The Honor Play series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. The Play 30 and Play 40 Plus are the latest contenders, offering compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor Play 40 Plus emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Dimensity 700 chipset, faster charging, and likely improved camera capabilities. While the Play 30 is a decent budget option, the 40 Plus offers a noticeable upgrade for a reasonable price increase.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 | 2022, May 10 | 2022, October 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 27 | Available. Released 2022, October 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Aluminosilicate glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | 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 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF | 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 | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Gold, Gradient | Blue, Silver, Black, Purple |
| Models | VNE-AN00 | RKY-AN00 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor Play 30
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- 5G connectivity
- Slower performance
- Slow charging
- Likely inferior camera
Honor Play 40 Plus
- Faster performance (Dimensity 700)
- Faster charging (22.5W)
- Likely better camera
- More efficient chipset
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Still a budget phone (compromises exist)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5-6.8 inches with a standard refresh rate (60Hz). The Play 40 Plus *might* have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to its newer design, but this is speculative without official specs. Resolution will likely be FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are missing, the Dimensity 700 generally supports more advanced camera features and image processing capabilities than the Snapdragon 480+. Therefore, the Play 40 Plus is expected to deliver better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Both likely have a main sensor around 48MP, but the 40 Plus's ISP will be superior.
Performance
This is where the Play 40 Plus shines. The Dimensity 700 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 480+. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 40 Plus. The 7nm process of the Dimensity 700 also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh. However, the Play 40 Plus's 22.5W charging is a significant advantage over the Play 30's 10W charging, allowing for much faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Honor Play 30 is a good choice for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't need top-tier performance. The Honor Play 40 Plus is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, faster charging, and a better camera, even within a budget-friendly price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor Play 40 Plus worth the extra cost?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 chipset and faster charging make the Play 40 Plus a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows. The performance difference is noticeable.
❓ What kind of games can I play on these phones?
The Play 30 can handle basic games, but the Play 40 Plus will provide a smoother experience with more demanding titles. Expect lower graphics settings on both.
