The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Realme 11x and Honor X5c Plus both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price, but they take different approaches. The Realme 11x prioritizes processing power with a newer chipset and faster charging, while the Honor X5c Plus focuses on a balance of features and affordability. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 11x is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Honor X5c Plus’s Helio G81, translating to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. The 33W charging is a significant advantage, reducing downtime. However, the X5c Plus remains a viable option for those on a very 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 24 | 2023, August 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 24 | Available. Released 2023, August 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.57 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 165.7 x 76 x 7.9 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | 15W wired | 33W wired, 50% in 29 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5260 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Cyan, Meteor Silver, and Midnight Black | Midnight Black, Purple Dawn |
| Models | - | RMX3785 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Honor X5c Plus
- More affordable price point
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Acceptable battery life for light users
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G81)
- Potentially lower image quality
Realme 11x
- Faster and more efficient chipset (Dimensity 6100+)
- Significantly faster charging (33W)
- Improved gaming performance
- Slightly higher price
- May not have a significantly better display
- Camera performance relies heavily on software
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Realme 11x’s advantage isn’t in panel technology, but potentially in color calibration and brightness, though specific nits data is unavailable. The focus here is on functionality over fidelity. Bezels are expected to be similar, prioritizing cost savings over an immersive edge-to-edge experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme 11x likely benefits from a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Dimensity 6100+ chipset. This allows for better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. The Honor X5c Plus will likely rely more heavily on software processing to compensate for a potentially less capable sensor. Expect both phones to include a standard macro lens, which, given the likely 2MP resolution, will offer limited utility. The Realme 11x’s ISP is the key differentiator here.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 11x’s Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Honor X5c Plus’s Helio G81 (12nm). The 6nm process node is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Dimensity 6100+’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, outperform the Helio G81’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and real-world usage. Gamers will see a more substantial benefit, with smoother frame rates and reduced stuttering on the Realme 11x. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the Dimensity 6100+ benefits from a more modern memory controller.
Battery Life
The Realme 11x’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer. Realme claims a 50% charge in 29 minutes, significantly faster than the Honor X5c Plus’s 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed mitigates any potential disadvantage if the X5c Plus has a slightly larger battery. The Dimensity 6100+’s 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life on the Realme 11x despite the faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5c Plus if you prioritize absolute affordability and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Realme 11x if you value a smoother user experience, faster charging, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and games without significant lag. The 11x is the better choice for anyone who anticipates using their phone for more than just the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 11x’s Dimensity 6100+ handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Dimensity 6100+ is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level experience, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience compared to the Helio G81 in the Honor X5c Plus, which may struggle with consistent performance.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Honor X5c Plus noticeably slow in daily use?
Yes, 15W charging is considerably slower than the 33W charging on the Realme 11x. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours, which can be inconvenient if you frequently need to top up your battery throughout the day. The Realme 11x’s faster charging is a major advantage for users who prioritize convenience.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I see between the Helio G81 and the Dimensity 6100+?
You'll notice a difference in almost every aspect of usage. The Dimensity 6100+ offers approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance, resulting in quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. This difference is particularly noticeable when switching between apps or running multiple apps simultaneously.
