Honor has been aggressively targeting the budget and mid-range smartphone markets, and the Play7T Pro and 90 Smart exemplify this strategy. Both devices share the same Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, making performance parity likely. However, key differences in charging speed and potentially other areas necessitate a detailed comparison to determine which phone offers the best overall experience for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor Play7T Pro emerges as the slightly better value. While the Honor 90 Smart offers a more refined design, the Play7T Pro’s faster 40W charging significantly reduces downtime, a crucial advantage in daily use, especially given the shared chipset and likely similar battery capacities.
| 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 | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 28 | 2024, April 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 06 | Available. Released 2024, April 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.4 mm (6.41 x 2.93 x 0.29 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 | 175 g (6.17 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~391 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.7 cm2 (~89.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 850 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 | Android 13, Magic OS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 40W wired | 35W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5330 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Dark Green, Silver | Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | DIO-AN00 | CLK-NX1, CLK-NX3 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor Play7T Pro
- Faster 40W charging for quicker top-ups
- Likely more aggressive pricing
- Identical chipset performance to the 90 Smart
- Potentially less refined design
- May have less optimized software
Honor 90 Smart
- Potentially more premium design and build quality
- May benefit from slightly better software optimization
- Identical chipset performance to the Play7T Pro
- Slower 35W charging
- Likely a higher price point
Display Comparison
Both the Honor Play7T Pro and Honor 90 Smart are expected to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Without specific display specs like resolution or peak brightness, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, the 90 Smart may benefit from slightly better color calibration or viewing angles based on Honor’s design philosophy. The absence of high refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz) is expected, focusing on power efficiency. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over ultra-slim designs.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing algorithms. It’s probable that both devices include a standard wide-angle lens and a depth sensor, with the Play7T Pro potentially offering a slightly more aggressive image processing style. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely for marketing purposes and offers limited practical benefit. Expect adequate performance in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm). This chipset features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, guaranteeing similar CPU performance. The GPU performance will also be nearly identical. RAM configurations are likely similar, and the impact of RAM speed (LPDDR4X vs LPDDR5) is minimal at this price point. Thermal management will be crucial; the 7nm process helps, but sustained loads could lead to throttling. The identical chipsets mean gaming performance will be virtually indistinguishable.
Battery Life
The key differentiator here is charging speed. The Honor Play7T Pro supports 40W wired charging, while the Honor 90 Smart is limited to 35W. This 5W difference translates to a noticeable reduction in charging time. Assuming similar battery capacities (likely around 5000mAh), the Play7T Pro could achieve a full charge approximately 15-20 minutes faster. This is a significant advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day. While battery life itself will likely be comparable, the faster charging of the Play7T Pro provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play7T Pro if you prioritize minimizing charging times and maximizing uptime, even if it means sacrificing some aesthetic refinement. This phone is ideal for users who are constantly on the go and need a reliable device that can quickly replenish its battery. Buy the Honor 90 Smart if you prefer a potentially more polished design and are willing to trade a bit of charging speed for a potentially more premium feel, understanding that the core performance will be nearly identical.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in gaming performance between the Play7T Pro and the 90 Smart?
No, you shouldn't. Both phones utilize the same Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset, meaning CPU and GPU performance will be virtually identical. Frame rates in most games will be comparable, although thermal throttling could slightly impact sustained performance on both devices.
❓ How much faster is the 40W charging on the Play7T Pro compared to the 35W charging on the 90 Smart?
While the difference is 5W, it translates to a noticeable time saving. Expect the Play7T Pro to charge approximately 15-20 minutes faster from 0% to 100%, assuming similar battery capacities. This is particularly beneficial for users who need a quick power boost throughout the day.
❓ Are the camera differences between these two phones worth considering?
Without detailed camera specs, it's difficult to say. The main sensor quality and image processing algorithms will be the key differentiators. Don't place much emphasis on the 2MP macro cameras, as their image quality is typically limited. Expect similar performance in good lighting conditions.
