The Honor X5b and Infinix Note 40 Pro represent two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The X5b aims for affordability, while the Note 40 Pro attempts to pack in premium features like rapid charging and a more capable processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and convenience, the Infinix Note 40 Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7020 chipset and 45W charging significantly outperform the Honor X5b’s Helio G36 and 10W charging. However, the X5b remains a viable option for those on an extremely tight budget.
| 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, 28, 38, 40, 41, 42, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 22 | 2024, March 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2024, March 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 164.3 x 74.5 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.93 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 190 g or 196 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.9 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz, 530 nits (HBM) | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7020 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG BXM-8-256 |
| OS | Android 14, Magic OS 8 | Android 14, XOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS
2 MP, f/2.4
2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | Yes |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 45W wired, 50% in 26 min
20W wireless MagCharge
Reverse wired
Reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Starry Purple, Midnight Black | Vintage Green, Titan Gold, Racing Edition |
| Models | - | X6851 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 280 EUR |
Honor X5b
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow 10W charging
- Underpowered Helio G36 chipset
- Likely limited camera performance
Infinix Note 40 Pro
- Powerful Dimensity 7020 processor
- 45W fast charging (50% in 26 min)
- 20W wireless MagCharge and reverse charging
- Higher price compared to the Honor X5b
- May still lack premium features like a high refresh rate display
- Potential for software bloat (typical of Infinix)
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Infinix Note 40 Pro, positioned slightly higher in the market, may benefit from a higher peak brightness and potentially better color calibration. The absence of details like refresh rate or resolution suggests both prioritize cost-effectiveness over display fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, analysis is limited. However, the Infinix Note 40 Pro’s positioning suggests a more capable camera system. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the Note 40 Pro is more likely to include a larger primary sensor and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS), resulting in better low-light performance and sharper images. The Honor X5b likely relies on software processing to compensate for a less capable sensor. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 40 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 7020, built on a 6nm process, offers a substantial advantage over the Honor X5b’s Mediatek Helio G36 (12nm). The Dimensity 7020 features two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, providing significantly better single-core performance for responsive app launching and smoother multitasking compared to the X5b’s four Cortex-A53 cores at the same clock speed. The 6nm process also translates to improved power efficiency, meaning the Note 40 Pro will likely exhibit less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The X5b’s Helio G36 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding games or heavy app usage.
Battery Life
The Honor X5b’s 10W charging is a significant drawback in today’s market. It will take a considerable amount of time to fully charge the device. The Infinix Note 40 Pro, with its 45W wired charging, can reach 50% charge in just 26 minutes, offering a vastly superior user experience. Furthermore, the Note 40 Pro’s inclusion of 20W wireless MagCharge and reverse wired/wireless charging adds considerable versatility, allowing for convenient charging and the ability to top up other devices. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the Note 40 Pro mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5b if you need a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is the absolute primary concern. Buy the Infinix Note 40 Pro if you prioritize faster performance for gaming and multitasking, appreciate the convenience of rapid wired and wireless charging, and are willing to spend a bit more for a more future-proof experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 7020 in the Infinix Note 40 Pro capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Dimensity 7020 is a significant step up from the Helio G36 and is capable of running PUBG and Genshin Impact at medium to high settings. While it won't deliver a flagship-level experience, it provides a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience than the Honor X5b.
❓ How practical is the 20W MagCharge wireless charging on the Infinix Note 40 Pro?
The 20W MagCharge is a convenient feature, offering a faster wireless charging experience than standard Qi wireless charging. It's particularly useful for topping up the battery quickly or for users who prefer a cable-free charging solution. The reverse charging feature also allows you to use the Note 40 Pro as a power bank for other devices.
❓ Does the Honor X5b suffer from significant lag or slowdown when multitasking?
The Honor X5b’s Helio G36 chipset and limited RAM will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdown when multitasking with several apps open simultaneously. It’s best suited for running one app at a time to maintain a reasonably smooth experience.
❓ What type of user would benefit most from the Infinix Note 40 Pro's faster charging?
Users who are frequently on the go and need to quickly top up their battery will benefit the most. The 45W charging significantly reduces downtime, allowing you to get back to using your phone faster. It's also ideal for users who often forget to charge their phone overnight.
