So, I’ve been messing around with the Honor 8 Lite lately, and honestly, it’s a pretty interesting phone. It looks nice, feels good in the hand, and for the price, it does a lot of things right. It’s not perfect, of course, but it’s definitely worth a look if you’re in the market for a new phone that won’t break the bank. Let’s break down what this Honor 8 Lite is all about.
Key Takeaways
- The Honor 8 Lite sports a nice design with a 5.2-inch FHD screen and a 2.5D curved glass finish, giving it a premium feel.
- Under the hood, it’s powered by the Kirin 655 processor with 4GB of RAM, which handles daily tasks and multitasking pretty well, though heavy games might show some lag.
- It runs on Android Nougat 7.0 with EMUI 5.0 on top, offering a clean interface with plenty of customization options.
- The 12MP rear camera captures decent photos with good detail, and the 8MP front camera is fine for selfies.
- Features like 4G LTE, VoLTE, a responsive fingerprint sensor, and good audio quality round out the experience, making the Honor 8 Lite a solid mid-range option.
Honor 8 Lite Design and Display
The Honor 8 Lite really tries to stand out with its looks, and honestly, it does a pretty good job. It feels good in your hand, not too heavy, and the way the light hits it makes it look more expensive than it is. It’s got this smooth, curved glass on the front and back, which gives it a really polished feel. You can actually use it one-handed without much trouble, which is a big plus these days.
Premium Build and Ergonomics
Honor clearly put some thought into how this phone feels. The sides have this metallic frame that adds a bit of grip, and the whole thing just feels solid. It’s not just about looks, though; the way it’s shaped makes it comfortable to hold for longer periods. The combination of glass and metal gives it a premium feel that’s hard to beat at this price point.
Immersive 5.2-inch FHD Display
When you turn on the Honor 8 Lite, you’re greeted by a 5.2-inch screen that’s pretty sharp. It’s a Full HD display, so your apps and videos look clear, and the colors are quite vibrant. Even when you’re outside on a sunny day, you can still see what’s on the screen without too much squinting. It’s not the absolute brightest screen out there, but it’s definitely good enough for everyday use. Watching videos or browsing the web is a pleasant experience on this display.
2.5D Curved Glass Elegance
One of the design elements that really makes the Honor 8 Lite pop is the 2.5D curved glass. It’s not a dramatic curve, but it’s enough to make the edges of the screen feel smoother when you touch them. This design choice also helps the phone blend nicely into the frame, making it look more unified and sleek. It’s these little details that make the phone feel more high-end, and it’s something you’ll notice every time you pick it up. It’s a nice touch that adds to the overall aesthetic appeal, making the phone a pleasure to look at and hold. You can find more details about its overall performance in this Honor 8 Lite review.
Honor 8 Lite Performance and Hardware
When we talk about what makes a phone tick, the Honor 8 Lite really brings its own game to the table. Under the hood, it’s running on the Kirin 655 processor. This chip is an octa-core setup, meaning it has eight cores working together, split into two groups. Four of these cores are designed for speed, running at 2.1GHz, while the other four are more about saving power, clocking in at 1.7GHz. This setup helps balance performance with battery life, which is always a good thing.
Kirin 655 Processor Power
This processor is the heart of the phone, and it handles daily tasks pretty well. You’ll find that opening apps and switching between them feels quite snappy. It’s not going to win any speed races against high-end flagships, but for everyday use, it’s more than capable. It’s built on a solid architecture that provides a good foundation for everything you do on the phone.
4GB RAM for Multitasking
Paired with the processor is 4GB of RAM. This is a decent amount of memory that really helps with multitasking. You can have a few apps open in the background without the phone slowing down too much. Switching between your social media feed, a web browser, and maybe a music player is generally a smooth experience. It means you’re not constantly waiting for apps to reload when you jump back into them.
Mali-T830 GPU Gaming Capabilities
For graphics, the Honor 8 Lite uses the Mali-T830 GPU. This graphics chip is decent for casual gaming. You can play most popular games without too much trouble, though you might notice some slowdowns or dropped frames in really demanding titles. Games like Asphalt 8 or Modern Combat 5 are playable, but don’t expect ultra-smooth, high-fidelity graphics. It’s more suited for lighter games or playing more intensive ones on lower settings. The phone can get a bit warm during extended gaming sessions, which is something to keep in mind.
64GB Expandable Storage
Storage-wise, the Honor 8 Lite comes with 64GB of internal storage. This is a good amount of space for your apps, photos, and videos. If you happen to fill that up, there’s good news: you can expand the storage using a microSD card. This gives you the flexibility to add more space, up to an additional 128GB, which is great if you take a lot of photos or download movies. This makes it easier to manage your digital life without constantly worrying about running out of room, especially if you’re looking at phones like the Honor 8X/9X Lite.
Software Experience on Honor 8 Lite
When you first power on the Honor 8 Lite, you’ll find it running Android Nougat 7.0. This is pretty standard for phones from its release period, and it provides a solid base for everything else. On top of that, Honor has put its own spin on things with EMUI 5.0. It’s a pretty clean interface, honestly. You won’t find a ton of extra apps you don’t need, which is always a good sign.
One of the things I really liked was how much you can actually change. It’s not just a locked-down experience. You can tweak a lot of the settings to make it work better for you. For example, you can remove apps that are already installed if you don’t use them, and you can even rearrange the quick settings toggles. It feels like Honor actually wants you to customize your phone. This level of user control makes the software experience feel much more personal. It’s nice to have a phone that adapts to how you use it, rather than the other way around. It’s a good example of how a manufacturer can add its own flavor without making things complicated. You can check out other phones with similar software here.
Camera Capabilities of the Honor 8 Lite
Let’s talk about the cameras on the Honor 8 Lite. It’s got a 12-megapixel shooter on the back, and honestly, it does a pretty decent job, especially when there’s good light. You’ll get sharp pictures with nice colors, and the autofocus is quick, which is great for catching those fleeting moments. It really shines in daylight, capturing a good amount of detail.
12MP Rear Camera Performance
The main 12MP camera is the star here. It uses a sensor with 1.25-micron pixels, which helps it gather more light. This means your photos should look pretty good, even if the lighting isn’t perfect. It’s paired with a single LED flash for those times you need a little extra light.
Swift Shutter Speed and PDAF
One thing that makes a big difference is how fast the camera can take a picture. The Honor 8 Lite has a swift shutter speed, so you’re less likely to get blurry shots of moving subjects. Plus, it uses Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), which helps the camera lock onto your subject quickly and accurately. This makes taking photos a much smoother experience, and you can check out some sample shots to see how it performs in different conditions external lighting.
8MP Front-Facing Camera
For all your selfie needs, there’s an 8-megapixel camera on the front. It’s good for video calls and, of course, snapping selfies. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of the rear camera, it’s perfectly capable for everyday use.
Connectivity and Audio Features
4G LTE and VoLTE Support
The Honor 8 Lite keeps you connected with solid network support. It handles 4G LTE, which means faster downloads and smoother streaming when you’re out and about. Plus, it supports VoLTE, or Voice over LTE. This basically means your phone calls will sound clearer and connect quicker, assuming your carrier supports it, of course. It’s a nice touch that makes a difference in everyday calls. You can also expect decent Wi-Fi speeds for when you’re at home or in the office, connecting to networks using the 802.11 b, g, n standards. This phone also has Wi-Fi Direct and can act as a hotspot, which is handy if you need to share your connection.
Dual SIM Hybrid Functionality
For those who juggle work and personal numbers, or travel a lot, the dual SIM setup is a big plus. It’s a hybrid slot, though, so you’ll have to choose between using a second SIM card or expanding the phone’s storage with a microSD card. It’s a bit of a trade-off, but having the option is good. This setup allows for easy management of two different phone numbers without needing two separate devices. It’s a practical feature for many users, especially if you’re looking to keep your personal and work lives separate.
Audio Quality and Speaker Output
When it comes to audio, the Honor 8 Lite is pretty standard but gets the job done. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is great news for anyone who prefers wired headphones or doesn’t want to deal with Bluetooth pairing. The sound quality through the headphones is decent for casual listening. For speaker output, you get an earpiece that doubles as a speaker for calls and a main loudspeaker. It’s loud enough for notifications and speakerphone calls, but don’t expect booming bass or concert-hall richness. It’s a single speaker setup, so no stereo sound here, but it’s functional for everyday use.
User Interaction and Security
When you pick up the Honor 8 Lite, the first thing you’ll probably notice is how nice it feels in your hand. It’s got this smooth finish that just feels good. But beyond the feel, the phone is set up to be easy to use, and keeping your stuff safe is a big part of that.
Responsive Fingerprint Sensor
The fingerprint scanner on the back is pretty quick. You don’t have to press hard or wait around for it to read your print. It just works, most of the time, the first try. It’s located right where your index finger naturally rests when you hold the phone, which is a smart design choice. This makes getting into your phone feel natural, not like an extra step.
Fast and Reliable Unlocking
Unlocking the Honor 8 Lite is generally a breeze. Whether you’re using the fingerprint sensor or the standard PIN or pattern, it gets you to your home screen without much fuss. This speed means you can quickly check notifications or reply to a message without getting annoyed by a slow unlock. It’s the kind of thing that makes daily use feel smoother. For those who want to keep their device secure, this is a big plus. It’s good to know that even with quick access, your personal data is protected. For example, HONOR has committed to providing long-term support for their devices, which includes security updates, giving you peace of mind for years to come, similar to the support offered for their flagship models HONOR devices.
Enhanced Security Measures
Beyond just unlocking, the phone has other ways to keep things private. You can manage app permissions so that apps only access what they need. There are also options for guest mode, which lets someone else use your phone without seeing your private files or messages. It’s these little touches that add up to a more secure and personal experience. The phone also includes standard Android security features, which are regularly updated to protect against new threats.
So, Should You Get the Honor 8 Lite?
Alright, so after checking out the Honor 8 Lite, it seems like a pretty decent phone for what it costs. It looks good, feels nice in your hand, and the software is pretty clean with some neat customization options. The camera does a good job in decent light, and that fingerprint scanner is quick. However, it’s not perfect. If you’re a big gamer or need super-fast charging, you might want to look elsewhere. It handles everyday stuff well, but heavy apps can slow it down a bit, and it gets a little warm sometimes. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want a stylish phone that does the basics well and doesn’t break the bank, but keep its limitations in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the phone’s design and screen like?
The Honor 8 Lite has a nice design that feels good in your hand, like a more expensive phone. It has a 5.2-inch screen that shows clear pictures and bright colors. The screen is covered with a special curved glass that looks fancy and feels smooth.
How well does the phone perform and what’s inside?
This phone uses Honor’s own Kirin 655 chip, which is like the phone’s brain. It also has 4GB of memory, so you can switch between apps without problems. For games, it has a Mali-T830 chip, which is okay for most games, though really tough ones might slow down a bit. You get 64GB of space for your stuff, and you can add more with a memory card.
What software does the phone use?
The Honor 8 Lite runs on Android 7.0, which is a bit older now, but it has Honor’s own style called EMUI 5.0 on top. This makes the phone look and work a certain way, and you can change many things to make it yours. It’s pretty easy to use.
How good are the phone’s cameras?
It has a 12-megapixel camera on the back that takes good pictures with clear details and nice colors, especially when there’s enough light. It can focus quickly. The front camera is 8 megapixels, good for taking selfies.
What about internet, calls, and sound?
You can use fast 4G internet with this phone, and it also works well for calls. It can hold two SIM cards at once, or one SIM card and a memory card. The sound quality from the speakers is pretty good for listening to music or watching videos.
Does the phone have a fingerprint scanner?
Yes, there’s a fingerprint scanner on the back that unlocks your phone very quickly and reliably. It’s a safe way to keep your phone protected.