Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - As global semiconductor and chipset prices continue to rise, finding a budget-friendly smartphone with decent specifications is becoming increasingly challenging. However, Honor has stepped in with the Honor X5c Plus, an entry-level device that offers an array of appealing features without breaking the bank.
Priced at IDR 2.299 million, the Honor X5c Plus sports a large display, a 50MP main camera, and a robust battery exceeding 5,000 mAh, all wrapped in a modern design reminiscent of the iPhone's boba camera layout. But does this device still stand out as a viable option for users seeking an affordable smartphone for daily activities? Here’s our review after using the device for a week.
First Impressions
The initial hold of the Honor X5c Plus feels quite comfortable. Weighing in at around 186 grams and with a thickness of just 7.89 mm, the phone is lightweight and easy to manage despite its sizable 6.74-inch screen, ideal for watching videos or browsing social media.
The back of the phone presents a simple yet sophisticated look. Its minimalist camera module adds a touch of modernity, distinguishing it from several competitors in the same price range.
Display Quality
The Honor X5c Plus features a 6.74-inch TFT LCD panel with an HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). While the display may not be as sharp as Full HD screens, it remains adequate for everyday tasks such as watching YouTube or scrolling through TikTok. Additionally, it incorporates Eye Comfort and Dynamic Dimming technologies that help reduce eye strain during prolonged use, making it more suitable for extended viewing sessions.
Camera Performance
One of the standout features of the Honor X5c Plus is its 50MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture. This specification is particularly compelling among budget smartphones, many of which still rely on lower-resolution sensors.
In well-lit conditions, the camera produces detailed images, with colors appearing natural and vivid. Outdoor shots capture dynamic scenes effectively. For portrait photography, the available Portrait mode provides a decent bokeh effect. However, like most budget devices, the camera struggles in low-light situations, resulting in reduced detail and noticeable noise.
The 5MP front camera is sufficient for selfies and video calls, although users shouldn’t expect exceptionally sharp results. Video recording is limited to Full HD 1080p for both front and rear cameras.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, the Honor X5c Plus offers a satisfactory performance for daily tasks. Activities such as browsing Instagram, watching YouTube, and general web browsing run smoothly without significant issues.
The Helio G81 features an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at up to 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. While it isn't the fastest chipset available, it manages light multitasking effectively. The device comes pre-installed with MagicOS 9.0 based on Android 15, providing users with a relatively up-to-date operating system compared to other devices in the same price segment.
Battery life is one of the Honor X5c Plus's strongest points. Equipped with a typical 5,260 mAh battery, it comfortably lasts from morning to night under normal usage, which includes video streaming, browsing, and note-taking. This feature is a significant advantage for users who prefer to avoid frequent charging.
Charging is done via standard 15W technology, which isn't particularly fast. It takes nearly two hours to fully charge the battery from 10% to 100%, but given the phone's price point, this is still acceptable.
Additional Features
The Honor X5c Plus supports dual SIM 4G LTE and includes a fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock feature for security. The inclusion of a fingerprint scanner is a notable benefit, as not all budget smartphones offer this capability.
While the Honor X5c Plus is not designed for high-performance tasks or professional photography, it strikes a balanced combination of a large display, a 50MP camera, long battery life, and ample storage capacity. In a time when many new smartphones are becoming increasingly expensive due to rising chipset prices, the Honor X5c Plus presents an attractive alternative for consumers seeking an affordable smartphone.
For those on a budget who still desire a capable smartphone, the Honor X5c Plus may be a suitable choice. It is ideal for students, first-time users, parents, or anyone in need of a secondary device for everyday tasks.
Source: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/tech/20260703111039-37-747779/review-honor-x5c-plus-harga-rp-2-jutaan-baterai-awet-tahan-seharian
