Honor Play10C 5G : Honor just dropped a bombshell in the ultra-affordable smartphone market with the Play10C 5G, launched on August 8, 2025, in China.
Priced under $100 for the base model, this pocket rocket promises 5G speeds, a massive battery, and surprising durability without breaking the bank.
It’s already sparking buzz as the go-to backup or first phone for everyday folks tired of overpriced gadgets.
A Launch That Shook the Entry-Level Scene
The Honor Play10C 5G hit the scene amid whispers of “best under 100 yuan” hype from early unboxings and reviews. Announced via Honor’s official channels, it went on pre-order immediately, with deliveries kicking off August 12 in China.
Tech enthusiasts on YouTube wasted no time, churning out hands-on videos praising its no-frills appeal for students and budget gamers.
Also Read This : Toyota Hilux – Powerful powertrain pickup truck wiht luxury features
Priced at CNY 649 ($90) for 4GB/128GB, CNY 699 ($97) for 6GB/128GB, and CNY 899 ($125) for 8GB/256GB, it’s positioned as a steal in a world where 5G often costs triple.
Global rollout remains a mystery—no word yet on India, Bangladesh, or elsewhere, though sites like GSMArena and local spec pages are buzzing with anticipation.
Early adopters in China snapped it up fast, drawn by Honor’s promise of Swiss SGS Gold Label certification for drop and crush resistance.
One reviewer called it “the benchmark for 100-yuan phones,” highlighting its rugged build in a segment usually plagued by flimsy plastics.
Design Built for Real Life, Not Just Show
At 164 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm and 197g, the Play10C feels solid without being a brick. It rocks an IP64 rating for dust-tight and splash resistance, a rarity at this price—perfect for clumsy users or rainy commutes.
Colors pop in Black, White, Green (or Blue in some listings), with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner that’s quick and intuitive. Dual nano-SIM support means no juggling cards, and the 3.5mm jack stays for wired audio fans.
That quirky camera module? Yeah, it’s drawing mixed reactions—some call it “ugly like checkers,” but it prioritizes function over flash. No microSD slot hurts for expandable storage lovers, but up to 256GB internal keeps most happy. Overall, it’s got that “tough everyday warrior” vibe, earning five-star nods for 360° drop-proof claims.
Display and Performance Punch Above Weight
The 6.61-inch TFT LCD screen delivers 720 x 1604 resolution at 266 ppi—not flagship sharp, but smooth with 120Hz refresh and 1010 nits peak brightness for sunny scrolls.
Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm octa-core: 2×2.4GHz A76 + 6×2.0GHz A55, Mali-G57 MC2 GPU), it handles PUBG Mobile and daily multitasking without choking.
Android 15 under MagicOS 9 brings clean, bloat-free vibes with Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.3, and full 5G SA/NSA support.
Also Read This : Maruti Alto 800 look is totally changed – check the price and new features
Gaming tests show it holds steady on medium settings, though don’t expect miracles in heavy titles. Sensors like accelerometer, proximity, and compass round it out, minus NFC or FM radio. For the price, it’s a solid daily driver that won’t lag on social media or light edits.
Camera and Battery: Practical, Not Perfect
Snap a 13MP f/1.8 main rear shooter with LED flash and HDR—decent daylight shots, 1080p@30fps video for quick clips.
Front 5MP f/2.2 selfie cam does the job for video calls. It’s no Pixel, but AI tweaks help in low light better than rivals like older Infinix models.
The star? A whopping 6000mAh battery with 15W wired (and 2.5W reverse) charging—expect two days of moderate use. Reviewers rave about endurance, making it ideal for long shifts or travel. USB-C 2.0 with OTG adds versatility.
Honor Play10C 5G Who Should Grab This, and What’s Next?
Targeted at first-time buyers, backups, or kids, the Play10C shines where basics matter most. Early feedback praises value over gimmicks, though camera design and no card slot irk some.
No global confirmations yet, but expect waves in Asia soon.