Honor Play 60 Plus 5G: The smartphone market continues to evolve at breakneck speed, and Honor has thrown its hat into the ring with the Play 60 Plus 5G, a device that promises to deliver premium features at an accessible price point. This latest offering from the Chinese manufacturer has been making waves since its June 2024 launch, particularly for its unconventional approach to budget smartphone design.
Design and Display: Size Meets Functionality
The Honor Play 60 Plus 5G immediately commands attention with its substantial 6.77-inch TFT LCD display. While the resolution of 720 x 1610 pixels (HD+) might raise eyebrows among tech enthusiasts accustomed to Full HD screens, Honor has compensated with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that ensures fluid scrolling and responsive touch interactions.
The device maintains a relatively slim profile at 8.1mm thickness, though its 197-gram weight reflects the substantial battery housed within. Available in three appealing color variants – Phantom Black, Wonderland Green, and Moonlight White – the Play 60 Plus offers aesthetic choices that cater to different preferences.
Performance: Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 Powers the Experience
At the heart of the Honor Play 60 Plus 5G lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, built on a 4nm manufacturing process. This chipset, specifically designed for budget-friendly 5G devices, delivers adequate performance for everyday tasks while maintaining power efficiency.
What truly sets this device apart in its price category is the generous 12GB of RAM – an unusual specification for a budget smartphone. This substantial memory allocation ensures smooth multitasking and reduces the likelihood of apps reloading when switching between them. Storage options include 256GB and 512GB variants, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media files.
Camera Capabilities: Dual-Lens Setup with Main Focus
The photography department features a dual-camera system on the rear, headlined by a 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. This primary camera utilizes the Samsung S5KJN1 sensor and includes autofocus capabilities along with LED flash support. The secondary 2-megapixel depth sensor assists with portrait photography and bokeh effects.
For selfie enthusiasts, the front-facing 5-megapixel camera with f/2.2 aperture handles video calls and self-portraits adequately, though it won’t compete with flagship devices in low-light conditions.
Battery Life: Marathon Performance with Fast Charging
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Honor Play 60 Plus 5G is its massive 6,000mAh battery. This substantial power source easily provides all-day usage for most users, with many reporting two days of moderate use between charges. The inclusion of 35W fast charging ensures that when the battery does run low, users won’t be tethered to a charging cable for extended periods.
Software and Connectivity: Modern Android Experience
The device ships with Android 14 topped with Honor’s MagicOS 8.0, providing a clean and intuitive user interface. The software experience includes various customization options and optimization features designed to maximize performance and battery life.
Connectivity options are comprehensive, featuring 5G support across multiple bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS with GLONASS and BDS support. The device includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and supports dual SIM functionality, catering to users who need to manage multiple phone numbers.
Market Position and Value Proposition
Priced at approximately $285 USD (€200 EUR), the Honor Play 60 Plus 5G occupies an interesting position in the budget smartphone market. While the HD+ display resolution might disappoint some users, the device compensates with generous RAM, substantial storage, excellent battery life, and 5G connectivity – features typically reserved for more expensive devices.
Pros and Cons: Balanced Perspective
Strengths:
Exceptional battery life with 6,000mAh capacity
Generous 12GB RAM for smooth multitasking
Ample storage options (256GB/512GB)
5G connectivity at budget price point
120Hz refresh rate for smooth interactions
Competitive pricing
Considerations:
HD+ resolution may not satisfy users expecting sharper displays
Limited camera versatility compared to multi-lens flagships
Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 provides modest performance for gaming
Lack of NFC and FM radio functionality
Honor Play 60 Plus 5G Final Verdict: Pragmatic Choice for Budget-Conscious Users
The Honor Play 60 Plus 5G represents a pragmatic approach to budget smartphone design, prioritizing essential features like battery life, memory, and connectivity over premium specifications like high-resolution displays or advanced camera systems. For users seeking a reliable daily driver with excellent endurance and adequate performance, this device offers compelling value.
While it may not appeal to power users or photography enthusiasts, the Play 60 Plus 5G succeeds in delivering a balanced package that addresses the core needs of budget-conscious consumers without unnecessary compromises in build quality or software experience. In an increasingly crowded budget smartphone market, Honor’s latest offering carves out its own niche through thoughtful specification choices and competitive pricing.