Honor X8c Review: A Stylish Midrange Phone with Room for Improvement

Honor X8c Review: A Stylish Midrange Phone with Room for Improvement

Honor continues to expand its footprint in Nepal's midrange smartphone segment with the new X8c. This model combines an attractive appearance with midrange specifications, launching at NPR 33,999 for the single 8GB RAM and 512GB storage version. But does it stand out in a crowded market? Let's explore the details.

Design and Display

The Honor X8c sports a sizable 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, an upgrade from the 90Hz seen in its predecessor. Despite selecting High Refresh Rate mode, many applications still operate at 90Hz. The display delivers vivid colors and strong brightness, reaching up to 2800 nits peak luminosity, making it easy to view outdoors. The phone feels solid in hand, with a sleek design that appeals to many users.

Performance

Under the hood, the X8c utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 4G chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. While this setup handles everyday tasks adequately, it does not match the performance of rivals like the CMF Phone 1 with its Dimensity 7300 or the Redmi Note 14 5G featuring the Dimensity 7025 Ultra. Users will notice occasional slowness, although major lag or freezing is rare. Honor's MagicOS 9.0 earns praise for its clean, ad-free interface and customization options. However, gamers should look elsewhere, as the phone manages only light titles like PUBG at reduced settings.

Camera Capabilities

A dual-camera system includes a 108MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and a 5MP ultrawide lens. When compared to the highly regarded camera on the Galaxy A16, the X8c performs reasonably well in typical lighting conditions. Video recording tops out at 1080p at 30 frames per second, delivering average quality for the price bracket.

Battery Life and Connectivity

A robust 5000mAh battery easily lasts through a full day of typical use. The included 35W fast charger can bring the device from zero to full in roughly one and a half hours. The phone supports VoLTE for both major Nepali carriers, NTC and Ncell, including NTC's Band 20 for enhanced 4G performance. However, VoWiFi remains limited to NTC networks only.

Verdict

The Honor X8c represents a modest step forward from last year's X8b, but its price increase of approximately NPR 4,000 makes its performance seem less compelling. For casual users, the phone provides sufficient functionality, aided by its excellent display, respectable camera, and clean user interface. Gamers and power users, however, may find it lacking. With strong alternatives like the Redmi Note 14 5G and CMF Phone 1 available, Honor could have offered better value by maintaining last year's pricing.