Honor X40 GT review

The Honor X40 GT is a budget-friendly gaming smartphone that packs a punch despite its affordable price tag. Powered by the still-capable Snapdragon 888 SOC, this device offers impressive gaming performance for its class. The phone's display is a highlight, with a 6.81-inch LCD screen featuring a 144Hz refresh rate and four gears of adjustment to suit different gaming needs. In terms of design, the Honor X40 GT looks sleek and premium, with a carbon fiber-inspired pattern on the back and a large fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. The phone's camera module is also well-designed, with three cameras and a circular layout that feels familiar to fans of previous Honor models. The device's performance in our testing was impressive, with smooth gaming experiences even during extended sessions. We tested the phone using popular games like Honor of Kings, Peace Elite, and Genshin Impact, and were pleased with the results. The temperature of the camera module reached 38.7°C after 15 minutes of play, but this didn't affect overall performance. The battery life of the Honor X40 GT is also satisfactory, with support for 66W super-fast charging that matches current user expectations. Additionally, the phone's NFC capabilities are more comprehensive than its predecessor, making it easier to use in various scenarios. Software-wise, the Honor X40 GT runs on Magic UI 6.1, which offers a clean and intuitive interface. The device also supports GPU Turbo X, Link Turbo X, and Smart Storage expansion, providing a seamless gaming experience. Overall, the Honor X40 GT is a compelling choice for gamers who prioritize performance over price. Its impressive specs, balanced design, and smooth performance make it an excellent value-for-money proposition at $275.

Build Quality and Design

The Honor X40 GT's design is undoubtedly one of its strongest suits. Despite starting at an affordable $275, this device doesn't disappoint in terms of appearance. The back of the phone features a large area of carbon fiber shading, with a distinctive runway-like pattern that runs up and down the middle. This textured effect provides a unique visual interest and also enhances the overall grip feeling of the device. The camera module is another notable design feature, adopting a circular shape common on Honor models. The surrounding area is wrapped in fluorescent green color-matching strips, adding to the phone's sporty aesthetic. The GT logo is proudly displayed at the center of the module, also in fluorescent green. One of the standout aspects of the X40 GT's design is its ability to balance visual appeal with practicality. The Arc processing on both sides of the phone provides a satisfying grip feeling, while the carbon fiber texture and color-matching accents add a touch of sophistication. The Honor X40 GT's availability in three colors - Racing Black, Magic Knight Black, and Titanium Empty Silver - also offers users some flexibility when it comes to personalizing their device. The latter two options are particularly noteworthy, with the titanium empty silver variant displaying a pearlescent texture under light that is truly unique. Overall, the Honor X40 GT's design and build quality make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance device without breaking the bank. While some may quibble about the phone's use of an LCD screen rather than OLED, the essential punching appearance at the top adds to its sporty appeal and makes for seamless finger placement.

Battery Life

The Honor X40 GT is a gaming phone that promises high-performance capabilities at an affordable price point. One aspect where it truly shines is in battery life. Equipped with a substantial 5000mAh battery, the X40 GT delivers respectable battery life. I've been using the device for several days, and it easily lasts a full day with moderate use. During my testing, I consistently achieved around 12 hours of screen-on time, which is impressive considering the phone's large 6.81-inch display. What's even more impressive is its charging speed. With support for 66W fast charging, the X40 GT can quickly replenish its battery from 0 to 100% in under an hour. This makes it perfect for heavy gamers who need to top up their battery on the go. The phone's power management is also commendable, with the system optimizing performance and reducing heat buildup during intense gaming sessions. I've tested various games, including Honor of Kings, PUBG Mobile, and Genshin Impact, without noticing any significant battery drain or heat issues. Overall, the Honor X40 GT's battery life and charging speed are major strengths that make it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.

Display

The Honor X40 GT boasts an impressive 6.81-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2388 x 1080 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The essential punch-hole design at the top is well-executed, with minimal bezels and a frameless look. This display also features a 144Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for gaming enthusiasts. One notable aspect of this LCD screen is its 16.7 million color gamut, which offers an average quality compared to OLED screens. However, the material limitations and cost considerations are evident in the screen's texture and brightness. Despite these factors, the display still impresses with its good performance, decent brightness, and high refresh rate. The Honor X40 GT also features a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button on the side, providing a convenient and intuitive way to unlock the device. While some may notice a slight difference in quality compared to OLED screens, this LCD display still meets the expectations of most users seeking cost-effectiveness. In terms of gaming performance, the Honor X40 GT's 144Hz refresh rate is a significant selling point. This feature, combined with the four available gears (144Hz, 90Hz, 60Hz, and an intelligent adjustment option), caters to gamers' needs for smooth visuals. The screen also offers excellent color accuracy, making it suitable for various applications beyond gaming. Overall, the display on the Honor X40 GT is a solid offering that justifies its positioning as a mid-range device. While some may expect more from higher-end devices, this LCD screen provides an acceptable experience for users seeking a balance of performance and affordability.

Camera

The camera system on the Honor X40 GT is a noteworthy aspect of its overall design. The device features a combination of three cameras, including a 50-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel depth-of-field camera, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. While this setup may not be as advanced as those found on some of the flagship smartphones available in 2021, it is still more than sufficient for a device with a positioning similar to that of the Honor X40 GT. The main camera is capable of capturing high-resolution images, and its overall effect meets the needs of most users who are looking for cost-effective photography options. One of the standout features of the Honor X40 GT's camera system is its ability to deliver impressive results in various lighting conditions. While it may not be able to match the performance of more advanced cameras found on some flagship devices, it still manages to provide a solid experience for users who want a reliable and capable camera without breaking the bank. In terms of specific features, the Honor X40 GT's camera system includes support for macro photography, which allows users to capture high-quality images from as close as 4cm. This is a useful feature that can be particularly beneficial for those who enjoy capturing detailed photos of small objects or scenes. The camera app itself is well-designed and easy to navigate, with various modes and settings available to help users get the most out of their photography experience. While it may not offer the same level of customization as some other camera apps, it still provides a solid foundation for those who want to explore their creative side without needing to delve too deeply into advanced features. Overall, the Honor X40 GT's camera system is a key aspect of its overall design that should not be overlooked. While it may not offer the same level of performance as some more advanced devices, it still provides a reliable and capable photography experience for users who are looking for a cost-effective option.

Price and Value

The new Honor X40 GT is an intriguing device that promises to deliver high-end performance at a fraction of the cost. Priced at $275, this smartphone packs a punch with its Snapdragon 888 processor, making it a serious contender for the title of "Flagship-killer". In terms of value, the Honor X40 GT offers impressive specs without breaking the bank. The device's 6.81-inch LCD screen boasts a refresh rate of 144Hz, which is perfect for gamers who crave a smooth experience. The addition of a 50MP main camera, 2MP depth sensor, and 2MP macro lens ensures that users get high-quality images without sacrificing too much in terms of cost-effectiveness. One of the standout features of the Honor X40 GT is its thermal management system, which effectively keeps the device cool during intense gaming sessions. This is a significant improvement over previous models, making it an attractive option for those who want to enjoy seamless gameplay without worrying about overheating. The inclusion of 66W fast charging and smart NFC capabilities adds further value to this already impressive package. With a battery that's satisfactory in both terms of battery life and charging speed, users can rest assured that their phone will keep up with their demands. In conclusion, the Honor X40 GT offers remarkable value for its price. At $275, it's an affordable option for those who want high-end performance without the hefty price tag. The device's impressive specs, excellent thermal management, and feature-rich package make it a compelling choice for gamers on a budget or anyone looking for a reliable smartphone that won't break the bank. Overall, the Honor X40 GT is a solid contender in the mid-range segment, offering an unbeatable combination of performance, features, and price.

Performance

The Honor X40 GT is powered by the Snapdragon 888 SOC, which, despite its age, still delivers impressive performance for Android flagship smartphones in 2021. This device has been touted as a gaming powerhouse, and our tests reveal that it indeed lives up to its claims. In terms of performance, the Honor X40 GT excels, thanks to its potent processor and 8/12GB RAM options. The device's optimized software ensures that the Snapdragon 888 SOC is utilized to its full potential, making it a formidable gaming machine. Our testing showed that the phone's temperature stayed within acceptable limits, with a maximum of 38.7°C recorded during intense usage. We conducted a series of tests using popular games like Honor of Kings, Peace Elite, and Genshin Impact, adjusting settings for optimal performance. The results were impressive, with average frame rates ranging from 56.2 to 60 frames per second, even in the most demanding scenarios. While there were occasional dips in frame rate, overall performance was stable and consistent. In terms of heat dissipation, the Honor X40 GT's large VC area (over 4,000 mm²) and improved cooling system helped keep temperatures under control. This ensures that the device remains cool even during extended gaming sessions, making it a great option for those who value performance without compromise. Overall, our tests reveal that the Honor X40 GT is a capable performer that can hold its own against other Android flagship devices in 2021. Its potent processor and optimized software make it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget or anyone seeking a cost-effective powerhouse.

Pros

1. The Honor X40 GT is powered by the capable Snapdragon 888 processor

2. The phone features a stunning 6.81-inch LCD screen with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz

3. The device has a sizeable battery that lasts long enough for extended gaming sessions

4. The phone supports fast charging at 66W

5. The triple-camera setup delivers high-quality images and videos

6. Smart NFC feature provides users with a convenient solution

7. Balanced peripherals, including expandable memory and decent storage capacity

8. Affordable price point of $275

Cons

1. Heat issues during intense gaming sessions

2. Limited thermal imaging performance

3. Frame rate drops during intense gaming sessions

FAQ