The Honor 3C Play and Honor 4C were popular budget smartphones offering a lot of value for their price. But which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor 4C is the clear winner. Its Kirin 620 chipset and octa-core processor offer significantly better performance than the 3C Play's Mediatek MT6582. While both are budget phones, the 4C provides a smoother, more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - CHM-U01 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, August. Released 2014, September | 2015, April. Released 2015, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 142.2 x 72.3 x 9.4 mm (5.60 x 2.85 x 0.37 in) | 143.3 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm (5.64 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 162 g (5.71 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 (~66.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6582 (28 nm) | Kirin 620 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Mali-450MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 6 (Marshmallow), EMUI 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2550 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | White, Black, Gold |
| Models | Hol-U10 | CHM-U01, CHC-U01, CHC-U23, CHC-U03, CHM-UL00, CHM-TL00, CHM-TL00H |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.32 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
Honor 3C Play
- Very affordable
- Compact size
- Decent battery life for basic use
- Outdated chipset
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- Lower build quality
Honor 4C
- Better performance
- Improved camera
- Slightly better battery life
- More modern design
- Still a budget phone
- Limited storage options
- May feel dated now
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.0-inch display, likely with a resolution around 720p (HD). The Honor 4C might have slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to potentially improved panel technology, but the difference is likely minimal. Expect similar screen brightness and outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
The Honor 4C generally boasts a slightly better camera setup. While both likely have an 8MP main camera and a 2MP front camera, the Kirin 620's image signal processor (ISP) likely provides better image processing, resulting in slightly better photos with improved dynamic range and noise reduction. Low-light performance will also be better on the 4C.
Performance
This is where the Honor 4C shines. The Kirin 620 octa-core processor is a substantial upgrade over the 3C Play's quad-core Mediatek chip. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the 4C. Gaming performance will also be significantly better on the 4C.
Battery Life
The Honor 4C typically has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 2550 mAh) compared to the 3C Play (around 2000 mAh). Coupled with its more efficient processor, the Honor 4C should offer noticeably better battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The Honor 3C Play is a good option for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and affordability. The Honor 4C is ideal for those seeking a more capable smartphone with better performance, a slightly improved camera, and a more modern design, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor 3C Play still worth buying?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and only need basic smartphone functionality. Otherwise, the Honor 4C offers significantly more value.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Honor 4C, thanks to its octa-core processor, provides a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ What is the difference in RAM between the two phones?
The Honor 4C typically came with 2GB of RAM, while the Honor 3C Play often had 1GB. This contributes to the 4C's better multitasking capabilities.
