Honor has launched two new budget-friendly smartphones — the Honor X5c and Honor X5c Plus — targeting customers in South Africa and the global entry-level market. While both devices share a similar design language and core platform, they differ in key areas such as camera resolution, storage options, and color availability. Here is everything you need to know about these affordable new releases.
- Honor X5c and Honor X5c Plus both run on the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset with 4GB RAM and up to 128GB storage, backed by a large 5260mAh battery.
- The key differentiator is the camera: Honor X5c ships with a 13MP main sensor, while the Honor X5c Plus steps up to a 50MP primary camera.
- Both phones feature a 6.74-inch 90Hz LCD display, 5MP selfie camera, Bluetooth 5.1, and 5GHz Wi-Fi support.
- The Honor X5c starts at SAR 299 (~Rs 7,100) and the Honor X5c Plus is priced at SAR 329 (~Rs 7,800) in South Africa.
Honor X5c and Honor X5c Plus: Display and Design
Both the Honor X5c and Honor X5c Plus sport a 6.74-inch TFT LCD panel with a 720x1600 pixel resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Honor has included Eye Comfort and Dynamic Dimming technologies to reduce blue light exposure and minimise eye strain during extended use — a welcome addition at this price point. The display size makes both phones comfortable for media consumption and everyday tasks.
Performance, Battery, and Connectivity
Under the hood, both handsets are powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, which pairs an octa-core CPU (2x Cortex-A75 at 2GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 at 1.7GHz) with a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. Each phone comes with 4GB of physical RAM supplemented by 4GB of virtual RAM, and internal storage options of 64GB or 128GB depending on the variant.
Keeping the lights on is a 5260mAh battery with support for 15W fast charging — a capacity that should comfortably last through a full day of moderate use. For wireless connectivity, both models include dual SIM support, Bluetooth 5.1, and dual-band 5GHz Wi-Fi.
Camera: Where Honor X5c Plus Pulls Ahead
This is where the two devices diverge most noticeably. The standard Honor X5c features a 13MP main camera paired with a 0.08MP QVGA depth sensor. The Honor X5c Plus, on the other hand, upgrades the primary shooter to a 50MP sensor, making it a significantly more capable option for photography enthusiasts on a budget. Both phones share the same 5MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
For more Honor devices across all categories, browse our Honor smartphones collection.
Pricing and Availability
The Honor X5c is available in South Africa in Tidal Blue and Midnight Black colorways. Its 4GB + 64GB variant is priced at SAR 299 (approximately Rs 7,100). In the global market, the device will also be offered in Ocean Cyan and Meteor Silver, with an additional 4GB + 128GB storage variant. The Honor X5c Plus comes in at SAR 329 (approximately Rs 7,800) and is available in Ocean Cyan and Midnight Black, exclusively in the 4GB + 128GB configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Honor X5c and Honor X5c Plus?
The primary difference is the rear camera. The Honor X5c comes with a 13MP main camera, while the Honor X5c Plus features an upgraded 50MP primary sensor. Both phones share the same chipset, display, battery, and front camera specifications.
What processor does the Honor X5c use?
Both the Honor X5c and Honor X5c Plus are powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration and a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, paired with 4GB of RAM and up to 4GB of virtual RAM.
How long does the Honor X5c battery last, and does it support fast charging?
Both phones are equipped with a 5260mAh battery, which is large enough to support all-day usage under normal conditions. They also support 15W fast charging to help you top up quickly when needed.
