In case you missed it, HONOR launched last February 2026 a new entry-level offering, the HONOR X5c Plus.
For its price under PHP7k, let’s see if it can handle some of the most popular mobile games. Let’s begin.
For our first game, we have Mobile Legends.
The default settings are mostly set to high, but we bumped them up to the maximum available and tested the game.
In terms of performance, we noticed some slowdowns on the home screen, especially when navigating through the menus.
During matches, however, the performance was decent. We experienced relatively consistent FPS with no major stutters or frame drops, although it was noticeable that the device was working hard to keep up.
Still, if you mainly play Mobile Legends, this device can deliver a playable experience.
FPS result: 57 to 61 FPS (max settings)
Next, we tested League of Legends: Wild Rift.
The default configuration uses the quality preset paired with 30 FPS. We switched to custom settings and maxed out everything.
Compared to Mobile Legends, navigating the menus felt noticeably slower. Downloading additional game assets also took longer due to occasional stutters and freeze frames.
Once inside the match, we experienced frequent frame drops during team fights. While somewhat manageable, it was not the most enjoyable experience.
Even with the 90 FPS option enabled, the device never managed to reach 60 FPS consistently. Because of the slow loading times and sluggish responses, we would not recommend playing Wild Rift on this device.
FPS result: 39 to 51 FPS (max settings)
Next is Call of Duty: Mobile.
By default, the game runs on low graphics with medium frame rates. We increased the frame rate setting to the maximum and tested it again.
Gameplay felt somewhat smooth at times, but the device clearly struggled to maintain consistent performance. Aiming during gunfights also felt slightly difficult due to slower response times. That said, for casual players, the game still provides acceptable performance.
FPS result: 29 to 46 FPS (low graphics and maximum frame rates)
Our fourth game is Asphalt Legends.
The default settings are paired with a 30 FPS cap. We increased the graphics and enabled the 60 FPS option to see if the device could handle it. While the game did not consistently reach 60 FPS, it still delivered performance that is reasonable for its price range.
Even with higher graphics settings, the gameplay during races was relatively smooth, with no noticeable stutters. There were occasional slowdowns in the menus, but the in-race experience was generally good.
FPS result: 32 to 51 FPS (high graphics and 60 FPS enabled)
Lastly, we tested Genshin Impact, which is the most graphically demanding title in this review.
Due to limited storage, this was the only heavy game we could install. We ran the game on low settings with the 60 FPS option enabled.
During combat, especially when activating ultimate skills that include cutscenes, we experienced significant frame drops.
Characters without cinematic ultimates performed slightly better, but overall gameplay remained inconsistent. Because the device already struggles with basic combat, it would likely perform even worse during more demanding endgame content.
For that reason, we do not recommend playing Genshin Impact on this device.
FPS result: 12 to 30 FPS (low graphics and the 60 FPS option enabled)
The HONOR X5c Plus is priced at PHP 6,999 SRP for the 4GB + 128GB variant.
Overall, the HONOR X5c Plus is not an ideal device for mobile gaming. Aside from its limited storage, performance is also underwhelming, even in titles such as Wild Rift and Call of Duty: Mobile.
Mobile Legends performed the best among the games we tested, but the device still struggled at times. If you are looking for an entry-level smartphone primarily for gaming, the HONOR X5c Plus may not be the best option.
That wraps up our gaming review of the HONOR X5c Plus. What are your thoughts about its performance? Let us know in the comments below.
If you want to have a better look of this device, you might want to check out our experiential review video on our YouTube Channel!
ManilaShaker is a tech media producing insightful and helpful content for our local and growing international audience. Our goal is to create a premier Philippine digital consumer electronics resource that provides the most objective reviews and comparisons globally.
