High Refresh Rates for the Masses with the Honor X5b Plus

The Honor X5b Plus is a budget smartphone featuring a 90Hz TFT LCD for smoother visual transitions and a 5200 mAh battery for extended operational longevity, aimed at cost-conscious consumers and secondary device users. Released in October 2024, it competes with entry-level offerings like the [Samsung Galaxy A05](/the-ultimate-hand-me-down-champion-why-the-samsung-galaxy-a05-wins-for-families/) and the Redmi 13C by prioritizing screen fluidity and battery capacity over raw processing power.

The 90Hz Refresh Rate Anomaly

Most devices in the sub-€110 bracket settle for standard 60Hz panels, which often result in a choppy user experience when scrolling through social media or system menus. The handset breaks this cycle by incorporating a 90Hz refresh rate. While the TFT LCD technology lacks the deep blacks and infinite contrast of OLED, the high refresh rate provides a perceived speed that makes the interface feel more responsive than its price suggests. The display reaches a peak of 530 nits (HBM), which ensures visibility under direct sunlight, a common failure point for ultra-budget hardware. This High Brightness Mode is essential for outdoor utility, though users should expect some color shifting at extreme angles due to the TFT architecture.

Resolution sits at 720 x 1612 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 269 ppi. At 6.56 inches, individual pixels are visible if the device is held close to the face, but for standard arm-length usage, it remains adequate. The choice of a 720p resolution is a calculated economic trade-off. By pushing fewer pixels, the PowerVR GE8320 GPU experiences less strain, which helps maintain that 90Hz smoothness. It is a balance of visual clarity versus motion fluidity, and in this segment, motion fluidity often does more to improve the daily feel of the device.

Compared to the previous generation, the inclusion of the 90Hz panel represents a significant shift in Honor's strategy for the bottom-tier market. While competitors might offer slightly better color accuracy, the motion handling here provides a modern feel that is rare for a hundred-euro investment. This is not a panel for cinema enthusiasts, but it is a highly functional tool for basic communication and browsing.

Thermal Efficiency and the 12nm Ceiling

The engine driving this model is the Mediatek Helio G36, a chipset built on the older 12nm process. This octa-core processor utilizes Cortex-A53 cores, which are designed for power efficiency rather than high-performance computing. When navigating the UI or switching between light apps, the system holds up well. However, attempting to load heavy games or multi-tasking with more than four active applications will reveal the hardware's limits. The 12nm node is aging, and while it remains stable under load, it cannot match the efficiency or speed of the 6nm or 4nm chips found in slightly more expensive tiers.

Gaming performance is strictly limited to casual titles. The PowerVR GE8320 struggles with intensive 3D rendering, meaning titles like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile will only run at the lowest settings with frequent frame drops. This handset is a utility vehicle, not a racing car. It excels at maintaining a steady temperature during long WhatsApp calls or YouTube sessions, but it lacks the 'burst' performance needed for rapid app switching. The 4GB of RAM is the absolute minimum required for a functional Android 14 experience, and users should expect some background apps to close to free up memory.

In the context of the October 2024 market, this performance profile is standard for the price. It matches the Samsung Galaxy A05 but falls behind devices using the Unisoc T606, which often features more powerful Cortex-A75 cores. The Helio G36 is chosen here for its reliability and integrated support for 90Hz displays, serving as a stable foundation for a phone that values consistency over peak speed.

Modern Software in a Restricted Environment

Software is handled by Magic OS 8, based on Android 14. It is impressive to see the latest version of Android on such affordable hardware, ensuring that users have access to the latest security features and API support. The interface is heavily customized, offering a variety of shortcuts and aesthetic tweaks that differentiate it from stock Android. However, the heavy skin does put additional pressure on the modest CPU. We noticed that some animations are simplified to maintain performance, which is a smart optimization choice by the software team.

Bloatware is present, as is common with budget devices where pre-installed apps help subsidize the hardware cost. Most of these can be uninstalled, but the initial setup process requires some curation to clean up the app drawer. The software includes basic AI features for photo organization and power management, though the more advanced 'Magic' features found on the flagship Magic6 series are absent here due to NPU limitations. It is a functional, albeit crowded, software experience.

For those worried about long-term support, the entry-level status usually implies a shorter update cycle. We expect perhaps one major OS upgrade and two years of security patches. This makes the device a short-to-medium-term investment, likely suitable for a two-year lifecycle before the software demands exceed the capabilities of the Helio G36. It is a trade-off inherent to the extreme budget segment.

Multi-Day Endurance Meets Slow Recovery

The 5200 mAh Li-Po battery is the undisputed champion of this spec sheet. Given the low-power Cortex-A53 cores and the 720p screen, this device can easily last two full days of moderate use. In our analysis of the hardware efficiency, the standby drain is remarkably low, making it an excellent choice for an emergency backup phone or a primary device for users who are away from chargers for long periods. It outlasts the standard 5000 mAh units found in the Redmi series by a small but noticeable margin.

However, the charging situation is a significant bottleneck. With only 10W wired charging, replenishing the massive 5200 mAh cell is a test of patience. A full charge from 0% to 100% takes nearly three hours. This is the 'time-cost' of the low entry price. Users will need to adopt a 'charge-while-sleeping' habit, as quick top-ups during the day are virtually impossible. At a time when even budget competitors are moving toward 18W or 25W, the 10W limitation is the most glaring compromise on the device.

The lack of fast charging also means the battery stays cool during the intake process, which might actually benefit the long-term chemical health of the cell. But from a productivity standpoint, the delay is frustrating. Imagine needing a quick 20% boost before heading out; on this model, that requires a 40-minute stay at the wall outlet. It is a slow, methodical endurance runner.

Hardware Limitations and the 50MP Lens

The camera setup features a 50 MP wide sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. On paper, 50 megapixels sounds impressive, but the hardware potential is limited by the entry-level ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the Helio G36. In daylight, the sensor captures decent detail for social media posts, though the dynamic range is narrow, leading to blown-out skies in high-contrast scenes. The Auxiliary lens is primarily there to assist with software-based depth effects, though its actual impact on the final image is minimal.

Low-light performance is expectedly weak. Without OIS or a high-end night mode, images taken after sunset exhibit significant noise and a loss of sharpness. The 5 MP selfie camera is adequate for video calls but lacks the resolution for high-quality self-portraits. Video recording is capped at 1080p@30fps for both front and rear cameras, with no electronic stabilization. This results in shaky footage if you are moving while filming. It is a camera meant for documentation rather than creative expression.

Comparatively, the 50MP sensor is a significant upgrade over the 8MP or 13MP sensors found in older [budget phones](/trend/best-budget-phones-2026/). It provides enough resolution for basic cropping, but do not expect flagship-level processing. The software tries to compensate with aggressive sharpening, which can sometimes make images look artificial. It is a 'good enough' camera for the casual user who just wants to capture receipts, QR codes, or occasional family snaps.

Strategic Market Placement

The Honor X5b Plus occupies a very specific niche. It is designed for those who view a smartphone as a tool rather than an entertainment hub. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and a dedicated microSDXC slot reinforces this utility-first approach. Users can expand the 128GB or 256GB internal storage cheaply, making it a viable offline media player or a device for storing large amounts of offline maps and documents. The aptX HD support is a surprise bonus, allowing for higher-quality Bluetooth audio than most phones at this price.

Build quality is entirely plastic, which is expected. However, the 194g weight gives it a substantial feel that doesn't immediately scream 'cheap.' The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is snappy and more reliable than the under-display sensors found in [mid-range phones](/trend/best-mid-range-phones-2026/) from a year ago. It is a practical design that prioritizes durability and ease of use over aesthetic flair. There is no NFC, so mobile payment enthusiasts will need to look elsewhere.

When we look at the competition in late 2024, the value proposition is clear. You are paying for the screen smoothness and the battery. You are sacrificing charging speed and gaming power. For a student, a senior citizen, or someone needing a rugged secondary work phone, the math adds up. For a power user, the compromises will be too great.

Final Value Judgment

The Honor X5b Plus is a disciplined exercise in budget engineering. It identifies the most visible pain points of cheap phones—choppy screens and dead batteries—and addresses them directly. While the 10W charging and Helio G36 chipset are clear indicators of its price, the overall package remains competitive for the €100 segment. It is a reliable, long-lasting handset that covers the basics with a surprising touch of fluidity.

In an era where flagship prices are spiraling, devices like the Honor X5b Plus remind us that basic connectivity and a decent user interface don't have to be expensive. It isn't a game-changer, but it is a solid, honest piece of technology that performs exactly as its spec sheet suggests. The focus remains on utility and endurance, making it a standout choice for those who value their wallet as much as their screen time.