.514.265.913.167.813.967.21373.8137613.777.514.279.61479.314.472.114.377.314.477.114.677.514.975.814.972.915.263.515.648.826.488.20.872.3median 14.6median 72.10.811hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseHonor 9X ProHuawei P40 Lite
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Honor 9X Pro audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (82.7 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 25.7% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 6.1% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.4% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (2.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (23.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 47% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 44% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 66% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 27% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Huawei P40 Lite audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (88.2 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 28.6% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5.6% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.9% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (20.3% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 27% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 64% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 47% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 44% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Battery Life - The large battery lasts for a long time

Power Consumption

The power consumption of the Honor 9X Pro is at the same level as that of other devices with this SoC. Overall, the Android smartphone can be called "efficient."

The included charger has a power output of 10 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.01 / 0.06 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 0.7 / 2.29 / 2.32 Watt
Load midlight 3.57 / 5.76 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Honor 9X Pro
4000 mAh
Huawei P40 Lite
4200 mAh
TCL Plex
3820 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A30s
4000 mAh
Average HiSilicon Kirin 810
 
Average of class Smartphone
 
Power Consumption
1%
-3%
17%
-26%
-12%
Idle Minimum *
0.7
0.79
-13%
0.73
-4%
0.79
-13%
0.927 ?(0.7 - 1.29, n=3)
-32%
0.894 ?(0.42 - 2.37, n=157, last 2 years)
-28%
Idle Average *
2.29
2.14
7%
2.17
5%
1.98
14%
3 ?(2.14 - 4.57, n=3)
-31%
1.452 ?(0.69 - 4.26, n=157, last 2 years)
37%
Idle Maximum *
2.32
2.23
4%
2.23
4%
2.03
12%
3.06 ?(2.23 - 4.64, n=3)
-32%
1.632 ?(0.79 - 4.45, n=157, last 2 years)
30%
Load Average *
3.57
3.6
-1%
4.56
-28%
2.37
34%
4.39 ?(3.57 - 6.01, n=3)
-23%
5.55 ?(2.4 - 16.5, n=157, last 2 years)
-55%
Load Maximum *
5.76
5.17
10%
5.22
9%
3.68
36%
6.33 ?(5.17 - 8.06, n=3)
-10%
8.23 ?(4.32 - 20.8, n=157, last 2 years)
-43%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

In our realistic WLAN test, the Honor 9X Pro achieves a very good runtime of more than 16 hours. With this, it is able to make better use of its 4000-mAh battery than, for example, the Samsung Galaxy A30s.

Even though there is no label about any quick-charge technology on the included charger, our test unit is already fully recharged after about 2 hours.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
16h 11min
Honor 9X Pro
4000 mAh
Huawei P40 Lite
4200 mAh
TCL Plex
3820 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A30s
4000 mAh
Battery Runtime
WiFi v1.3
971
1007
4%
616
-37%
634
-35%

Pros

+ good battery life
+ generous storage equipment
+ protective case included
+ good display

Cons

- no Google Services
- slightly weak main camera

Verdict - A very good price-performance ratio

Testing the Honor 9X Pro. Test unit provided by Honor Germany
Testing the Honor 9X Pro. Test unit provided by Honor Germany

In our test, the Honor 9X Pro reveals itself as a smartphone with a good price-performance ratio. The hardware offers more than enough performance for most applications, and the generous amount of internal storage prevents fears of running out of storage. In combination with 6 GB of RAM and a very good battery life, there are hardly any desires that remain unfulfilled. On the other hand, the Honor 9X Pro was unable to completely convince us with its particular feature, the popup selfie camera. Although the colors look relatively good, and the reproduced objects are also quite presentable, we like the image noise on even surfaces less.

The Honor 9X Pro continues the known direction of the manufacturer consistently, but has to make do without Google Services.

The main camera also leaves room for improvement, when objects appear too dark and slightly pale. The lack of Google Services is primarily a question of comfort. Those who are willing to install their apps via Huawei's App Gallery or Amazon's App Store should be able to also get along well with the available alternatives. However, without Google, you cannot simply take a picture of a QR code and load the app in the Play Store anymore. But the Honor 9X Pro still has a lot to offer for 250 Euros (~$271).

Honor 9X Pro - 05/07/2020 v7
Mike Wobker

Chassis
81%
Keyboard
65 / 75 → 87%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
48 / 70 → 68%
Weight
88%
Battery
91%
Display
83%
Games Performance
29 / 64 → 45%
Application Performance
70 / 86 → 82%
Temperature
93%
Noise
100%
Audio
76 / 90 → 84%
Camera
59%
Average
75%
80%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Honor 9X Pro Smartphone Review: With a popup cam against the notch
Mike Wobker, 2020-05- 9 (Update: 2020-05-19)