The Honor Play5 Youth and vivo iQOO U3x Standard represent two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Play5 Youth prioritizes processing power with its Dimensity 900, while the iQOO U3x focuses on offering a functional experience at an even lower price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and fast charging, the Honor Play5 Youth is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 900 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the iQOO U3x’s Helio G80, and the 66W charging dramatically reduces downtime. The iQOO U3x remains a viable option for basic users on a tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2021, June 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 02 | Available. Released 2021, June 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.8 x 74.7 x 8.5 mm (6.37 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 191.4 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2376 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 108.1 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/1.8, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 66W wired, 50% in 15 min, 100% in 40 min | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Silver |
| Models | NEW-AN90 | V2143A |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Honor Play5 Youth
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance.
- Ultra-fast 66W charging minimizes downtime.
- More efficient 6nm chipset for better battery life under load.
- Likely a higher price point than the iQOO U3x.
- May not offer expandable storage (spec not provided).
vivo iQOO U3x Standard
- More affordable price point.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Potentially longer battery life with lighter usage (due to less powerful processor).
- Slow 18W charging.
- Noticeably slower performance compared to the Play5 Youth.
- Less capable camera system.
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Play5 Youth’s more powerful chipset, it’s reasonable to assume it may feature a higher-quality panel with potentially better color accuracy and brightness. The iQOO U3x, targeting a lower price bracket, likely utilizes a more cost-effective display solution. Bezels are likely comparable, given both phones target similar form factors.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Dimensity 900’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) allows for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance on the Play5 Youth. It’s likely the Play5 Youth will offer more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The iQOO U3x will likely rely on simpler processing, resulting in less detailed images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume both phones will include a standard set of lenses, but the Play5 Youth’s ISP will likely extract more detail.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor Play5 Youth’s Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm) significantly outperforms the iQOO U3x’s Helio G80 (12nm). The Dimensity 900’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, provide a substantial boost in CPU performance compared to the G80’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. The 6nm process node also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. This means the Play5 Youth will handle demanding games and multitasking with greater ease. The iQOO U3x will be sufficient for everyday tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
The iQOO U3x’s 18W charging is a significant disadvantage compared to the Honor Play5 Youth’s 66W charging. The Play5 Youth can reach 50% charge in just 15 minutes and 100% in 40 minutes, minimizing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging of the Play5 Youth effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference. Users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day will greatly benefit from the Play5 Youth’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play5 Youth if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, moderate gaming, and appreciate the convenience of incredibly fast charging. This phone is ideal for students, young professionals, or anyone who frequently uses their phone for multimedia. Buy the vivo iQOO U3x Standard if you prioritize affordability above all else and primarily need a phone for basic communication, social media, and light tasks. It’s a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those on a very limited budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the iQOO U3x struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Helio G80 in the iQOO U3x is a budget chipset. While it can run these games, you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings significantly to achieve playable frame rates. Expect stuttering and lag during intense moments. The Honor Play5 Youth’s Dimensity 900 will provide a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 66W charging on the Honor Play5 Youth compared to the 18W charging on the iQOO U3x in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Play5 Youth can go from 0% to 50% in 15 minutes, and fully charge in 40 minutes. The iQOO U3x will take considerably longer – likely over 2 hours for a full charge. This means you can quickly top up the Play5 Youth during short breaks, while the iQOO U3x requires a much longer charging commitment.
❓ Does the Dimensity 900 in the Honor Play5 Youth generate more heat than the Helio G80 in the iQOO U3x during gaming?
While the Dimensity 900 is more powerful, the 6nm process node is more efficient, meaning it generates less heat *per unit of performance* than the 12nm Helio G80. The iQOO U3x might heat up quickly under load, potentially leading to thermal throttling and performance drops. The Play5 Youth is better equipped to handle sustained gaming sessions without significant performance degradation.
