The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor Play 40 Plus and Oppo A1x are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer compelling features at an affordable price, but which one truly delivers the best value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor Play 40 Plus edges out the Oppo A1x thanks to its significantly faster 22.5W charging. While both share the same Dimensity 700 chipset, the Honor's quicker charging and likely slightly better software support make it the preferable 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 20 | 2023, March 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 28 | Available. Released 2023, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | - | IP54 |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| 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 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver, Black, Purple | Black, Blue |
| Models | RKY-AN00 | PHJ110 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Honor Play 40 Plus
- Faster 22.5W Charging
- Potentially better software support
- Likely slightly brighter display
- Camera quality may be average
- Availability may vary by region
Oppo A1x
- More affordable
- Oppo's ColorOS interface (familiar to some)
- Decent battery life
- Slow 10W Charging
- Potentially less frequent software updates
- Camera quality may be average
Display Comparison
While specific display details are scarce, both phones likely feature similar 6.5-inch LCD panels with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level display quality. The Honor might have a slightly brighter panel, but this is speculative.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are not fully available for either device. However, based on typical offerings in this price range, expect a primary 48MP camera on both, potentially accompanied by depth and macro sensors. Image quality will likely be similar, with decent results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be a weak point for both.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, meaning performance will be largely comparable. Expect smooth multitasking and adequate performance for most games at medium settings. Real-world performance differences will likely come down to software optimization.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely around 5000mAh for both phones, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the Honor Play 40 Plus's 22.5W charging significantly outperforms the Oppo A1x's 10W charging, allowing for much faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Honor Play 40 Plus is ideal for users who prioritize faster charging and potentially a more polished software experience. The Oppo A1x is a good option for those on a tighter budget who are less concerned about charging speed and are already invested in the Oppo ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage due to their similar battery capacities. However, the Honor Play 40 Plus charges significantly faster.
❓ Is the Dimensity 700 chipset good for gaming?
The Dimensity 700 is capable of handling most games at medium settings. Don't expect flagship-level gaming performance, but it's sufficient for casual gamers.