Honor has been aggressively targeting the mid-range market with compelling devices. The X60 and Play 50 Plus represent two distinct approaches within that segment. The X60, with its newer Dimensity 7025 Ultra, aims for a performance edge, while the Play 50 Plus leverages the slightly older, but still capable, Dimensity 6020. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor X60 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Play 50 Plus’s Dimensity 6020. While both offer 35W charging, the X60’s superior processing power justifies its slightly higher price point for those prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 16 | 2023, October 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 25 | Available. Released 2023, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166 x 75.8 x 7.9 mm (6.54 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 166.7 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.56 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~389 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 111.3 cm2 (~87.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz, 850 (HBM) | TFT LCD, 90Hz, 850 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7025 Ultra (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, Magic OS 8 | Android 13, MagicOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity (ultrasound), compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 35W wired
5W reverse wired | 35W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5800 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Silver | Green, Silver, Black, Purple |
| Models | BRC-AN00 | CLK-AN00 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Honor X60
- More powerful Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset
- More efficient 6nm process for better battery life
- 5W reverse wired charging for topping up accessories
- Likely a slightly higher price point
- Display specifications are unknown
Honor Play 50 Plus
- More affordable price
- Competent Dimensity 6020 for everyday tasks
- 35W fast charging
- Less powerful chipset compared to the X60
- 7nm process may result in slightly lower battery efficiency
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their market positioning, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels. The absence of LTPO technology suggests neither will offer adaptive refresh rates. The real difference will likely come down to color calibration and peak brightness, areas where Honor typically performs adequately but doesn't excel. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to declare a clear winner, but the X60’s slightly higher price suggests a potentially better panel.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing algorithms. Given the X60’s positioning, it’s reasonable to expect a slightly more capable main sensor and potentially better image processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal real-world benefit due to its low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor X60’s Mediatek Dimensity 7025 Ultra (6nm) boasts a more modern architecture and a higher clock speed (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78) compared to the Play 50 Plus’s Dimensity 6020 (7nm). The 6nm process node of the 7025 Ultra translates to improved power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. While both CPUs feature the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the A78 cores in the X60 offer a significant performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. This will be noticeable in app launch times, multitasking, and demanding games. The GPU within the 7025 Ultra will also provide a smoother gaming experience.
Battery Life
Both the Honor X60 and Play 50 Plus support 35W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – likely around 60-70 minutes for a full charge. The actual battery capacity isn’t specified, but typical mid-range phones in this price bracket range from 4500mAh to 5000mAh. The Dimensity 7025 Ultra’s 6nm process should contribute to slightly better battery life in the X60, offsetting any potential capacity differences. The 5W reverse wired charging on the X60 is a minor convenience feature absent on the Play 50 Plus.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X60 if you need a phone that can handle demanding apps and moderate gaming with ease, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern chipset. Buy the Honor Play 50 Plus if you prioritize affordability and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light communication, and are comfortable with a slightly less powerful processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 7025 Ultra in the Honor X60 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
While the Dimensity 7025 Ultra is a capable chipset, Genshin Impact is notoriously demanding. Expect playable frame rates at medium settings, but high settings may result in noticeable frame drops. The 6nm process will help mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Honor Play 50 Plus support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
Support for VoLTE and VoWiFi varies by region and carrier. Honor typically includes these features in its mid-range devices, but it's crucial to verify compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing the Play 50 Plus. Check Honor's official website or contact your carrier for confirmation.
❓ How does the 35W charging compare to other phones in this price range?
35W charging is relatively standard for mid-range phones. While not the fastest available, it's significantly quicker than the 15W or 18W charging found on some budget devices. Expect a full charge from 0-100% in approximately 60-70 minutes for both the X60 and Play 50 Plus.
