According to current estimates, the 5G network in Malaysia has reached 47.1% covering the entire area. So it's not a surprise when we can see a slew of such devices starting to flood the market right now – regardless of whether it's entry-level to flagship devices. However, what is the question, is every device offered able to provide the proper user experience? The same goes for the Honor X8 5G, what exactly does Honor provide with it? Is it worth the sale price offered? We will answer this question in this review article.
Specifications & Design
HONOR X8 5G
6.5″ IPS LCD HD+ screen (720 x 1600 pixels), 90Hz
Aspect ratio: 20:9 (~270 ppi density)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G processor (8 nm)
2 x 2.2 GHz Kryo 460 chips
6 x 1.9 GHz Kryo 460
Adreno 619 Graphics Chip
RAM 6GB RAM
128GB Internal Storage (no microSD)
Primary Camera 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Selfie Camera 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
5,000mAh battery
22.5W fast charging
Dual SIM nano SIM/Telephony (Hybrid)
NFC None
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof None
Scanning System Fingerprint scanner on the side & face
Sale Price RM999 (6GB/128GB)
First of all, there is not much to comment on the design of this device. It looks quite simple with elements that we can see on some existing devices released by Honor. Here, it packs a square-shaped camera module with a main tri-camera on the back. At first glance, the device has four main sensors, but in fact one of them is just LED lighting provided to help with low-light shots.
Next, the back panel of the device is made of a plastic-like material that features an overall color without any motifs, be it stripes or lines. Looking at the shared pictures, you can definitely guess how smooth the back panel of this device is. True, it is so slippery that several times the device almost slipped out of the grip while holding it even though it has rounded sides.
But we were lucky when this incident did not result in a crack. Apart from that, the experience of holding the device also feels a little cheap and the problem of the back panel being easily dirty and greasy is very common.
Like most of Honor's other affordable devices, a small notch screen can also be found on the device. It uses an IPS LCD panel with a 6.5-inch screen and HD+ resolution. This is a standard screen size measurement that is so often used by a large number of manufacturers on their respective smart devices to allow for a satisfying video watching and web browsing experience. Further, the screen also supports a high refresh rate with some special settings.
For example like High which allows 90Hz screen support to be used all the time for performance purposes. It can be considered a good value addition for a smooth navigation experience, but still not good enough for a first session with high graphics. However, not many users really take advantage of screens with high refresh rates for daily use. Unless you are the type that belongs to the hardcore first-time user group. Apart from that, there are also other options such as Dynamic and Standard which are suitable for longer battery life.
The IPS LCD screen used is able to present a sharp and bright display. However, the shortcomings lie in the limited viewing angle and color processing that is less prominent. Another disadvantage also occurs when the device is used under bright light where the screen becomes difficult to read well. Likewise with the existence of a very thick chin at the bottom of the device. Personally, it's not as annoying as we often think.
Still works as usual and can be used well. In fact, this design is also often found in a basic class device. Praise however has to go to the flat screen used as we quite like it. With this screen, users do not face the issue of accidental touches as often happens on a device with a curved screen.
Then there is a physical fingerprint scanner on the right side. It also serves as the power button on the device. The volume control button is placed on the same side, while the SIM slot can be found on the opposite side. This slot provides a kind of hybrid support, where the second SIM has to share the slot with the microSD card.
Not to be left out, the device also includes a 3.5mm audio jack at the bottom to facilitate users who still rely on wired earphones. It is then followed by a USB-C port connection, a mono speaker and a main microphone on the same side.
Bench mark
Honor X8 5G is equipped with Snapdragon 480+ chip with Adreno 619 GPU. Literally, it uses 8nm technology construction with a small update compared to the previous Snapdragon 480 with CPU performance reaching 2.2GHz. The memory provided is only 6GB of RAM with the ability to add 2GB of virtual RAM through the Honor Turbo feature. This is part of a well-optimized feature on the MagicUI 4.2 interface to help the file saving process more. The internal storage capacity is 128GB which also provides additional space for a microSD card. Here is a summary of the scores for the benchmark tests that the device successfully recorded :-
Geekbench 5 – 538 / 1699
Antutu 3D – 342,544
The experience of using this device in the real world shows that it performs just fine. The navigation process is generally smooth enough but not consistent. For example, such as the process of switching applications between applications quickly shows the occurrence of an interval that occurs but not so that the device cannot be used at all.
A number of games can also be played without extreme issues but have to compromise their graphics settings for certain conditions. This is in line with the main focus as a daily use device with 5G support rather than a complete first. Therefore, don't expect too much for high performance and what this device offers is still acceptable for the given price range. However, there are various types of settings that are still generally available. For example, Mobile Legend Bang Bang can be played up to Ultra with HD activated. PUBG also provides some graphics settings such as HD with High frame rate by default. Ultra frame rates are also accessible with either Smooth/Balanced graphics options.
Camera & Picture Quality
The device packs three cameras on the back with a 48-Megapixel main sensor. It is then flanked by a secondary and third sensor that each uses a 2-Megapixel setting for macro and depth purposes. Also complementing it, the 8-Megapixel selfie camera placed in a small notch on the front screen.
Video recording up to 1080P/30fps resolution can also be made through both sides of this camera. The built-in photography mode options on the camera interface are also seen to be quite diverse, consisting of Night, Portrait, Photo, Video and More. Apart from that, pictures can be taken in several aspect ratios such as 1:1, 4:3 and full. Even so, there is no built-in stabilization mode provided for more professional video recording.
Photos taken using the main sensor show good results in sufficient lighting conditions. Bright looks with natural color reproduction. However, it is not consistent because some conditions produce colors that are too saturated, then the details and details in the picture start to disappear. The same applies to low-light photography. The results are inconsistent with unsatisfactory results due to soft appearance along with significant noise problems for some conditions. Color is also at a less satisfactory level.
The zoom capability up to 2X can be used without problems. However, the absence of an ultra-wide camera is the main drawback of the device. Meanwhile, its existence must be more interesting than the support of the depth sensor and macro which we ourselves know that not many users will use it. Selfie shots are also simple that require additional editing to look more attractive for sharing on social media.
Battery Endurance
This device has a battery with a capacity of 5000mAh which can generally last a day or more. Especially for those who don't use the device regularly. On the other hand, the device can last more than 8 hours in daily use throughout the day. It will then decrease to a lower level for extreme use but still be at a decent level. If the battery runs out, the device can be recharged in about 1 hour more using the 22.5W charging provided free in the purchase box.
What's In The Box
1 x Honor X8 5G.
1 x 22.5W Charger Head.
1 x USB-C to USB-A Cable.
1 x Silicone Frame.
1 x User Manual.
1 x SIM Extractor.
Conclusion
Honor X8 5G is not a device for all users. If you're looking for an affordable 5G device, try getting one. The device is also suitable for those who miss the experience of using a Huawei device but with built-in Google Mobile Services (GMS) support. True, this device is equipped with GMS support that allows various Google applications to be accessed without any problems.
Next, the Honor X8 5G also has good added value in the right 'place'. However, there are still some things that users have to compromise on such as the display and camera settings which are getting smaller compared to the previous 4G variant. For those who are interested, it is available at a retail price of RM999 through Honor's online store and authorized distributors throughout Malaysia.
Pro
Good build but not premium enough.
90Hz display at a good level.
Battery life is sufficient.
Built-in 5G support.
Cons
No ultra-wide camera.
Low-light shots are of poor quality.