When it comes to budget smartphones, consumers often have to navigate a sea of options, each promising great features and performance at an affordable price. The HONOR X6a is one such contender in the crowded budget smartphone arena. With a spec sheet that boasts some impressive numbers, it certainly piqued our interest. But does this budget-friendly device live up to the hype, or is it just another forgettable entry in the market? Let’s dive in and take a closer look.
Design and Build Quality (6.5/10)
Let’s start with the exterior. The HONOR X6a doesn’t exactly turn heads with its design, but it’s not an eyesore either. It comes in two colors: Cyan Lake and Midnight Black. The Midnight Black variant has a more understated and elegant look, while the Cyan Lake is for those who want something a bit more flashy. The build quality is decent, with a plastic back that feels a tad bit cheap but doesn’t scream “budget” as some other devices in this price range do.
The phone’s dimensions are 163.3 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm, which makes it reasonably slim and pocketable. It weighs in at 188 grams, which is neither too heavy nor too light, providing a comfortable feel in the hand.
Display (6/10)
The HONOR X6a sports a 6.56-inch display with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. While this may seem like a generous screen size, the low-resolution display is where some compromises are evident. The pixel density is on the lower side, which means text and images can appear a bit pixelated, especially when viewed up close.
Colors are decently vibrant, but don’t expect the same level of punchiness and detail you’d get from a higher-end phone. The display’s brightness is sufficient for indoor use, but it struggles a bit under direct sunlight. It’s worth noting that at this price point, you can’t expect a high-end OLED or AMOLED display, so this is an area where the budget nature of the device shows.
Performance (6.5/10)
Under the hood, the HONOR X6a is powered by the MediaTek Helio G36 chipset, a budget-friendly option. It features an octa-core CPU with four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.7 GHz. The GPU is a PowerVR GE8320.
For everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and email, the X6a handles them well without any noticeable lag. However, it’s not a gaming powerhouse. While casual games run smoothly, you’ll have to dial down the settings for more demanding titles.
The 4GB of RAM is adequate for multitasking, but you may experience some slowdowns if you have too many apps open simultaneously. Storage-wise, the device offers 64GB, which is expandable via a microSD card slot, providing ample space for your apps and media.
Camera (6.5/10)
The camera setup on the HONOR X6a includes a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. While the 50MP primary camera sounds impressive on paper, the actual image quality is a mixed bag. In well-lit conditions, it can capture decent shots with accurate colors, but the level of detail and dynamic range is lacking compared to more expensive smartphones.
The depth sensor helps with portrait mode shots, and the macro lens allows for close-up photography, but don’t expect breathtaking results. In low light, the camera struggles, producing noisy and grainy photos.
Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30FPS, which is standard for budget devices. The quality is decent for casual video recording, but again, don’t expect anything spectacular.
The 5MP front-facing camera is serviceable for selfies and video calls, but it won’t blow you away with its image quality. It’s important to remember that the HONOR X6a is a budget device, and the camera capabilities reflect that.
SAMPLE SHOTS USING HONOR X6a
Aesthetically pleasing and colorful objects
Night Mode
Aperture Mode
Panning picture
Battery Life (8/10)
One area where the HONOR X6a shines is battery life. It packs a 5200mAh Li-Po battery, which is quite generous for a budget smartphone. In practical use, this translates to all-day battery life with ease. Even with moderate to heavy usage, you’ll likely have enough juice to get through a full day without needing a recharge.
The device supports 22.5W wired charging, and HONOR claims that it can reach 31% battery in just 20 minutes. While this isn’t the fastest charging we’ve seen, it’s respectable for a budget device.
Software (7/10)
The HONOR X6a runs on Android 13 with HONOR’s Magic UI 7.1 skin on top. This combination offers a fairly clean and user-friendly experience. Magic UI does add some customizations and pre-installed apps, but it doesn’t overwhelm the stock Android feel.
One drawback is the uncertain future of software updates. While HONOR has typically provided decent software support for its devices, the track record for budget phones is less consistent. So, it’s unclear how long the X6a will receive updates and security patches.
Connectivity and Extras (6/10)
The device supports dual SIM cards, which is convenient for those who travel or maintain separate personal and work numbers. It also offers standard connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Unfortunately, there’s no NFC support, so mobile payments via services like Google Pay won’t be an option.
Another notable absence is a fingerprint sensor. Instead, the HONOR X6a relies solely on facial recognition for biometric security. While it works reasonably well in good lighting conditions, it can be less reliable in low light or if you’re wearing a mask.
Conclusion
“In the world of budget smartphones, the HONOR X6a is a middle-of-the-road contender. It offers decent performance for everyday tasks, impressive battery life, and a camera setup that’s serviceable for casual photography. However, it falls short in areas such as display quality and gaming performance.
If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize battery life and general usability over top-tier features, the HONOR X6a could be a suitable choice. It offers a functional Android experience without breaking the bank. However, if you’re looking for a device with a more impressive display, camera capabilities, or gaming prowess, you may need to consider stretching your budget a bit further.
Ultimately, the HONOR X6a represents a classic case of “you get what you pay for.” It’s an affordable option with some compromises, but it could be the right fit for the right user – Rachelle ( Founder & Tech reviewer of Techg3.com)
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