HONOR X7b: A Budget Warrior with Surprising Stamina

HONOR X7b: A Budget Warrior with Surprising Stamina

The HONOR X7 series has carved a niche for itself in the budget phone market, offering a solid balance of features and affordability. The HONOR X7b takes the baton, promising extended battery life and a camera upgrade. But is it enough to stand out in a sea of budget competitors? We spent several weeks with the X7b to find out.

Powering Through the Day (and Night): A Battery Champion

Let’s start with the X7b’s undeniable highlight: its battery life. The phone boasts a massive 6000mAh battery, and it truly lives up to the hype. During our testing, the X7b consistently delivered over 12 hours of non-stop gaming on a single charge. Even with heavy usage that included social media, streaming, and browsing, the phone comfortably reached the end of the day with juice to spare.

This exceptional battery life is a game-changer, especially for those who constantly find themselves scrambling for a charger. Whether you’re a power user or someone who prioritizes long battery life, the X7b won’t leave you disappointed.

A Glimpse into the Future (Almost): Android 13 with MagicOS 7.2

The X7b runs on Android 13 with HONOR’s MagicOS 7.2 skin on top. While it doesn’t have the latest Android 14 iteration found in the HONOR Magic6 Pro (running MagicOS 8.0), Android 13 still offers a clean, user-friendly experience. MagicOS 7.2 builds upon this foundation with a familiar layout and some welcome refinements. Animations appear smoother, and the overall interface feels streamlined. The inclusion of Google Play Services ensures access to all your favorite apps.

A Performance Boost: The Snapdragon 680 Steps Up

Under the hood, the X7b is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor, a step up from its predecessor. This is paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, providing ample space for apps, games, and media. While it won’t win any speed benchmarks against flagship phones, the X7b handles everyday tasks smoothly. Multitasking between apps, browsing the web, and social media scrolling were all handled without any hiccups.

The X7b can even handle current-generation mobile games on moderate settings. However, hardcore gamers might find themselves yearning for a bit more processing power for demanding titles.

Capturing Memories: A Camera with Potential

The X7b boasts a 108-megapixel main camera, the same ISOCELL HM6 sensor found on the X9b and X8b. This translates to significantly better image quality compared to the 50-megapixel shooter used in its predecessor.

In good lighting conditions, the X7b captures decent photos with good detail and color reproduction. However, like many budget phones, low-light performance suffers. Photos can appear grainy and lack sharpness. The phone also includes a 5-megapixel wide sensor and a 2-megapixel macro sensor, which are useful for capturing specific scenarios but have limitations.

Display: A Decent Panel, But Not Without Compromise

The X7b features a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While not the most vibrant or smoothest display on the market, it gets the job done for everyday use. Colors are decent, and viewing angles are acceptable. However, users accustomed to higher refresh rates might find scrolling and animations a bit less fluid. Additionally, the display’s maximum brightness can be a concern under direct sunlight, making it challenging to see the screen clearly in certain outdoor situations.

The Verdict: A Budget Phone with Staying Power

The HONOR X7b earns a silver rating from Techbeatph.com. It’s a solid budget phone with an undeniable strength: its incredible battery life. If you prioritize a phone that can last a full day (or even more) on a single charge, the X7b is a compelling choice. The upgraded camera sensor offers a noticeable improvement over its predecessor, and the overall performance is sufficient for everyday tasks.

However, the display’s limitations and the lack of the latest Android version might be dealbreakers for some users. Additionally, budget-conscious buyers might want to consider other options that offer similar features at a slightly lower price point.

Who is the HONOR X7b For?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Ideal for:

• Users who prioritize long battery life.
• Budget-conscious buyers looking for a decent performer.
• Casual gamers who don’t require top-tier processing power.

Not ideal for:

• Users who prioritize a high refresh rate display for a smoother visual experience.
• Mobile photography enthusiasts who crave exceptional low-light performance.

The Bottom Line: A Reliable Companion for Budget-Minded Users

The HONOR X7b isn’t a flashy phone, but it doesn’t need to be. It excels in areas crucial for many budget phone users – long battery life and capable everyday performance. The camera upgrade provides a welcome improvement over the previous model, and the inclusion of Google Play Services ensures access to all your favorite apps.

While the display and software might not be top-of-the-line, they’re sufficient for basic use. Ultimately, the X7b is a reliable companion for budget-minded users who prioritize long battery life and a smooth user experience without breaking the bank. If you can live with the limitations mentioned above, the X7b offers a compelling package in the competitive budget phone market.

We give the HONOR X7b the Silver rating

Beyond the Review: 

This review focused primarily on the HONOR X7b’s core features and performance. Here are some additional factors to keep in mind:

• Durability: While the X7b doesn’t boast the same level of ruggedness as the HONOR X9b, it should still be able to withstand everyday wear and tear. However, investing in a protective case is always recommended.
• Storage Expandability: The X7b offers 256GB of storage, which should be enough for most users.

Final Thoughts

The HONOR X7b proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a decent smartphone experience. With its long-lasting battery life, improved camera, and smooth performance for everyday tasks, the X7b is a strong contender in the budget phone segment. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget or someone looking for a reliable backup phone, the X7b is worth considering.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).