The Honor Play series is known for offering solid value for money. The Play 30 Plus and Play 40 Plus both target budget-conscious users, but are they truly identical? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Surprisingly, the Honor Play 30 Plus and 40 Plus share almost identical core specifications. The key differences likely lie in software updates, design refinements, and potentially camera tuning. The Play 40 Plus *might* offer a slightly better experience due to newer software, but it's a close call.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 16 | 2022, October 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 02 | Available. Released 2022, October 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 77.2 x 8.6 mm (6.60 x 3.04 x 0.34 in) | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 5.0 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver, Gold | Blue, Silver, Black, Purple |
| Models | CMA-AN00 | RKY-AN00 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor Play 30 Plus
- Excellent value for money
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Large display for media consumption
- Long battery life
- Basic camera capabilities
- Plastic build quality
- May receive fewer software updates compared to newer models
Honor Play 40 Plus
- Potentially newer software experience
- Slightly improved camera tuning (possible)
- Large display for media consumption
- Long battery life
- May not offer significant improvements over the Play 30 Plus
- Plastic build quality
- Price may be slightly higher
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.7-inch LCD display with a standard refresh rate (likely 90Hz or 120Hz). Expect comparable color accuracy and brightness levels. Differences, if any, will be subtle and related to display calibration.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a triple-camera setup (main, ultrawide, macro), the image processing algorithms and sensor tuning could differ. Expect the Play 40 Plus to potentially offer slightly improved image quality due to software enhancements, but don't anticipate a massive difference.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, performance should be virtually identical in real-world usage. Gaming performance will be similar, though sustained performance might vary slightly depending on thermal management.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 22.5W wired, so charging times will be similar.
Buying Guide
The Honor Play 30 Plus is ideal for users seeking a budget-friendly phone with decent performance for everyday tasks. The Honor Play 40 Plus is a good choice if you prioritize a slightly newer software experience and potentially minor design improvements, assuming the price difference isn't significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the processors the same in both phones?
Yes, both the Honor Play 30 Plus and 40 Plus utilize the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset.
❓ Is there a significant difference in camera quality?
While the hardware might be similar, the Honor Play 40 Plus *could* offer slightly improved camera performance due to software optimizations, but the difference is likely to be minimal.
