The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the vivo iQOO U5e and the Honor 50 SE. Both promise solid performance and features, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor 50 SE is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 900 chipset offers significantly better performance, and the 66W fast charging is a game-changer. While the iQOO U5e is a decent budget option, the Honor 50 SE provides a superior overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 23 | 2021, June 16 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, July 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.7 x 75.6 x 8 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2388 pixels (~387 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G78 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 11, Magic UI 4.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 17mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 66W wired, 75% in 20 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Silver | Black, Blue, Silver |
| Models | V2197A | JLH-AN00 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 310 EUR |
vivo iQOO U5e
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Good value for money
- Slower performance
- Slower charging
- Less powerful camera
Honor 50 SE
- Faster performance
- 66W fast charging
- Better camera
- Sleek design
- Slightly more expensive
- May lack some vivo-specific features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, likely with an LCD panel and a resolution around 1080 x 2400 pixels. While specific display technologies aren't explicitly mentioned, expect similar viewing experiences. The Honor 50 SE might have slightly better color accuracy due to potentially better panel calibration, but this is speculative.
Camera Comparison
The Honor 50 SE typically features a triple-camera setup, often including a 108MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens. The iQOO U5e usually has a similar configuration, but with potentially lower resolution sensors. Expect the Honor 50 SE to capture more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance should also be better on the Honor.
Performance
This is where the Honor 50 SE shines. The Dimensity 900 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Dimensity 700. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Honor 50 SE. The iQOO U5e will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Honor 50 SE boasts a significant advantage with its 66W fast charging. It can charge from 0 to 75% in just 20 minutes, a huge convenience. Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 4000-5000mAh, but the faster charging makes the Honor 50 SE the clear winner in this category.
Buying Guide
The vivo iQOO U5e is a good choice for users prioritizing affordability above all else and who don't heavily rely on demanding apps or games. The Honor 50 SE is ideal for those seeking a smoother, faster experience with quicker charging, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the iQOO U5e good for gaming?
The iQOO U5e can handle basic games, but it will struggle with demanding titles. The Honor 50 SE is a much better choice for gamers.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Honor 50 SE?
The Honor 50 SE can charge from 0 to 100% in approximately 35-40 minutes with its 66W fast charger.
