HONOR X 5c Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Our Verdict: Only the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a 5G phone; the HONOR X 5c Plus maxes out at 4G, and there's more battery in the X 5c Plus, 5260mAh to 3900mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The X 5c Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" against 6.1", while the S23 5G has the sharper one at 422 PPI, and storage goes higher on the S23 5G, up to 256GB against 128GB. The S23 5G 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, £310 less than the S23 5G.
Prices updated 13 July 2026
HONOR X 5c Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S23
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|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.74" | 6.1" |
| Display | TFT LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 260 | 422 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 5 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 5,260 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 167 x 77 x 7.9 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 186 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£8.99/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£20.99/mo
£39.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £77.00 | £184.96 |
| Prices updated 13 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HONOR X 5c Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 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 HONOR X 5c Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The HONOR X 5c Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 260, and the HONOR X 5c Plus uses a TFT LCD panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the HONOR X 5c Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The HONOR X 5c Plus features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 HONOR X 5c Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The HONOR X 5c Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £77.00.
What storage options are available for the HONOR X 5c Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The HONOR X 5c Plus is available in 64GB, 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the HONOR X 5c Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The HONOR X 5c Plus is powered by the Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the HONOR X 5c Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 19g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the HONOR X 5c Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The HONOR X 5c Plus is rated IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the HONOR X 5c Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?
The HONOR X 5c Plus runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.