Honor X8b

Honor X8b Review: Sleek Design Meets Solid Everyday Performance

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Honor X8b through its paces, and I have to say, it's a phone that makes a striking first impression. Coming in at a price point that firmly places it in the mid-range segment, the X8b aims to balance eye-catching design with reliable functionality. My testing involved typical daily usage – browsing, social media, photography, some light gaming, and media consumption – to get a real feel for what this phone offers the average user. My initial impression is that Honor has prioritized aesthetics and display quality here, and for many, that might be enough.

Market Context: A Focus on Style and Value

The Honor X8b arrives at a time when the mid-range market is incredibly competitive. Brands are constantly vying for attention with features that punch above their weight class. From my perspective, Honor is strategically targeting users who prioritize a stylish design and a vibrant display without breaking the bank. The focus seems to be on delivering a premium feel and visual experience in a more accessible package. The price point feels reasonable considering the features, though it faces stiff competition from other brands offering similar specifications. It’s a play for the fashion-conscious consumer who wants a phone that looks good in hand and doesn't compromise too much on core functionality.

Design & Hardware: Slim, Light, and Surprisingly Premium

Picking up the Honor X8b for the first time, the immediate standout is its incredibly slim profile. At just 6.8mm, it's remarkably thin and feels almost impossibly light at 166 grams. This makes it incredibly comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The flat frame design, while becoming increasingly common, contributes to its modern aesthetic. The 'Midnight Black' colorway I tested is indeed elegant and understated, avoiding the fingerprint-magnet trap that some glossy finishes fall into. While the exact materials aren't specified as top-tier, the overall build quality feels solid and doesn't exude a cheap plastic vibe. Durability remains to be seen with long-term use, but in my testing period, it held up well to everyday handling.

Display: A Visual Treat for the Price

The display is undoubtedly one of the Honor X8b's strongest assets. The 6.7-inch AMOLED panel delivers punchy colors and deep blacks, as expected from this technology. I found the brightness levels to be more than adequate, even under direct sunlight, reaching a peak of 2000 nits. Media consumption is a genuinely enjoyable experience on this screen; videos and photos look vibrant and detailed. The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and navigating the interface feel smooth, although it's not the 120Hz found on some higher-end devices. Gaming also benefits from the smooth visuals, making for a more immersive experience. In my daily use, the display remained consistently impressive, making everything from browsing the web to viewing photos a pleasure. The inclusion of 3240Hz high-frequency PWM dimming is also a welcome addition for reducing eye strain during prolonged use at lower brightness levels.

Performance: Capable for Daily Tasks, Not a Powerhouse

Under the hood, the Honor X8b is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, paired with 8GB of RAM in my test unit. In my real-world testing, this configuration handles everyday tasks with ease. Navigating the UI, browsing the web, checking emails, and using social media apps all felt fluid and responsive. For gaming, it's a slightly different story. While less graphically intensive games run without issue, I noticed some stuttering and frame drops when playing more demanding titles. It's clear this isn't a phone geared towards serious mobile gamers. Multitasking is generally smooth, thanks to the ample RAM, allowing for quick switching between apps without significant delays. Temperature management seems decent; the phone didn't get excessively hot during my testing, even when pushing it with some moderate gaming sessions. It's a capable performer for the average user but don't expect flagship-level speed or graphical prowess.

Camera System: Impressive Main and Selfie Cameras, Less So the Extras

The camera system on the Honor X8b is a bit of a mixed bag. The 108MP main sensor is capable of capturing detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions. I was generally pleased with the image quality for everyday snapshots. The 50MP front-facing camera is particularly noteworthy, delivering sharp and clear selfies with good dynamic range. It's a strong performer for social media enthusiasts. However, the other two rear cameras – a 5MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro – feel more like additions to meet a spec sheet than genuinely useful tools. The ultrawide images lack the detail and dynamic range of the main sensor, and the macro lens is fairly basic. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps, which is adequate for casual use but lacks the versatility of higher resolutions and frame rates found on some competitors. In my experience, the main and selfie cameras are solid performers for the price, but the secondary rear lenses offer limited practical value.

Battery & Charging: All-Day Battery with Decent Fast Charging

The 4500mAh battery in the Honor X8b provides sufficient endurance for a full day of moderate use. In my testing, I consistently got through a typical workday without needing to reach for a charger until the evening. Heavy usage, involving extended gaming or video streaming, will naturally drain the battery faster, but overall, the battery life is respectable. The inclusion of 35W fast charging is a welcome addition. While not the absolute fastest on the market, it allows for a significant top-up in a reasonable amount of time. I found that I could get a substantial charge in about an hour, which is convenient for those times when you need a quick boost. Power management seems well-optimized, contributing to the phone's solid battery performance.

Software: Clean and Functional, But Lacking NFC

The Honor X8b runs on Android 13 with Honor's MagicOS 7.2 skin on top. My daily experience with the software has been generally positive. The interface is clean, relatively uncluttered, and easy to navigate. The pre-installed apps are minimal, which is a plus, avoiding the bloatware often found on budget devices. While the software experience is smooth and functional, the absence of NFC (Near Field Communication) is a significant omission for a modern smartphone. This means no contactless payments via Google Pay or other NFC-based features, which is a notable drawback for users who rely on this technology. Thoughts on Honor's update policy remain a point of concern for some, as they haven't always been the most consistent with providing timely updates.

Value Analysis: Stylish and Capable for the Right User

Analyzing the value proposition of the Honor X8b, it becomes clear that this phone is tailored for a specific type of user. If you prioritize a sleek and lightweight design, coupled with a vibrant and enjoyable display for media consumption, then the X8b offers good value for its price. The capable main and selfie cameras are also strong selling points. However, those who are heavy mobile gamers or rely heavily on NFC for payments might find the X8b lacking. Compared to competitors in its price range, the Honor X8b stands out for its design and display, but the performance and camera versatility are more in line with the market average. This phone is definitely for someone who appreciates aesthetics and a good visual experience over raw power and a full suite of features.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Style-Conscious Everyday Users

In conclusion, the Honor X8b is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that excels in design and display quality. It offers a premium feel in hand and a visually pleasing experience for media consumption and everyday use. While it's not a powerhouse in terms of performance and the camera system has its limitations, the core functionality is solid and reliable. My recommendation is that the Honor X8b is a strong contender for those who prioritize a stylish phone with a great screen and a capable main camera for everyday photography. However, if NFC is a must-have or you're a demanding gamer, you might want to explore other options. Ultimately, the Honor X8b delivers on its promise of providing a stylish and functional smartphone without breaking the bank.