Before I start my review, let’s get the tech specs out of the way.
- 8GB RAM
- 108MP Ultra Clear Main Camera
- 50MP AI Selfie Camera
- SGS 5-star Certification (means this phone is durable!)
- 4800 mAh battery
- 35W HONOR SuperCharge
In my line of work, there’s only so much you can say about a phone — how snappy their performance is, how nice the camera is or how clear their display can get.
It’s only February and I’ve already reviewed a number of phones. This doesn’t include the phones I’ve reviewed over the years during my days of being an indie tech blogger.
So I’m not exaggerating when I say that it takes a lot for a phone to make a good impression.
There’s 2 kinds of ways to make an impression on me: first, is with shock-and-awe factor (unique design, etc.), second is more subtle, where along the way, you just end up saying, “Hey, this phone is great!”
The HONOR X8b falls in the latter.
The Selling Points
Let’s talk about some of the phone’s key selling points.
Magic Capsule
This phone has a feature called Magic Capsule which basically gives you real-time information on the following apps: Alarm, Timer, Incoming Call and Recorder.
I’m not so sure who’s going to find this feature relatively useful, but if you use those apps that I mentioned a lot then you’d be pleased with the convenience the Magic Capsule feature can bring.
Instead of having to do app switching, you can just take a quick look at the top of your screen and see the information you’re looking for.
I personally use timers and alarms a lot, so I would say that I found this feature quite helpful.
Huge Storage
If I were to convince you to buy this phone, I’d definitely mention this phone’s 512GB storage space.
Think of all the photos you can take and apps you can install!
Above-average Camera quality
I was pleasantly surprised to see how good the photos were.
The HONOR X8b has shown me how phones have come a long way from how they used to be, when it comes to photo quality.
The phone can take really good photos in low-light settings as long as you have a steady hand.
As a video camera though, the HONOR X8b can leave you a little wanting as it does not have video stabilization. If you plan to take a lot of videos with this phone, just make sure that there’s enough light and not much movement, both with the subject and in handling.
I definitely suggest using a tripod.
As a Gaming Phone
While this phone is capable of gaming, I wouldn’t recommend it as a gaming phone.
I tested its gaming capability by playing Cooking Run Kingdom on it and considering this game doesn’t require a lot of processing power, I was slightly let down when I experienced stuttering on High settings.
It improved a little bit when I lowered the game settings to Low but like I said, if you’re aiming to use this phone primarily as a gaming phone, it might not meet your expectations.
So like I said, this phone GREW on me.
When I first unboxed this phone, my first thoughts were, “Oh, hey, it’s another phone.” No fancy thoughts.
Granted, the back of the phone is quite nice, with its textured vegan leather giving it a luxurious feel, its supposed Glamorous Green color got lost on me.
While I have nothing against the color green, this particular shade was not my style, so I’m actually quite curious how the other colors (Titanium Silver and Midnight Black) would look in person.
Anyway, as soon as I put on the free jelly case and started using the phone daily for a week, I started to like the phone.
I started liking how it felt in my hands. I became more appreciative of how thin it was and how lightweight it was (only 166 grams!).
The size is perfect for my small hands. I love how I could just slip it into the back pocket of my jeans, or into the hidden pockets of my dresses and I wouldn’t be bothered by the weight.
And while there were a few small things about it that I didn’t like (no e-sim capability and the super rounded edges), it was the phone I found myself bringing along when I had to go out for a quick errand or two.
It has the potential to become your daily tech companion. And that’s what mobile phones are all about, right?
In this crowded market of mobile phones, the HONORX8b definitely stands out, not for any cool feature, but for its practicality, affordability and how it can get things done, making your daily activities easier.
So if you’re interested in purchasing the HONOR X8b, you can pre-order for P12,999 until February 23, 2024 and get a FREE HONOR Choice X5 Earbuds worth Php 1,590
Order here:
- Shopee – https://bit.ly/Shop_X8b_PR
- Lazada – https://bit.ly/Laz_X8b_PR
- TikTok Shop – https://bit.ly/TikTok_X8b_PR
