Nearly perfect phablet from Huawei ..
Thanks to the karmic connection of situations and the complacency of one kind person, Honor 8 Pro was at my temporary disposal, the very same applicant to replace SGN4. And even though OnePlus 5 eventually took on this role, I was very pleased with the smartphone from Huawei, which, probably, was to be expected. I will try to outline my impressions of the full use of the device within the framework of a small material. For those wishing to refresh the memory of the details, I recommend the review by Roman Belykh.
Dimensions, materials
From the moment I decided to start looking for a new smartphone, for some reason I did not even look at something with a diagonal less than 5.7 inches. I can't find a rational reason for this, most likely – a banal habit. But the same SGN4 is a little too big for my hand, apparently, the little things affect: a little thicker than the frame and the body itself – and please, I already have to intercept in order to reach the opposite upper corner with one hand. There is no discomfort in this moment (I'm used to it).
The difference in size with the phablet from Samsung is minimal, the dimensions are very similar. Honor 8 Pro is slightly thinner, this is felt, among other things, due to the absence of a bevel on the back surface of the smartphone, which is present in Note 4. Personally, I do not feel the difference in weight, you need to understand that both devices cannot be called light. I even like it. From the point of view of materials, I would like to note that I am not an ardent supporter of metal cases, I do not really like fingerprints on the case. Here we see that this situation is also happening, even if the prints are erased quickly.
Someone may not like this state of affairs, and the question will arise of how to protect the metal coating from all kinds of contamination. Covers and bumpers, of course, are, but they will increase the already large apparatus. There are absolutely no complaints about the assembly, no backlashes. As for the details, I am impressed by the implementation of the lens that does not protrude from the body, the OP5 lacks that.
Screen
One of my doubts when switching to a smartphone from OnePlus was the resolution, I was afraid that the eye would 'understand' the difference between QHD and Full HD. It didn't, but it doesn't detract from the 8 Pro's display. A large, bright display with good contrast visually seems to fit into the side frames of the device, apparently, the black color of the case gives this effect. At the very beginning, I periodically had a feeling of too bright colors, a certain acidity of the image (and this after AMOLED), but over time it disappeared. In any case, the color temperature is adjustable, and there is also an eye protection mode that visually resembles night mode.
The on-screen buttons became a subjective disadvantage with which I could not come to terms. Yes, they can be hidden in the corresponding settings item, but the habit of using the keys below the screen is deeper than I expected. If Huawei decide on Honor 9 Pro, then, provided there are no on-screen control keys, this device will take a solid place in my personal hit parade.
The fingerprint scanner
As you can understand from my material about choosing a new smartphone, any fingerprint sensor will be better than the one used in the Note 4. Initially I thought that I would not like the location itself, but no, it is quite convenient, the finger goes exactly where it needs to be. For a short time of use, I managed to get used to the fact that you put your finger on the scanner in your pocket and take out an already unlocked device. The unlocking speed is almost instantaneous, there are absolutely no complaints about the recognition accuracy.
Cameras
Despite the fact that the main camera is represented by two modules of 12 megapixels (and not 20/16), I liked the photo with Honor 8 Pro more than with ОneРlus 5. Yes, I am still a connoisseur of mobile I admit that I don't really like the process of photography, both as a photographer and as a model. Nevertheless, subjectively I like the pictures in the automatic mode more. As for the photo part, I trust Roman's opinion, he put Honor 8 Pro on the level of P9 Plus and gave a pretty good opinion of the camera and the pictures taken. By the way, I rarely pay attention to the camera, but in the 8 Pro it left a good impression. Lots of features, 4K / FHD 60 fps shooting, Pro mode for both stills and videos – you photographers.
Autonomy, software
In this regard, the smartphone is very pleased. For a long time I don’t remember such a phone “live” until late at night. And that's all at QHD and 5.7 inches with power saving modes off. Of course, now there is something to compare with, but even so, the autonomy of the 8 Pro is very good. Additionally, you can lower the screen resolution, which will give an increase in operating time from a single charge. Well, the phone charges quickly, you get used to it very quickly.
Even at the Russian presentation of the device, I noted for myself that the settings have room for the soul of a personalization lover. In fact, you can't figure out all the settings right away, but it's worth it. Again, I always like it when the user is given a choice, and not presented with a fact and forced to use the device 'as is'. So, in Honor 8 Pro there is just a case when it is possible to set up a lot the way you like it, how convenient, how you used to, etc. All this suggests that large Chinese manufacturers are already confidently squeezing out large international players and deservedly enjoy success.
An extremely successful smartphone in all respects, which fans of phablets will definitely appreciate. Everything is correct and up-to-date in 8 Pro: a large screen, a long battery life, two main cameras, a metal body, extensive settings for any category of users. Of the competitors, one can only name the 'gray' Meizu Pro 7 Plus, but it is not exactly . For Honor 8 Pro (PCT) at the moment they ask for 30,000 rubles, the kit will additionally include an external battery for 10,000 with support for fast charging, as well as sports Bluetooth – headphones. Keep it up, Huawei, waiting for the phablet version Honor 9.