Honor X6d quietly launches with Dimensity 6300 and 50MP camera

The Honor X6d has quietly launched in the United Arab Emirates, bringing 5G connectivity to Honor's budget lineup with a modest spec sheet that includes a notable camera upgrade. The device, which appears to be a rebranded version of the Honor Play 60A from China, offers a 50MP main camera—a significant jump from the 13MP sensor on its Chinese counterpart.

A closer look at the Honor X6d specs

The Honor X6d is powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 6300 chipset, a basic 6nm processor that prioritizes 5G connectivity over raw performance. The chip is paired with 4GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, though there's no official word on whether the storage is expandable via microSD.

On the display front, the phone features a 6.75-inch LCD panel with 720p+ resolution. While not particularly sharp by modern standards, this resolution is common in the budget segment and helps keep costs down. The front-facing camera is a 5MP f/2.2 shooter for selfies and video calls.

Camera improvements

The most significant upgrade over the Play 60A is the camera system. The X6d features a 50MP f/2.0 main camera, compared to the 13MP f/2.2 sensor on the Chinese model. While both phones still rely on a single rear camera and cap video recording at 1080p @ 30fps, the higher resolution sensor should provide better detail and low-light performance.

Battery and software

The device packs a 5,260mAh battery, which is nearly identical to the 5,300mAh cell in the Play 60A. This minor difference might simply be a labeling variation rather than an actual capacity change. The phone ships with Android 15 out of the box, running Honor's MagicOS skin on top.

Connectivity and features

The X6d is a dual-SIM phone, though specific details about Wi-Fi standards, Bluetooth version, and other connectivity features haven't been officially disclosed. Based on the Play 60A's specs, we can expect Wi-Fi 5 (ac) and Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD support, though NFC appears to be absent.

Pricing and availability

In the UAE market, the Honor X6d is priced at AED 509, which converts to approximately $138, €116, or ₹12,555. The phone is available in two color options: Midnight Black and Ocean Cyan.

Identity confusion

Adding to the confusion around this device, a recent GCF certification revealed that the X6d carries the model number NLA-NX1, which is also associated with another name: Honor 500 Smart. This is particularly puzzling given that other Honor 500 models in China feature iPhone Air-like designs and massive 8,000mAh batteries—neither of which apply to the X6d.

The Honor X6d represents a straightforward entry into the budget 5G smartphone market, prioritizing affordability and basic functionality over cutting-edge features. While the 50MP camera upgrade is welcome, the overall package remains firmly in the entry-level category with its modest processor, basic display, and limited camera capabilities.

The device's quiet launch and confusing naming conventions suggest Honor may be testing the waters in certain markets before potentially expanding availability or clarifying the product lineup.