Honor Play 60 Plus: A Midrange Marvel With Top-Tier Features

Body

The Honor Play 60 Plus sports a sleek and modern design with dimensions of 167×76.8×8.1 mm, fitting comfortably in hand despite its large screen size. Weighing in at 197 - 199 grams, it balances well between feeling substantial and being portable. The color options - Moonlight White, Phantom Black, and Wonderland Green - offer a stylish choice for various tastes. Here are the relevant specs:

The body of the Honor Play 60 Plus is designed with usability and comfort in mind, though its larger dimensions and weight may not suit everyone equally. The device falls into the category of larger smartphones. While this size accommodates its expansive 6.77-inch display and generous battery, it may feel substantial for users with smaller hands or those accustomed to more compact devices. However, the slim profile (8.1 mm thick) helps in maintaining a sleek appearance and ensures it's not overly bulky.

For users who enjoy extended sessions of gaming or multimedia consumption, the Honor Play 60 Plus offers a good grip and balanced weight distribution, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. However, for those preferring smaller phones for pocketability, its larger size might pose a challenge. It should fit comfortably in larger pockets or bags but may require a bit more space compared to more compact models.

The Honor Play 60 Plus comes in three distinctive colors: Moonlight White, Phantom Black, and Wonderland Green. These choices cater to different tastes and personalities:

• Moonlight White: Offers a classic and clean look, appealing to users who prefer a timeless aesthetic.
• Phantom Black: Adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, ideal for professionals or users who prefer a sleek, understated design.
• Wonderland Green: Brings a vibrant and youthful vibe, perfect for those who like to make a statement with their device.

Each color option complements the phone's modern design and can appeal to a wide range of users, from students to business professionals, depending on their personal style preferences. Ultimately, the choice of color adds a personal touch to the overall user experience, enhancing the appeal of the Honor Play 60 Plus beyond its technical specifications.

If we compare the Honor Play 60 Plus with the predecessor Play 50 Plus, it's gotten slightly larger but slimmer. The Play 50 Plus was 166.7×76.5×8.2 mm and 199 g.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

The Honor Play 60 Plus's IP64 rating ensures it can withstand dust and splashes, adding a layer of durability for everyday use.

The IP in IP64 stands for Ingress Protection, and those two numbers are like the phone's superhero stats. The first digit is for solid particle protection. Its value 6 here means your Play 60 Plus is a fortress against dust. It's like having a tiny shield that says, "No, dust, you shall not pass!"

The second digit is for liquid ingress protection. With a value of 4, it tells you that the phone can withstand splashes of water from any direction. So, rain or accidental spills won't turn your Play 60 Plus into a paperweight. However, immersion in water is not recommended. So, if you're planning deep-sea adventures for your phone, you might want to reconsider.

Now, to the million-dollar question: How to keep your Honor Play 60 Plus safe and sound?

• Get a Protective Case: A rugged case is like a suit of armor for your phone. It adds an extra layer of defense against accidental drops and bumps. Plus, it can shield your Play 60 Plus from dust, keeping it in superhero mode.
• Embrace the Screen Protector: A tempered glass screen protector is the unsung hero of smartphone longevity. It guards your display against scratches and minor impacts, ensuring your viewing experience stays crystal clear.
• Water-Resistant Pouch for Adventures: If you're venturing into the great outdoors or anticipating encounters with water beyond splashes, consider a water-resistant pouch. It's like a spa day for your Play 60 Plus - protected and pampered.

IP64 is your phone's way of saying, "I've got this, but a little extra care won't hurt." So, deck out your device with a sturdy case, a trusty screen protector, and maybe a waterproof pouch for those adventurous days. With a bit of TLC (tender loving care), your Honor Play 60 Plus will be the superhero companion you can rely on, rain or shine!

For comparison, the predecessor Play 50 Plus did not come with an official IP rating.

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The Honor Play 60 Plus boasts a 6.77-inch TFT LCD with a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience. The peak brightness of 850 nits allows for good visibility even under direct sunlight. With a resolution of 720×1610 pixels (hence a 20:9 aspect ratio), the display delivers vibrant colors and decent sharpness, though the 261 PPI density means it isn't the sharpest screen in its class.

Image credit: Honor

Here are the relevant specs:

The display of the Honor Play 60 Plus is a key feature that enhances its usability, especially given its size and refresh rate. TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCDs are a common choice in lower midrange smartphones due to their balance between cost and performance. These are generally cheaper to produce than OLED displays, helping keep the overall cost of the phone down.

TFT LCDs can achieve good levels of brightness, making the screen visible in various lighting conditions. They tend to be more durable and less prone to burn-in compared to OLED screens. However, TFT LCDs typically have lower color accuracy and contrast ratios compared to OLED displays. Blacks may appear more like dark grays, and colors might not be as vibrant. Also, the viewing angles on TFT LCDs are generally narrower compared to IPS LCDs and OLEDs, which might affect visibility when the screen is viewed from an angle.

The display's 120 Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage, especially for gaming and scrolling through content. It makes animations and transitions appear much smoother compared to the standard 60 Hz. This feature is particularly beneficial for gamers and users who consume a lot of dynamic content like videos and social media feeds.

The 720p resolution is adequate for most everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and video streaming. At 261 PPI, text and images appear clear enough for casual use. However, this resolution might fall short for users who frequently watch high-definition videos, view detailed photos, or use apps that utilize higher resolution displays, such as high-end games. Higher resolution displays (1080p and above) offer sharper text and more detailed images, which are preferable for HD video streaming and high-quality photography.

A peak brightness of 850 nits ensures that the screen remains readable even in bright outdoor conditions. This is particularly useful for navigation and outdoor photography.

In conclusion, the Honor Play 60 Plus offers a well-rounded display for its price segment, featuring a large screen with a high refresh rate and ample brightness. While the TFT LCD technology and 720p resolution come with some limitations, they are balanced by the cost-effectiveness and suitability for general use.

For users looking for a budget-friendly device with smooth performance and adequate display quality for everyday tasks, the Honor Play 60 Plus is a solid choice. However, those who prioritize top-tier display quality for high-definition content consumption might need to look at higher-end models with OLED or higher resolution IPS displays.

For comparison, the predecessor Honor Play 50 Plus featured a 6.8-inch, 1080×2412 px TFT LCD display, with 90 Hz refresh rate and 850 nits peak brightness.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Networking is the invisible thread that connects us all in the digital world! The Honor Play 60 Plus, with its support for the networking quartet of GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G technologies, is like a well-connected socialite in the world of networks.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

SIM

The Honor Play 60 Plus supports dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by). This capability adds a layer of convenience for those juggling work and personal life on a single device.

Chipset - Performance

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, built on a 4-nm process, powers the Honor Play 60 Plus, accompanied by an octa-core CPU (comprising two types of cores) and Adreno 613 GPU. This combination ensures smooth performance across daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Here are the relevant specs:

The performance of the Honor Play 60 Plus is driven by its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, a midrange chipset built on a 4-nm process. This advanced manufacturing technology allows for better power efficiency and performance compared to older, larger-node processors. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, making it a solid choice for mid-tier smartphones like the Honor Play 60 Plus.

The CPU of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 comprises eight cores, divided into two clusters:

• High-Performance Cores (Cortex-A78): These cores handle demanding tasks that require more processing power, such as gaming, photo and video editing, and running complex applications. The higher clock speed (2.2 GHz) and advanced architecture of the Cortex-A78 cores ensure that performance-intensive tasks are executed smoothly and efficiently.
• Efficiency Cores (Cortex-A55): These cores are optimized for power efficiency and handle less demanding tasks such as web browsing, social media, and background processes. With a clock speed of 1.95 GHz, the Cortex-A55 cores consume less power, helping to extend battery life during routine tasks.

The Adreno 613 GPU is responsible for rendering graphics and ensuring a smooth visual experience. It is designed to handle mid-range gaming and graphic-intensive applications with reasonable efficiency.

Given the configuration of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, there's a wide range of tasks the Honor Play 60 Plus handles well, including:

• Everyday Use: Browsing the internet, social media, and using standard apps will be smooth and efficient.
• Multitasking: With 12 GB of RAM, the phone can handle multiple applications running simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
• Gaming: Casual and mid-range games should run smoothly, benefiting from the Adreno 613 GPU and the high-refresh-rate display. Games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 will be playable at medium settings.
• Media Consumption: Watching videos, streaming content, and listening to music are all well within the phone's capabilities.
• Productivity: Apps for note-taking, document editing, and other productivity tasks will perform adequately, leveraging both the CPU's performance and efficiency cores.

However, while the Honor Play 60 Plus is capable of handling many everyday tasks, certain demanding applications and uses might push its limits, such as:

• High-End Gaming: While the phone can handle mid-range games, more demanding titles with high graphics settings may not perform as smoothly as on higher-end devices with more powerful GPUs.
• Professional Photography and Videography: Editing high-resolution photos and videos can be taxing on the CPU and GPU. Professionals might find the processing power insufficient for complex editing tasks.
• AR and VR Applications: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications often require significant processing and graphical power, which might be beyond the capabilities of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and the Adreno 613.
• Heavy Multitasking: Running numerous demanding applications simultaneously may strain the CPU and RAM, leading to slower performance.
• Future-Proofing: Users looking for a device that will remain highly competitive in terms of performance for several years might prefer a higher-tier chipset to ensure longevity and better handling of future software updates and applications.

In summary, the Honor Play 60 Plus, with its Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, octa-core CPU, and Adreno 613 GPU, offers a robust performance for a midrange device. It is well-suited for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and multimedia consumption.

However, users with heavy computational needs or those seeking to future-proof their device may find it beneficial to consider higher-end smartphones with more powerful configurations. For its price range, the Honor Play 60 Plus delivers commendable performance, balancing efficiency and power to meet the needs of the majority of users.

For comparison, the predecessor Honor Play 50 Plus sported the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

The choice of 12 GB RAM with either 256 GB or 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage means you'll have plenty of space and fast data access.

For comparison, the predecessor Play 50 Plus came in two variants, offering 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM, paired with 256 GB of internal storage in each. It lacked a memory card slot.

Cameras

The dual-camera setup on the back features a 50 MP main sensor. It's paired with a 2 MP depth sensor for enhanced portrait shots. While it may not compete with flagship multi-lens setups, it performs admirably in good lighting conditions. It records 1080p videos at 30 fps, which is standard at this price point.

On the front, the 5 MP selfie camera handles video calls and selfies, also supporting 1080p video recording. While it might not satisfy selfie enthusiasts looking for ultra-high resolution shots, it suffices for social media needs.

Rear Camera

Image credit: Honor

The Honor Play 60 Plus features a dual-camera setup on the rear, designed to cater to everyday photography needs. Let's dive into the specifics of this camera system and the functionalities it offers. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Honor Play 60 Plus
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	50 MP (wide), 2 MP (depth)
Aperture	f/1.8, f/2.4
Autofocus	PDAF, N/A
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR

The 50 MP sensor is the primary camera for capturing detailed and high-resolution images. With a wide aperture of f/1.8, it can capture more light, enhancing performance in low-light conditions. This sensor is suitable for general photography, from landscapes to portraits, providing sharp and vibrant images.

The 2 MP depth sensor assists in creating a natural bokeh effect, which is essential for portrait photography. It helps to separate the subject from the background by providing depth information, allowing the main sensor to produce portraits with a pleasing background blur.

Among the camera features, the PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) technology is used for focusing quickly and accurately. It works by using dedicated pixels on the camera sensor to detect phase differences in incoming light. This information is then used to adjust the lens position, achieving sharp focus rapidly. PDAF enhances the camera's ability to focus swiftly, which is especially useful for capturing moving subjects and in situations where you need to take photos quickly.

The LED flash provides additional light in low-light conditions, helping to illuminate the scene and reduce shadows. It allows for clearer and brighter images when shooting in dark environments, making it easier to capture details that might otherwise be lost.

Panorama mode enables the capture of wide-angle shots by stitching together multiple images taken in a sweeping motion across a scene. This feature is great for capturing expansive landscapes, large group photos, or any scenario where you want to encompass a wide field of view.

And the HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode captures multiple shots at different exposure levels and combines them into a single image. This process enhances the dynamic range, bringing out details in both the shadows and highlights. HDR is particularly useful in high-contrast scenes, such as those with bright skies and dark foregrounds, ensuring that details in both bright and dark areas are visible.

The main camera can record video in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. This is sufficient for most casual video recording needs, providing decent quality for social media sharing and personal use.

In conclusion, the Honor Play 60 Plus's main camera setup, featuring a 50 MP primary sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor, offers a well-rounded photography experience. With features like PDAF for fast focusing, LED flash for low-light conditions, panorama for wide-angle shots, and HDR for improved dynamic range, it caters to a variety of photography needs.

While it may not rival flagship devices in terms of camera performance, the Play 60 Plus provides ample functionality for its price range, making it a solid choice for users looking to capture high-quality images and videos on a budget.

For comparison, the older Honor Play 50 Plus sported a similar main camera setup, with matching video recording capability and feature set.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

One of the standout features is the massive 6000 mAh battery, ensuring the Honor Play 60 Plus easily lasts through a full day of heavy use and potentially up to two days with moderate use. The 35 W wired charging support means you can quickly top up the battery, minimizing downtime.

For comparison, the older Play 50 Plus came with a similar battery and charging setup.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Stereo speakers provide a richer audio experience, and the inclusion of a 3.5 mm jack is a welcome nod to traditionalists who prefer wired headphones.

For comparison, the predecessor Honor Play 50 Plus came with a similar audio setup. It additionally supported Hi-Res 24-bit, 192 kHz audio.

Connectivity

With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, the Honor Play 60 Plus ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks. Also, there's Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router. It's perfect for fast file transfers and seamless collaboration.

The Play 60 Plus boasts Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

With GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS support, you can navigate with confidence, whether exploring new cities or embarking on outdoor adventures.

Unfortunately, NFC enthusiasts might feel a void here.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The Honor Play 60 Plus comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object with ultrasonic waves, without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call. The ultrasonic method provides for a highly accurate detection (as compared to the regular proximity sensors that typically use infrared) and is often used for more advanced proximity sensing, such as for the creation of immersive experiences like gesture controls.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Play 60 Plus.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Honor Play 60 Plus release date?

  The Honor Play 60 Plus has been announced on the 24th June, 2024. It is expected to release on the 28th June, 2024.

• What is Honor Play 60 Plus price?

  The Honor Play 60 Plus is priced CNY 1499 (about USD 206) for the 12 GB / 256 GB variant, and CNY 1699 (about USD 234) for the 12 GB / 512 GB variant.