Hey Techies! Today, we're unraveling the tech tapestry of Honor's newest marvels - the Honor 100 and the Honor 100 Pro. These sleek gadgets are vying for your attention and your hard-earned cash. Let's break it down and see which one emerges as the true midrange champion.
Both Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro firmly plant their feet in the upper midrange territory. Crafted for the tech connoisseur, these smartphones promise a symphony of features and top-notch performance. But who should wield these powerhouses, and who might find solace elsewhere?
Both the phones beckon to those craving cutting-edge technology and an immersive experience. If you're after the crème de la crème of smartphone innovation, you're in the right arena. However, for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, the lower midrange or entry-level realms might be a better fit.
Body
Ah, the feel and the look of the phones - it's like the fashion show of the tech world! Let's dive into the bodies of these sleek gadgets. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Honor 100 | Honor 100 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| General |
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| Dimensions | H: 161.9 mm (6.37″), W: 74.1 mm (2.92″), D: 7.8 mm (0.31″) | H: 163.7 mm (6.44″), W: 74.7 mm (2.94″), D:
|
| Mass | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver, Violet | Black, Blue, Silver, Violet |
The Honor 100, with its dimensions of 161.9×74.1×7.8 mm and a weight of 183 g, dances gracefully on the fine line between comfort and style. The slim profile and featherweight make it a delight to hold during those never-ending binge-watching sessions or marathon gaming escapades. Slip it into your pocket, and you might even forget it's there - it's that sleek.
Shifting our focus to the Pro model, with dimensions of 163.7×74.7×8.2 mm (or 8.5 mm for the adventurous), and a slightly more weight of 195 g, it makes its presence felt. The bigger size might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who appreciate a substantial phone that feels like a premium accessory, the Pro delivers.
In terms of colors, the Black exudes a professional vibe and radiates sophistication, perfect for those who mean business. The Blue adds a touch of playfulness and a hint of flair. Silver screams sophistication. And Violet? Well, that's for the bold trendsetter who wants to stand out in the crowd and loves being the center of attention. Whether you're a business mogul or a trendsetter, the Honor 100's got your back, and the Honor 100 Pro's design says, "I'm here, and I'm fabulous!"
So, whether you're a pocket-friendly minimalist or a grand entrance enthusiast, both the Honor 100 and the Honor 100 Pro have a style to match your vibe. Choose wisely, and let your phone be an extension of your personality!
If we compare the phones to the predecessors, the Honor 100 has retained the dimensions and the weight of its predecessor Honor 90, while the Honor 100 Pro has gotten a bit smaller but thicker and heavier than the Honor 90 Pro; the Honor 90 Pro was 163.8×74.9×8.1 mm and 192 g.
IP Rating
(Related: IP ratings explained.)
Both Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro, like their predecessors Honor 90 and Honor 90 Pro, lack an official IP rating - it's like the mysterious allure of a secret agent. So, should potential buyers raise an eyebrow? Let's spill the tea on this intriguing aspect of the Honor 100 series.
The lack of an official IP rating doesn't mean these phones cower in the face of rain or a splash of coffee. It's more like they're the James Bond of smartphones - not officially certified for underwater missions, but perfectly capable if the need arises. In everyday use, you're generally safe from accidental spills and drizzles.
Now, onto protecting your prized possessions from the environmental elements. While the Honor 100 and 100 Pro are no strangers to everyday spills, a little extra armor never hurt anyone.
- Protective Case - The Guardian Shield: Think of a protective case as your phone's suit of armor. It shields against accidental drops, bumps, and the occasional encounter with gravity. Opt for a case that suits your style - sleek and transparent or rugged and robust - the choice is yours. It's like giving your phone a fashionable exoskeleton.
- Screen Protector - The Invisible Shield: The screen - the window to your digital universe. A screen protector is like an invisible forcefield, guarding against scratches and smudges. Whether you're a minimalist or a maximalist, there's a screen protector out there for you. Plus, it keeps your display looking as fresh as the day you unboxed it.
And here's the Bond-level assurance. With a reliable protective case and a screen protector, your Honor 100 or 100 Pro is ready for the everyday adventures life throws at it. These phones might not have an official stamp of waterproof approval, but with a little extra care, they'll stand tall against the elements.
Display
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
Both phones sport a sophisticated OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR, and a dazzling 2600 nits peak brightness. The Honor 100 flaunts a 6.7-inch screen, while the Pro model inches ahead with a 6.78-inch canvas. It's a close call, but if size matters to you, the Pro takes the trophy.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Honor 100 | Honor 100 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7″ (170 mm) diagonal | 6.78″ (172 mm) diagonal |
| Type | OLED, 120 Hz | OLED, 120 Hz |
| Resolution (px) | 1200×2664, about 436 PPI | 1224×2700, about 437 PPI |
| Brightness | Peak: 2600 nits | Peak: 2600 nits |
| Features | 1 billion colors, HDR | 1 billion colors, HDR |
Both the Honor 100 and 100 Pro boast OLED displays, and let me tell you, it's like having a ticket to the technicolor universe. OLED technology is renowned for its ability to deliver rich, vibrant colors and deep, inky blacks. This isn't just a screen; it's a canvas that brings every image, video, and UI element to life with unparalleled clarity and contrast. The Honor 100 features a generous 6.7 inches of visual real estate, while the Honor 100 Pro boasts a slightly larger 6.78 inches, making it a cinematic delight.
Talking about the refresh rate rhapsody, both phones flaunt a silky-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. It's not just about seeing; it's about experiencing every swipe, scroll, and animation in buttery smoothness.
The Honor 100, with a resolution of 1200×2664 pixels, offers a pixel density of around 436 PPI. It is sharp, vivid, and a feast for detail lovers. The Honor 100 Pro is a notch higher at 1224×2700 pixels, boasting a similar pixel density. Expect nothing short of crystal-clear visuals.
A staggering 2600 nits peak brightness ensures these displays shine even under the sun's relentless gaze. No more squinting - just vibrant clarity.
Support for 1 billion colors is like having a palette of endless possibilities. The visuals pop with richness and depth, making your content come alive.
And HDR (High Dynamic Range) support ensures that the contrast between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks is as striking as a Hollywood blockbuster. Your favorite content gets the spotlight it deserves.
In a nutshell, the displays of the Honor 100 and 100 Pro are a mesmerizing spectacle. The OLED technology, coupled with the 120 Hz refresh rate, resolutions that redefine clarity, and a peak brightness that could outshine a supernova, creates an immersive experience like no other. Whether you're binge-watching, gaming, or simply scrolling through your feed, these displays transform every moment into a visual masterpiece.
There has been little change from the predecessors Honor 90 and Honor 90 Pro to the respective Honor 100 series phones in this department. The Honor 90 sported a 6.7-inch, 1200×2664 px AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits peak brightness, and support for 1 billion colors and HDR10+; and the Honor 90 Pro sported a 6.78-inch, 1224×2700 px AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate, 1600 nits peak brightness, and support for 1 billion colors and HDR.
Networks
Networking is the invisible thread that connects us all in the digital realm! Both the Honor 100 series phones, with their support for the GSM, CDMA, HSPA, CDMA2000, LTE, and 5G technologies, are like well-connected socialites in the world of networks.
GSM, the reliable workhorse, lays the foundation for 2G connectivity, ensuring seamless voice calls and text messages. CDMA is a parallel powerhouse, offering a different approach to network communication with distinct coding techniques. Then, HSPA steps up to the plate, championing 3G connectivity, providing faster data transfer rates and improved multimedia capabilities.
CDMA2000, another evolution in CDMA technology, further refines high-speed data transmission, enhancing the user experience.
LTE, the bedrock of 4G networks, elevates the user experience with swift internet speeds and enhanced call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. This powerhouse not only promises lightning-fast download and upload speeds but also significantly reduces latency, opening up a realm of possibilities for innovative applications and technologies that will shape the future.
SIM
Both the Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro support 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: Processing Prowess
Under the hood, the Honor 100 boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, while the Pro version flexes a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Both offer octa-core performance, but the Pro's Cortex-X3 core gives it a computational edge. For the speed demons, the Pro steals the show.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Honor 100 | Honor 100 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (1×2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 + 3×2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 + 4×1.8GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1×3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 + 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 + 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 + 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Adreno 740 |
Embarking on a journey into the beating heart of these smartphones is like exploring the engine room of a high-tech spaceship! The Honor 100 is fueled by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, a commendable engine for a top-of-the-line midrange device. The Pro model kicks it up a notch with the Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a powerhouse among powerhouses.
The octa-core CPU configuration of the Honor 100 dances to the rhythm of three different types of cores. The prime core, a 2.63 GHz Cortex-A715, is the maestro leading the orchestra, handling the most demanding tasks. The three big cores (2.4 GHz Cortex-A715) are the heavy lifters, ensuring smooth multitasking and performance. And the four little cores (1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) are the efficiency experts, managing lighter tasks and conserving battery.
The octa-core CPU of the Honor 100 Pro is a symphony of cores, featuring four types of cores. The prime core, a 3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 is the commander-in-chief, tackling the most demanding operations with finesse. The two big cores (2.8 GHz Cortex-A710) form a specialized force, handling tasks that demand a mix of power and efficiency. The two bigger cores (2.8 GHz Cortex-A715) are the generals, orchestrating the heavy-duty tasks. And the three efficiency cores (2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) are the reliable troops, taking charge of lighter duties to save energy.
In the Honor 100 Pro, the use of both Cortex-A715 and Cortex-A710 cores at the same clock speed (2.8 GHz) might seem like a puzzle. Here's the trick - while they share the same clock speed, they bring different strengths to the table. The Cortex-A715 is a heavyweight performer, excelling in peak performance scenarios, while the Cortex-A710 is designed to offer a balance of power and efficiency. It's like having a tag team that covers all bases, ensuring a seamless and optimized performance across various tasks.
In essence, the Honor 100 and 100 Pro's chipset, CPU, and GPU configurations are a testament to the engineering marvels that power our pocket-sized wonders. It's a carefully orchestrated symphony of cores, each playing a crucial role in delivering the performance and efficiency that modern smartphone users crave. So, whether you're pushing the limits of multitasking or diving into demanding applications, these phones are armed and ready for the challenge!
Compared to the predecessors, both the Honor 100 series phones have seen an upgrade in this department. The Honor 90 sported the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition (4 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (1×2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 + 3×2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 + 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) and the Adreno 644 GPU and the Honor 90 Pro sported the Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (1×3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 + 3×2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 + 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) and the Adreno 730 GPU.
Memory Mayhem
With RAM options ranging from 12 GB to a whopping 16 GB and storage variations up to 1 TB, both phones cater to memory-hungry users. A tie in this round; it boils down to your personal storage needs.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Honor 100 | Honor 100 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Card Slot | No | No |
| RAM / Internal Storage Variants | 12 GB / 256 GB, 16 GB / 256 GB, 16 GB / 512 GB | 12 GB / 256 GB, 16 GB / 256 GB, 16 GB / 512 GB, 16 GB / 1 TB |
For comparison, the predecessor Honor 90 came in five variants with RAM ranging from 8 GB to 16 GB and with 256 GB and 512 GB of storage, whereas the Honor 90 Pro came in three variants of RAM / internal storage, namely, 12 GB / 256 GB, 16 GB / 256 GB, and 16 GB / 512 GB.
Camera Clash
In the camera department, the Honor 100 and 100 Pro share a 50 MP main shooter. The Pro, however, flaunts an additional 32 MP telephoto lens and a dual selfie setup. If photography is your passion, the Pro's extra lenses might seal the deal.
Rear Camera
Let's focus our lens on the captivating world of smartphone photography with the main camera systems of the Honor 100 and the photography powerhouse, the Honor 100 Pro. It's like having a DSLR in your pocket, ready to capture the essence of every moment!
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Honor 100 | Honor 100 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 2 (Dual) | 3 (Triple) |
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 50 MP (wide, Sony IMX906 sensor), 12 MP (ultrawide) | 50 MP (wide), 32 MP (telephoto), 12 MP (ultrawide) |
| Focal Length | 27 mm, N/A | 27 mm, N/A, N/A |
| Aperture | f/2.0, f/2.2 | f/2.0, f/2.4, f/2.2 |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.56″, N/A | 1/1.56″, N/A, N/A |
| Pixel Size | 1.0 μm, N/A | 1.0 μm, N/A, N/A |
| Autofocus | PDAF, AF | PDAF, PDAF, AF |
| Image Stabilization | OIS, N/A | OIS, OIS, N/A |
| Field of View | N/A, 112° | N/A, N/A, 112° |
| Optical Zoom | N/A, N/A | N/A, 2.5x, N/A |
| Video Recording | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30/60 fps, gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Other Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
The 50 MP (27 mm, f/2.0) wide lens is the resolution maestro, capturing the essence of every scene with a wide aperture for impressive low-light performance.
The 32 MP (f/2.4) telephoto lens (in the Honor 100 Pro only) is the zoom specialist, bringing distant subjects closer with its 2.5x optical zoom, without compromising quality.
The 12 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens is the panoramic storyteller, ensuring no detail is left behind with its expansive 112° field of view.
The cameras of the Honor 100 series are not just about the megapixels; they are a feature fiesta. PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) ensures swift and accurate focusing, so you never miss the moment.
OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is the anti-blur champion, ensuring crisp shots even in shaky conditions, especially in telephoto shots.
The dynamic duo of gyro-EIS and OIS for video stability ensures smooth video footage, even in action-packed scenarios or when you're on the move.
When lighting is a challenge, let there be light! The LED Flash adds a burst of brilliance to your shots, ensuring your subjects shine.
The panorama mode allows you to expand your horizons with sweeping panoramic shots, capturing the grandeur of landscapes in one frame.
And HDR (High Dynamic Range) elevates your photos with balanced exposure, bringing out details in both shadows and highlights.
In short, the Honor 100 series possesses the picture-perfect prowess. Its main camera setup is a testament to Honor's commitment to photography excellence. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or a casual shooter, these phones deliver a suite of features to elevate your visual storytelling. So, snap away, capture those memories, and let the world see the world through your lens!
For comparison, the Honor 90 series predecessors had triple-lens main camera systems with much higher megapixel counts. The Honor 90 sported a 200 MP (f/1.9) wide lens supporting PDAF; a 12 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens supporting AF and with 112° field of view; and a 2 MP (f/2.4) depth sensor. It could record 4K videos at 30 fps and 1080p videos at 30/60 fps, with gyro-EIS; and its feature set included LED flash, panorama, and HDR.
On the other hand, the Honor 90 Pro sported a 200 MP (f/1.9) wide lens supporting PDAF; a 12 MP (f/2.2) telephoto lens supporting PDAF and OIS, and with 2.5x optical zoom; and a 12 MP (f/2.2) ultrawide lens supporting AF and with 112° field of view. It could record 4K videos at 30 fps and 1080p videos at 30/60 fps, with gyro-EIS; and its feature set included LED flash, panorama, and HDR.
Front Camera
The selfie camera of the Honor 100 sits inside a centered punch-hole cut-out on the top of the display, whereas the selfie camera of the Honor 100 Pro sits inside a centered oval (a pill-shaped cut-out, to allow for the dual-lens setup) on the top of the display.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Honor 100 | Honor 100 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 1 (Single) | 2 (Dual) |
| Resolution | 50 MP | 50 MP, 2 MP (depth) |
| Aperture | f/2.1 | f/2.0, f/2.4 |
| Video Recording | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps, gyro-EIS | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps, gyro-EIS |
| Other Features | HDR | HDR |
For comparison, the older Honor 90 sported a selfie camera with a single 50 MP (f/2.4) ultrawide lens with a 100° field of view. And the Honor 90 Pro sported a dual selfie camera setup consisting of the same ultrawide lens as that in the vanilla Honor 90 and a 2 MP (f/2.4) depth sensor. Both the Honor 90 series selfie cameras could record 4K videos at 30 fps and 1080p videos at 30 fps, with gyro-EIS. The feature sets of both included HDR. So a setup very similar to the Honor 100 series counterparts.
Battery Battle
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
A 5000 mAh battery powers both devices, but the Pro marches ahead with a 66 W wireless charging capability. If you're into it, the Pro's fast wireless charging might be a game-changer. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Honor 100 | Honor 100 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | Li-Po (non-removable) | Li-Po (non-removable) |
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 100 W, 100% in 32 minutes | 100 W, 50% in 10 minutes |
| Wireless Charging | N/A | 66 W, 100% in 42 minutes |
| Others | 5 W reverse wired | 5 W reverse wired; reverse wireless |
For comparison, both the predecessors Honor 90 and 90 Pro sported a similar 5000 mAh Li-Po battery; however, the charging speed gets an upgrade in the Honor 100 series. The Honor 90 supported 66 W wired charging, whereas the Honor 90 Pro supported 90 W wired charging. Neither phone supported wireless charging, and both supported 5 W reverse wired charging.
Sound
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | Yes (stereo speakers) |
| Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | No |
For comparison, the older Honor 90 had a single loudspeaker, while the Honor 90 Pro had stereo loudspeakers. Both phones lacked the headphone jack.
Connectivity
In the connectivity department, the Honor 100 series offers a comprehensive range of options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks. And 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 Honor 100 series boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming, LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, aptX HD for superior audio quality, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
Lost? Not with the positioning capabilities of the Honor 100 series! Both the phones supports multiple global navigation satellite systems, namely, GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, and BDS (B1I+B1c) in case of the Honor 100, and GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, and QZSS in case of the Honor 100 Pro. This means your phone always knows where you are, no matter where you travel in the world. Whether you're navigating through bustling cities or remote wilderness, your phone's positioning technology ensures you're always on the right path.
The Honor 100 series features NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your phone interactions effortless.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your phone, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a fast and reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your phone's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your smartphone 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 and Other Features
The Honor 100 and the Honro 100 Pro come 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 the in-display, optical type in both the models.
- Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
- 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.
Both the Honor 100 and the Honor 100 Pro contain a custom C1 RF chip, which selects the cell tower to connect to for the best reception. It allows the phone to seamlessly switch between the networks when there is Wi-Fi signal available. This feature could be a game-changer when it comes to call and internet quality while using the phone on the move, such as on high-speed trains and in subways and elevators, as Honor proclaims.
Now, the million-dollar question - do the features justify the cost?
For the Honor 100, the price seems reasonable considering the top-tier specs, especially the 100 W wired charging. It's a solid midrange contender at a slightly more palatable price.
On the other side, the Honor 100 Pro demands a premium, and rightly so. With superior processing power, additional camera prowess, and lightning-fast wireless charging, it's a high-end investment for those who demand the best.
In conclusion, both phones offer a buffet of features that cater to the demanding user. The Honor 100 is for the pragmatist who wants top-notch performance without breaking the bank, while the Honor 100 Pro is for the tech aristocrat who craves the absolute best.
So, which one will you choose? The Honor 100 or the Pro variant? The battle of the midrange marvels awaits your verdict! Chime in the comments.
Feature (top) image credit: Honor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Honor 100 and Honor 100 Pro release date?
Both the Honor 100 and the Honor 100 Pro have been announced and released on the 23rd November, 2023.
What is Honor 100 price?
The Honor 100 is priced starting from CNY 2499 (about USD 349) for the 12 GB / 256 GB variant.
What is Honor 100 Pro price?
The Honor 100 Pro is priced starting from CNY 3399 (about USD 475) for the 12 GB / 256 GB variant, and tops out at CNY 4399 (about USD 615) for the 16 GB / 1 TB variant.