The HONOR X5d s takes an unusual approach to the budget smartphone market. Instead of competing solely on battery capacity or camera resolution, it adds a 2.01-inch touchscreen to the back of the phone. The secondary display can preview selfies taken with the main camera and show selected information, including call alerts and media controls.
The rest of the specification sheet is more conventional. The phone has a 6.78-inch LCD, a 50MP rear camera, a 6,000mAh battery, and a UNISOC T610 processor. It also runs Android 16 Go edition, supports expandable storage, and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack.
There are clear compromises. The main display has a resolution of 720 × 1576 pixels, charging is limited to 15W, and the processor belongs to the entry-level category. The phone also supports 4G rather than 5G.
The question is whether the rear display and large battery make these compromises worthwhile. This HONOR X5d s review examines what the hardware offers, where it falls short, and which buyers should consider it. The assessment is based on official specifications and published information, not hands-on testing.
In This Review:
HONOR X5d s Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Main display | 6.78-inch LCD |
| Main resolution | 720 × 1576 pixels |
| Typical brightness | 600 nits |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz in HONOR’s main product text; the page also mentions support up to 120Hz in a footnote |
| Rear display | 2.01-inch LCD |
| Rear resolution | 240 × 296 pixels |
| Processor | UNISOC T610 |
| CPU | 2 × Cortex-A75 at 1.8GHz + 6 × Cortex-A55 at 1.8GHz |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G52 |
| Physical RAM | 4GB |
| Memory expansion | 4GB virtual RAM advertised in the 8GB-equivalent configuration |
| Internal storage | 64GB in the listed configuration |
| Expandable storage | Up to 1TB via memory card |
| Rear camera | 50MP, f/1.8 |
| Front camera | 5MP, f/2.0 |
| Video recording | Up to 1080p |
| Battery | 6,000mAh typical; 5,850mAh rated |
| Wired charging | 15W |
| Operating system | Android 16 Go edition |
| Water and dust resistance | IP52 |
| Cellular connectivity | 4G LTE, 3G, 2G |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| USB | USB-C 2.0 |
| Headphone jack | 3.5mm |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM |
| Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted |
| Dimensions | 168.3 × 78.5 × 8.72mm |
| Weight | Approximately 214g |
| Colors | Forest Green, Midnight Black |
Configuration note: HONOR lists 4GB physical RAM with an additional 4GB of virtual memory in its 8GB-equivalent configuration. Other storage versions may be available depending on the market. The advertised refresh-rate figures also require clarification for the exact retail version.
For more details about the phone’s hardware and features, you can consult the official HONOR X5d s specifications page.
Key Takeaways
- The 2.01-inch rear touchscreen is the phone’s main distinguishing feature, particularly for selfies using the main camera.
- A 6,000mAh typical battery provides substantial capacity on paper, although independent endurance testing is unavailable.
- The 50MP rear camera has a higher stated resolution than the 5MP front camera, but image quality cannot be established from megapixels alone.
- The UNISOC T610 and 4GB physical RAM configuration are better suited to basic tasks than demanding gaming.
- The 720 × 1576 main display sacrifices sharpness to keep the phone in the entry-level category.
- Charging is limited to 15W, and the phone does not support 5G.
- Expandable storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack remain useful features for budget-conscious buyers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 2.01-inch rear touchscreen
- 6,000mAh typical battery capacity
- 50MP main camera
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Dual Nano-SIM support
- Android 16 Go edition
Cons
- Entry-level UNISOC T610 processor
- Relatively low main-display resolution
- Only 4GB of physical RAM in the listed configuration
- 15W wired charging
- 5MP front camera
- 4G rather than 5G connectivity
- IP52 protection is limited compared with higher water-resistance ratings
- Refresh-rate wording on HONOR’s product page is inconsistent
Design & Build
The HONOR X5d s measures 168.3 × 78.5 × 8.72mm and weighs approximately 214g. Its large body accommodates the 6.78-inch main display and the additional screen on the rear panel, but the weight is worth considering if you prefer compact phones or frequently use your device with one hand.
The two available colors listed by HONOR South Africa are Forest Green and Midnight Black. The secondary display gives the rear panel a functional purpose beyond its appearance. Rather than turning the phone over simply to show its design, users can interact with the small screen for selected tasks.
The IP52 rating offers limited protection against dust and water exposure. It is not equivalent to the stronger water-resistance ratings found on some more expensive phones, and it does not mean the device is waterproof. Avoid submerging it or exposing it unnecessarily to water.
HONOR also lists aluminosilicate glass for the main display. The available specifications do not establish that the entire phone uses premium materials, so buyers should not assume that its construction matches higher-priced models.
The design is most appealing to people who will actually use the rear screen. If you prefer a lighter device and have little interest in secondary-display features, the extra functionality may not justify the phone’s size and weight.
Display
The main screen measures 6.78 inches and uses LCD technology. Its resolution is 720 × 1576 pixels, and HONOR lists typical brightness at 600 nits.
The large viewing area is useful for messaging, browsing, social media, and video. There is room for longer text and larger interface elements than on a compact display, which may appeal to users who spend much of their day reading or watching content.
Resolution is the main compromise. At 720 × 1576 pixels, the panel has fewer pixels than a Full HD display of a similar size. Small text and fine details will not appear as sharp as they would on a higher-resolution alternative. This is particularly relevant when reading articles, examining photographs, or viewing detailed images.
The LCD panel also lacks the contrast characteristics of OLED technology. That does not make it unsuitable for everyday tasks, but buyers who prioritize deep blacks and more striking contrast should compare it with OLED-equipped alternatives.
HONOR lists typical brightness of 600 nits. This is a useful reference point, although actual outdoor readability also depends on reflections, sunlight, and screen calibration.
The refresh-rate specification needs a little caution. HONOR’s main product text advertises 90Hz, while a footnote states that the display supports up to 120Hz. Until the exact retail configuration is confirmed, 90Hz is the safer figure to use when comparing the phone with competitors.
The rear display is a separate 2.01-inch LCD with a resolution of 240 × 296 pixels. Its purpose is different from that of the main screen: it provides a compact preview and access to selected functions rather than a second full-sized interface. Its relatively low resolution is less important for those limited tasks.
For buyers, the main display is spacious but basic. Those who care more about screen size than sharpness may find it adequate, while readers and frequent video viewers should compare its resolution carefully with similarly priced alternatives.
Performance
The HONOR X5d s uses the UNISOC T610, an octa-core processor with two Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores, all clocked at up to 1.8GHz. Graphics are handled by the ARM Mali-G52.
This is entry-level hardware. It is designed for basic smartphone workloads rather than sustained high performance, so the phone makes more sense for calls, messaging, light browsing, and simple applications than for demanding games or intensive multitasking.
The 4GB physical RAM configuration is another consideration. HONOR advertises an 8GB-equivalent configuration by combining physical RAM with virtual memory. Virtual RAM uses internal storage to supplement memory management; it is not equivalent to having 8GB of physical RAM.
Storage also deserves attention. The listed configuration has 64GB of internal storage, some of which is occupied by the operating system and preinstalled software. Applications, downloaded videos, and photographs can gradually consume the remaining space. A memory card of up to 1TB can help store media and files, but it does not replace internal storage in every situation.
The T610 should not be the reason to buy this phone for demanding gaming. Lighter games may be more appropriate, but there are no verified phone-specific benchmark results or sustained gaming tests available for this review. Exact frame rates, temperatures, and long-session stability therefore remain unconfirmed.
The processor is best viewed as a cost-saving choice. If your daily workload consists mainly of communication and basic applications, it may be sufficient. If you frequently switch between demanding apps or play graphically intensive games, a phone with a stronger processor and more physical RAM would be a safer choice.
Software
The HONOR X5d s runs Android 16 Go edition, a version of Android designed for entry-level devices with limited hardware resources.
This software choice fits the phone’s processor and physical RAM configuration. A lighter operating environment is intended to make basic tasks manageable on devices with limited memory, although it cannot eliminate the limits of the processor or storage.
The rear display adds a small set of practical software functions. HONOR advertises rear-camera selfie previews, one-tap focusing and capture, call alerts, and media playback controls. These are useful examples of how a small secondary screen can serve a purpose without requiring a full second interface.
However, the available product information does not establish broad compatibility with third-party applications or confirm that every notification can be fully read and controlled from the rear screen. It is better to regard it as a quick-access display than as a replacement for the main interface.
The Android version alone also does not establish the phone’s future update commitment. HONOR’s confirmed number of Android upgrades and years of security updates for this specific model should be checked before purchase, particularly if you plan to keep it for several years.
Overall, the software is oriented toward basic use, with the rear display providing the feature that distinguishes the X5d s from more conventional entry-level phones.
Camera
The rear camera has a 50MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, while the front camera has a 5MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. Both support video recording up to 1080p according to the published specifications.
The main camera has the higher stated resolution, but megapixels alone do not determine image quality. Sensor performance, image processing, focus, exposure, and lighting all affect the final photograph. No independent image sample set has been established for this review, so it would be premature to make firm claims about daylight detail or low-light performance.
HONOR lists 4× digital zoom. This is not the same as optical zoom from a dedicated telephoto camera. Digital zoom enlarges or crops the image, and fine detail can become less clear as the zoom level increases.
The 5MP front camera is a basic specification. It may be sufficient for casual selfies and video calls in suitable lighting, but people who frequently take self-portraits should pay attention to the rear-screen feature before deciding which camera to use.
That feature allows users to preview a selfie using the main rear camera. HONOR also describes tapping the rear screen to focus and capture a photograph, with manual zoom and beauty modes available. This gives users an alternative to relying on the lower-resolution front camera.
The benefit is practical rather than guaranteed image quality: the main camera provides another way to frame a selfie, but the quality of the result still depends on the sensor, processing, and lighting. The small preview may also be less convenient than a full-sized screen when composing a group photograph or checking fine details.
Video recording is limited to 1080p according to the listed specifications. There is no basis for claiming 4K recording or dedicated ultrawide and telephoto cameras.
The camera setup is simple, but the rear display gives it a useful additional function. Buyers interested in photography should still look for real sample images before drawing conclusions about image quality.
Battery & Charging
The HONOR X5d s has a 6,000mAh typical battery capacity and a rated capacity of 5,850mAh. These figures describe the same battery under different capacity ratings, rather than two separate battery options.
That capacity is attractive for people who want substantial battery capacity in an affordable phone. Messaging, browsing, navigation, and video playback all draw power differently, however, so capacity alone cannot establish how many hours the phone will last.
HONOR does not provide a verified endurance result under the testing conditions needed to estimate dependable screen-on time. This review therefore does not assign a specific number of hours or promise multiple days of use.
Charging is limited to 15W wired power. For a battery of this size, that is a modest charging rate, and a full recharge may take considerable time compared with phones that support faster charging.
The exact time required to charge from empty to full has not been independently established here. Charging speed can also vary with temperature, battery level, charger compatibility, and the phone’s charging management.
The trade-off is straightforward: the battery has substantial capacity on paper, but charging is not designed for quick top-ups. If you often plug in for only a short time before leaving home, a phone with faster charging may be more convenient.
The X5d s is worth considering if battery capacity is high on your list, but a proper endurance test is still needed before its real-world battery life can be rated confidently.
Connectivity & Audio
The HONOR X5d s supports 4G LTE, dual Nano-SIM cards, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, and USB-C 2.0. It also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The absence of 5G is an important distinction. Buyers with reliable 4G coverage who mainly use their phones for calls, messaging, browsing, and streaming may find LTE sufficient. Those planning to keep the device for several years should consider whether 5G availability matters in their area.
Dual-SIM support is useful if you maintain separate work and personal numbers or use one SIM for calls and another for mobile data. Actual network performance depends on the supported bands, carrier compatibility, and local coverage.
Dual-band Wi-Fi supports common 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Bluetooth 5.0 provides connectivity for wireless headphones and other accessories, while the listed positioning systems support navigation.
USB-C is convenient, but USB 2.0 is a basic data-transfer standard. People who regularly transfer large files between a phone and a computer should not expect the capabilities associated with faster USB standards.
The 3.5mm headphone jack is a practical inclusion for wired headphones, particularly if you want to avoid charging wireless earbuds or buying an adapter. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor also provides a direct unlocking method, although recognition speed and comfort are best assessed through hands-on use.
The published specifications do not establish speaker loudness, microphone quality, or call quality, so those areas remain untested. The connectivity package covers the basics for a budget 4G device, with the headphone jack and dual-SIM support among its practical advantages.
Price & Value
The HONOR X5d s was announced for the South African market at a recommended retail price of R2,499, with nationwide availability reported from 7 October 2026. This is the reported launch price, not a guarantee of the current price at every retailer.
At this price, the rear touchscreen is the phone’s most distinctive selling point. It has a clear use for people who want to frame selfies with the main camera or check selected alerts and media controls from the back of the device. Buyers who rarely take selfies or have little interest in the secondary display may not gain much from it.
The 6,000mAh typical battery and expandable storage are also appealing specifications. However, the phone’s value needs to be judged against its compromises: a 720 × 1576 display, entry-level processing hardware, 4GB physical RAM in the listed configuration, and 15W charging.
There is not enough verified competitor pricing in this review to declare the X5d s the best value in its class. Buyers should compare current South African retail prices with similarly priced phones, particularly models offering Full HD displays, faster charging, or stronger processors.
The rear screen should influence the decision only if you expect to use it. If it makes taking selfies more convenient or provides quick access to information you regularly check, it adds a practical reason to choose the X5d s. If not, a conventional budget phone with stronger core hardware may be a better fit.
The safest value recommendation is to check the current local price and compare the features you will use most. The X5d s has a distinctive feature set, but that does not automatically make it the best purchase for every budget-phone buyer.
If you’re considering other options from the brand, our HONOR Turbo review offers a closer look at a different phone in HONOR’s lineup.
Who Should Buy the HONOR X5d s?
The HONOR X5d s is worth considering for:
- Everyday users: People who mainly make calls, send messages, browse websites, and use basic applications.
- Battery-conscious buyers: Those who prefer a 6,000mAh typical battery over a smaller-capacity device.
- Frequent selfie takers: Users who want to frame photographs with the main camera through the rear display.
- People who need expandable storage: Buyers who want to keep more photographs, videos, and offline media on a memory card.
- Wired-headphone users: Anyone who prefers using a 3.5mm headphone jack without an adapter.
- Buyers looking for a different design: People who will make practical use of the secondary touchscreen rather than treating it as a novelty.
The phone makes the most sense when these features match your daily habits and its price is competitive with alternatives.
Who Should Skip the HONOR X5d s?
Consider other options if you:
- Play demanding mobile games: The UNISOC T610 is entry-level hardware and is not the reason to choose this phone for gaming.
- Prioritize display sharpness: The 720 × 1576 resolution is a compromise on a 6.78-inch screen.
- Need fast charging: The 15W limit may be inconvenient with a battery of this size.
- Take a lot of selfies or create content: The 5MP front camera is basic, and the rear-camera preview should be tested in person before relying on it.
- Want 5G connectivity: The listed specifications support 4G LTE rather than 5G.
- Prefer compact phones: The approximately 214g body is relatively substantial.
- Need stronger water protection: IP52 does not offer the same protection as higher-rated water-resistant phones.
- Need extensive internal storage: The listed 64GB configuration may fill quickly with large apps and offline media, although a memory card can help with files.
If one of these limitations affects your everyday use, compare alternatives before buying.
Final Verdict
The HONOR X5d s is an entry-level smartphone with a feature that serves a specific purpose: its 2.01-inch rear touchscreen lets users preview selfies taken with the main camera and access selected information without relying entirely on the front display.
Its 6,000mAh typical battery, expandable storage, dual-SIM support, and headphone jack add practical value. The compromises are just as clear: the T610 processor is basic, the main display has a relatively low resolution, charging is limited to 15W, and connectivity stops at 4G.
The rear screen is the deciding factor. If you will use it regularly for selfies and quick interactions, the X5d s offers something different in the entry-level category. If you will rarely touch it, a conventional budget phone with stronger core specifications may be the better purchase.
At the reported South African launch price of R2,499, its value should be judged against current local alternatives rather than its feature list alone. Independent battery, camera, and performance tests would help establish how well it performs in everyday use.
For now, the HONOR X5d s is best suited to basic smartphone users who value battery capacity and the rear-screen selfie function more than gaming performance, display sharpness, or fast charging.
FAQ
Is the HONOR X5d s worth buying?
It is worth considering if you want a large battery, expandable storage, and a rear touchscreen for selfies and selected quick-access functions. Buyers focused on gaming, display sharpness, or fast charging should compare alternatives.
What is the battery capacity of the HONOR X5d s?
HONOR lists a typical capacity of 6,000mAh and a rated capacity of 5,850mAh. These are two ratings for the same battery.
What does the rear display do?
The 2.01-inch rear LCD can preview selfies taken with the main camera and display selected call alerts and media controls. HONOR also describes touch controls for focusing and capturing photographs.
Can I take selfies with the main camera?
Yes. HONOR advertises a rear-screen selfie function that lets users preview the composition and tap to focus and capture a photo using the main camera.
Which processor does it use?
The phone uses the UNISOC T610 octa-core processor with two Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores, all clocked at up to 1.8GHz.
How much RAM and storage does it have?
The listed configuration has 4GB of physical RAM and 64GB of storage. HONOR also advertises an 8GB-equivalent memory figure that includes virtual RAM. Other storage configurations may vary by market.
Does the HONOR X5d s support memory cards?
Yes. HONOR advertises expandable storage up to 1TB via a memory card. The card is separate from the phone’s built-in storage.
What cameras does it have?
The phone has a 50MP f/1.8 rear camera and a 5MP f/2.0 front camera. The listed video recording resolution is up to 1080p.
Does it support 5G?
No. HONOR’s published specifications list 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G connectivity.
How fast does it charge?
The HONOR X5d s supports 15W wired charging. A verified full-charge time has not been established for this review.
Is the HONOR X5d s waterproof?
No. Its IP52 rating provides limited protection against dust and water exposure, but it is not designed for submersion.
Does it have a headphone jack?
Yes. The specifications list a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside USB-C 2.0.
Which Android version does it run?
It runs Android 16 Go edition. A confirmed number of future Android upgrades and security-update years has not been established here.
What is the HONOR X5d s price?
South African launch coverage reported a recommended retail price of R2,499. Check current retailer listings for the price available when you buy.
