Honor's Play series consistently delivers value in the budget smartphone space. The Play 40 and Play 50 Plus represent the latest iterations, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Play 40, with its Snapdragon 480+ 5G, focuses on established connectivity, while the Play 50 Plus introduces the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 and faster charging, aiming for a performance boost. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor Play 50 Plus emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Snapdragon 480+ in the Play 40, and the significantly faster 35W charging dramatically improves usability. While the Play 40 remains a capable device, the 50 Plus provides a more future-proof and convenient experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 05 | 2023, October 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 05 | Available. Released 2023, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 166.7 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.56 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD, 90Hz, 850 nits (peak) |
| 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 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, Magic OS 7.1 | Android 13, MagicOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| 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 |
| 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 |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, 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 | 10W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Mint, Black, Purple | Green, Silver, Black, Purple |
| Models | WDY-AN00 | CLK-AN00 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Honor Play 40
- Proven Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset
- Reliable 5G connectivity
- Potentially lower price point
- Slow 10W charging
- Less powerful CPU and GPU compared to the Play 50 Plus
- Less efficient 8nm process
Honor Play 50 Plus
- Faster Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset
- Significantly faster 35W charging
- More efficient 7nm process
- Mediatek chipset may have less brand recognition for some users
- Potential for slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Neither Honor provides display specifications beyond size, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The focus here is on the internal hardware powering the experience. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is expected in this segment, meaning smooth scrolling and responsiveness will be dictated primarily by the chipset's GPU capabilities.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, assessing image quality is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth sensor, with the Play 40 potentially including a macro lens. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 6020 generally offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the Snapdragon 480+'s ISP. This could result in better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos taken with the Play 50 Plus, even with similar sensor configurations. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is expected on both devices at this price point.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor Play 50 Plus’s Mediatek Dimensity 6020, fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process, holds a clear advantage over the 8nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ in the Play 40. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.2 GHz core configuration, the Dimensity 6020 utilizes Cortex-A76 cores, which offer superior single-core performance compared to the Kryo 460 cores in the Snapdragon. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Dimensity 6020’s integrated Mali-G57 MC2 GPU also surpasses the Adreno 619 in the Snapdragon 480+, providing a better gaming experience, though still limited to lighter titles at medium settings. The Play 50 Plus will handle demanding apps and games with greater ease.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the real differentiator is charging speed. The Honor Play 50 Plus’s 35W wired charging is a game-changer compared to the Play 40’s sluggish 10W charging. A full charge on the Play 50 Plus will take significantly less time, minimizing downtime. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging allows for quick top-ups throughout the day, a crucial benefit for active users. The efficiency gains from the 7nm Dimensity 6020 could also contribute to slightly better battery life in real-world usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play 40 if you prioritize a proven Qualcomm chipset and are comfortable with slower 10W charging. It's a solid option for basic smartphone tasks and reliable 5G connectivity. Buy the Honor Play 50 Plus if you value faster performance for apps and light gaming, and appreciate the convenience of 35W fast charging, making it ideal for users who are frequently on the go and need quick top-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 in the Play 50 Plus overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 6020 is a capable chip, it's important to remember this is a budget device. Thermal throttling is possible during prolonged, graphically intensive gaming. However, the 7nm process is more efficient than the Snapdragon 480+'s 8nm process, suggesting the Play 50 Plus will manage heat slightly better, allowing for longer sustained performance before throttling occurs.
❓ How long does it realistically take to charge the Honor Play 50 Plus from 0% to 100% with the 35W charger?
With 35W charging, the Honor Play 50 Plus should be able to reach a full charge in approximately 60-75 minutes, depending on background app activity. This is a significant improvement over the Play 40's 10W charging, which could take over 3 hours for a complete charge.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 480+ in the Play 40 still sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging?
Yes, the Snapdragon 480+ is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks. It provides a smooth experience for browsing, social media, messaging, and light app usage. However, you'll notice a slowdown when multitasking or running more demanding applications compared to the Play 50 Plus.
