Apple iPhone 12 vs HONOR X 5c Plus
Our Verdict: The HONOR X 5c Plus has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and the Apple iPhone 12 supports 5G while the X 5c Plus tops out at 4G. There's more battery in the X 5c Plus, 5260mAh to 2815mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own, and the X 5c Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.1", while the iPhone 12 has the sharper one at 457 PPI. The iPhone 12 is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the X 5c Plus is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The X 5c Plus is the cheaper one to own: around £255 over a typical contract, £104 less than the iPhone 12.
Prices updated 10 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12
|
HONOR X 5c Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.74" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | TFT LCD |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 720 x 1600 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 260 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 5 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 5,260 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 4G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 167 x 77 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 186 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes) |
| Contracts |
£11.99/mo
£49.00 upfront |
£8.99/mo
£9.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £134.96 | £77.00 |
| Prices updated 10 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or HONOR X 5c Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the HONOR X 5c Plus is cheaper on contract at £255.16 over the life of the deal from £8.99 per month with £9.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or HONOR X 5c Plus?
The HONOR X 5c Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 260, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the HONOR X 5c Plus has a TFT LCD.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or HONOR X 5c Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the HONOR X 5c Plus has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 or HONOR X 5c Plus?
The HONOR X 5c Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £77.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and HONOR X 5c Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the HONOR X 5c Plus comes in 64GB, 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and HONOR X 5c Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the HONOR X 5c Plus uses the Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or HONOR X 5c Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 22g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or HONOR X 5c Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the HONOR X 5c Plus is rated IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 and HONOR X 5c Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the HONOR X 5c Plus runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.