Honor's X20 SE and Play 5T Pro represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they diverge significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Mediatek Dimensity 700-powered X20 SE and the Helio G80-equipped Play 5T Pro, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall performance and future-proofing, the Honor X20 SE is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Play 5T Pro’s 12nm Helio G80, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming experiences.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 30 | 2021, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 09 | Available. Released 2021, August 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.7 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) | 160.7 x 73.3 x 8.4 mm (6.33 x 2.89 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 4.0 | Android 11, Magic UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Rose Gold, Silver | Magic Black, Titanium Silver |
| Models | CHL-AN00 | - |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Honor X20 SE
- Superior performance with the Dimensity 700 chipset
- More efficient 7nm process for better battery life
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Potentially higher price point
- No specific display details available
Honor Play 5T Pro
- Lower initial cost
- Adequate performance for basic tasks
- 22.5W fast charging
- Less powerful Helio G80 chipset
- Less efficient 12nm process
- No 5G connectivity
Display Comparison
Neither Honor provides display specifications beyond size, so a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset difference suggests potential variations in display controller capabilities. The X20 SE’s Dimensity 700 is generally paired with displays supporting higher refresh rates, though this isn’t confirmed here. Both phones likely utilize LCD panels given their price bracket, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 700 offers more advanced features and processing capabilities. This could result in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality in the X20 SE, even with similar sensor configurations. The Play 5T Pro’s Helio G80 ISP is adequate for basic photography, but it lacks the sophistication of its counterpart.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X20 SE’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) boasts newer Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2GHz, offering a significant architectural advantage over the Play 5T Pro’s Helio G80 (12nm) with its 2.0GHz Cortex-A75 cores. The 7nm process node of the Dimensity 700 translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Dimensity 700’s architecture delivers superior single-core and multi-core performance, impacting app launch speeds and overall responsiveness. The X20 SE also benefits from integrated 5G modem capabilities, absent in the Play 5T Pro.
Battery Life
Both devices share the same 22.5W wired charging capability, suggesting similar charging speeds from 0-100%. Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the Dimensity 700’s superior power efficiency in the X20 SE could translate to slightly longer battery life despite potentially similar battery sizes. The 7nm process allows the X20 SE to accomplish more per watt, extending usage between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X20 SE if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, streaming, and multitasking without significant slowdowns. Its more modern chipset offers better longevity and 5G connectivity. Buy the Honor Play 5T Pro if you prioritize a slightly lower initial cost and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. The G80 is sufficient for these scenarios, but it will show its age more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Honor X20 SE handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 700 chipset in the X20 SE is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a stable frame rate. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother experience than the Helio G80 in the Play 5T Pro, which may struggle with consistent performance at higher settings.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs a concern for the Honor X20 SE?
While specific camera specs are missing, the Dimensity 700's integrated ISP offers advantages in image processing. Expect better dynamic range and noise reduction compared to the Play 5T Pro, even with similar sensor configurations. However, don't expect flagship-level camera performance.
❓ Does the Honor Play 5T Pro support VoLTE and VoWiFi?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi depends on the carrier and region. It's best to check with your mobile carrier to confirm compatibility with the Honor Play 5T Pro before purchasing, as the Helio G80's modem capabilities may have limitations in certain areas.
