Honor 90 Review: A Strong Return to the Midrange Market

After a prolonged absence due to international trade constraints, Honor has re-emerged with the Honor 90, a midrange smartphone that positions the brand as a serious competitor in the global market. This device, tested over several weeks of daily use, proves to be a balanced and attractive package for users seeking premium features without premium pricing.

The Honor 90 impresses immediately with its sleek, ergonomic design that echoes the elegant curves of past Huawei Nova series phones. Measuring 161.9 × 74.1 × 7.8mm and weighing just 183 grams, the device feels remarkably comfortable in hand, though the absence of Gorilla Glass protection means a protective case is advisable. The phone is available in Midnight Black, Feather Blue, Diamond Silver, and Emerald Green, with the reviewed Peacock Blue variant showcasing a refined brushed matte finish.

Where the Honor 90 truly shines is its display. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen boasts a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, vivid 10-bit colors, and an impressive 1600 nits peak brightness, earning it a DXOMark Gold certification and matching the iPhone 14 Plus in display rankings. It also holds a pioneering TÜV Rheinland Flicker-Free certification, utilizing a 3840Hz PWM dimming scheme that reduces eye strain, especially at lower brightness levels. This display outperforms options found in the Galaxy A54 and OnePlus Nord 3, handling HDR content and media playback with ease, though the single speaker setup remains a disappointment for media consumers.

Under the hood, the Honor 90 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 "Accelerated Edition" processor, a slightly overclocked variant that ensures smooth everyday performance for typical tasks and light gaming. Users will appreciate the generous 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage options, which facilitate efficient multitasking without noticeable lag or overheating during regular use. However, dedicated gamers may encounter thermal throttling and frame drops in demanding titles like Genshin Impact.

Honor’s MagicOS 7.1, built on Android 13, appears well-optimized for the hardware, though official confirmation regarding the number of planned software updates would strengthen consumer confidence. The camera system, featuring a triple rear setup with a 200MP primary sensor, delivers strong results in most scenarios. Daylight photos exhibit excellent detail and color accuracy, while the 12MP ultrawide and 2MP macro lenses contribute versatile shooting options. The 50MP punch-hole selfie camera stands out with flagship-caliber output, accurately rendering skin tones and dynamic range. However, the absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) impacts low-light performance and video recording stability, relying instead on electronic image stabilization (EIS).

Battery life proves adequate for a full day of typical use, supported by a robust 5000mAh battery and rapid 66W wired charging that can refill the device to full capacity in under an hour. While battery optimization could improve, especially when levels drop low, the overall endurance satisfies daily needs.

Priced competitively at NPR 58,990 for the base 12GB/256GB model and NPR 63,990 for the higher-storage variant, the Honor 90 positions itself as a strong contender in the midrange segment. Its blend of a premium display, capable performance, and attractive design makes it a worthwhile consideration for users seeking value without compromising on key features.