The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Honor X5 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A14 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with variations in chipset choice 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 Samsung Galaxy A14 emerges as the better choice. While the Honor X5 Plus is a viable option, the Galaxy A14’s more powerful Mediatek Helio G80 (or Exynos 850) chipset and faster 15W charging provide a noticeably smoother user experience and quicker top-ups, justifying the slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, August 16 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, MagicOS 7.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyan Lake, Midnight Black | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | WOD-LX1, WOD-LX2, WOD-LX3 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Honor X5 Plus
- Most affordable option
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Likely lightweight design
- Slow charging (10W)
- Less powerful processor
- Struggles with multitasking
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Faster processor (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Faster charging (15W)
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly higher price
- Camera quality likely similar to X5 Plus
- Potential for Exynos variant to vary by region
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can infer similar performance. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic usability. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget devices, leaning towards warmer tones for wider appeal.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be limited on both devices. Details are sparse, but the focus is likely on providing acceptable results in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). The main sensor size is unknown, but a larger sensor on the Galaxy A14 (if present) would translate to better low-light performance. Image processing will likely favor vibrant colors and increased sharpness, typical of Samsung’s style.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A14 offers two variants: one with the Mediatek Helio G80 and another with Samsung’s Exynos 850. The Helio G80, built on a 12nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) compared to the Honor X5 Plus’s Helio G36 (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53). The A75 cores in the G80 provide a significant performance boost in single-core tasks and improved responsiveness. The Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm node, offers even better efficiency and sustained performance, potentially reducing thermal throttling during extended use. The Honor X5 Plus will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking, while the Galaxy A14, especially the Exynos variant, will handle them more gracefully.
Battery Life
Both phones will likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Honor X5 Plus’s 10W charging is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy A14’s 15W charging. This translates to a longer time to fully recharge the device. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the Galaxy A14 provides a more convenient user experience, especially for those who frequently need to top up their phone throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5 Plus if you prioritize absolute affordability and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. Its Mediatek Helio G36 is sufficient for these needs. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you value a more responsive experience for multitasking, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A14 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is generally more efficient than the Helio G36. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it's less prone to significant thermal throttling during moderate gaming. Expect some performance reduction after extended play, but it should remain playable.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, no. 2MP macro cameras are often included for marketing purposes but deliver limited results. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in blurry, noisy images. It's best to rely on the main camera for most photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 run popular games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Galaxy A14, particularly the Helio G80 or Exynos 850 variant, can likely run PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium graphics settings. However, performance may vary depending on the specific game optimization and background processes. The Honor X5 Plus will likely struggle to maintain a stable 60fps, requiring lower settings and potentially experiencing frame drops.
❓ What type of charging cable and adapter does each phone include in the box?
Both phones likely include a USB-C charging cable. However, the inclusion of a charging adapter (wall plug) varies by region. It's increasingly common for manufacturers to omit the adapter to reduce costs and environmental impact, so you may need to use an existing one or purchase one separately.
