Huawei Honor 8 Vs. iPhone 7: Review Of Android Features, Prices And Performance

Amid Apple’s big iPhone 7 and Apple Watch 2 release event this week, the Huawei Honor 8 smartphone quietly launched Tuesday in the U.S. Huawei’s newest sub-brand model is now available in select retail locations, including Best Buy and B&H.

The Honor 8 gathered momentum -- namely with tech-savvy audiences – when the preorder availability date launched. The smartphone, according to Android Police, received major hype with Western audiences as a budget smartphone, although it “looked the part of a $300-$400 phone.” The smartphone first debuted for preorder on Aug. 17 and officially launched in Europe on Aug. 25, Slash Gear reported Wednesday.

Although the Chinese handset debuted in multiple colorways, only the Sapphire Blue and white versions became available in the U.S., Phone Arena reported Tuesday.

The 32GB version sells for $399.99, and Slash Gear reported that it does “packs some very nice features into an affordable smartphone.” Similar to the Apple iPhone 7, the Honor 8 is noted for its dual lens camera: 12-megapixel for rear and 8-megapixel front lens. The 8MP unit also features a mode for selfie pictures.

The Honor 8 phones, which measure in at 7.45mm-thick, come with a fingerprint scanner in the center. The screen’s color temperature can be adjusted for warmer or bluer tones. A special mode kicks in to filter out blue light in the evening times, which helps alleviate eye strain, according to Phone Arena.

Android Police outlined the pros of the phone, including its speed (a HiSilicon Kirin 950 octa-core chip processor), its “epic” battery life (3,000mAh battery) and its tremendous value. Downsides included bugs, network issues (LTE performance and the signal were deemed “subpar”) and it’s smooth, slippery design, which made a case a necessity.

The iPhone 7 also boasts an impressive battery life and speed, with its four-core design that supports the Fusion Chip's CPU, allowing for greater efficiency. However, the quality comes with a price -- the Apple iPhone 7 costs $649 and the iPhone 7 Plus is $769. Apple announced its latest smartphone Wednesday.