The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and Honor is a key player. The Honor Play 40 Plus and Honor X7a both offer compelling features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor Play 40 Plus takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, offering noticeably better performance. While the X7a boasts 5W reverse charging, the Play 40 Plus's superior processing power makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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 |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 20 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 28 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.33 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 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 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765H Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5330 or 6000 mAh (market/region dependent) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver, Black, Purple | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | RKY-AN00 | RKY-LX1, RKY-LX2, RKY-LX3 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Honor Play 40 Plus
- Significantly faster performance
- More modern chipset
- Potentially better image processing
- May lack some of the X7a's features (e.g., reverse charging)
- Design might be less premium
Honor X7a
- 5W reverse charging
- Potentially longer software support
- Good battery life
- Slower performance
- Outdated chipset
- Less responsive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.6-6.7 inches, with LCD panels. Expect similar resolutions (likely FHD+). The Play 40 Plus *might* have slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset, but overall, display quality will be comparable. Brightness levels are likely similar, suitable for indoor use but potentially struggling in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, probably including a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens. The Play 40 Plus's more powerful chipset *could* lead to slightly better image processing and low-light performance, but the difference won't be drastic. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions from both.
Performance
This is where the Play 40 Plus shines. The Dimensity 700 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio G37. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the Play 40 Plus. The X7a will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding games or multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a large battery capacity (around 5000mAh). Battery life should be comparable under moderate usage. The X7a's 5W reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to charge other devices, which could be a deciding factor for some.
Buying Guide
The Honor Play 40 Plus is ideal for users who prioritize performance and smooth multitasking, even on a budget. The Honor X7a is a good option for those who value longer battery life and the convenience of reverse charging, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor Play 40 Plus worth the extra cost?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Dimensity 700 offers a significant upgrade over the Helio G37, making the Play 40 Plus a more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Can the Honor X7a charge other phones?
Yes, the Honor X7a features 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices with a USB cable.
