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Honor 5C Unveiled Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Release Date
2016, May
Camera
13MP
Battery
3000mAh
Processor
Kirin 650
Screen
5.2"
Storage
16GB , microSDXC
Ram
2GB RAM
Operating System
Android 6.0, up to 7.0, EMUI 4.1

Network and Connectivity

The Honor 5C is equipped with multiple network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE. It supports a range of bands for 2G, 3G, and 4G, making it versatile for global usage. Specifically, the phone operates on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM 1 and SIM 2, HSDPA 900/2100, and LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 8, and 20 in the EU model. Furthermore, the speed capabilities include HSPA with speeds up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 at 150/50 Mbps, making it fast and reliable for mobile internet connectivity.

Design and Build

The Honor 5C was announced in April 2016 and released in May of the same year. Despite its discontinuation, it made a mark with its elegant design and practical build. Its body dimensions are 147.1 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm, and it weighs 156 grams, making it lightweight and easy to handle. The device supports Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), which provides flexibility for users needing more than one SIM card for separate uses.

Display

The Honor 5C features a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with an impressive resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, achieving a density of approximately 424 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is about 68.7%, which provides a comfortable viewing experience. The contrast and clarity make it suitable for a wide range of uses, from media consumption to gaming.

Platform and Performance

Operating on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat) with EMUI 4.1, the Honor 5C is built on the Kirin 650 chipset. The processor is an octa-core configuration with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53, providing a balance between performance and power efficiency. The GPU is a Mali-T830MP2, catering to moderate gaming and graphic-intensive applications.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the device comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. For users needing additional storage, the phone supports microSDXC, although it uses a shared SIM slot, which means that using a memory card would limit the device to one SIM card.

Cameras

The Honor 5C's camera setup includes a 13 MP main camera with an f/2.0 aperture and autofocus capability. It features LED flash, panorama, and HDR modes, and is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps. The front-facing camera is an 8 MP sensor, also with an f/2.0 aperture, adequate for selfies and video calls.

Sound and Multimedia

For audio, the Honor 5C includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, addressing the needs for personal listening experiences and those who prefer wired headphones over wireless solutions.

Communication Features

The phone supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet and Bluetooth 4.1, A2DP, LE for connectivity with other devices. Its positioning technology includes GPS and GLONASS/BDS (depending on the region), although it lacks NFC capability. The device is compatible with FM radio and uses microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Additional Features

Some of the sensors included in the Honor 5C are the accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass. These sensors contribute to improved device functionality, such as auto-rotate screen and navigation aids.

Battery Life

The Honor 5C is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, which offers endurance and sustainability for day-to-day use. The battery life is commendable, with an old endurance rating of 75 hours, making it suitable for users who require long periods of use between charges.

Miscellaneous

The Honor 5C is available in several colors such as Silver, Gray, and Gold, giving users some degree of personalization. It was released under various model numbers including NEM-UL10, NEM-TL00H, and several others. The SAR value of the device stands at 1.26 W/kg (head) and 0.43 W/kg (body) for the standard version while the EU version measures 1.56 W/kg (head) and 1.24 W/kg (body).

Price and Availability

During its time on the market, the Honor 5C was priced at approximately 170 EUR. Although it is now discontinued, it remains an example of Honor's approach to delivering cost-effective smartphones without compromising on essential features and performance.

Conclusion

In summary, the Honor 5C offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to the needs of average smartphone users. With its capable processor, solid camera setup, and robust battery life, it serves as a commendable device for daily use. Its combination of performance, efficiency, and affordability made it a popular choice during its availability, despite the eventual discontinuation in favor of newer models.

Key Features of Honor 5C

  • Supports GSM / HSPA / LTE networks.
  • Compact design with dimensions of 147.1 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm and a weight of 156 g.
  • 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution (~424 ppi density).
  • Powered by Kirin 650 chipset with an octa-core CPU for efficient performance.
  • Pre-installed with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradeable to 7.0 (Nougat) with EMUI 4.1.
  • Equipped with a 13 MP main camera featuring LED flash, panorama, and HDR capabilities.
  • Features an 8 MP selfie camera.
  • Includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and a loudspeaker.
  • Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, and microUSB 2.0 connectivity.
  • FM radio available.
  • Built-in sensors include accelerometer, proximity, and compass.
  • Non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery offering decent endurance.
  • Available in Silver, Gray, and Gold color variants.

Honor 5C Drawbacks

  • Discontinued model, might lack software updates and support.
  • Hybrid Dual SIM can lead to a choice between a second SIM or microSD card, limiting expandability.
  • Internal storage of 16GB and 2GB RAM may be insufficient for modern applications and multitasking.
  • No NFC support, limiting certain wireless payment and data transfer capabilities.
  • Uses older microUSB 2.0 instead of the faster and more versatile USB-C.
  • No fast charging technology supported, possibly leading to longer recharge times.
  • Limited WLAN support to Wi-Fi b/g/n, lacks modern ac/ax standards for faster speeds.
  • Camera lacks advanced features found in newer models, with limited low-light performance.
  • The 68.7% screen-to-body ratio may feel dated compared to contemporary devices with higher ratios.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 900 / 2100 / TD-SCDMA - NEM-UL10
4G bands 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 - EU model
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2016, April. Released 2016, May
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 147.1 x 73.8 x 8.3 mm (5.79 x 2.91 x 0.33 in)
Weight 156 g (5.50 oz)
SIM Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~68.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)
Platform
OS Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat), EMUI 4.1
Chipset Kirin 650 (16 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPU Mali-T830MP2
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 16GB 2GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 13 MP, f/2.0, AF
Features LED flash, panorama, HDR
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.0
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS/ BDS (region dependent)
NFC No
Radio FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
Colors Silver, Gray, Gold
Models NEM-UL10, NEM-TL00H, NEM-L21, NMO-L31, NMO-L22, NMO-L23, NMO-L01, NEM-L22, NEM-L51, NEM-AL10, NEM-TL00
SAR 1.26 W/kg (head)     0.43 W/kg (body)
SAR EU 1.56 W/kg (head)     1.24 W/kg (body)
Price About 170 EUR
Tests
Performance Basemark OS II 2.0: 1221Basemark X: 7735
Display Contrast ratio: 733 (nominal), 2.506 (sunlight)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 74dB
Audio quality Noise -90.4dB / Crosstalk -87.9dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 75h

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