The Honor Play series consistently delivers impressive value in the budget smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Honor Play6C and the Honor Play 40 Plus. Both offer compelling features, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor Play 40 Plus edges out the Play6C thanks to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both offer solid value, the 40 Plus provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 13 | 2022, October 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 15 | Available. Released 2022, October 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 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 |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD, 90Hz |
| 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 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 5 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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 |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Blue, Silver, Black, Purple |
| Models | VNE-AN40 | RKY-AN00 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor Play6C
- Affordable price
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Decent battery life
- 5G connectivity
- Less powerful chipset
- Potentially slower performance
- May struggle with demanding apps
- Basic camera features
Honor Play 40 Plus
- More powerful Dimensity 700 chipset
- Smoother performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially better camera processing
- Slightly higher price (potentially)
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- LCD display (not OLED)
- No standout camera features
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5-6.8 inches with a standard refresh rate (60Hz). Expect decent color accuracy and brightness for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level visuals. The Play 40 Plus might have a slightly higher resolution, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary camera around 48MP, accompanied by depth and macro lenses. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The Play 40 Plus's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing and potentially better low-light performance, but real-world testing is needed to confirm.
Performance
This is where the Play 40 Plus shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Snapdragon 480+ (8nm) in the Play6C. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and better gaming performance on the 40 Plus. The Play6C is adequate for basic use, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones boast a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. Charging speeds are identical at 22.5W, so expect similar charging times. Battery optimization will be key to overall endurance, and this could vary depending on software updates.
Buying Guide
The Honor Play6C is a great choice for users prioritizing a reliable and affordable device for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. The Honor Play 40 Plus is better suited for those who want a bit more performance for multitasking, gaming, and content creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Snapdragon 480+ and the Dimensity 700?
The Dimensity 700 is generally more powerful than the Snapdragon 480+, offering better performance for gaming and multitasking. It also benefits from a more efficient 7nm manufacturing process.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor Play 40 Plus is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. It will handle games more smoothly and with better graphics settings.