Honor X5 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Honor 5X is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a lot for its price. With its sleek design and impressive specifications, it is sure to catch your attention. The 6.5-inch TFT LCD display provides a large and immersive viewing experience, while the 5000mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage. Powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio G25 chipset and 2GB of RAM, the phone delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks. The 8MP main camera captures decent photos, and the 5MP front camera is great for selfies. With a price of around 90 EUR, the Honor 5X is an affordable option for those looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

The Honor 5X boasts a sleek and stylish design that exudes a premium look and feel. With its slim form factor and well-crafted construction, it is aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing. The device features a glass front, a plastic back, and a plastic frame, which contributes to its lightweight design. Coming in at 164 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm and weighing just 193g, the Honor 5X is relatively portable and easy to handle.

The phone's physical appearance is accentuated by its 6.5-inch TFT LCD display, which offers a large viewing area with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 82.3%. The 720 x 1600-pixel resolution provides decent clarity and sharpness for everyday use. However, it falls short in terms of pixel density compared to higher-end devices.

In terms of build quality, the Honor 5X is solid and sturdy. The plastic back panel may not be as premium as glass or metal, but it offers durability and resistance to daily wear and tear. The finishing touches on the device are clean and well-executed, adding to its overall appeal.

Ergonomics play a role in the usability of the Honor 5X, with its well-positioned buttons and controls for easy access. The bezels around the display are relatively slim, maximizing the screen real estate. The grip on the phone is comfortable, allowing for one-handed usability without feeling too bulky.

Overall, the design and build of the Honor 5X strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. It may not have the same level of premium materials as higher-end devices, but it offers a robust and reliable construction that can withstand daily use.

Display

The Honor 5X features a 6.5-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and an aspect ratio of 20:9. The screen size is quite large, providing an immersive viewing experience, especially for multimedia consumption. However, the display resolution is relatively low compared to some other smartphones in its price range, resulting in a pixel density of around 270 ppi.

In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the Honor 5X's display performs adequately but may not be as vibrant or accurate as higher-end OLED displays. The brightness levels are decent, allowing for satisfactory visibility in most lighting conditions. However, outdoor visibility may be slightly compromised under direct sunlight due to the limitations of the TFT LCD technology used.

The touch responsiveness of the display is generally good, providing smooth and fluid interactions. Unfortunately, details about the display protection or the presence of Gorilla Glass are not explicitly mentioned in the sources.

The Honor 5X lacks features like HDR, wide color gamut, and adaptive brightness, which can enhance the visual experience on certain content. However, it does not have a notch design, and the bezels around the display are not too thick, contributing to a reasonable screen-to-body ratio.

It is worth noting that there is no mention of an always-on display feature or an anti-reflective coating. Additionally, information about screen calibration options or the inclusion of a blue light filter is not provided.

Overall, the display of the Honor 5X is adequate for its price range, offering a large screen size and decent color reproduction. However, it may not deliver the same level of visual quality as more premium devices with higher-resolution OLED displays and additional display features.

Performance

The Honor 5X is equipped with a Mediatek MT6762 Helio G25 chipset and a PowerVR GE8320 GPU, which deliver decent performance for its price range. In terms of gaming capabilities, this smartphone provides a smooth gaming experience with satisfactory graphics scores. The CPU benchmarks and processor performance of the Honor 5X are commendable, as it features an octa-core processor with a combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz. This configuration ensures multitasking performance and app loading speeds are relatively swift, resulting in a smooth user experience.

The Honor 5X has been optimized for system performance, offering a lag-free experience and efficient thermal management. Benchmark tests and synthetic benchmarks indicate that the device performs well in terms of overall performance metrics. The processor efficiency and GPU efficiency of the Honor 5X are noteworthy, considering its price point.

While the Honor 5X may not be able to handle high-end gaming at maximum settings, it is still capable of running most games smoothly with decent graphics. Its gaming benchmarks reveal that it can handle popular titles without major issues, providing an enjoyable gaming experience for casual gamers.

Overall, the performance of the Honor 5X is impressive considering its price range. It offers a smooth user experience, efficient multitasking, and satisfactory gaming capabilities. The device's processor and GPU benchmarks, along with its system optimization, contribute to its solid performance. Users can expect a lag-free performance, good thermal management, and a decent gaming experience on this budget-friendly smartphone.

Software and User Interface

The Honor 5X is an affordable smartphone that offers a lot for its price, but it is let down by its software, according to reviews from The Guardian, Android Authority, TechRadar, CNET, and Tech Advisor. The device runs on Android 12 (Go edition), which is a lightweight version of the operating system optimized for entry-level smartphones. However, some critics have pointed out that the software customization on the Honor 5X is not the most user-friendly.

The Honor 5X comes with a number of pre-installed apps, and while some of them are useful, others are considered bloatware. The device's interface has been criticized for being cluttered and not very intuitive. Users may find themselves having to spend some time familiarizing themselves with the layout and settings of the device.

The reviews also mention that the software on the Honor 5X could be improved in terms of performance. The device is powered by the Mediatek MT6762 Helio G25 chipset, which is coupled with 2GB of RAM. While this hardware combination should be sufficient for basic tasks, it may struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking.

Overall, the software experience on the Honor 5X is a mixed bag. While the device offers a lot in terms of hardware for its price, the software could use some refinement. The cluttered interface, pre-installed bloatware, and occasional performance issues are some of the areas where the device falls short. However, it's worth noting that the Honor 5X is an entry-level smartphone, and considering its price point, these software limitations may be forgivable for some users.

Camera

The Honor 5X features an 8-megapixel rear camera with an aperture of f/2.0, allowing for decent low-light performance and good depth of field in daylight photography. The camera also supports LED flash, which helps in capturing well-lit images in low-light conditions. The image quality is generally satisfactory, with natural colors and good sharpness. The camera's dynamic range is decent, although it may struggle in high-contrast scenes.

For indoor photography, the Honor 5X performs adequately, capturing detailed images with accurate colors. However, in low-light situations, noise reduction may become apparent, resulting in slightly softer images. The camera does not have a dedicated night mode, but it can still capture usable images in dimly lit environments with the help of its f/2.0 aperture and low-light sensitivity.

The Honor 5X offers a range of camera features, including portrait mode, HDR, panorama mode, and pro mode. The portrait mode utilizes AI scene recognition to enhance the subject's appearance and create a pleasing background blur effect. HDR mode helps capture more details in high-contrast scenes, while panorama mode allows for capturing wide-angle shots. The pro mode gives users manual control over settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.

In terms of video recording, the Honor 5X can record up to 1080p videos at 30fps. While it does not support 4K video recording, the camera does offer video stabilization, resulting in smoother footage. Slow-motion video and time-lapse modes are also available, adding creative options for capturing unique moments. The camera supports common video formats, ensuring compatibility with various devices and platforms.

Battery Life

The Honor 5X comes with a non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery, which offers a decent battery life. The large capacity battery ensures that you can use the device for extended periods without worrying about running out of power. It provides a good screen-on time and standby time, making it suitable for heavy users and those who prefer to use their phones for prolonged periods. The battery optimization features in the device help in maximizing power efficiency and improving battery performance. However, there is no mention of fast charging or wireless charging options for the Honor 5X. The device does not feature any advanced charging technology, so the charging speed and efficiency may not be as fast as some other smartphones in its class. Overall, the Honor 5X offers a reliable battery backup and capacity, but it may not have the latest charging advancements.

Connectivity and Networking

The Honor 5X offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected on the go. It supports network compatibility with GSM, HSPA, and LTE, allowing for reliable and fast data speeds. With its dual SIM capability, you can easily switch between two different phone numbers or plans.

For wireless connectivity, the Honor 5X supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, allowing you to connect to Wi-Fi networks for internet access. The Wi-Fi Direct feature enables direct communication with other devices without the need for a wireless access point.

Bluetooth 5.1 is available on the Honor 5X, ensuring seamless and fast communication with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Whether you want to connect wireless headphones, transfer files, or use Bluetooth peripherals, the Honor 5X has you covered.

While NFC functionality is not included on the Honor 5X, it does offer a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. It also supports USB On-The-Go (OTG), allowing you to connect external storage devices or peripherals.

When it comes to navigation, the Honor 5X features GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, ensuring accurate and reliable positioning information. Whether you're using navigation apps or tracking your fitness activities, the Honor 5X has the connectivity options you need.

Overall, the Honor 5X provides a solid range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and GPS, making it a versatile device for staying connected and navigating on the go.

Additional Features

• Standout Features: The Honor 5X offers a lot of phone for the money, with a solid build quality and a large display that boasts an 82.3% screen-to-body ratio. Its 6.5-inch TFT LCD display provides a good viewing experience with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. The phone is powered by a Mediatek MT6762 Helio G25 chipset and an octa-core processor, delivering decent performance for everyday tasks.


• Additional Sensors: The Honor 5X features an accelerometer and a proximity sensor, which enhances the user experience by enabling various motion-based interactions and automatically adjusting screen brightness during calls, respectively. These sensors, along with other standard sensors, contribute to a comprehensive sensor suite that aids in providing a smooth and intuitive user experience.


• Battery Life: With a non-removable 5000 mAh Li-Po battery, the Honor 5X offers impressive battery life, ensuring that you can stay connected and use your device for extended periods without worrying about running out of power.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Honor 5X, released in 2016, was lauded for its affordability and impressive specifications. However, as time has passed, newer devices with improved features have entered the market. When comparing the Honor 5X to its related gadgets, it's important to consider its competitors, market positioning, feature set, performance, and pricing.

In terms of competitors, the Honor 5X faced tough competition from devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and the Motorola Moto G4 Plus. These devices offered similar specifications and were priced competitively, making them attractive alternatives for budget-conscious consumers.

When it comes to market positioning, the Honor 5X positioned itself as a budget-friendly option without compromising on features. However, newer devices with more advanced features have since entered the market, making the Honor 5X appear dated in comparison.

In terms of features, the Honor 5X offered a 5.5-inch display, a decent camera, and a fingerprint sensor - all at an affordable price point. However, newer devices now offer larger displays, better camera quality, and more advanced features such as facial recognition and multiple camera lenses.

In terms of performance, the Honor 5X performed adequately for its time, thanks to its octa-core processor and sufficient RAM. However, advancements in processor technology and increased RAM capacity in newer devices have resulted in significantly improved performance and smoother multitasking capabilities.

When considering pricing, the Honor 5X was initially praised for offering great value for money. However, the market has since seen the introduction of devices with similar or even better specifications at similar price points, making the Honor 5X less competitive in terms of pricing.

In summary, while the Honor 5X was once considered a solid budget option, newer devices with improved features and performance have entered the market. Its competitors offered similar specifications, market positioning, and pricing, making the Honor 5X face tough competition. However, it remains an option for those seeking a budget-friendly device with decent specifications.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Honor 5X offers a lot of features for its affordable price point. Its sleek design, large display, and decent camera capabilities make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, it is important to note that the software experience can be a letdown, with occasional lags and bloatware. Despite this drawback, the Honor 5X still provides good value for money, especially considering its impressive battery life and expandable storage options. If you are in the market for a budget smartphone with solid performance and basic features, the Honor 5X is definitely worth considering.