This is my indepth review of Honor 8 after using it for about a month . I ordered this on the base of using Honor 5x which I bought it for my mom, figuring it would be an appropriate upgrade as my samsung galaxy note 2 is giving up . I ordered this device on the day it was launched from flipkart for 26, 999/- with 3k off with standard chartered card . . Got it within 2days after ordering .
Packaging: Some people don’t care. I do. And this packaging was nicely done.
Price: I bought Honor 5x at Rs12, 999/- I’m not a big spender, but 26999/-for the upgrade to Honor 8 from samsung note 2 was perfect. After using this at this price point, it’s a gem.
Camera: I can confirm that this camera takes fast pictures, and they seem sharp with lovely colors . If you are photo centric you will love this device forsure . The low light pictures were a bonus, I’m hoping that I can depend on that more and more, with quality inside/evening shots. And they do come out good even in low light with very little noise . . And pro mode is just awesome .You will love it .
Software: Butterly Smooth . I downloaded Nova launcher as I am not a fan of emui .Two things to say about the software. First, I have very little patience for bloatware. And, there was very little on this handset. It was all tucked into a little folder, out of the way. No complaints. One item which Honor has on there devices which I love is the phone guard, which I can use to block calls, and control some privacy/data flow. Second: EMUI. When I picked up the Honor brand in 2016 as I was moving from samsung, it was a bit confusing and not user friendly . It feels nearly identical to the Apple IOS . I have read some complaints about this on the internet, but I have to be honest, I just haven’t found out what they are whining about. As I am on nova launcher so not an issue there . . . There are tons of 3rd party launchers on playstore which you can use .
Appearance: The shiny and reflective surface is pretty neat in full sun, very layered. And sapphire blue colour is just awesome and super sexy . .
Handfeel: I have sapphire blue, is one pretty damn good looking device., An incredible phone to hold ergonomically and an awesome piece of work, aesthetic wise. The 5.2 size fits perfect in the pocket as well as the hand, I do not have to worry about this phone in comparison to my 5.5 device from sliding out of my pocket when sitting down. This is a seriously great phone
Calling: I am using this for almost a month now, but so far no dropped calls or anything like that. Good reception all over that.
Memory: I just popped in my SD card that I’ve been using, done.
Battery: All day of moderate use from Wed, and Thursday . Clicked many photos, watched youtube videos, listen to music, and checked the times news 100 times. Wed there was a lot of life left in the battery when I hooked it onto the power bank . Today, by the end of the long day it was down to 10%. This seemed great to me.
Fast charging: Yes it takes about exact 2hrs from 0 to 100. This is my first device with fast charging.I haven’t had a crisis yet where I was running out of power, but I did notice that it fills quickly . After just a few days I’m beginning to feel that fast charging should just be standard on everything.
USB type C: Sigh. Time to buy some adapters.
Its a mid range phone with flagship performance and for the price of 26, 999/- its a killer and beast. Many of family members have flagship phones so I did compare this Huawei Honor 8 with Samsung S7, Motorolla g4plus, iPhone 6S, and Samsung s6 edge . I saw few comparison videos too with One plus 3, Galaxy note 7, S7edge It beats them all in terms of opening app and performance . I think Huawei Honor 8 gives each one a fair run for its money. I’m absolutely impressed with every aspect of this phone, from the overall craftsmanship, to its performance, quality of the camera, color, screen brightness and sharpness, and so much more . Camera is at its best, even in low light picture comes out good without any noise, as I am not a very heavy user my battery gives about 1 1/2 day with mobile data on . Its one the most beautiful handset I have used and I am a fan of honor now . Top notch specifications at this price range . You will not regret for a second and cherry on top its getting Android nougat soon which will make this device more smooth and user friendly . I am very pleased with the handset . And it does get warm when you use camera for about half n hour apart from that it stays kool, no call drops call recepetion is good and even I played high end games it does get warm but no lag or frame drop as of now . Please use this handset with a case and tempered glass on it. I am using Nilkin tempered glass which I bought from ebay and hybrid case from amazon, as it has glass on both the side . Its slippery so use it with full protection .
Loving this Smartphone .
Only cons is atm it doesn’t have volte support(which I hope they will include in their next software update with Android N). Double tap to wake is missing and comes with single sim but for me not an issue . . And it doesn’t come with a headphone and they should have provided a cover which they provided in USA . And a back screen guard .
Must buy handset specifically the Sapphire Blue Colour . .