Honor Note 8 The Ultimate Guide to Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Honor Note 8 boasts a design that combines elegance with practicality. The device measures 178.8 x 90.9 x 7.2 mm and weighs 219 grams, which makes it a substantial phone in hand, but one that feels solid and premium. The hybrid dual SIM design allows for flexibility in managing personal and professional contacts, although users need to choose between a second SIM or additional storage via microSD. The phone's construction includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing easy access and enhanced security.

Display Quality

The Honor Note 8 is equipped with a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The display offers a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, achieving a density of approximately 443 ppi, which results in sharp and vibrant visuals. The screen-to-body ratio of 74.6% provides a wide viewing angle while Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection ensures some resistance against scratches and drops.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Honor Note 8 is powered by the Kirin 955 chipset, built on a 16 nm process. It features an octa-core CPU configuration, with four Cortex-A72 cores clocked at 2.5 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.8 GHz, contributing to a balance of performance and energy efficiency. The Mali-T880 MP4 GPU ensures smooth graphic performance, suitable for most modern games and graphic-intensive applications. Available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB internal storage options, all models come equipped with 4GB RAM, supporting multitasking and daily operations efficiently.

Camera Capabilities

The Honor Note 8 is fitted with a 13 MP main camera, offering an aperture of f/2.0, autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS), and dual-LED dual-tone flash. These features culminate in a camera capable of taking high-quality photos with good detail even in challenging lighting conditions. The handset supports 4K video recording at 30fps, allowing for crisp video capture. The 5 MP front-facing camera also features an f/2.0 aperture and can record 1080p videos, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Battery and Charging

A 4500 mAh battery powers the Honor Note 8, providing ample longevity for daily usage that includes web browsing, video playback, and gaming. Despite its large capacity, the charging technology is restricted to 10W wired charging, which some users may find slower compared to modern fast-charging standards. However, this capacity ensures reliable performance for moderate to heavy usage without needing frequent recharges.

Operating System and Software

Out of the box, the Honor Note 8 runs on Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) with Huawei's EMUI 4.1. However, it is upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo), allowing users to benefit from more recent software features and security updates. EMUI offers a highly customized user experience with features designed to enhance usability and functionality.

Connectivity and Network

The phone supports a wide range of network technologies including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, making it versatile in terms of network compatibility. With support for 2G, 3G, and 4G (LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps and 2CA Cat6 300/50 Mbps), users can expect reliable connectivity across diverse regions and network conditions. The absence of NFC might be a downside for those who rely on it for contactless payments.

Additional Features and Sensors

In terms of additional features, the Honor Note 8 includes a suite of sensors: a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These enhance the usability of the device, offering features like motion control and reliable navigation. The device also supports standard communication technologies including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.2, and USB Type-C with OTG support.

Sound and Audio

The Honor Note 8 includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, staying true to traditional audio connectivity which many users still appreciate. This allows using both wired headphones and enjoying music or calls through the built-in speaker.

Market Position and Pricing

Initially launched in August 2016 and released to the market in September 2016, the Honor Note 8 positioned itself as a high-performing phablet with a large screen. Priced at around 250 EUR at its release, it offered competitive features at a mid-range price, appealing to consumers looking for a large display and ample battery life without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

The Honor Note 8, with its impressive display, robust performance, and sizable battery, aimed to serve users who need a dependable and large-screen device. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a notable option in the used and refurbished markets due to its solid build and core capabilities. While lacking some modern connectivity features like NFC and faster charging technologies, it still holds up for users whose usage patterns align with its features.