Honor's SE series aims to deliver compelling features at accessible price points. The X20 SE and 50 SE both target the mid-range market, but diverge in their core components, particularly their chipsets and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor 50 SE emerges as the superior choice. Its Dimensity 900 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift, and the 66W fast charging significantly reduces downtime. While the X20 SE offers a lower entry price, the 50 SE's advantages justify the extra investment.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 30 | 2021, June 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 09 | Available. Released 2021, July 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) | 164.7 x 75.6 x 8 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G78 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.0 | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 17mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 66W wired, 75% in 20 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Rose Gold, Silver | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | CHL-AN00 | JLH-AN00 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 310 EUR |
Honor X20 SE
- More affordable price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Decent performance for everyday use
- Slower chipset compared to the 50 SE
- Significantly slower charging speed
- Potentially more thermal throttling under load
Honor 50 SE
- Faster and more efficient Dimensity 900 chipset
- Ultra-fast 66W wired charging
- Improved image processing capabilities
- Higher price compared to the X20 SE
- May not offer a dramatically different camera experience for casual users
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life due to more powerful processor
Display Comparison
Neither Honor explicitly details display specs beyond size. However, both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Dimensity 900 in the 50 SE will offer smoother scrolling and faster app loading, indirectly improving the perceived display experience. Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles on both devices, but the 50 SE's chipset will handle graphically intensive content more effectively.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Dimensity 900’s superior image signal processor (ISP) in the 50 SE will likely deliver better image processing, resulting in improved dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the 50 SE’s ISP will be better equipped to handle complex scenes and low-light conditions. The X20 SE will likely suffice for casual photography, but the 50 SE offers a more capable camera experience.
Performance
The core distinction between these phones is the chipset. The Honor 50 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm) boasts faster CPU cores – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 versus the X20 SE’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 – resulting in a tangible performance advantage in benchmarks and real-world usage. The 6nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 900 also contributes to improved power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. Gamers and power users will find the 50 SE a more responsive and enjoyable experience.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the Honor 50 SE’s 66W wired charging is a game-changer. Honor claims 75% charge in just 20 minutes, drastically reducing downtime compared to the X20 SE’s 22.5W charging. This difference is significant for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day. Even if the X20 SE has a slightly larger battery, the 50 SE’s faster charging will likely result in less perceived battery anxiety.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X20 SE if you prioritize absolute affordability and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Its Dimensity 700 is sufficient for these needs. Buy the Honor 50 SE if you value faster performance for gaming and multitasking, and if minimizing charging time is a priority. The 66W charging and more powerful chipset make it a better long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Honor 50 SE handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 900 chipset in the Honor 50 SE is significantly more capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile at higher frame rates and graphics settings compared to the Dimensity 700 in the X20 SE. Expect a smoother and more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 66W charging on the Honor 50 SE compared to the 22.5W charging on the X20 SE in real-world use?
The 66W charging on the Honor 50 SE can charge the phone from 0% to 75% in approximately 20 minutes, while the X20 SE’s 22.5W charging will take considerably longer – likely over an hour to reach the same level. This difference is substantial for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the Dimensity 700 and Dimensity 900 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
While both chipsets are capable of handling everyday tasks, the Dimensity 900 in the Honor 50 SE will provide a snappier and more responsive experience. App loading times will be faster, multitasking will be smoother, and the overall user interface will feel more fluid.
