Honor X5d s. Image: Honor South Africa
As smartphone brands continue to focus heavily on mid-range and premium devices, Honor has turned its attention to the entry-level segment with the launch of the X5d s, a budget smartphone that introduces an unusual feature for its price category: a secondary rear display.
Priced at R2,499, the new device aims to stand out in a crowded market by combining affordability with features more commonly associated with higher-priced devices.
Dual-screen
The most notable feature of the X5d s is its two-screen setup. The device includes a 6.78-inch primary display with a resolution of 720×1576 pixels and a smaller 2.01-inch rear screen with a resolution of 240×296 pixels.
The secondary display is designed to provide quick access to notifications and interactive features while also serving as a live preview screen for selfies captured using the phone’s main camera.
Honor has also included customisation options, including animated themes and a virtual digital pet that reacts to user interaction.
While dual-screen functionality is uncommon in the entry-level market, consumers will ultimately determine whether the feature offers meaningful everyday value or is more of a novelty.
Camera and battery
Photography duties are handled by a 50MP rear camera with up to 4x digital zoom and video recording capabilities. A 5MP front-facing camera caters for video calls and selfies, with support for 1080p video recording.
The camera specifications are competitive for the device’s price point, although consumers seeking advanced photography features such as optical stabilisation or multiple rear lenses may need to look at more expensive alternatives.
Battery life appears to be one of the X5d s’ strongest selling points. The phone is equipped with a 6,000mAh battery, significantly larger than the batteries found in many entry-level smartphones.
However, charging is capped at 15W, meaning users may face longer charging times compared with devices offering faster charging technologies.
Durability
Honor has also equipped the handset with IP52-rated dust and water resistance, providing protection against light splashes and dust ingress. While the rating offers some peace of mind for daily use, it falls short of the higher water-resistance standards found on premium smartphones.
The device is available in Forest Green and Midnight Black colour options and features an aluminosilicate glass design intended to improve durability.
Value
The Honor X5d s enters the market at a time when consumers are increasingly looking for affordable devices that do not compromise too heavily on core features. Its large battery, high-resolution main camera and distinctive secondary display help differentiate it from rivals in the budget segment.
However, prospective buyers should weigh those features against the phone’s modest screen resolution, basic front camera and relatively slow charging speeds.
The X5d s appears positioned as a budget-friendly smartphone aimed at first-time smartphone buyers, students and users looking for a secondary device, rather than consumers seeking flagship-level performance.
The success of the device is likely to depend on whether its dual-screen concept resonates with value-conscious buyers looking for something different in the entry-level market.
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