In today’s smartphone market, being budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean being underwhelming. The Honor X5b is a solid testament to that philosophy. Released in late 2024, this entry-level Android device from Honor is targeted at users who need a reliable phone for everyday use without burning a hole in their wallets. But does it deliver on its promise? Let’s dive into the details and find out.

An Honest Review of Honor X5b’s Specifications and Overall Performance

If you are interested in owning an Honor X5b, then the following are the few key pointers you have to take note of before fully committing to buying the device.

Honor X5b: Design and Form and Factor

The Honor X5b keeps things straightforward in the design department. At first glance, it does scream “premium,” and it doesn't look cheap at all. The device is slim and light, with slightly curved edges that make it comfortable to hold for extended periods. It’s available in a few color options—most notably Ocean Blue and Midnight Black—that lend it a clean, modern look. The plastic back panel is textured slightly to reduce fingerprints, and the phone doesn’t feel overly slippery. Though it doesn't come with official waterproof certification, the build quality is sturdy enough for daily handling.

Honor X5b: Screen Display and Resolution

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Honor X5b is its sizable 6.56-inch display. It’s a TFT LCD panel with an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. While it’s not the sharpest display on the market, it's perfectly adequate for tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and social media scrolling. What’s more impressive is the 90Hz refresh rate, which adds a surprising touch of fluidity when navigating through apps or scrolling down long pages. This is a rare feature in smartphones at this price point and makes the phone feel faster than its hardware might suggest.

Honor X5b: Hardware and Performance

Powering the Honor X5b is the MediaTek Helio G36 chipset, a modest processor that’s geared toward efficiency rather than raw speed. Paired with 4GB of RAM (expandable up to 8GB with Honor’s RAM Turbo feature), it can handle most day-to-day tasks without much fuss. Apps like WhatsApp, Chrome, YouTube, and Instagram run smoothly with minimal lag. It’s not meant for gaming or heavy multitasking, but for light use—like messaging, calls, video streaming, and web browsing—it gets the job done. You also get 64GB of internal storage, which is expandable via microSD up to 1TB, giving you plenty of space for media and apps.

 

Honor X5b: Software Performance and Experience

The Honor X5b runs Android 14 with Honor’s MagicOS 8.0 skin on top. This custom interface is clean, relatively bloat-free, and easy to navigate. There are some added features like gesture controls, simple layout options, and performance modes that allow users to tweak the experience according to their preferences. One particularly helpful addition is the built-in app assistant, which helps optimize background usage and conserve battery. Overall, the software is well-optimized for the hardware and contributes significantly to a smooth user experience.

Honor X5b: Camera and Video Resolution

When it comes to photography, the Honor X5b is almost at the level of high-end smartphones. It features a 13MP main rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture that takes stunning photos in good lighting. The camera interface is easy to use and includes features like HDR, panorama, and basic filters. Low-light performance is outstanding, which is a wonderful surprise, and daytime shots are clear with acceptable color accuracy. On the front, there’s a 5MP selfie camera, which works fine for video calls and casual selfies. It’s also capable of recording video at 1080p, both front and rear, which is a nice bonus at this price.

Honor X5b: Battery Life and Longevity

One of the highlights of the Honor X5b is its 5,200mAh battery. On a single charge, it can easily last a full day with moderate usage. Streaming videos, browsing the internet, checking emails, and even light gaming won’t drain the battery too quickly. While it doesn’t support fast charging, the standard charging speed is manageable for overnight or mid-day top-ups. This kind of battery performance is exactly what budget-conscious users are looking for—dependability without compromise.

Final Thoughts: Value for Money

The Honor X5b doesn’t break new ground in the smartphone world, but that’s not its mission. It’s designed for people who need a phone that simply works—without gimmicks, without overspending, and without sacrificing the essentials. For students, first-time smartphone users, or anyone who wants a capable second device, the HONOR X5b Smartphone is indeed a “smart” pick. It combines a pleasant display, decent performance, a good battery, and a user-friendly interface—all for a price that makes sense.

Tags:
Tomasz David
Tomasz David

Leave a Comment