Honor X5b And Honor X5b Plus: A Detailed Breakdown Of Budget-Friendly Smartphones

Body

Both the Honor X5b and X5b Plus share identical dimensions, measuring 163.9×75.8×8.7 mm and weighing 194 g. This compact size, along with the slightly curved edges, makes these phones comfortable to hold for prolonged use. They're available in three colors: Flowing Black, Flowing Blue, and Starry Purple - simple yet attractive options for those who appreciate understated designs. And while the design may not scream "premium", it's functional and durable enough for daily handling. Here are the relevant specs:

Both the Honor X5b and X5b Plus share the same dimensions and weight, striking a solid balance between compactness and usability. The size is typical for a smartphone with a 6.56-inch display, giving you ample screen real estate without making the device too cumbersome. At 8.7 mm thick, they're not exactly ultra-thin, but this contributes to a more durable feel, and the slight thickness actually aids grip, preventing the device from feeling flimsy.

For users who spend extended periods scrolling social media, watching videos, or playing casual games, the weight of 194 g is still comfortable. It's not so light that it feels cheap, but not so heavy that you'd notice hand fatigue after prolonged use. Likewise, the size and weight combination makes it easy to slide these phones into a pocket or a bag without feeling bulky or weighing you down.

The three color options - Flowing Black, Flowing Blue, and Starry Purple - each offers a distinct personality that can appeal to different types of users:

• Flowing Black: This is the classic, timeless choice for those who prefer a more understated and professional look. Flowing Black will appeal to users who want a sleek, low-profile device that can seamlessly fit into both professional and casual settings. It's the kind of color that never goes out of style, often chosen by those who value minimalism or simply don't want their phone to stand out too much.
• Flowing Blue: This color is perfect for someone who likes a splash of personality without going too over the top. Flowing Blue brings a calm, yet lively energy, likely appealing to people who want something more refreshing and vibrant than black, but still subtle enough for everyday use. It's great for users who want to make a statement but not in an overly flashy way, giving off a vibe of cool confidence.
• Starry Purple: Starry Purple is for the bold and expressive. It has a bit more flair and uniqueness compared to the other two options, appealing to people who enjoy standing out. This color likely suits those who view their smartphone as not just a tool, but also an extension of their personal style. It's playful, a bit daring, and ideal for users who want something distinctive, especially in a sea of more conventional smartphone colors.

Overall, the design, weight, and dimensions of these phones make them well-suited for daily use, and the color choices provide a way for you to express your individuality based on your personal preferences.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

Ah, the lack of an official IP rating on the Honor X5b duo - a puzzle for many smartphone enthusiasts. It's not uncommon for budget smartphones to skip the official waterproof badge. These phones often focus on delivering key features at an affordable price point, and unfortunately, achieving a certified level of water resistance can add to the manufacturing costs. So, the absence of an IP rating on the Honor X5b and X5b Plus isn't surprising in the budget-friendly domain.

Now, should you, as a potential buyer, be concerned? It depends on your lifestyle. If you're the type to accidentally drop your phone into puddles or have a habit of texting in the rain, you might want to exercise caution. However, for the average users who treat their device with care, it shouldn't be a deal-breaker.

To safeguard your device from the environmental elements, here are some practical tips:

• Protective Case: A good-quality protective case can be your phone's armor against accidental spills and minor impacts. Choose one that offers a raised lip around the screen for added protection.
• Screen Protector: A tempered glass screen protector is like a shield for your display. It not only guards against scratches but can also provide an extra layer of defense in case of a sudden meeting with a puddle.
• Be Mindful Around Water: As your X5b or X5b Plus does not have an official IP rating, exercising caution around water is wise. Keep it away from pools, sinks, and rainy days. If it does get a splash, a quick wipe should suffice.

In essence, a little proactive care can go a long way in keeping your X5b or X5b Plus in top-notch condition. While it might not be ready for a deep-sea dive, with the right precautions, it can certainly weather the everyday storms of life. So, suit it up with a protective case, slap on a screen protector, and go forth without the worry of water woes!

Display: Smooth and Bright TFT LCD

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The expansive, 6.56-inch TFT LCD display on both models is a pleasant surprise for budget phones. The 90 Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and transitions, which is rare in this segment. With a resolution of 720×1612 pixels (around 269 PPI), you're not getting Full HD, but the screen is crisp enough for standard usage, from browsing the web to watching videos. The Honor X5b and X5b Plus can hit a peak brightness of 530 nits, which is adequate for most lighting conditions, though they may struggle in direct sunlight.

Honor X5b Plus. Image credit: Honor

Here are the relevant specs:

The TFT LCD (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) is a staple in the budget and mid-range segments. While it may not offer the deep blacks or punchy contrast levels of OLED screens, it provides a decent balance between cost and performance. TFT LCDs are known for good color accuracy and consistency, though you may notice that the colors appear a bit muted compared to higher-end display technologies.

This type of display is perfectly fine for regular tasks like browsing, social media, messaging, and even casual video watching. However, it's not ideal for those who prioritize media consumption or content creation, as it lacks the vibrancy and dynamic contrast found in more premium OLED panels.

One standout feature of this display is the 90 Hz refresh rate. While most entry-level phones settle for a 60 Hz refresh rate, the 90 Hz panel ensures smoother animations, more fluid scrolling, and an overall more responsive user experience. You'll notice the difference especially when switching between apps, swiping through menus, and browsing content-heavy sites like Instagram or Reddit.

For gamers, this higher refresh rate offers a more enjoyable experience in certain casual games, though the phone's processor (the Mediatek Helio G36) might not handle graphically demanding games as smoothly, even with a faster display.

With a resolution of 720×1612 pixels and a pixel density of around 269 PPI, the display is in line with what you'd expect from an entry-level device. The 20:9 aspect ratio also makes the display well-suited for modern content formats, such as streaming video and scrolling through social media feeds.

For general use, this resolution is adequate, especially when considering the price points of the phones. Text is sharp enough for reading, and watching HD videos and casual media consumption feels fine. However, you'll start to notice the limitations if you dive into more visually demanding content, such as:

• Gaming: Simple 2D and casual games look decent, but graphically intense 3D games will appear less crisp compared to higher-resolution displays.
• High-Quality Video: While the display can handle 720p content comfortably, watching 1080p or 4K videos on this screen won't provide the same level of detail you'd find on Full HD or QHD panels. For users who enjoy streaming high-res content on Netflix or YouTube, this resolution will feel limiting.

The phones' 530 nits of brightness in High Brightness Mode (HBM) is on the lower end for smartphones, especially when compared to mid-range and high-end devices that can go up to 800 - 1000 nits or more. While 530 nits is sufficient for indoor use and moderately bright outdoor conditions, it may struggle in direct sunlight or under very bright outdoor settings, which means:

• Outdoor Visibility: You may find it challenging to read the screen clearly in harsh sunlight, especially when browsing or viewing darker content like images or videos. Text may still be legible with some effort, but colors and details will likely wash out.
• Indoor and Low-Light Use: Indoors, the display will appear bright enough for comfortable viewing, and the lower brightness helps conserve battery life. However, in very bright environments or when taking the phone outdoors frequently, you might find yourself cranking up the brightness, which could quickly drain the battery.

In conclusion, the Honor X5b and X5b Plus offer respectable display features for entry-level devices, with the 90 Hz refresh rate being a notable highlight that ensures smooth visuals in everyday tasks. The 720p resolution works well for casual browsing, reading, and video streaming in lower resolutions, but if you're someone who prioritizes high-definition content or loves binge-watching in Full HD, the pixel density might not satisfy your needs.

And the 530 nits HBM brightness is acceptable for most indoor environments but will definitely struggle in direct sunlight or very bright outdoor conditions. It's something to keep in mind if you spend a lot of time outdoors and rely on your phone for navigation or photo-taking in such settings.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

The Honor X5b and X5b Plus support GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring reliable connectivity for calls and data.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.

SIM

The Honor X5b and X5b Plus's dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by) capability adds flexibility, catering to those who navigate between personal and professional domains.

Chipset - Performance: Mediatek Helio G36 Gets the Job Done

Both X5b and X5b Plus come equipped with the Mediatek Helio G36 chipset, built on a 12-nm process. This octa-core processor features rwo types of cores. Combined with the PowerVR GE8320 GPU, these phones should be able to handle everyday tasks like app switching, video streaming, and even light gaming with ease. However, you shouldn't expect high-end performance, especially in graphic-intensive games. Here are the relevant specs:

Both the Honor X5b and X5b Plus share identical internal components, which position the phones firmly in the entry-level category, offering decent performance for basic smartphone tasks but falling short when it comes to more demanding workloads. The Mediatek Helio G36 is a budget-friendly chipset, built on a relatively older 12-nm process. While it's no powerhouse, it strikes a good balance between cost-efficiency and performance for day-to-day tasks. The Helio G36 is tailored toward budget smartphones, focusing on battery efficiency and handling light-to-moderate usage without excessive strain.

Given its entry-level positioning, the G36 performs well in environments where heavy multitasking and graphically intense applications aren't a priority. It's designed to provide a smooth experience for basic activities like web browsing, social media use, video streaming (at 720p), light gaming, and messaging and calls.

The octa-core CPU is divided into two clusters of Cortex-A53 cores:

• 4 Cores Clocked at 2.2 GHz: These are the performance cores, designed to handle more demanding tasks such as app launches, light gaming, and multitasking. They're faster than the energy-efficient cores and will kick in when the phone needs a performance boost.
• 4 Cores Clocked at 1.6 GHz: These are the efficiency cores, optimized for lighter tasks like background processes, messaging, and casual browsing. Their main job is to conserve battery life by performing tasks that don't require much processing power.

This configuration is a classic big.LITTLE architecture, where the phone dynamically switches between the two types of cores depending on what you're doing. For instance, when you're checking emails or texting, the lower-powered cores do the work. But when you start playing a game or streaming a video, the faster cores take over.

The PowerVR GE8320 GPU is an entry-level graphics processor, and its performance aligns with the chipset and CPU. It's designed to handle simple graphical tasks efficiently but isn't meant for demanding 3D rendering or high-end gaming.

The PowerVR GE8320 can handle games like Candy Crush, Clash of Clans, and other light titles smoothly. Even some slightly more demanding games can run, but you'll need to dial down the graphics settings to achieve smooth performance.

However, don't expect the PowerVR GE8320 to run titles like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact at high settings. You'll experience low frame rates, reduced detail, and potentially unplayable performance if you push it too hard. These phones simply aren't built for that kind of graphical workload.

The GPU can handle video streaming, but it's most comfortable at 720p resolution, which aligns with the phones' display. It might struggle with 1080p or higher videos, leading to buffering or slower frame rates.

The combined power of the Mediatek Helio G36, the octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU, and the PowerVR GE8320 GPU is more than enough for most day-to-day smartphone tasks. You can expect a smooth experience with the following:

• Basic Multitasking: Switching between lightweight apps such as messaging, social media, and email should be relatively smooth.
• Video Streaming: As long as you stick to 720p content, both phones will handle streaming from platforms like YouTube and Netflix without hiccups.
• Light Gaming: Titles that aren't graphically intense will run fine, but high-end gaming is beyond the reach of this configuration.
• General App Use: Popular apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and even simpler productivity tools will run without much issue.

However, if you need your phone to handle more demanding tasks, the Honor X5b and X5b Plus might fall short in the following areas:

• Heavy Gaming: As mentioned, the GPU isn't built for high-end games. For gamers, a phone with a more powerful GPU, such as the Mali-G series or Adreno 6xx, would be a better fit.
• Multimedia Editing: Tasks like photo or video editing, especially with high-res content, require more CPU and GPU horsepower than these phones can offer. You'll find the rendering times painfully slow.
• Multitasking with Heavy Apps: If you're the type to have several heavy apps open at once (e.g., a game, a browser with multiple tabs, and a video), the phones may struggle, resulting in lag or even forced closures of apps.
• Future-Proofing: While the performance is fine for today's basic apps and games, this configuration might struggle as apps get more resource-intensive over time.

In summary, the Honor X5b and X5b Plus are not performance powerhouses, but they are efficient enough to handle basic tasks for budget-conscious users. The Helio G36 chipset and PowerVR GE8320 GPU make these phones ideal for those who need a reliable, affordable device for everyday activities. However, if your smartphone needs extend to more demanding tasks or intensive gaming, you'd be better off with a mid-range or flagship device that packs more processing power and a stronger GPU.

Memory and Storage Options: A Key Differentiator

Here are the relevant specs:

One of the major differences between the two models is storage. The Honor X5b comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, which is acceptable for basic usage. The Honor X5b Plus doubles the storage capacity to 128 GB, which could be a game-changer if you plan on downloading a lot of apps or storing media locally. Both phones also support microSDXC cards, so you can expand the storage if necessary.

Cameras: Budget Photography with a Twist

The camera setup is where these two models part ways. The Honor X5b features a 13 MP main camera, which is fairly standard for this price range and is capable of taking decent daylight photos. There's also a 0.8 MP auxiliary lens, though its utility is minimal - likely there for depth sensing in portrait shots rather than adding any substantial photographic functionality.

The Honor X5b Plus provides a significant upgrade here. It is equipped with a 50 MP main camera, which, while still an entry-level shooter, has a higher megapixel count, allowing for more detailed photos. This could make a difference if you enjoy casual photography but don't want to shell out for a flagship model. Like its vanilla sibling, the X5b Plus also features a 0.8 MP auxiliary lens.

Both models come with a 5 MP selfie camera, which is serviceable for video calls and the occasional selfie, though don't expect mind-blowing clarity.

Rear Camera

Honor X5b Plus. Image credit: Honor

Both Honor X5b and Honor X5b Plus come with dual-camera setups, but they differ significantly in terms of their primary camera resolution, which directly impacts the quality of photos and videos. Let's break down the cameras on each phone and see how they fare for different photography and videography needs. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Honor X5b	Honor X5b Plus
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	13 MP (wide), 0.8 MP (auxiliary lens)	50 MP (wide), 0.8 MP (auxiliary lens)
Aperture	f/1.8, N/A	f/1.8, N/A
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	LED flash	LED flash

The primary lens on both phones is a wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture, which is designed to capture a broad field of view, making it ideal for everyday photography. The Honor X5b's 13 MP sensor is quite typical for budget smartphones, and while it's capable of producing decent images in good lighting, it may struggle in low-light conditions. You can expect reasonable detail for social media, casual photography, and basic snapshots.

The Honor X5b Plus's jump to a 50 MP sensor makes a significant difference. This higher-resolution lens will capture far more detail, allowing you to take sharper and more vibrant images. Photos can be cropped or enlarged without losing as much quality. This camera is better suited for users who want to capture high-resolution images and enjoy the flexibility of cropping or zooming in post-processing.

Both cameras share the same f/1.8 aperture, which allows for better light capture, particularly in dim conditions. However, while the aperture is the same, the larger 50 MP sensor on the Honor X5b Plus will be able to resolve more detail in a variety of lighting conditions, leading to clearer images.

The 0.8 MP auxiliary lens on both phones is not designed for direct photography. It most likely serves as a depth sensor or provides minor assistance for basic camera features, such as portrait mode. In that case, it helps with background blur (bokeh) effects, making the subject stand out in portrait shots. However, at 0.8 MP, it's very limited and likely won't add significant value beyond what the software is capable of on its own.

Both phones come with an LED flash, which is a useful addition for low-light photography. While it's no replacement for a dedicated night mode or advanced low-light sensors, the flash will help when taking pictures in dim environments where artificial lighting is needed. That said, relying on the flash alone won't produce stunning results, as it can lead to harsh lighting and overexposed areas in your images.

Both the Honor X5b and X5b Plus can record video in 1080p at 30 fps, which is pretty standard for entry-level and mid-range phones. This resolution and frame rate are adequate for recording everyday moments, social media clips, and home videos.

However, 1080p is not the sharpest by today's standards, especially for those who are used to 4K recording. And while the 30 fps frame rate is fine for casual use, if you want smoother footage or plan to do any slow-motion recording, the absence of 60 fps will be noticeable.

The 13 MP camera on the Honor X5b is adequate for:

• Casual Photography: Great for quick snaps, social media posts, and everyday moments.
• Daylight Photography: Performs decently well in well-lit environments, offering acceptable detail and colors.
• Basic Video Recording: 1080p at 30 fps is more than sufficient for capturing memories or uploading simple videos online.

However, this setup might not suffice if:

• You want to crop or zoom in on images frequently - the 13 MP resolution will limit how much detail you can retain.
• You're into low-light photography or indoor shots where lighting isn't optimal.
• You require professional video recording, as it lacks 4K capabilities and higher frame rates.

With its 50 MP main camera, the Honor X5b Plus significantly steps up the game:

• High-Resolution Photography: If you're someone who enjoys taking highly detailed photos, this camera offers plenty of resolution to work with. It's great for landscapes, architecture, or any situation where fine detail is important.
• Day-to-Day Photography: The f/1.8 aperture and overall camera design make it suitable for both casual use and more dedicated photography.
• Good Lighting Flexibility: While not a dedicated night mode camera, the higher MP count allows for better overall detail in varying lighting conditions.

However, the 50 MP camera also won't be enough if:

• You're expecting flagship-level performance in low light (due to the lack of advanced image stabilization and night mode features).
• You're hoping for 4K video quality or more professional-grade videography features.
• You need robust zoom capabilities - despite the high resolution, neither phone has a dedicated telephoto lens, so zooming will be limited to digital zoom, which reduces image quality.

In conclusion, the Honor X5b's 13 MP camera is serviceable for basic users who don't need anything fancy. It's more than capable of handling casual photography and videography. And the Honor X5b Plus's 50 MP camera is a clear upgrade for users who want sharper images and more detailed photography. It's a good choice for those who enjoy capturing finer details without breaking the bank.

While both phones are adequate for casual shooters, anyone looking for a camera with more versatility, better low-light performance, or higher video quality might need to look into a mid-range or flagship option.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Battery life is another area where both models excel. Equipped with a 5200 mAh battery, these phones are built to last. Given their modest hardware, you should easily get through a full day of use, with some users likely to see up to two days before needing a charge.

However, the 10 W charging is on the slower side, so don't expect fast top-ups - these phones are definitely designed for users who can plug in overnight rather than those who need a quick midday charge.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Connectivity

The Honor X5b and X5b Plus don't skimp on essential connectivity options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, these phones ensure you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks. Also, there's Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router. It's perfect for fast file transfers and seamless collaboration.

Both phones boast Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming, LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, and aptX HD for superior audio quality, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

With GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS support on both phones, you can navigate with confidence, whether exploring new cities or embarking on outdoor adventures.

The absence of NFC in both phones might be a downside for some users who rely on mobile payments, but its absence is somewhat expected in this price bracket.

Last but not least, both X5b and X5b Plus support the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The Honor X5b Plus comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in both the models.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Honor X5b and Honor X5b Plus release date?

  The Honor X5b and X5b Plus have been announced on the 22nd October, 2024. They are expected to release later in the same month.

• What is Honor X5b price?

  The Honor X5b is priced at about USD 80.

• What is Honor X5b Plus price?

  The Honor X5b Plus is priced at SAR 399 (about USD 106).