Honor's Play and X series represent their commitment to accessible smartphones. The Play6C focuses on providing 5G connectivity at an entry-level price, while the X40 GT Racing aims to deliver a more compelling experience for mobile gamers and power users. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, charging, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing affordability and 5G, the Honor Play6C offers a solid foundation. However, the Honor X40 GT Racing is the clear winner for those who value significantly faster charging and likely improved performance, justifying its higher price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 13 | 2023, September 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 15 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 166.1 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 199.5 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 144Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | - |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 5 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 66W wired, 90% in 30 min
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Black, Silver |
| Models | VNE-AN40 | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Honor Play6C
- Affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Reliable Qualcomm chipset
- Slower charging speed
- Likely limited gaming performance
- Missing display and camera details
Honor X40 GT Racing
- Ultra-fast 66W charging
- Potential for superior gaming performance
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Higher price compared to Play6C
- Specific chipset details unknown
- Camera specifications missing
Display Comparison
Display specifications are currently unavailable for the Honor X40 GT Racing. The Honor Play6C's display details are also missing. Given the X40 GT Racing's 'Racing' moniker, it's reasonable to expect a higher refresh rate panel geared towards gaming, potentially 90Hz or 120Hz, compared to the Play6C which likely features a standard 60Hz display. Without specific nit brightness or panel technology details, it's difficult to assess color accuracy or outdoor visibility, but the X40 GT Racing's positioning suggests a more visually engaging experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are largely absent for both devices. The Play6C's camera details are unknown beyond its existence. The X40 GT Racing's camera is also unspecified. Given the market positioning, the Play6C likely features a basic camera setup focused on capturing acceptable images in good lighting conditions. The X40 GT Racing, targeting a more enthusiast audience, may include a higher-resolution main sensor and potentially additional features like optical image stabilization (OIS) for improved low-light performance and video recording. Without specific sensor sizes or lens apertures, a detailed comparison is impossible.
Performance
The Honor Play6C is powered by the Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 cores and 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460 cores. The X40 GT Racing's CPU is also octa-core, but the specific chipset is not provided. The Snapdragon 480+ is a capable entry-level 5G processor, suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming. The X40 GT Racing, given its 'GT' designation, likely utilizes a more powerful chipset, potentially from MediaTek's Dimensity series, offering a noticeable performance uplift in demanding applications and gaming. The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 480+ offers reasonable power efficiency, but the X40 GT Racing may benefit from a more advanced node if it uses a newer chipset.
Battery Life
The Honor Play6C supports 22.5W wired charging. The Honor X40 GT Racing significantly steps up the charging game with 66W wired charging, capable of reaching 90% charge in just 30 minutes. This is a substantial advantage for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The X40 GT Racing also offers 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices, a feature absent on the Play6C. While battery capacity (mAh) is not specified for either device, the faster charging of the X40 GT Racing mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, providing a more convenient charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play6C if you need a reliable, budget-friendly 5G smartphone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light communication. Buy the Honor X40 GT Racing if you prioritize faster charging speeds, potentially better gaming performance, and are willing to spend a bit more for a more responsive user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the 66W charging on the X40 GT Racing compatible with all USB-PD chargers?
While the X40 GT Racing supports 66W charging, it's best to use the charger included in the box or a charger specifically certified for Honor's SuperCharge protocol to ensure optimal charging speeds and safety. Using a non-compatible charger may result in slower charging or potential compatibility issues.
❓ Will the Snapdragon 480+ in the Play6C struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 480+ is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a smooth and consistent frame rate. The X40 GT Racing, with its potentially more powerful chipset, is expected to offer a better gaming experience with higher graphics settings.
❓ Does the Honor X40 GT Racing have any dedicated cooling features to prevent overheating during gaming?
Specific cooling features for the X40 GT Racing are currently unknown. However, given its 'GT Racing' branding, it's reasonable to expect some form of thermal management solution, such as a vapor chamber or graphite sheet, to mitigate heat buildup during prolonged gaming sessions.
