Honor Play 3e Specs Prices & Performance Unveiled

Design and Build

The Honor Play 3e, introduced in September 2019, presents a sleek and appealing design. With dimensions of 147.1 x 70.8 x 8.5 mm and weighing only 146 grams, the device offers a comfortable grip and portability. The dual SIM functionality, which supports Nano-SIM and dual standby, is particularly useful for users who need to manage two phone lines simultaneously. Available in Magic Night Black, Platinum Gold, and Aurora Blue, the phone provides consumers with color options to match their personal style.

Display

The device sports a 5.71-inch IPS LCD display, offering a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 78.1%. This gives users a relatively immersive viewing experience. The resolution stands at 720 x 1520 pixels with a pixel density of ~295 ppi, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals which are suitable for everyday use such as browsing and video playback.

Performance and Software

The Honor Play 3e is powered by the Mediatek MT6762R Helio P22 chipset, which is built on a 12nm process. The octa-core CPU consists of 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, providing a balance between performance and power efficiency. The PowerVR GE8320 GPU takes charge of graphics processing, ensuring smooth graphics performance for casual gaming and media consumption.

Running on Android 9.0 (Pie) with Huawei's EMUI 9.1 skin, the software interface is user-friendly and provides a number of customization options to enhance user experience. Although the device does not run the latest version of Android, EMUI brings various useful features, making daily tasks easy and efficient.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone is available in two memory configurations: 32GB of internal storage with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage with 3GB of RAM. This gives users the flexibility to choose according to their storage and multitasking needs. Additionally, the phone includes a dedicated slot for microSDXC cards, allowing users to expand storage further to accommodate more apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

Honor Play 3e is equipped with a single 13 MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture, featuring PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus), LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes. These features ensure that users can capture decent photos with good detail under various lighting conditions. The rear camera supports video recording at 1080p@30fps.

The 5 MP front-facing camera, with an f/2.2 aperture, allows for quality selfies and video calls, also supporting 1080p@30fps video recording.

Battery Life

The Honor Play 3e houses a non-removable Li-Po 3020 mAh battery. While it may not be the largest capacity compared to recent standards, this battery should be sufficient for a full day's worth of moderate usage given the device's efficient processor and optimized software. It's worth noting that the microUSB 2.0 port for charging may not support fast charging, which is a consideration for users who prioritize quick battery top-ups.

Connectivity

The device offers a wide range of connectivity options. It supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring wide compatibility with different network standards around the globe. Additional connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct capabilities, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS, GLONASS, BDS for location services. Although NFC is absent, the phone comes with FM radio and supports microUSB 2.0 with OTG capabilities, adding value to its multimedia and data-sharing experiences.

Audio and Sensors

In terms of audio, the Honor Play 3e includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to traditional audio preferences without the need for adapters. When it comes to sensors, the device incorporates an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which are standard and provide essential functionality for everyday tasks.

Price and Value Proposition

The Honor Play 3e is positioned as an affordable smartphone option, with a price of about 90 EUR. At this price range, it offers a competitive set of features including a decent camera, expandable storage, and a Dual SIM option, making it a strong contender in the budget smartphone market. It's particularly suitable for those who need a reliable secondary device or are making their entry into the smartphone world.

Conclusion

Overall, the Honor Play 3e manages to balance set capabilities with cost-effectiveness. Its compact design, reliable performance, and adequate camera features make it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers. While it may not feature the latest technologies like 5G connectivity or fast charging, it adequately meets the needs of users looking for a basic and dependable smartphone experience.