If you’re looking to buy a new flagship Android phone but don’t want to spend too much, the HONOR 400 Pro might be exactly what you’re eyeing. But once that FOMO kicks in, you might start wondering: Should you upgrade to something pricier, like the Samsung Galaxy S25 5G?
In this comparative breakdown, we look closely at both devices to help you decide whether saving thousands means you’re really missing out—or if the HONOR 400 Pro is simply a smarter buy.
Watch the hands-on video comparison:
👉 HONOR 400 Pro vs Galaxy S25: Which Should You Buy?
Tech-savvy value: HONOR 400 Pro’s flagship power in focus
Launched officially on June 19, 2025, at Kyalami Racecourse, the HONOR 400 Pro was introduced to the South African market with bold ambition and robust features.
Backed by an AI-first approach, powerful imaging tools, and a silicon-carbon battery designed for longevity, the phone is now available from R17,999 through Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C.
Each purchase includes an impressive R8,000 value bundle featuring the HONOR Watch 2i, HONOR Choice Earbuds X7 Lite, and a 10,000mAh Powerbank—making it one of the most attractive packages in today’s flagship market.
But how does it hold up when placed side by side with Samsung’s more expensive Galaxy S25 5G? Let’s find out.
HONOR 400 Pro vs Samsung S25 5G: 5 key feature comparisons
1. Display & resolution
- HONOR 400 Pro: 6.7” OLED display with a resolution of 1280 × 2800 pixels and 5,000 nits peak brightness.
- Samsung S25 5G: 6.2” AMOLED display with 1080 × 2340 pixels.
The HONOR 400 Pro offers a larger and sharper viewing experience—ideal for content streaming, gaming, and multitasking. Samsung’s more premium S25 Ultra does edge ahead with a 1440 × 3120 pixel resolution, but at a higher price point.
2. Camera systems
- HONOR 400 Pro: 200 MP + 50 MP + 12 MP triple rear camera and a 50 MP + 2 MP dual front camera.
- Samsung S25 5G: 12 MP + 10 MP + 12 MP triple rear camera and a 12 MP front camera.
The HONOR 400 Pro provides significantly higher-resolution photography hardware on both front and rear. This makes it especially appealing to creators, vloggers, and mobile photographers seeking enhanced detail and depth.
3. Battery & charging
- HONOR 400 Pro: 6000 mAh silicon-carbon battery with 100W fast charging.
- Samsung S25 5G: 4000 mAh battery with 25W fast charging.
With a 50% larger battery and four times faster charging, the HONOR 400 Pro is built for extended use and quick top-ups—ideal for users who spend long hours on their devices.
4. Memory & storage
- Both phones: 12GB RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB.
In terms of internal specs, the two devices are evenly matched, delivering high-speed performance and ample storage for power users.
5. AI Photo & video features
- The AI Erase Passers-by feature on the HONOR 400 Pro allows users to remove people or unwanted objects from photos in real-time with a single tap.
- Samsung’s Object Eraser, while similar in function, operates post-capture and lacks real-time responsiveness.
Available across the HONOR 400 Series, this real-time erasing tool is part of the AI Creative Editor Suite, a broader set of photo and video enhancements that simplify editing and amplify creativity.
From stills to cinema: AI-powered animation
The HONOR 400 Pro is also the first phone in South Africa to debut Google Cloud’s Veo 2-powered Image-to-Video tool, part of the Gemini AI suite. It allows users to animate still images into short, cinematic video clips.
Meanwhile, Samsung is still working on implementing a similar feature in its future models, as confirmed by industry reports.
📚 Read more about Samsung’s upcoming AI animation feature
🇿🇦 Made for Mzansi: Local impact matters
Beyond specs, the HONOR 400 Series is tailored to resonate with South Africa’s digital and economic landscape. At launch, the presence of Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi highlighted the brand’s investment in local innovation, job creation, and accessible tech.
HONOR’s campaign also plays on cultural heritage and nostalgia—“That old pic of Gogo in the 70s? Now it moves”—blending AI storytelling with identity and family history.
The brand’s upward trajectory is clear: now the No. 2 smartphone brand in South Africa, HONOR is setting its sights on the top spot by 2028.
Power, pixels & perspective: The verdict
The HONOR 400 Pro challenges the very definition of what a “budget flagship” can be. With superior battery life, real-time AI editing, high-resolution cameras, and industry-first creative tools, it offers an appealing alternative for South Africans who want flagship features without the flagship price.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 5G remains a premium contender with its own legacy and refinements, but for those watching both their budgets and their battery bars, the HONOR 400 Pro emerges as a top-tier choice in 2025.
Related coverage
- Watch: HONOR 400 Pro vs S25 comparison video
- HONOR celebrates U-20 AFCON win with tech-fuelled youth campaign
- Next-gen audio: HONOR Magic6 Pro’s GenAI breakthrough
For more reviews, visit the NOWinSA Tech homepage — Stories Shaping South Africa Today — only on NOWinSA.
