The Honor X5 and Samsung Galaxy A14 occupy a fiercely competitive segment of the smartphone market – the sub-$200 price point. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Honor X5 prioritizes a streamlined experience with a Mediatek Helio G25, while the Samsung Galaxy A14 offers a choice between a Helio G80 and an Exynos 850, promising a potential performance boost. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a potentially longer software support lifecycle, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (especially the Helio G80 variant) is the better choice. While the Honor X5 offers a functional experience, the Galaxy A14’s more powerful chipset and Samsung’s established ecosystem provide a more robust and future-proofed device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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, January 24 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 14 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 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 MT6762 Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 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 | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunrise Orange, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | VNA-LX2, VNA-LX3 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Honor X5
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Functional for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G25)
- Likely limited software update support
- May struggle with demanding apps
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful chipset options (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Samsung’s One UI software experience
- Potentially longer software update support
- Larger display
- Slightly higher price point
- 15W charging is relatively slow
- May include bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing for the Honor X5, the Galaxy A14’s display is likely a standard LCD panel. The focus here isn’t on premium features like high refresh rates or OLED technology; it’s on basic usability. The Galaxy A14’s larger screen size (6.6 inches vs. likely 6.5 inches for the X5) may offer a slightly more immersive viewing experience, but neither will compete with higher-end displays.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given both phones target the budget segment. Both will likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses of limited utility (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). The Galaxy A14’s potential for a larger main sensor (specs missing for X5) and Samsung’s image processing algorithms could yield slightly more detailed and vibrant photos. However, don’t expect flagship-level image quality from either device. The focus should be on adequate performance in good lighting conditions, rather than low-light photography.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Helio G80 variant, holds a clear advantage. The Helio G80 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, a configuration designed for improved multi-tasking and gaming compared to the Honor X5’s Helio G25. The G25 utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz and four at 1.5 GHz. The A75 cores in the G80 offer significantly higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother overall operation. The Exynos 850 variant of the A14, built on an 8nm process, further enhances efficiency and sustained performance, though it trades peak clock speeds for improved thermal management. The Honor X5 will likely struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A14 includes 15W wired charging, a standard offering in this price range. While the Honor X5’s battery capacity is unspecified, the Galaxy A14’s 5000mAh battery provides a solid foundation for all-day battery life with moderate usage. The efficiency gains from the Exynos 850 variant could further extend battery endurance. The 15W charging speed on the A14 will take several hours for a full charge, but it’s sufficient for overnight replenishment.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5 if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are on an extremely tight budget. Its simplicity and affordability are its strengths. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer a device capable of handling more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and benefit from Samsung’s One UI software experience and potentially longer software update support. The A14 offers a more versatile and future-proofed experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A14 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is built on an 8nm process, which provides better thermal efficiency compared to the 12nm Helio G25 in the Honor X5. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, the A14 should handle moderate gaming sessions without significant overheating or throttling. Expect some warmth, but not to the point of discomfort or severe performance degradation.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones are of limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included for marketing purposes rather than providing a genuinely useful photographic experience. Expect soft, grainy images that are best suited for casual sharing rather than detailed inspection.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Samsung Galaxy A14 (Helio G80 variant) can likely run PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium graphics settings. However, sustained performance at higher settings may result in frame drops. The Exynos 850 variant may offer slightly more stable performance, but it's still not a gaming-focused chipset. The Honor X5 will likely struggle to maintain a stable 60fps even at the lowest settings.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy A14?
Samsung typically provides at least two major Android OS updates and four years of security patches for its A-series devices. This is a significant advantage over Honor, which historically has a less consistent software update track record. Expect the Galaxy A14 to remain secure and functional for a longer period.
