Price and specifications of Honor V8 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Network and Connectivity

The Honor V8 supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, providing a broad range of connectivity options. It features dual SIM support through a hybrid slot, which allows for flexibility in network usage. Supporting 2G bands like GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for both SIM slots, it ensures basic connectivity. Moving to 3G, it works with HSDPA bands 850/900/1900/2100. For 4G LTE, the supported bands include 1, 3, 4, and 7, and it provides impressive speeds with HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps, allowing for fast data transfers, streaming, and browsing.

Design and Build

Released in May 2016, the Honor V8 showcases a sleek, elegant design with a body that measures 157 x 77.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 170 grams. The device is slim and easy to handle despite its large screen size. Its construction features a hybrid dual SIM slot that allows a combination of Nano-SIM cards and microSD support for expanded storage, though this expansion uses the second SIM slot. The color options—Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold—offer choices to reflect personal style preferences. Although now discontinued, its design remains contemporary and stylish.

Display

Equipped with a 5.7-inch IPS-NEO LCD, the Honor V8 features two resolution options based on models: one offering 1080 x 1920 pixels (~386 ppi) and the other 1440 x 2560 pixels (~515 ppi), catering to varying needs for clarity and color depth. The screen's Corning Gorilla Glass 3 offers protection against scratches and minor damage. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 73.5%, the display offers a rich viewing experience for videos, images, and general use, optimized for brightness and color accuracy.

Performance and Software

The device runs on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) overlaid with EMUI 4.1, providing a user-friendly interface and decent performance for its time. The Honor V8 is built with the Kirin 950 chipset for the KNT-AL10 and KNT-TL10 models and Kirin 955 for the KNT-AL20 version. This is supported by an octa-core processor setup, diversely split between powerful Cortex-A72 cores and efficient Cortex-A53 cores. The Mali-T880 MP4 GPU handles graphical tasks, supporting smooth gaming and video playback experiences.

Memory and Storage

The Honor V8 comes in models with either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage paired with 4GB of RAM. This RAM capacity aids in multitasking and running multiple applications smoothly. For users requiring additional storage, the device offers expansion via microSDXC, although this uses the second SIM slot, making it a choice between dual SIM functionality and expanded storage. This hybrid slot design provides flexibility based on user priorities.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera setup of the Honor V8 includes a dual 12 MP configuration with an f/2.2 aperture, PDAF, and includes a secondary monochrome sensor for improved detail capture. Features such as dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, and HDR modes enhance the photography experience, allowing for diverse and high-quality photo captures. It records video at 1080p up to 60fps with options for slow-motion at 720p. The selfie camera is an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.4 aperture, capable of 1080p video recording, suited for video calls and decent self-portraits.

Audio and Additional Features

The device contains a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to traditional audio output needs and quality sound. Communications features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band support, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC (selected models), and an IR port for various wireless interfacing and connectivity uses. The inclusion of a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner provides security and ease of access combined with sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass for enhanced device interaction.

Battery Life

Powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3500 mAh battery, the Honor V8 delivers respectable endurance with moderate usage. This capacity supports the device's requirements throughout a full day with general usage patterns such as calls, browsing, and media consumption.

Market Position and Pricing

At launch, the Honor V8 was priced competitively around 290 EUR, aiming to cater to mid-range market segments. While it has since been discontinued, its specifications offered substantial value with a combination of performance, display quality, and versatile photography features. The selection of color variants and design also contributed to its appeal.