HONOR is set to introduce the last devices of the 2023 X series on September 26 alongside the HONOR 90 Lite 5G.
Ahead of the launch, we were lent a unit of the company’s latest budget-friendly device, the HONOR X5 Plus. Of course, we can’t really share an in-depth look just yet, but we can give our first impressions on the device.
We must note though that while we know the specifications of the device and its target market, we don’t know its exact price as of writing this.
HONOR X5 Plus – Full Specifications
| Display | 6.56-inch HD+ TFT LCD 90Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G36 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main 2MP depth |
| Front Camera | 5MP front |
| Battery | 5200mAh 10W HONOR Charge |
| OS | MagicOS 7.1 (Android 13) |
| Colors | Midnight Black Cyan Lake |
HONOR X5 Plus – What’s in the Box
The HONOR X5 Plus comes in a pretty typical box with the device name on the top and sides of the box. The rear panel is also featured on the top of the device giving you a sneak peek into what the device looks like.
Opening the box reveals the device and along with it comes a silicone case, documentation, SIM ejector tool, charging brick, and cable. Yup, pretty standard stuff but a charging brick is always good to see, especially in the entry-level market.
HONOR X5 Plus – Hands-on Experience
The HONOR X5 Plus is built around a 6.56-inch HD+ TFT LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, which in 2023 is pretty average. Based on the short time I’ve had with the device, it’s pretty tall for my average-sized hands but nothing too uncomfortable.
As a budget-friendly device, we were pleasantly surprised to see and experience a 90Hz refresh rate on the display. A higher refresh rate is usually saved for devices nearing the PHP 10K price tag and beyond.
The device has a flat and square design with rounded corners which makes it easy to wield. Meanwhile, the volume rocker and power button on the right-hand side are pretty easy to access. The position of the power button specifically is pretty important with its fingerprint scanner embedded in said button.
These, of course, will differ depending on your hand size but for me, they were just right.
On the bottom, are its USB-C port flanked by a speaker grille and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
We received the Midnight Black color option which has a matte black albeit for the camera module which has a glossy finish. The glossy finish accompanied by two circles housing the camera lenses is just a clean finish.
I like the understated finish to the Midnight Black colorway back and the glossy camera module. It definitely helps bring out the camera module which otherwise is flat.
Under the hood, the HONOR X5 Plus has a MediaTek Helio G36 at the helm coupled with 4GB and 64GB storage. The Helio G36 is an entry-level gaming chipset from MediaTek that was announced earlier this year.
Based on initial use, there is a bit of hiccups here and there even when just casually browsing. However, it was able to handle Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Farlight 84. There were some lag spikes with Farlight 84 though. We’ll definitely get to more testing in the full review.
The X5 Plus is equipped with a 50MP main rear camera and a 2MP depth sensor around the back, and a 5MP lens on the front. These are pretty capable snappers based on our initial photos. Here are some samples:
Lastly, it has a 5200mAh battery, which is slightly higher than the 5000mAh ‘average’ nowadays and definitely a welcome sight in the entry-level market. What it doesn’t offer though is a higher fast charging speed with the X5 Plus supporting only 10W but the slightly larger battery cell is more than enough to last you around two days of average use.
HONOR X5 Plus – Our Initial Take
The HONOR X5 Plus is a pretty formidable device with a high refresh rate and a decent camera system. Let’s not forget the 5200mAh battery and storage expansion of up to 1TB storage.
That said though, I think where it will actually matter is how much it will be priced. Currently, the HONOR X6 is priced at PHP 6,990 and if the naming convention hints at anything, we could possibly see the X5 Plus slotted just under the X6.
If I were to take a guess given these parameters, I think that the HONOR X5 Plus would be around the PHP 5,000 mark. If this is actually the case, then it’s quite a competitive device even if just the 90Hz refresh rate alone.
Thankfully though, we’ll learn about the price of the HONOR X5 Plus and the other devices at HONOR’s massive launch event which will be held on September 26.
Stay tuned for more updates on the big launch event from HONOR Philippines and our full reviews on the devices as well!
If you want to check out other devices from HONOR, check out the official website.
Ram found his love and appreciation for writing in 2015 having started in the gaming and esports sphere for GG Network. He would then transition to focus more on the world of tech which has also began his journey into learning more about this world. That said though, he still has the mentality of "as long as it works" for his personal gadgets.
