HONOR X 5c Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a dramatically higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the HONOR X 5c Plus's 50MP, plus a 12MP selfie camera against 5MP, and only the S23 Ultra 5G is a 5G phone; the X 5c Plus maxes out at 4G. Storage goes higher on the S23 Ultra 5G, up to 512GB against 128GB, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 260. Only pay up for the S23 Ultra 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the X 5c Plus makes more sense.
The X 5c Plus is the cheaper one to own: around £255 over a typical contract, £490 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
Prices updated 26 July 2026
HONOR X 5c Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
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|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.74" | 6.8" |
| Display | TFT LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 260 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 5 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 5,260 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| 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 | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 186 grams | 233 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 |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £77.00 | £349.95 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HONOR X 5c Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 260, and the HONOR X 5c Plus uses a TFT LCD panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the HONOR X 5c Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The HONOR X 5c Plus features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The HONOR X 5c Plus is available in 64GB, 128GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the HONOR X 5c Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The HONOR X 5c Plus is powered by the Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the HONOR X 5c Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
It's a trade-off: the HONOR X 5c Plus is lighter but the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is more compact. It's 47g lighter at 186 grams, though the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is actually the more compact phone at 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm, the HONOR X 5c Plus is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the HONOR X 5c Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The HONOR X 5c Plus is rated IP64 dust tight and water resistant (water splashes), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra run?
The HONOR X 5c Plus runs Android 15 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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.