Now might be the perfect moment for a phone upgrade or to gift it to someone, and if you’re scouting for a budget-friendly option, the HONOR X5 Plus could be a noteworthy contender.
However, will it meet your expectations? Before buying, read this review and see if it matches your needs and wants in a phone.
HONOR X5 Plus Design
First impressions matter, and the HONOR X5 Plus doesn’t disappoint, especially considering its look despite its budget-friendly price tag.
It comes in two color variants, Midnight Black and Cyan Lake, boasting a metallic finish that adds a touch of sophistication. Meanwhile, our team got the Cyan Blue variant, and we found it stylish, with the metallic finish contributing to a premium feel, ensuring the device doesn’t come off as cheap.
However, what caught our eye was the Cyan Blue variant’s chic appeal. The metallic finish not only adds a premium touch but also ensures the device remains lightweight and comfortable for one-handed use, thanks to its rounded edges.
Turning the phone over reveals two protruding circular frames housing the camera lenses. This clever design choice creates the illusion that the device has massive lenses.
HONOR X5 Plus Display
Now, onto the display. The brightness feature is noteworthy as it can adjust significantly, adapting to various lighting conditions. This is a standout aspect, particularly for nighttime use, sparing your eyes from strain. On the flip side, it performs admirably even under direct sunlight, showing how its brightness can adjust based on the user’s environment.
The device also boasts a 6.56-inch IPS display, featuring a teardrop notch that houses the selfie camera. What’s impressive at this price point is the inclusion of a 90Hz refresh rate screen, elevating the overall user experience. While it may not blow you away when binge-watching videos, it certainly won’t leave you disappointed either.
For instance, its display delivers punchy colors, and the viewing angles are notably impressive.
HONOR X5 Plus Software and Performance
Running on Android 13 with the MagicOS version 7.1 layered on top, the software experience offers a decent mix of customization options. The pre-installed applications can be managed, allowing you to maximize the 64GB of internal storage.
Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G36, 4GB RAM, and HONOR RAM Turbo keep things ticking. While it’s not a powerhouse, considering the price, it delivers a decent performance for daily tasks. However, opening multiple apps at the same time will result in lagging.
Heavy gaming isn’t also advisable when using the device. Well, it can run games, like Call of Duty Mobile, but visible lags are part of the deal. In addition, it is slow, and the graphics are low quality. We also experienced some heating during intense gaming sessions. It is manageable, though, and again, expectations need to align with the budget-friendly features of the device.
HONOR X5 Plus Camera
Its rear camera configuration combines a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the selfie camera nestled within the screen’s teardrop notch boasts a 5MP snapper.
Sample Photos:
For those not aiming for Instagram-worthy photos at every shot, the HONOR X5 Plus offers basic yet functional camera features. Outdoor photography stands out, producing images with crisp results.
However, in low-light or nighttime scenarios, prepare to rely on the flash, as the device struggles to enhance night photos. On the positive side, selfies turn out well, accentuating facial features with good lighting.
It’s a mixed bag. Reliable in well-lit conditions but less impressive in challenging lighting situations.
HONOR X5 Plus Battery
Here’s where the HONOR X5 Plus truly shines. With a whopping 5,200mAh battery, it can easily last for days with moderate usage.
As our main driver, the battery can last for 13 hours when actively using social media and other task-management apps. Meanwhile, when we heavily use it for our usual mobile activities, plus gaming and watching movies, it can last for almost six hours.
The device’s juice is its standout feature. It also comes with a 10W charging solution, taking the battery from 20% to 100% in just under 3 hours.
Verdict
Priced at Php5,990, the HONOR X5 Plus is a decent budget phone with limitations.
On the positive side, its exceptional battery life and decent cameras make it a compelling option for users prioritizing endurance and basic photography needs. However, it does struggle when faced with demanding tasks, and competitors might offer better hardware for the price.
So, are you getting one? Let us know what you think in the comment section!
