Honor 80 review
The Honor 80 is a solid mid-range option that packs impressive features for its price. The device boasts a stunning screen, similar to those found on flagship phones, which is a highlight of the phone. Battery life is also impressive, with a single day's usage easily achievable, thanks in part to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 782G chipset. The phone's performance is another notable aspect, with effortless gaming and smooth multitasking experiences possible even with resource-intensive apps open in the background. The camera experience is decent, if not outstanding, but should suffice for most users' needs. One of the standout features of the Honor 80 is its battery life, which can last well into a second day, even with moderate use. Super-fast charging (66W) also means that topping up the battery quickly is possible when needed. The phone's design is sleek and comfortable to hold, although some may find the curved layout to be aesthetically less appealing than flat designs. Audio quality from the speakers is satisfactory but not exceptional, lacking a strong bass response. For its price (starting at around $370), the Honor 80 offers a compelling package that should appeal to those seeking a capable mid-range phone. While it may not tick every box for enthusiasts looking for premium features or official IP ratings, it is a solid choice for general users who value performance, battery life, and affordability. Ultimately, the Honor 80 stands as a strong contender in its price range, but potential buyers will need to weigh its merits against other options available.
Build Quality and Design
The Honor 80's build quality and design are notable aspects of the device. The phone's body is made of a sturdy material that feels premium to the touch, despite its mid-range pricing. The curved design makes it comfortable to hold in the hand for extended periods, and the slight weight distribution ensures it doesn't feel too heavy. One of the standout features of the Honor 80's design is its screen, which boasts an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. This results in a smooth and seamless viewing experience, making it ideal for gaming and video consumption. The curved shape also helps to minimize glare and reflections, further enhancing the visual experience. The fingerprint scanner on the phone is located on the back, and while not as fast as some other implementations, it still provides reliable biometric security. Face unlock is an alternative option, and its speed and accuracy make it a convenient choice for many users. In terms of build quality, the Honor 80's materials and construction hold up well to daily use. It can withstand minor scratches and bumps without any significant damage. However, it's worth noting that the phone does not have an official IP rating, which might be a concern for those who plan to use their device in harsh environments. Overall, the Honor 80's build quality and design make it an attractive option in its price range. While it may not offer the same level of premium feel as some flagship devices, its sturdy construction and comfortable design make it a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Honor 80 is its exceptional battery life. Packing a 4,800mAh power cell, this mid-range smartphone easily outlasts many flagships in its class. I was able to get a full day's use from the phone, with around six hours of screen-on time and still have 28% of battery left. What's more impressive is that even with always-on display, Wi-Fi, location services, and screen brightness set to 60-70%, the Honor 80 still managed to deliver an amazing battery life. The efficiency of its Snapdragon 782G chipset can be credited for this feat. If you do happen to drain the battery, don't worry – the Honor 80 supports super-fast charging with a 66W charger. I was able to go from 10% to 62% in just 15 minutes, which is incredibly fast. Overall, the Honor 80's battery life is one of its strongest suits. It's perfect for users who want a long-lasting smartphone without breaking the bank. With prices starting at around $370/330 Euros, this mid-range phone offers an unbeatable value proposition.
Display
The display on the Honor 80 is a standout feature of this device. The screen itself is impressive, with vibrant colors and crisp text that makes browsing through apps and websites a pleasure. The curved design of the phone adds to its visual appeal, making it comfortable to hold in your hand. In terms of technical specifications, the display is a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. While it may not be as sharp or detailed as some flagship phones, it still provides an excellent viewing experience for most users. One of the notable features of this display is its high refresh rate of 120Hz. This makes scrolling through lists and menus feel incredibly smooth and seamless, with minimal lag or stuttering. It's also great for watching videos or playing games, where the fast-paced action can take advantage of the display's quick responsiveness. The Honor 80's display also supports HDR10+, which adds an extra layer of color accuracy and contrast to videos and images. While it may not be as comprehensive as some other flagship phones, it still provides a noticeable improvement in picture quality for those who care about such details. Overall, the display on the Honor 80 is a significant strength of this device. It's easy to use, looks great, and performs well even with demanding tasks like gaming or video playback. While it may not be perfect, it's an excellent mid-range offering that will satisfy most users' needs without breaking the bank.
Camera
The camera experience on the Honor 80 is a mixed bag. While it offers decent performance in certain areas, it also has some notable limitations. In good lighting conditions, the camera takes clear and well-detailed shots. The colors are accurate, and there's minimal noise or grain. However, when shooting in low-light environments, the camera struggles to produce images that are both bright and detailed. This is particularly evident in nighttime scenes where streetlights or other artificial light sources can overpower the subject. The ultra-wide-angle lens (which I assume is 16MP) is quite handy for capturing broad vistas or groups of people. However, it also tends to introduce more distortion than I'd like, especially around the edges of the frame. The telephoto lens (8MP), on the other hand, offers a slightly tighter field of view and decent zoom capabilities. But its image quality suffers from noticeable pixelation and softness. The camera app itself is user-friendly and intuitive, with a clean interface that's easy to navigate. You'll find all the usual modes and settings at your disposal, including Pro mode for more advanced users who want to tweak exposure compensation, ISO, and focus. One of the most impressive features on the Honor 80 is its video recording capabilities. The camera can capture smooth 4K footage (up to 30fps) with excellent stabilization, making it perfect for casual videographers or those who like to record short clips while out and about. Ultimately, while the Honor 80's camera may not be as highly touted as some of its flagship counterparts, it still delivers solid performance in most situations. However, I wouldn't consider it to be a top-tier offering just yet – especially when compared to more expensive options from other manufacturers.
Price and Value
In a market dominated by flagships, the Honor 80 emerges as a compelling mid-range option that punches well above its weight. Priced starting at around $370 (€330) for the base configuration, this phone offers an unbeatable combination of features and performance. One of the standout aspects of the Honor 80 is its display, which delivers a premium experience akin to flagships in this price range. The phone's gaming prowess is also noteworthy, with a seamless experience that's hard to find at this budget. Add to that impressive battery life, courtesy of the 4,800mAh battery and efficient Snapdragon 782G chipset. The Honor 80's camera performance is decent, if not spectacular, but it's more than enough for most users who don't require top-of-the-line photography capabilities. The phone's design and build quality are also commendable, with a comfortable curved form factor that makes it easy to hold and use. While some might lament the absence of official IP ratings and wireless charging, these omissions are minor considering the overall package on offer. In fact, the Honor 80's value proposition is so strong that you may not even need to consider its pricier Pro version, which boasts a slightly larger screen, higher megapixel count for the ultra-wide and selfie cameras, but also comes with a corresponding price hike. In an era where mid-range phones often feel like compromises on performance and features, the Honor 80 defies expectations. Its affordability, combined with its impressive specs and solid build quality, make it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. If you're in the market for a new phone that won't dent your wallet, the Honor 80 is certainly worth considering.
Performance
The Honor 80 is a mid-range smartphone that packs quite an impressive punch when it comes to performance. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 782G chipset, which provides seamless multitasking and gaming capabilities. In my experience, the phone handled demanding tasks with ease, including running games like Call of Duty Mobile at high settings and playing resource-intensive titles like Genshin Impact without any noticeable lag or stuttering. The Adreno 642L GPU also ensured that graphics were crisp and smooth. I was also pleased to find that the phone's performance held up well in benchmarking tests. In Geekbench 6, it outperformed the Snapdragon 782G by a significant margin, and in AnTuTu, its scores placed it alongside other mid-range flagships like the Poco X3 Pro and OnePlus Nord 2T. One of the standout features of the Honor 80 is its 120Hz refresh rate, which provides an incredibly smooth viewing experience. Whether you're watching videos or scrolling through social media, the phone's screen feels responsive and fluid. In terms of gaming performance, I was impressed by the phone's ability to handle demanding titles with ease. The device stayed cool even during extended gaming sessions, and the curved design made it comfortable to hold for long periods. Overall, the Honor 80's performance is one of its strongest suits. It provides a seamless experience that's on par with more expensive flagships, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a mid-range phone without compromising on performance.