The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Honor X5b Plus and Samsung Galaxy A15 5G both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and essential features at an accessible price. However, significant differences in chipset architecture and display technology mean one phone offers a more compelling experience for most users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Honor X5b Plus’ Helio G36, and the brighter 786-nit display enhances usability. While the Honor offers a lower price point, the A15 5G’s superior processing power and screen quality justify the slight premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 22 | 2023, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz, 530 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, Magic OS 8 | Android 14, upgradable to Android 16, One UI 8, up to 4 major Android upgrades |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Starry Purple, Midnight Black | Brave Black, Personality Yellow, Magical Blue, Optimistic Blue |
| Models | GFY-LX2P, GFY-LX2 | SM-A156B, SM-A156B/DS, SM-A156P, SM-A156P/DS, SM-A156U, SM-A156U1, SM-A156U1/DS, SM-A156W, SM-A156P/N, SM-A156P/DSN, SM-S156VL, SM-A156M, SM-A156E, SM-A156E/DSN |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 167.00 / $ 79.97 / ₹ 17,490 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.80 W/kg (head) 1.46 W/kg (body) |
Honor X5b Plus
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Likely lightweight design due to simpler components.
- Outdated Helio G36 chipset delivers limited performance.
- Slow 10W charging is inconvenient.
- Display likely has lower brightness and color accuracy.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
- Faster and more efficient Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset.
- Bright 786-nit display for excellent visibility.
- 25W fast charging reduces downtime.
- Slightly higher price compared to the Honor X5b Plus.
- May not have expandable storage (spec not provided).
- Camera performance likely average for the price range.
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 786 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a common pain point for budget phones. The Honor X5b Plus’ display specifications are not provided, implying a lower peak brightness. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A15 5G’s higher brightness translates to a more enjoyable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. Bezels are assumed to be comparable given the price bracket, and color accuracy is likely similar, leaning towards the 'acceptable' rather than 'accurate' range for both.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market segment, it’s safe to assume both phones prioritize affordability over camera quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. The larger the primary sensor (which is unknown for both), the better the low-light performance will be. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and reduce noise, with Samsung’s typically offering a more saturated, vibrant look compared to Honor’s potentially more natural approach.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Honor X5b Plus’ Mediatek Helio G36 (12nm). The Dimensity 6100+ features newer Cortex-A76 cores alongside more efficient Cortex-A55 cores, resulting in a faster and more responsive user experience. The Helio G36 relies on older Cortex-A53 cores, which will struggle with demanding tasks. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 6100+ also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the superior CPU architecture of the A15 5G will deliver a smoother experience.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G shines in battery charging speed, supporting 25W wired charging. The Honor X5b Plus is limited to a slower 10W charging rate. While the A15 5G’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its active use score of 14:31h demonstrates excellent battery life. The slower charging on the X5b Plus will require significantly more time to reach a full charge, making the A15 5G more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5b Plus if your primary need is absolute affordability and you prioritize basic smartphone functions like calling, texting, and light social media use. You’ll be making compromises on performance and screen quality. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, a brighter and more visible display, and faster charging – all while still remaining within a budget-friendly price range. This is the better option for media consumption and casual gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ in the Galaxy A15 5G powerful enough for casual gaming?
Yes, the Dimensity 6100+ is capable of handling most casual mobile games at medium settings. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience compared to the Helio G36 in the Honor X5b Plus, especially in more demanding titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G with the 25W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, with 25W charging, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is considerably faster than the Honor X5b Plus’ 10W charging.
❓ Does the Honor X5b Plus support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the Honor X5b Plus and the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G support 5G connectivity, allowing you to take advantage of faster mobile data speeds where available. However, the Helio G36 chipset in the X5b Plus may limit the full potential of 5G speeds compared to the Dimensity 6100+.
