The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Honor X5c and Samsung Galaxy A14 are two strong contenders. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they diverge in their core hardware, particularly in their chipset options. 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 (specifically the Exynos 850 version) offers a more balanced experience. Its potentially superior chipset, depending on the variant, provides a smoother user interface and better long-term performance. However, the Honor X5c remains a viable option for those prioritizing a slightly more efficient processor.
| 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 | 2025, October 05 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 05 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.57 x 3.03 x 0.31 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.3% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | 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 G81 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | · 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF - LATAM only
· 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) - MEA, SEA, AF, Eurasia
Auxiliary lens | 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 | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5260 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Cyan, Midnight Black, Tidal Blue, Meteor Silver | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | - | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | - | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Honor X5c
- Potentially more power-efficient Helio G81 chipset.
- Competitive price point.
- Likely a clean Android experience (depending on Honor's UI).
- Helio G81 may struggle with demanding tasks.
- Camera performance likely average.
- Limited software update support compared to Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Exynos 850 version offers superior performance.
- Samsung’s One UI provides a feature-rich experience.
- Potentially better long-term software support.
- Helio G80 version offers minimal performance gain over the X5c.
- May be slightly less power-efficient than the X5c (Helio G80 version).
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource-intensive.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable, the focus here is on functionality rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and neither supports high refresh rates. The display experience will likely be similar, prioritizing visibility over immersive quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be largely dependent on software processing. Both phones likely feature a primary camera around 13-50MP, but details are missing. The Honor X5c and Samsung Galaxy A14 both include 2MP macro lenses, which offer limited utility due to their low resolution. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low-light scenarios. The A14 may benefit from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more pleasing results, but this is speculative without direct comparison samples.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Honor X5c features the Mediatek Helio G81, a 12nm chip with a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup. The Samsung Galaxy A14 presents a more complex picture: some versions utilize the Helio G80 (also 12nm), while others feature the Exynos 850 (8nm). The Exynos 850, built on a smaller 8nm process, theoretically offers better power efficiency and potentially higher sustained performance. The A75 cores in both the G81 and G80 are clocked at 2.0 GHz, but the G80’s Cortex-A55 cores run at 1.8 GHz versus the G81’s 1.7 GHz. The Exynos 850 uses only Cortex-A55 cores, but its architecture and node size give it an edge. This translates to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience on the A14 (Exynos version).
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with 15W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. Battery capacity is not specified, but both are likely in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price point. The more efficient Exynos 850 in the A14 could translate to slightly longer battery life, offsetting any potential capacity differences. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours with the included charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5c if you prioritize a potentially more power-efficient processor for extended daily use and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you value a potentially more powerful chipset (Exynos 850 variant), Samsung’s One UI software, and a broader ecosystem of features, even if it means slightly less battery efficiency. The A14 is the better choice for users who multitask frequently or enjoy mobile gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Samsung Galaxy A14 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 is a capable chip, it's not a high-end gaming processor. It may experience some thermal throttling during extended gaming, but its 8nm process should help mitigate overheating compared to the 12nm Helio G81. Expect playable frame rates in less demanding titles, but don't expect peak performance for extended periods.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Honor X5c and Samsung Galaxy A14 are largely marketing features. Their low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are best avoided in favor of the main camera, even for close-up shots.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 (Exynos version) handle 90fps gameplay in popular titles like PUBG Mobile?
The Exynos 850 version of the Galaxy A14 can likely achieve 60fps gameplay in PUBG Mobile with medium graphics settings. However, consistently hitting 90fps is unlikely due to the chip's limitations and the game's demanding requirements. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences.
❓ How does Honor's software support compare to Samsung's for security updates and Android version upgrades?
Samsung generally provides longer and more consistent software support than Honor. You can expect at least 3 years of security updates and 2 major Android version upgrades on the Galaxy A14. Honor's support is typically shorter, potentially limiting the device's longevity.
