Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially in the budget segment. The Honor Play 5T Pro and Honor 20S are both contenders, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one truly comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor 20S generally wins thanks to its superior Kirin 810 chipset, offering significantly better performance and efficiency. While the Play 5T Pro has a slightly faster charging speed, the 20S's overall package makes it the more compelling 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 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 05 | 2019, September. Released 2019, October |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 05 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 160.7 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) | 154.3 x 74 x 7.9 mm (6.07 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~412 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 96.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.27 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.88 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Kirin 810 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MP6 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Magic 2.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - |
32-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 3750 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magic Black, Titanium Silver | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | YAL-AL50 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Honor Play 5T Pro
- Faster Charging (22.5W)
- Larger Display (likely)
- Potentially more affordable
- Weaker Processor
- Less Efficient Chipset
- Inferior Camera Performance
Honor 20S
- Superior Performance (Kirin 810)
- Better Camera Quality
- More Efficient Chipset
- Refined Design
- Slower Charging (20W)
- Smaller Display (likely)
- Potentially Higher Price
Display Comparison
The Honor Play 5T Pro typically features a larger display (likely around 6.6 inches) with a standard refresh rate. The Honor 20S usually has a slightly smaller display (around 6.26 inches) with a similar refresh rate. Both offer decent viewing experiences for everyday use, but the Play 5T Pro's larger size might be preferable for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
The Honor 20S generally boasts a more versatile camera system. While both phones likely have multiple rear cameras, the 20S's Kirin 810 ISP (Image Signal Processor) typically delivers better image processing, resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in low light. The Play 5T Pro's camera is adequate but doesn't match the 20S's capabilities.
Performance
This is where the Honor 20S shines. The Kirin 810 chipset, built on a 7nm process, is considerably more powerful and efficient than the Helio G80 (12nm) in the Play 5T Pro. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 20S. The 20S's CPU architecture (Cortex-A76 cores) also contributes to its superior performance.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 4000mAh). The Honor Play 5T Pro has a slight edge in charging speed with 22.5W wired charging compared to the 20S's 20W. However, the 20S's more efficient chipset often translates to better real-world battery life despite the slightly slower charging.
Buying Guide
The Honor Play 5T Pro is a good option for users prioritizing fast charging and a larger screen on a tight budget. The Honor 20S is ideal for those seeking better performance, a more refined design, and a generally smoother user experience, even if it means slightly slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor Play 5T Pro good for gaming?
While it can handle some games, the Helio G80 chipset isn't ideal for demanding titles. Expect lower frame rates and potential lag.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Historically, Honor phones have received decent software updates, but it varies. Check current update policies for both devices before purchasing.
