HONOR X8b Review: A Solid Mid-Ranger with Capable Camera

Introducing the latest member of HONOR's X Series smartphones, the HONOR X8b. With impressive cameras, an immersive display, and a sleek design, it's a versatile device that aims to deliver a great user experience without breaking the bank.

In this review, we take a closer look at the HONOR X8b, its design, display, performance, camera features, battery life, and overall value to provide you with insights and help you decide if this device is the right choice for you.

HONOR X8b Specs

Operating System: MagicOS 7.2 (Based on Android 13)
Display: 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, 2412 x 1080 pixel resolution, 394ppi, 90Hz refresh rate, 2000-nits peak brightness
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 octa-core processor (2.4GHz)
GPU: Adreno 610
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB512GB internal storage, non-expandable
Rear Cameras: 108MP f/1.8, PDAF + 5MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro, with LED flash
Front Camera: 50MP
Security: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face unlock
SIM: Dual nano-SIM, Dual standby
Network: 4G LTE-FDD
Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, USB-C
Dimensions: 161.1 x 74.6 x 6.8mm
Battery: 4,500mAh, supports 35W wired charging
Colors: Glamorous Green, Midnight Black, Titanium Silver
Weight: 166g

Design and Built Quality
The HONOR X8b showcases a stylish retro luxury design, blending elegance with a premium look. Its plain leather texture and lycee-skin design offer a unique design pattern.

Its slim profile, measuring only 6.78mm thick and only 166g in weight, makes it easy to slip into pockets and handbags. Built with sturdy materials, it's a good choice if you are looking for a well-built smartphone. Available colors include glamorous green, titanium silver, and midnight black.

The HONOR X8b has the volume and power buttons conveniently located on the right side. What's great is that the power button also functions as a fingerprint scanner, which makes unlocking the device fast and efficient. On the opposite side, the SIM slot is neatly placed for effortless access.

At the back is the triple-camera system, which features a 108-megapixel primary camera, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens with an LED flash.

The HONOR X8b comes with a standard Type-C port, speaker, and microphone for easy connectivity. However, it doesn't include a 3.5mm audio jack. If you prefer using wired earphones, you'll need a Type-C audio jack adapter. On the flip side, wireless earbuds provide a convenient way to enjoy your music playlist wired-free.

Display
The HONOR X8b features a 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels and slim bezels. With 394 pixels per inch, a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2000 nits, the screen offers crisp visuals and vibrant colors. 

Whether you're watching videos, browsing the web, or scrolling through social media, the viewing experience is truly enjoyable. While it may not match flagship OLED panels, the display quality is impressive for a smartphone in this price range.

The display of the HONOR X8b is a delight to use, whether streaming videos, browsing social media, or even playing some casual games, thanks to the crisp visuals and vibrant colors it offers. Even on sunny days with glare, the screen remains visible, thanks to its 2000-nit peak brightness. Outdoor use is hassle-free, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Hardware Performance
The HONOR X8b packs a punch with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 octa-core processor clocked at 2.4 GHz, backed by an Adreno 610 GPU for graphics. With 8GB of RAM plus 8GB of HONOR Turbo RAM and a spacious 512GB internal storage, it ensures smooth performance and seamless multitasking. In my personal experience, navigating between apps and handling various tasks feels effortless.

Having relied on the HONOR X8b as my daily driver for weeks, I am impressed with its consistent and reliable performance in various scenarios. Whether I was checking emails, streaming videos, and music, or indulging in light gaming sessions, the device consistently provided smooth performance without encountering major hiccups. Even when switching multiple apps simultaneously, the X8b maintained smooth operation.

In terms of gaming, the HONOR X8b handles casual titles efficiently. Games like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9 run smoothly at moderate graphics settings, offering an enjoyable experience for casual gamers. However, it may struggle with more demanding games at higher graphics settings, resulting in occasional lags or frame drops. While it excels in handling everyday tasks and casual gaming, users should be mindful of its limitations when using resource-intensive apps.

MagicOS 7.2
Out of the box it runs on the latest MagicOS 7.2, built on Android 13, and it offers features and enhancements to the HONOR X8b. With a focus on performance, security, and user experience, this latest version of MagicOS features a clean and chic user interface and design with intuitive navigation. The minimalistic design is optimized for one-handed use.

It also supports customizable themes, wallpapers, and icon packs, users can personalize their device to suit their preferences, adding a touch of personality. The UI is responsive across the board, apps launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and system animations are fluid, contributing to an overall lag-free experience.

Camera Performance
The HONOR X8b boasts a triple-camera system. It includes a 108-megapixel primary camera accompanied by a 5-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel macro lens, as well as an LED flash for better low-light photography. On the front, it's equipped with a 50-megapixel selfie camera for self-portraits and video calls.

In well-lit environments, the primary camera really stands out, capturing detailed and vibrant photos. Images are sharp with excellent colors, especially for landscapes. The ultra-wide lens is handy for wide shots without distortion, and colors remain accurate with a good dynamic range, making photos look balanced and appealing.

In low-light conditions, the camera holds up decently. The LED flash helps brighten up dim scenarios, but there is some noticeable noise. While it still captures detail reasonably well, shots lack the sharpness seen in brighter settings. Overall, it's usable for low-light photos but not as refined.

Sample Photos posted on our Facebook Page: Adobotech

The addition of a 2-megapixel macro lens is a cool feature for capturing intricate details. However, due to its lower resolution, there is some loss of detail compared to the primary camera. Nevertheless, it adds versatility to the camera setup of the HONOR X8b.

On the front, it has a 50-megapixel selfie camera that excels at capturing detailed self-portraits and can be used for high-quality video calls. Portrait mode enhances the overall appeal of selfies, creating bokeh effects that help subjects stand out against a blurred background. The selfie camera performs well across different lighting conditions, maintaining consistent quality.

On the front, the 50-megapixel selfie camera impresses with its detailed self-portraits and clear video calls. Portrait mode enhances selfies by blurring the background, making subjects stand out. The selfie camera performs well across different lighting conditions, maintaining consistent quality.

Overall, the triple-camera system of the HONOR X8b offers versatility and decent performance for various photography needs. While it may not match flagship cameras, it still delivers impressive results, especially in well-lit environments. With its mix of high-resolution sensors, wide-angle lens, and macro capabilities, the HONOR X8b provides a solid smartphone photography experience.

Battery and Charging
The HONOR X8b packs a typical 4,500mAh battery, which I've come to rely on during my daily activities. From browsing and streaming to listening to music during my commute and even occasional gaming, the battery provides ample power to last me through a full day of use, even under moderate to heavy use.

The 35W HONOR SuperCharge capability allows me to quickly recharge the battery whenever it runs low. I can also use it if I need a quick boost before heading out or just want to have a quick charge during a short break. The fast charging feature is incredibly convenient and time-saving.

Pros:
Premium Chic Design
Impressive Camera System
Vibrant AMOLED Display
Efficient Performance
Generous Storage
Good Battery Life

Cons:
Non-Expandable Storage
Support ony 4G LTE-FDD Networks
No Audio Jack

Verdict
The HONOR X8b offers a compelling package for users looking for a versatile and reliable smartphone. While the absence of expandable storage and limited 4G support may be drawbacks for some users, the overall feature set and performance make it a worthy contender in its price range. If you prioritize design, camera quality, and performance in a smartphone, the HONOR X8b is definitely worth considering.

The HONOR X8b is priced at only ₱12,999 is now available at the nearest HONOR Experience and Partner Stores near you. You can also shop online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X8b_PR), Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X8b_PR), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X8b_PR)!

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