Honor 20i Complete Review of Specs Pricing Pros and Cons

Overview and Launch

The Honor 20i was announced and released in April 2019, marking an addition to Honor's lineup of affordable smartphones. Honor, a sub-brand of Huawei, focuses on providing quality devices targeting the mid-range segment with an emphasis on keeping costs accessible while not compromising on essential features.

Design and Build

The Honor 20i boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 154.8 x 73.6 x 8 mm and a weight of 164 g, making it comfortable to hold and use single-handedly. The device supports Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), offering flexibility for users who need to manage professional and personal contacts. Its aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by its vibrant color options, including Gradient Blue, Gradient Red, and Magic Night Black.

Display Characteristics

The phone features an IPS LCD display, measuring 6.21 inches with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 83.1%. The resolution stands at 1080 x 2340 pixels with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, delivering crisp and vivid visuals. The pixel density of about 415 ppi ensures sharp texts and vibrant images, enhancing the multimedia experience.

Performance: CPU and GPU

Under the hood, the Honor 20i is powered by the Kirin 710 chipset built on a 12 nm process. The octa-core CPU includes a combination of four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz for performance-intensive tasks and four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.7 GHz to ensure efficient processing. The Mali-G51 MP4 GPU contributes to smooth and responsive graphics rendering, suitable for gaming and multimedia applications.

Operating System and User Interface

Running on Android 9.0 Pie with EMUI 9.1, the Honor 20i offers a user-friendly interface with a plethora of features. EMUI provides additional functionalities over stock Android, such as gesture-based navigation, enhanced settings management, and design customizations, improving user interaction and personalization options.

Memory Configurations

The device accommodates several storage and RAM configurations to cater to varying user needs. Options include 64GB storage with 6GB RAM, 128GB storage with either 4GB or 6GB RAM, and a top-tier model with 256GB storage paired with 6GB RAM. Further expandability is available via microSDXC support, sharing a slot with SIM2.

Camera Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Honor 20i's triple rear camera setup. It includes a primary 24 MP lens with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, an 8 MP ultrawide lens with f/2.4 aperture, and a 2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture. This configuration supports features such as LED flash, HDR, and panorama. Video capabilities include 1080p recording at 30/60fps. On the front, a formidable 32 MP selfie camera with f/2.0 aperture delivers excellent wide-angle shots and 1080p video recording at 30fps, complete with HDR functionality.

Battery Performance

The device houses a non-removable Li-Po 3400 mAh battery supporting 10W wired charging. While it might not support the fastest charging standards, the battery life is adequate for a day's moderate use, efficiently supporting the device's energy requirements.

Connectivity and Network

The Honor 20i is well-equipped for connectivity, supporting GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE technologies. Users can expect network integration across multiple bands, including 2G bands (GSM 900/1800/1900), 3G (HSDPA 850/900/2100), and 4G (bands 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41). Data speeds reach up to HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, delivering reliable communication and data transfer speeds.

Additional Features and Sensors

For added convenience and security, the Honor 20i integrates various sensors. These include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. The fingerprint sensor ensures quick and secure access to the device, contributing to overall user security.

Audio and Sound

The phone is equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, providing traditional connectivity for audio peripherals. While the Honor 20i does not come with groundbreaking audio features, it provides satisfactory sound quality for everyday use, including music, calls, and video playback.

Wireless and Other Communication

Wi-Fi capabilities include support for standards a/b/g/n/ac alongside dual-band and Wi-Fi Direct for improved internet and device-to-device connectivity. Bluetooth 4.2, with A2DP, LE, and aptX HD support, ensures stable wireless connections with other devices. Although NFC is not available, the device includes GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for precise location tracking and FM radio for traditional media consumption. The microUSB 2.0, OTG-capable port facilitates charging and data exchange.

Pricing and Availability

The Honor 20i was released with a price tag of approximately 210 EUR, positioning it competitively within the mid-range smartphone market. Its availability spans multiple models, recognized by model numbers such as HRY-TL00T, HRY-AL00TA, and others, ensuring wide geographic accessibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Honor 20i is a robust option for individuals seeking a device that balances performance, photography, and design at a reasonable price point. While it may not include the latest in flagship technologies, it offers a balanced mix of features suited for everyday use and casual photography enthusiasts, making it a substantial competitor in the mid-tier smartphone category.