Big Battery. Big Value. Built for South Africans Who Need Their Phone to Last.
When your data runs out faster than your battery, you know you're using the wrong phone. Enter the Honor X5c Series, a budget-friendly duo designed for South Africans who want serious battery life, smooth everyday performance, and great value without the premium price tag.
Launched in October 2025, the Honor X5c and Honor X5c Plus bring reliable hardware, long-lasting power, and essential features that fit perfectly into the daily hustle of students, gig workers, families, and anyone tired of overpriced “entry-level” smartphones.
This review breaks down everything that matters, design, performance, battery, camera, and most importantly value for money with Mondo deals. After real-world testing and user insights, here’s how the Honor X5c lineup performs where it counts.
Design & Build
Simple, Lightweight, and Built for Everyday Use
The Honor X5c series keeps things practical with a 6.74" 90Hz display, offering smoother scrolling than typical 60Hz budget phones. The lightweight 7.9mm plastic frame comes in fresh colours Tidal Blue, Midnight Black, Ocean Cyan, Meteor Silver ideal for anyone constantly on the move.
While both models share the same slim profile, the X5c Plus elevates the design with a more premium-looking camera module.
What South Africans Will Love:
- Dual SIM support(Network dependent)
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Comfortable 186g weight for one-handed use
What to Consider:
Both devices use a plastic build. It keeps things lightweight but may feel “basic” to some grab an affordable case to protect it.
Pros: Light, comfortable design; Dual SIM plus expandable storage; Headphone jack included; Smooth 90Hz display
Cons: Plastic finish feels budget; No water-resistance rating
Performance & Battery Life
Helio G81 Power + 5260mAh Battery = Stress-Free Daily Use
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 and 4GB RAM + 4GB virtual RAM, both models handle everyday apps like WhatsApp, TikTok, Chrome, and banking comfortably.
The X5c Plus offers 128GB storage, while the base X5c provides 64GB both expandable up to 1TB via microSD.
This isn’t a gaming-focused device, but light gaming works smoothly on low settings.
Battery: The Real Hero
The 5260mAh battery delivers:
- Up to 2 days of light–moderate use
- 12+ hours of active screen time
- Full charge in ±2 hours with the included 15W adapter
MagicOS 9.0 (based on Android 15) adds smart battery optimisation ideal for SA users who don’t always have charging access throughout the day.
Pros: Standout multi-day battery; Smooth everyday app performance; Large storage with microSD support
Cons: Limited gaming performance; 15W charging feels slow by modern standards
Key Differences Between Honor X5c and X5c Plus
To make it easier for readers to understand exactly how the two models compare, here’s a clear summary of the core differences within the Honor X5c Series:
1. Camera Quality
- Honor X5c: 13MP main camera suited for basic daylight shots.
- Honor X5c Plus: 50MP main camera delivering far sharper, clearer images.
2. Storage Options
- Honor X5c: 64GB built‑in storage.
- Honor X5c Plus: 128GB storage for more apps, photos, and files.
3. Design Details
- Honor X5c: Simple camera layout.
- Honor X5c Plus: More premium, elevated camera module.
Everything else battery, display size, resolution, dual SIM, processor, and daily performance remains the same across both models, so your choice comes down to whether you want better photography and more storage.
Camera & Display
Everyday Photography, Big Screen Entertainment
The biggest upgrade between the two models sits in the camera system. The Honor X5c features a 13MP main camera with a depth sensor, ideal for basic daylight shots. The Honor X5c Plus steps up significantly with a 50MP main camera, offering much clearer, sharper photos especially useful for social posts and content creation.
Both models include a 5MP front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls.
Display Experience
Both devices come with:
- 6.74" TFT LCD screen
- 720×1600 resolution
- 90Hz refresh rate
While colours aren’t as vibrant as AMOLED, the smoother scroll experience makes everyday use feel more fluid and modern.
Pros: X5c Plus delivers stronger daylight photography; Large display; Smooth 90Hz refresh rate
Cons: Low-light performance is limited; No ultrawide lens; TFT LCD lacks AMOLED contrast
Value for Money with Mondo Deals
Affordable Pricing + Strong Bundles = Best Budget Buy
The Honor X5c series shines brightest in affordability:
- Honor X5c (4GB/64GB): From ±R1,500
- Honor X5c Plus (4GB/128GB): From ±R1,700
Both include a 2-year warranty.
Both phones work seamlessly on South Africa’s 4G networks no 5G, but coverage is still limited nationwide, so it’s not a major drawback.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Honor X5c for maximum savings and exceptional battery life.
- Choose Honor X5c Plus if camera quality and extra storage matter.
Final Verdict
A Smart, Reliable Pick for South Africans Who Want More for Less
The Honor X5c series focuses on what truly matters in daily South African life: excellent battery life, reliable performance, dual SIM support, and pricing that doesn’t stretch your wallet.
These phones aren’t trying to be flagships they’re built to be dependable, honest, and incredible value for money.
Best For: Students, gig workers, families, first-time buyers, and anyone who values battery life above flashy extras.
Looking to upgrade? Visit Mondo.co.za to compare deals, bundles, and contract options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Honor X5c series support 5G?
No these are 4G devices suitable for current SA network coverage. - How long does the battery last?
Up to 2 days on light to moderate use. - Is it good for gaming?
Yes for casual gaming; no for high-end titles. - What colours are available?
Tidal Blue, Midnight Black, Ocean Cyan, and Meteor Silver (stock may vary). - Can I expand storage?
Yes, up to 1TB via microSD.
