The Honor X8b positions itself as a noteworthy contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a blend of appealing features and some notable shortcomings. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its design, performance, camera capabilities, and address areas where it falls short, such as the absence of 5G and NFC, the 90Hz refresh rate, and the 4500mAh battery capacity. We’ll also assess whether its chipset, CPU, and GPU justify its price point in Pakistan.
Design and Display
The Honor X8b boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 161.1 x 74.6 x 6.8 mm and a weight of 166 g, making it comfortable to hold and use. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels, delivering vibrant and sharp visuals. The device is available in Glamorous Green, Titanium Silver, and Midnight Black, catering to various aesthetic preferences.
However, the display’s 90Hz refresh rate, while smoother than the standard 60Hz, may be considered modest compared to competitors offering 120Hz displays in the same price bracket. A higher refresh rate would have provided a more fluid user experience, especially for gaming and scrolling through content.
Performance
Under the hood, the Honor X8b is powered by the Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) chipset, featuring an Octa-core CPU (4 x 2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4 x 1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) and an Adreno GPU. This configuration ensures smooth performance for daily tasks and multimedia consumption.
However, the Snapdragon 680 is not the latest in its series, which may impact performance in more demanding applications and future-proofing. In this price range, some competitors offer more advanced processors, potentially providing better performance for intensive tasks and gaming.
Camera Capabilities
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple camera system on the rear, comprising a 108 MP main sensor, a 5 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2 MP macro lens. This setup allows for versatile shooting options, from detailed landscapes to close-up shots. On the front, a 50 MP selfie camera ensures high-quality self-portraits and video calls.
The camera performance is commendable for its price point, delivering sharp and vibrant images in well-lit conditions. However, in low-light scenarios, the performance may not be as impressive, with some noise and loss of detail.
Battery Life
Equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, the Honor X8b is designed to last through a full day of moderate use. Additionally, it supports 35W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups when needed.
While the battery capacity is decent, heavy users might find themselves reaching for the charger sooner than anticipated. In comparison, some competitors offer larger batteries, providing extended usage for power users.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Honor X8b supports dual SIM functionality and operates on Android 14 OS with the Magic OS 7.2 user interface. Connectivity options include standard 4G LTE bands, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
Notably, the device lacks 5G support, which might be a drawback for users looking to future-proof their device as 5G networks become more prevalent. Additionally, the absence of NFC limits the device’s capability for contactless payments and other NFC-based functionalities, which are becoming increasingly common in smartphones within this price range.
Storage and Memory
The device offers 8 GB of RAM and a substantial 512 GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps, media, and documents. However, it’s important to note that there is no mention of expandable storage via a microSD card, which could be a limitation for users who prefer additional flexibility.
Pricing and Value Proposition
In Pakistan, the Honor X8b price is set at Rs. 79,999, positioning it competitively within the mid-range segment.
Considering its features and the areas where it falls short, the Honor X8b offers a mixed value proposition. While it excels in design, display quality, and camera capabilities, the absence of 5G and NFC, along with the use of a slightly dated processor, may deter some potential buyers.
Conclusion
The Honor X8b presents a balanced mix of design, display quality, and camera capabilities, making it an attractive option for users seeking a mid-range smartphone. However, potential buyers should consider the absence of 5G connectivity and NFC, the modest 90Hz refresh rate, and the 4500mAh battery capacity when making their decision. Overall, it offers solid value for its price point, especially for those prioritizing storage and display quality.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Sleek and lightweight design: The device’s slim profile and light weight make it comfortable to use and carry.
- Vibrant AMOLED display: The 6.7-inch screen delivers sharp and colorful visuals, enhancing the viewing experience.
- High-resolution cameras: The 108 MP main camera and 50 MP selfie camera provide detailed and crisp images.
- Ample storage: With 512 GB of internal storage, users have plenty of space for apps, media, and files.
Cons:
- No 5G support: The lack of 5G connectivity makes the Honor X8b less future-proof, especially as more regions transition to 5G networks.
- No NFC: The absence of NFC limits its usability for contactless payments and quick data transfers, which are becoming more common in modern smartphones.
- 90Hz refresh rate: While better than 60Hz, a 120Hz display would have provided a smoother experience, especially for gaming and scrolling.
- Snapdragon 680 chipset: The processor is decent for everyday tasks, but some competitors offer more powerful options in the same price bracket.
- 4500mAh battery: A larger 5000mAh or higher battery would have been ideal for extended usage, especially for heavy users.
Final Thoughts
The Honor X8b is a stylish and well-equipped mid-range smartphone with impressive storage, a great display, and high-resolution cameras. However, it falls short in areas like 5G connectivity, NFC, battery life, and processing power when compared to some of its competitors. If you prioritize camera quality, display aesthetics, and storage, this phone is a solid choice. But if you need 5G, NFC, or a high-refresh-rate display, you might want to explore other options in the same price range. (whatmobile.com.pk)
Would you consider buying the Honor X8b at its current price in Pakistan? Let us know your thoughts!
For a visual overview and unboxing of the Honor X8b, you might find this video helpful:
Looking for more options? Check out other mobile phones to compare features and prices to find the one that suits you best:
- Oppo Reno 13 Review: Price in Pakistan, 5G Features, Specs & Flaws Explained
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Price in Pakistan, Specs, Pros & Cons – Worth the Upgrade?
- Tecno Camon 30s: A Balanced Budget Smartphone or Just Another Option?
- Xiaomi 14T Price in Pakistan: Specs, Pros & Cons – Is It Worth Buying?
- Vivo Y19s Review: Specs, Pros & Cons – Is It Worth Rs. 38,999 in Pakistan?
