Choosing a new smartphone in 2020 has become a difficult dilemma for most users, especially when it comes to two Chinese giants: Xiaomi and Honor. Both brands offer incredibly attractive specs for relatively little money, capturing significant market share. Consumers are often lost in an abundance of models, confusing series names and marketing tricks, not realizing which device will become a reliable companion for the next couple of years.
In the current environment, not only price, but also ecosystem, build quality and, most importantly, availability of Google services are key factors. Global policies vary significantly, which directly affects the convenience of daily use of the gadget. If you are faced with a choice, you need to thoroughly analyze the technical nuances, software and user experience provided by each party.
In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis to help you decide whether Xiaomi or Honor is better for your tasks. We will look at the performance of processors, photo shooting capabilities, autonomy and features of the MIUI and EMUI shells. Understanding these differences will avoid disappointment after purchase and get a device that fully meets your expectations.
Productivity and hardware platform
In 2020, the battle for performance has reverberated: Xiaomi has traditionally relied on the use of top-end chipsets from Qualcomm even in the mid-range segment, offering users maximum power. The flagship models of the Mi 10 series are based on the Snapdragon 865, providing phenomenal speed in heavy games and applications. At the same time, Honor actively promotes its own development HiSilicon Kirin, which is famous for excellent energy efficiency and built-in communication modules.
But let’s not forget the low-end segment, where companies use different optimization strategies. Honor often implements GPU Turbo technologies that software improve graphics performance, allowing games to run smoother even on the most powerful processors. Xiaomi relies on the raw power of MediaTek and Snapdragon chips, offering high clock speeds. The difference in approaches is noticeable with prolonged load: some devices hold the frame better, others heat less.
- 🚀 Xiaomi: Often uses newer versions of Snapdragon chipsets in the first price categories.
- 🛡️ Honor: Focuses on Kirin processor stability and communication optimization.
- 🎮 Gaming: Both companies offer game modes, but approaches to cooling and trolling differ.
It is important to consider that in 2020, Honor faced certain restrictions, which affected the availability of new chipsets in some regions, which created a situation where in certain price niches, Xiaomi can offer more modern hardware. However, for the average user who doesn’t run console emulators or heavyweights. 3D-shooters at maximum settings, the difference in everyday tasks (social networks, messengers, navigation) will be almost invisible.
Camera and quality of photography
Photography has become one of the top smartphone selection criteria in 2020, and competition between brands has peaked here. Xiaomi in its flagships collaborates with Samsung, installing sensors with a resolution of 108 MP, which allows you to get pictures with incredible detail in good light. Image processing algorithms in MIUI are often prone to increased saturation and contrast, making photos bright and ready to publish on social networks without additional processing.
On the other hand, Honor is betting on night photography and AI. The Honor 30 and V30 series are doing great in low light, thanks to RYYB in matrices that capture more light. Honor's color rendering often looks more natural and soft, which is appreciated by fans of realistic photography. However, noise reduction algorithms can sometimes "blurn" small details in the shadows.
⚠️ Attention: Both brands use software-based resolution interpolation in budget models, and the actual quality of the images depends not on the number of megapixels advertised in the ad, but on the size of the matrix and the quality of the optics.
Video is another front of the fight. Xiaomi's flagships often offer 8K recording and improved stabilization, although in practice 4K at 60 frames per second is a more useful mode. Honor introduces interesting features like dual video recording from both the front and main cameras, which is ideal for bloggers. The choice here depends on your priorities: maximum detail in the day or versatility at any time of the day.
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To check the real quality of the camera before buying go to specialized sites with photo samplers and look at the original photos taken on specific models in different lighting conditions.
Operating system and software
The shell is the interface you interact with every second, and here the differences between MIUI and EMUI/Magic UI are huge. Xiaomi offers one of the most functional Android-based shells, but it takes time to get used to. The abundance of customization, theme, second space and a lot of built-in services make MIUI a powerful tool in the hands of a power user, but can confuse the beginner.
Honor has traditionally taken a more conservative approach, making the interface as much as possible similar to standard Android, but with improved ergonomics. The EMUI shell (or Magic UI in new models) is famous for its stability and smoothness of animations. There is less visual noise, and the settings menu is structured more logically for those who switch from other Android smartphones.
A critical point in 2020 was the issue of Google services: Xiaomi is shipping its global versions of smartphones with a full set of Google services (GMS) out of the box, including Play Market, YouTube and maps.The situation with Honor is more complicated: new models released after the imposition of sanctions may not have licensed Google services, forcing users to look for workarounds or use alternative app stores.
- 🎨 MIUI: A huge number of themes, widgets and interface settings, but can contain advertising in stock applications.
- 🔒 EMUI/Magic UI: Strict design, high stability, but less flexibility of customization.
- 📦 Services: The presence of Google-services “out of the box” Xiaomi against the possible difficulties of the new Honor.
How to install Google Services on Honor without them?
Display and multimedia capabilities
The screen is a window into the digital world, and in 2020, the de facto standard has become 90Hz refresh rates and above. Xiaomi aggressively introduces AMOLED arrays even in the middle class, providing deep black and high contrast. Flagship models are equipped with screens at 120Hz, which makes scrolling tape and animations incredibly smooth. Color reproduction is usually tuned to rich, "juicy" tones.
Honor is also moving to 90Hz this year, but some mid-range models still feature IPS panels. That's not always a bad thing: IPS often wins in natural colors and no flicker (PWM) at low brightness, which is important for people with senses! with visceral eyes. However, black and power consumption at IPS are inferior to AMOLED.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi (Flagships 2020) | Honor (Flagships 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of matrix | AMOLED (Samsung) | OLED/IPS (depending on the model) |
| Frequency of update | 90 Hz/120 Hz | 60 Hz/90 Hz |
| Protective glass | Gorilla Glass 5/6 | Gorilla Glass / Own |
| Brightness (max) |
Sound also plays a role: Xiaomi often equips devices with stereo speakers with support for Hi-Res Audio and the presence of a 3.5 mm connector even in flagships. Honor in top models can abandon mini-jack in favor of Bluetooth headsets, betting on wireless technology and LDAC codec. For music lovers, the presence of a quality DAC or support for high bitrate over Bluetooth can be a decisive factor.
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Xiaomi leads in implementation AMOLED-High refresh rate screens in the middle class, while Honor maintains a balance between quality and quality. IPS and OLED price-wise.
Autonomy and charging speed
The issue of autonomy in 2020 is particularly acute due to the power consumption of 5G networks and high hertz screens. Xiaomi is betting on ultrafast charging, bringing power to 30 watts, 50 watts and even 120 watts in experimental models. This allows you to charge a smartphone from 0 to 100% in less than 30 minutes. Battery capacity is usually standard 4500-5000 mAh.
Honor adopts SuperCharge technology, which also delivers very high power-recharge rates, often comparable to competitors. However, Honor engineers have traditionally focused more on optimizing power consumption at the core level of the processor, which in some use cases gives them the advantage of running on a single charge, despite similar battery capacity.
An important aspect is battery degradation over time. Both companies use advanced security technologies, but Honor often implements algorithms that reduce battery wear during night charging, adjusting to the user's habits. Xiaomi focuses on speed, which may be more important for those who are constantly on the move and do not have time to recharge long.
- ⚡ Speed: Both brands offer 30W and higher charging in the mid-range.
- 🔋 Capacity: The 2020 standard is 4,500 mAh for compact models and 5,000 mAh for larger models.
- 🔌 Xiaomi more often delivers a charger in the bundle, Honor in some regions can save on this.
⚠️ Attention: Using non-original high-power chargers can lead to lower charge speeds or overheating.Always use certified cables and power supplies.
Design, ergonomics and materials
The look of the smartphone in 2020 has become a matter of personal style. Xiaomi is experimenting with materials using ceramics in expensive models and quality glass with gradient overflows. The design is often bold, with large camera modules and vibrant color choices. Ergonomics are usually good, but glass cases can be slippery without a case.
Honor has a more rigorous, minimalist design. Often metal is used in combination with glass, which gives devices a sense of monolithicity and reliability. The location of the fingerprint scanner (often built into the on button) is found by many users to be more convenient than the optical scanners under the screen used by Xiaomi.
The flagships of both brands often get IP53 or IP68 certification in 2020, but in the mid-size Xiaomi more often offers at least basic splash protection, while Honor can save on this by betting on structural strength.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Conclusion and recommendation
To sum up the challenge between Xiaomi and Honor in 2020, there is no perfect winner, only the best choice for specific needs. The key difference is the software philosophy: MIUI for those who like to customize every setting, and EMUI for those who want stability out of the box. If you are critical to Google services and maximum performance for your money, Xiaomi looks a safer and more predictable choice.
If you value quality connectivity, natural camera color reproduction and conservative yet reliable design, Honor is a great option, provided you are not confused by the possible nuances with the software in new models. Both brands offer excellent value for money, far ahead of Western competitors in this segment.
Ultimately, the decision must be based on how you use your smartphone every day. For gamers and techno enthusiasts, the scales are leaning towards Xiaomi. For pragmatic users, business segments and high-quality night photography enthusiasts, Honor may be more attractive. In 2020, it’s hard to make a mistake, both manufacturers set the bar high for the industry.