Unveiling The Honor X8b: A Glamorous Blend Of Performance And Style

Body

First of all, let's dive into the tangible aspect of the Honor X8b - its body. Here are the relevant specs:

The dimensions of 161.1×74.6×6.8 mm and a weight of 166 g make it a lightweight contender in the smartphone arena. These sleek proportions not only contribute to a modern and stylish aesthetic but also offer a comfortable grip for extended usage. When it comes to holding the phone for extended periods or engaging in marathon gaming or streaming sessions, the ergonomic design plays a significant role. The thoughtful dimensions and the reduced weight minimizes hand fatigue, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite content without feeling like you're lugging around a brick.

The slim profile ensures that the Honor X8b slips effortlessly into your pocket or bag without causing any noticeable bulge. It's the kind of phone that won't weigh you down, making it a fantastic companion for those always on the move.

Now, let's talk about the color choices - Glamorous Green, Midnight Black, and Titanium Silver. Each hue caters to different personalities and styles.

The vibrant Glamorous Green is for the bold trendsetters who want their phone to make a statement. It's a fantastic choice for those who embrace the latest fashion trends and love standing out in the crowd.

Classic and timeless, Midnight Black is for the sleek and sophisticated. If you prefer a phone that exudes elegance and professionalism, this color is your go-to.

And for the tech-savvy minimalist, Titanium Silver offers a modern and clean aesthetic. It's a versatile choice that complements various styles and occasions.

Ultimately, the color you choose is a personal expression of your style. Whether you're a fashion-forward individual, a professional with a taste for classic elegance, or someone who appreciates a clean and modern look, the Honor X8b has a color to suit your vibe. So, go ahead, pick the one that resonates with your personality, and let your smartphone reflect your unique style wherever you go!

If we compare the Honor X8b with the predecessor Honor X8a, it's gotten slimmer and lighter; the Honor X8a was 162.9×74.5×7.5 mm and 179 g. Build-wise, it sported a glass front and a plastic back and frame.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

The Honor X8b, like the predecessor X8a, lacks an official IP rating. This absence is a topic that often raises eyebrows among potential buyers. While it's true that an IP rating provides a standardized measure of a device's resistance to dust and water, the lack of it doesn't necessarily mean your Honor X8b is defenseless against the environmental elements.

Now, should this be a cause for concern? Well, it depends on your lifestyle and usage patterns. If you're someone who occasionally finds oneself caught in a sudden downpour or accidentally spills a drink on one's phone, you might want to exercise a bit of caution. To safeguard your precious device from the unpredictable elements, here are a few practical suggestions:

• Protective Case: Investing in a good-quality protective case is a wise move. It adds an extra layer of defense against accidental drops, bumps, and yes, even those unexpected splashes. Look for cases designed specifically for your phone's form factor, ensuring a snug fit without compromising functionality.
• Avoiding Extreme Conditions: While the absence of an IP rating doesn't mean you can't use your phone in less-than-ideal conditions, it's a good idea to exercise caution. Avoid exposing your device to extreme environments like heavy rain, dusty construction sites, or prolonged submersion.
• Regular Maintenance: Periodically check your phone for any dust or debris that might accumulate around ports, buttons, or speaker grills. A can of compressed air can be handy for keeping those nooks and crannies clean.

Remember, smartphones are essential companions in our daily lives, and a bit of proactive care can go a long way in ensuring their longevity. While the Honor X8b may not come with an official IP rating, a thoughtful combination of a protective case, screen protector, and a dash of common sense will keep your device well-guarded against the rigors of the world.

Display: A Feast for the Eyes

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display steals the show, offering a buttery-smooth 90 Hz refresh rate and a dazzling 1200 nits brightness (2000 nits peak). Whether you're binge-watching or gaming, the X8b promises an immersive visual experience with a resolution of 1080x2412 pixels.

Honor X8b display. Image credit: Honor

Here are the relevant specs:

The X8b boasts an AMOLED display, and let me tell you, it's not just a screen; it's a canvas of vibrant colors, deep blacks, and unparalleled contrast. AMOLED technology individually lights up each pixel, allowing for true blacks by turning them off completely. This results in breathtaking visuals and a cinematic viewing experience.

The 90 Hz refresh rate is the cherry on top, making every swipe, scroll, and animation silky smooth. For the uninitiated, the refresh rate determines how many times the screen refreshes per second, and a higher refresh rate translates to a more responsive and visually pleasing experience. So, whether you're gaming, scrolling through your social feed, or simply navigating through your apps, the X8b ensures a buttery-smooth ride.

With a resolution of 1080x2412 pixels, the X8b's display delivers crisp and clear visuals. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite series or zooming in on high-resolution photos, every detail comes to life with stunning clarity.

Now, let's talk about brightness. The X8b doesn't just shine; it dazzles with a maximum brightness of 1200 nits (HBM) and a peak brightness of 2000 nits. This means your display remains easily readable even in bright sunlight, ensuring you don't miss a thing, whether you're indoors or outdoors. The High Brightness Mode (HBM) is particularly nifty. It kicks in when your surroundings are exceptionally bright, enhancing visibility without compromising battery life. It's like having a built-in adaptive sunglasses feature for your phone!

Finally, like all of us, your eyes deserve a spa day. And the phone delivers. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) dimming at 3240 Hz is the techy way of saying your display adjusts its brightness in a way that's gentle on your eyes. No more headaches or eye strain after those long Netflix binges.

In summary, the Honor X8b's AMOLED display is a feast for the eyes. The combination of vibrant colors, deep blacks, a swift 90 Hz refresh rate, and a high-resolution canvas creates an immersive experience for everything from multimedia consumption to gaming. Whether you're a cinephile, a mobile gamer, or just someone who appreciates a stunning display, the X8b's visual prowess is bound to leave you impressed.

For comparison, the Honor X8b sees a significant upgrade in the display department over the predecessor X8a, which sported a 6.7-inch, 1080x2388 px IPS LCD display, with a refresh rate of 90 Hz.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

The Honor X8b, like the predecessor Honor X8a, supports the GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.

SIM

The Honor X8b, like the predecessor X8a, supports dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by). This capability adds a layer of convenience for those juggling work and personal life on a single device.

Chipset: Performance Unleashed

The X8b is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset. The octa-core CPU, consisting of two types of cores, ensures snappy performance. Accompanied by the Adreno 610 GPU, this smartphone is ready to handle your multitasking and gaming needs. Here are the relevant specs:

The trio of chipset, CPU, and GPU plays a crucial role in ensuring the phone's performance is as snappy as it gets. Powering the X8b is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, a formidable engine designed to deliver a seamless user experience. The octa-core CPU comprises two types of cores, each type with a distinct role.

The four 2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold cores are the sprinters in a relay race. These high-performance cores kick into action when you demand heavy lifting from your phone - be it gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive apps. They ensure swift and efficient handling of demanding tasks.

The remaining four 1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores are the marathon runners. They handle the day-to-day tasks, ensuring your phone runs smoothly during less demanding activities like browsing, social media scrolling, and handling background processes. They are energy-efficient, contributing to a balanced performance and improved battery life.

The synergy between these two types of cores creates a dynamic and efficient system, ensuring the X8b adapts to your usage, providing power when needed and conserving energy during lighter tasks.

And the Adreno 610 GPU is the visual maestro, responsible for rendering graphics, ensuring smooth gameplay, and handling the graphical demands of your favorite apps. Whether you're diving into the latest mobile game or simply enjoying high-quality visuals in apps, the Adreno 610 is the unsung hero behind the scenes.

In essence, the combination of the Snapdragon 680's octa-core CPU and Adreno 610 GPU creates a harmonious balance between performance and efficiency. It ensures the X8b can handle the rigors of modern applications, delivering a responsive and lag-free user experience. Whether you're a multitasker, a mobile gamer, or just someone who appreciates a zippy phone, the X8b's chipset, CPU, and GPU combo is geared to impress!

This is a massive upgrade over the predecessor X8a, which sported the Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 + 6×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) and the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU.

Memory Matters

Here are the relevant specs:

With variants offering 8 GB of RAM and internal storage options ranging from 128 GB to a whopping 512 GB, the X8b provides ample space for your apps, photos, and files. However, the absence of a card slot might be a deal-breaker for some.

For comparison, the predecessor X8a came in two variants with 6 GB and 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB internal storage in each. It did not sport a card slot, either.

Cameras: Capturing Every Detail

The triple-camera setup, featuring a 108 MP wide lens, a 5 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2 MP macro lens, promises to be a photography powerhouse. Whether you're into detailed landscapes or close-up shots, the X8b aims to deliver. The 50 MP selfie camera with LED flash ensures your self-portraits shine.

Image credit: Honor

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

A 4500 mAh non-removable battery fuels the X8b, with 35 W wired charging keeping you on the go.

For comparison, the older X8a featured a similar battery, but with support for 22.5 W wired charging.

Sound

The absence of a 3.5 mm jack might be a mild inconvenience for audio enthusiasts. Here are the relevant specs:

For comparison, the older X8a had a similar audio setup.

Connectivity

The Honor X8b doesn't skimp on essential connectivity options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks. Also, there's Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router. It's perfect for fast file transfers and seamless collaboration.

The Honor X8b boasts Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

Lost? Not with the positioning capabilities of the Honor X8b! It supports multiple global navigation satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS. This means your phone always knows where you are, no matter where you travel in the world.

The absence of NFC might be a drawback for users keen on contactless payments.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The Honor X8b comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Virtual Proximity Sensing: The basic principle behind virtual proximity sensing is similar to a traditional proximity sensor (which detects the presence or movement of an object without physically contacting it). The "virtual" part refers to the use of software algorithms and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to enhance your device's proximity sensing capabilities. This can enable features like gesture controls, where your device responds to specific hand movements even before you touch the screen, creating a more intuitive and immersive user experience.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Honor X8b.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Honor X8b release date?

  The Honor X8b has been announced on the 14th December, 2023. It is expected to release on the 22nd December, 2023.

• What is Honor X8b price?

  The Honor X8b is priced starting from MYR 999 (about USD 213) for the 8 GB / 128 GB variant.