The Honor 3C and 3C Play were popular budget smartphones, offering a taste of Android on a tight budget. But which one is the better choice? This comparison dives deep into the specs and features of the Honor 3C Play and the Honor 3C 4G to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor 3C 4G is the clear winner. Its Kirin 910 chipset and 4G connectivity provide a significantly faster and more modern experience compared to the 3C Play's older Mediatek processor. While both are budget options, the 4G offers better long-term value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, August. Released 2014, September | 2014, May. Released 2014, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 142.2 x 72.3 x 9.4 mm (5.60 x 2.85 x 0.37 in) | 139.5 x 71.4 x 9.2 mm (5.49 x 2.81 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~69.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6582 (28 nm) | Kirin 910 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Mali-450MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), EMUI 2.3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2300 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | White/Black |
| Models | Hol-U10 | H30-L02 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Honor 3C Play
- Extremely affordable
- Decent for basic tasks
- Compact size
- Slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Limited features
- No 4G connectivity
Honor 3C 4G
- Faster performance
- 4G connectivity
- More responsive UI
- Slightly better camera processing
- Slightly more expensive than 3C Play
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Battery life could be better
Display Comparison
Both phones likely featured similar display sizes (around 5 inches) and resolutions (likely 720p). Expect decent but not exceptional viewing experiences. The 3C 4G might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset, but the difference would be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs were likely similar on both devices, potentially around 8MP for the main camera and 2MP for the front camera. However, the Kirin 910's image signal processor (ISP) in the 3C 4G likely provided better image processing, resulting in slightly better photo quality, especially in low light. Expect decent photos from both, but nothing exceptional.
Performance
This is where the 3C 4G shines. The Kirin 910 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Mediatek MT6582. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user interface on the 3C 4G. The 3C Play will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely had similar battery capacities (around 2000mAh). However, the 3C 4G's more efficient chipset might translate to slightly better battery life under moderate usage, despite the 4G connectivity.
Buying Guide
The Honor 3C Play is best suited for users who absolutely need the lowest possible price and primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The Honor 3C 4G is ideal for those who want a slightly faster phone with 4G connectivity and a more responsive user experience, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor 3C Play still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and only need basic functionality. Otherwise, the 3C 4G offers a much better experience.
❓ What is the main difference between the Honor 3C Play and 3C 4G?
The primary difference is the chipset. The 3C 4G has a Kirin 910, providing significantly better performance and 4G connectivity compared to the 3C Play's Mediatek MT6582.
