In an increasingly crowded budget smartphone market, Honor has stepped in with its latest offering — the Honor X5B. Marketed as a daily driver for consumers who don’t want to burn a hole in their wallets, this smartphone promises to strike a delicate balance between affordability and functionality. But does it live up to the hype, or is it just another forgettable entry-level device? Let’s dive into the specifications and see if the Honor X5B is truly a budget beast or just a basic brick.
Design and Display
The Honor X5B boasts a modern design that doesn’t betray its budget status. It features a large 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1612 x 720 pixels (HD+). While it’s not full HD, the size and vibrant color output make it a solid choice for casual browsing and video streaming.
The device has a plastic back and frame but maintains a sturdy build, weighing around 188g. It sports a waterdrop notch that houses the front-facing camera, maintaining a sleek and minimalistic look without infringing too much on screen real estate.
honor x5b display design smartphone
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the X5B is powered by a MediaTek Helio G36 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM. While not a powerhouse, this setup is adequate for light to moderate use, such as social media apps, web browsing, and some casual gaming. The processor isn’t aimed at power users, but it gets the job done without too many hiccups.
The 64GB of internal storage is expandable via microSD, offering flexibility to users who want to store more apps, photos, or media files. On the software side, the phone runs Android 13 (Go Edition), optimized for low-spec hardware and providing smooth performance for daily activities.
Camera Capabilities
In terms of photography, the Honor X5B is not going to replace your DSLR, but it offers respectable features for the category. The rear camera is a single 8MP main shooter, accompanied by an LED flash. It supports basic photography functions like panorama and HDR, and it can record video at 1080p resolution.
On the front, you’ll find a 5MP selfie camera, suitable for video calls and casual selfies. For users with modest camera needs, the X5B delivers clear and usable images in well-lit environments.
honor x5b camera rear front photography
Battery Life and Connectivity
What truly shines in the Honor X5B is its massive 5200mAh battery. This provides extended use, often stretching over two days with moderate usage. Unfortunately, the device only supports 10W charging using a micro-USB port — a dated choice in a world rapidly adopting USB-C.
Connectivity features include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There’s no fingerprint sensor, but face unlock is supported through the front camera.
Final Verdict: Budget Beast or Basic Brick?
The Honor X5B surprises with its long battery life, decent display, and a solid design. However, dated charging technology, limited processing power, and modest camera performance hold it back. For users seeking a reliable phone for calls, messaging, and light app usage, the X5B is definitely a budget beast. But for those expecting advanced features or high-performance gaming, it leans more toward a basic brick.
FAQ: Honor X5B
- Q: Does the Honor X5B support 5G?
A: No, it only supports 4G LTE networks. - Q: Can I expand the storage on the Honor X5B?
A: Yes, it has a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1TB. - Q: Does the Honor X5B have a fingerprint sensor?
A: No, it does not have a fingerprint scanner. It supports face unlock, however. - Q: What is the charging port type on the Honor X5B?
A: It uses a micro-USB port, which is somewhat outdated in today’s market. - Q: Is the Honor X5B good for gaming?
A: It’s suitable for light and casual gaming. High-end gaming might result in lag and reduced performance.
