Honor 7X it is a very interesting smartphone, with few flaws. Here it is in our full review.
We have been testing the mid-range of the Chinese company for quite some time. After the first week of use we have expressed our impressions, confirmed for the most part in the full review.
Aesthetics, first contact and display
There aren't many mid-ranges that can guarantee the wow effect. Well, with Honor 7X and its particular display Full View, this is what awaits you. A very decisive step forward compared to the predecessor 6X from all points of view.
It is neither thin nor light, but overall it holds well in the hand despite the size of the display. The dimensions are 156.5 x 75.3 x 7.6 millimeters for a weight of 165 grams. The rear panel is of aluminum and creates with the side frames a unibody that reaches up to the protective glass of the display with 2,5D relief.
We are in front of a screen from 5,99" with aspect ratio 18:9 and Full HD + resolution (i.e. 1080X2160). It is an IPS LCD panel with a density of 407PPI. Visibility is optimal in all lighting conditions, even if the automatic adjustment of the same is not perfect. In some cases, I had to intervene manually. In addition, there is the possibility to customize various display parameters such as text size and color temperature.
Overall, the Honor 7X is a very pleasant device to look at and when you take it in hand the excellent construction confirms the initial good impression.
Good mid-range hardware
At the hardware level, Honor 7X is equipped with octa core processor Kirin HiSilicon 659, the mid-range soc designed by Huawei. In support, 4GB RAM memory and well 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD giving up the possibility of using the dual SIM functionality. The GPU is the one integrated inside the Soc, Mali-T830 MP2 and allows you to enjoy multimedia content and play without blocks.
The software is now a classic from Honor and Huawei
Obviously, Honor 7X is equipped with an operating system Android Nougat updated to version 7.0. The interface is now the one known by all fans, that is EMUI (5.0). The security patches, at the time of writing, are current as of November 2017.
The user experience has improved over time, a little limp at first, but definitely more stable with the arrival of the latest update. It is a reliable mid-range, capable of accompanying you even on the most intense stressful days without showing any sagging. The optimization between hardware and software, to date, is noteworthy.
EMUI is aheavy interface, but offers several customizations. The most interesting, considering the Honor 7X display, is certainly the possibility of dividing the screen in two and carrying out two tasks at the same time.
Good energy autonomy
The energy autonomy of Honor 7X it allowed me to cover almost a day of heavy use. One battery from 3340 mAh which recharge quite quickly even if there is no support for fast charging (you will need just over an hour starting from scratch). Too bad you can only rely on the micro USB input because USB type-C is missing.
Obviously, all the forms of energy saving and optimization typical of EMUI are present. Personally, I have left out the former by relying on the latter.
It is not a camera phone
Honor 7X can't be everything. In fact, it is not a camera phone. The double sensor from 16 + 2MP should guarantee photographs with good depth of field, due to the presence of the second sensor. If the lighting conditions are at the top (natural light or strong artificial lighting) you will be able to achieve enough photographs and with an acceptable blur. Unfortunately, however, as the light decreases the noise rises exponentially.
I video are shot with maximum resolution Full HD, even these are sufficient. The (digital) stabilization is not the best. There frontal room from 8MP gives interesting selfies. Surprisingly, they're good enough even if the light isn't the best.
Good connectivity, but there are truancy absences
At the level of mobile data connectivity, the highest form is the 4G (on one SIM at a time). Good reception as well as capsule audio. Wifi is present, but it is mono band. Disappointment. Bluetooth 4.1 is not missing, but NFC is missing. In short, the connectivity is 70% complete.
Basic sensors
The sensor suite is very basic: accelerometer, compass, brightness / proximity. The gyroscope is missing. On the other hand, the fingerprint reader on the rear works very well. Quick and precise release.
Final conclusions
Honor 7X is not perfect, but it is offered at a price that makes you appreciate its merits. It is easily found under the € 300 and offers good construction and interesting performance. The gem of the display Full View with 18: 9 aspect ratio is not to be overlooked.
[I don't recommend it if you're always looking for the perfect shot. Photographs are interesting material for social media, nothing more. Furthermore, theabsence of NFC precludes you from making payments with your smartphone.
Once you understand your needs, it will be easy to evaluate a product that is not perfect but certainly has many pros. For me, Honor 7X is promoted.
