Technology & Gadgets Desk | April 2026 | 5 min read
| ⚡ QUICK TAKEAWAYS
• Honor has launched the X5d ($93) and X5d Plus ($115) — rebranded versions of the X5c and X5c Plus with a new Tidal Blue colour. • The main difference between the two is the camera: 13MP f/2.2 on the X5d vs 50MP f/1.8 on the X5d Plus. • Both share the same MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, 4GB RAM, 90Hz IPS LCD, 5,260mAh battery and IP54 rating. • The X5d Plus offers double the storage at 128GB vs 64GB on the standard X5d — for just $22 more. • Both models run MagicOS 9.0 based on Android 15 and include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
Honor has added two new ultra-budget devices to its lineup — the X5d and X5d Plus. Both are rebranded versions of the X5c and X5c Plus with an added Tidal Blue colour option. The real question for buyers is whether the $22 premium for the Plus model is justified — and the answer comes down almost entirely to one specification: the camera.
X5D SERIES — PRICES AT A GLANCE
| $93
X5d Entry Price 4GB + 64GB — most affordable option |
$115
X5d Plus Price 4GB + 128GB — 50MP main camera |
5,260 mAh
Battery Both models — 15W wired charging |
X5d vs X5d Plus: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both models share nearly identical hardware — the differences are concentrated in camera resolution and storage capacity:
| Feature | Honor X5d | Honor X5d Plus |
| Price | $93 | $115 |
| Main Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 50MP f/1.8 |
| Auxiliary Camera | 0.08MP QVGA | 0.08MP QVGA |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 5MP |
| Storage | 64GB | 128GB |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Chipset | MediaTek Helio G81 | MediaTek Helio G81 |
| Display | 6.74-inch IPS LCD, HD+, 90Hz | 6.74-inch IPS LCD, HD+, 90Hz |
| Battery | 5,260mAh — 15W wired | 5,260mAh — 15W wired |
| OS | MagicOS 9.0 (Android 15) | MagicOS 9.0 (Android 15) |
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted |
| IP Rating | IP54 | IP54 |
| Colors | Tidal Blue, Midnight Black | Tidal Blue, Midnight Black |
| THE KEY DIFFERENCE — Camera and Storage
For $22 more, the X5d Plus gives you a 50MP main camera (vs 13MP) and 128GB storage (vs 64GB). Everything else — chipset, RAM, display, battery and software — is identical. If photos matter to you at all, the Plus is the better value. |
Design and Display: Identical Across Both Models
The Honor X5d and X5d Plus share the same 6.74-inch IPS LCD with HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate — a smooth and capable screen for budget devices at this price. Both phones use a waterdrop notch housing a 5MP selfie camera and feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for fast, convenient unlocking. The IP54 rating covers light dust and splash resistance, offering basic protection for everyday use.
The new Tidal Blue colour joins Midnight Black as the two available finishes. The addition of Tidal Blue is the primary visual change from the X5c and X5c Plus — otherwise the design language is carried over unchanged from the previous generation.
Performance: Helio G81 and 4GB RAM
Both models run on the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and launch with MagicOS 9.0 based on Android 15. The Helio G81 handles everyday tasks — social media, messaging, video streaming and casual gaming — at a level appropriate for the price tier. It is not a performance-focused chipset, but for the core use cases of an ultra-budget device, it delivers a usable and consistent experience.
The X5d ships with 64GB of internal storage while the X5d Plus doubles this to 128GB. For buyers who install multiple apps, store photos or download media, the 128GB variant is meaningfully more practical — especially if the card slot availability remains unconfirmed and expandable storage cannot be relied upon.
Battery: 5,260mAh — Good Endurance, Slow Charging
Both models carry a 5,260mAh battery — a capacity that should comfortably deliver a full day of mixed usage, and likely stretch into a second day for light users. The 15W wired charging speed is the limitation here: at 15W, a full charge from empty will take two hours or more. This is acceptable for overnight charging but inconvenient for mid-day top-ups. Neither model supports wireless charging.
Which One Should You Buy?
If your budget is under $100 and the camera is not a priority, the Honor X5d at $93 delivers a functional budget smartphone with a solid display, decent battery and Android 15. It is a capable daily driver for basic tasks.
If you can stretch to $115, the X5d Plus is the clear recommendation. For just $22 more you get a 50MP main camera instead of 13MP — a meaningful upgrade for anyone who takes photos regularly — plus double the storage. At this price point, the camera gap between 13MP and 50MP is significant and the additional storage future-proofs the device considerably.
| VERDICT — BUY THE PLUS
At only $22 more, the Honor X5d Plus offers a 50MP camera and 128GB storage vs the standard model’s 13MP and 64GB. Unless you are strictly capped at $93, the X5d Plus is the better value purchase. |
Key Takeaways
- Honor X5d launches at $93 (4GB + 64GB) and X5d Plus at $115 (4GB + 128GB) — rebranded X5c models.
- The only meaningful difference is the camera: 13MP on the X5d vs 50MP on the X5d Plus.
- Both share a 6.74-inch 90Hz IPS LCD, Helio G81 chipset, 5,260mAh battery and IP54 rating.
- New Tidal Blue colour joins Midnight Black — the sole visual change from the X5c series.
- For $22 extra, the X5d Plus is the better value — more camera and double the storage.
DISCLAIMER: All specifications and prices are based on official Honor announcements for the Malaysia market. Pricing may vary by region. This content is intended for general informational purposes only.
