Honor 4 Play Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Device Overview

The Honor 4 Play, released in September 2014, represents a significant entry in the mid-range smartphone market. Renowned for its sleek design, functional features, and affordable pricing, this device offers robust performance and essential functionality that appeals to a broad range of users. Manufactured by Honor, a subsidiary of Huawei, the Honor 4 Play was crafted to deliver a compelling user experience without breaking the bank.

Network Capabilities

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring extensive connectivity options. Users benefit from 2G bands (GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900) as well as 3G bands (HSDPA 900 / 2100) and 4G bands (1, 3). These network capabilities ensure that users can maintain a reliable connection in multiple regions, making it a versatile option for those who travel frequently. With speeds reaching HSPA and LTE, users can experience fast browsing, streaming, and downloading.

Launch and Status

The Honor 4 Play was announced and subsequently released in September 2014. Although the device has since been discontinued, it remains a popular choice among users who seek a reliable and affordable smartphone with no-frills capabilities.

Design and Body

The smartphone measures 143 x 72 x 8.5 mm, making it a compact yet comfortable handheld device. Weighing only 160 g, it is lightweight and easily portable. The dual SIM feature (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) enables users to manage personal and work contacts efficiently, or combine services from different network providers, adding a layer of flexibility to its usage.

Display

The Honor 4 Play features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 294 ppi, providing clear and crisp visuals. The screen occupies about 66.9% of the front surface of the device, allowing for decent screen real estate that enhances media consumption while maintaining portability.

Platform and Performance

Operating on Android 4.4.4 KitKat combined with the EMUI 2.3 interface, the Honor 4 Play offers a user-friendly experience. Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 chipset and a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, the device assures smooth handling of everyday tasks. The Adreno 306 GPU facilitates satisfactory graphics performance, suitable for basic gaming and multimedia consumption.

Memory and Storage

With 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, the device provides adequate memory for standard usage. Users seeking additional storage can utilize the dedicated microSDHC card slot, allowing for substantial expansion of storage capacity to accommodate more apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

The Honor 4 Play features an 8 MP main camera with autofocus and an LED flash, enabling users to capture decent quality photos, even in low-light conditions. Video recording is supported, providing moderate video quality suitable for casual use. The 2 MP front-facing camera caters to basic selfie needs and video calling functionalities.

Audio and Sound

The device is equipped with a loudspeaker for audio playback and a 3.5mm headphone jack for personal listening experiences. These features accommodate diverse audio needs, from listening to music and podcasts to engaging in phone calls and watching videos.

Connectivity Features

For wireless connectivity, the Honor 4 Play includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with hotspot capabilities and Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE profiles, ensuring seamless connectivity with a wide range of devices and networks. GPS support aids in effective navigation, while the inclusion of NFC (for the G620S-L01 model) adds the convenience of contactless payments and other NFC-related functions. An FM radio provides additional entertainment options, and a microUSB 2.0 port allows for charging and data transfer.

Sensors and Additional Features

The device comes with essential sensors, including an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhance the phone’s usability by providing conveniences like automatic screen rotation, proximity actions, and direction finding.

Battery Life

Fitted with a non-removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery, the Honor 4 Play provides satisfactory battery life for regular tasks. Users can expect to get through an entire day with moderate use, which may involve browsing the internet, making calls, and using various applications.

Miscellaneous and Pricing

Available in classic colors, White and Black, the Honor 4 Play maintains a tasteful appearance. The models associated with this device include G620-L72 and G621-TL00M, and at the time of release, it was priced around 100 EUR. This pricing point underscores its position as an affordable option within the smartphone market, especially for users seeking functionality without the premium price tag.

Conclusion

The Honor 4 Play stands out as a reliable smartphone option from 2014, bringing together a balance of affordability, functionality, and practicality. While newer models offer more advanced features, this device remains a testament to Honor’s commitment to delivering quality and value to users who prioritize core functionalities over cutting-edge specifications.