The Honor X60i represents Honor's attempt to offer a powerful yet affordable smartphone with attractive features, including 5G capability, a large display, and a high-capacity battery. Despite these appealing attributes, some common issues and concerns have surfaced in user feedback, impacting the overall experience with this device. Here, we’ll go through these issues in detail, assessing each aspect of the phone and providing a comprehensive overview to help prospective buyers make an informed decision.
1. Display Quality, Touch Responsiveness, and Screen Issues
The Honor X60i’s display is one of its primary selling points, boasting a 6.7-inch IPS LCD with a 1080 x 2412 resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. However, some users have raised concerns about the display’s performance under various conditions.
Touch Responsiveness: Reports indicate sporadic touch lag or delays, especially when the device has been in use for extended periods. This can become problematic in applications requiring precise touch sensitivity, such as drawing apps or games.
Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Although the display performs reasonably well indoors, visibility suffers significantly in bright sunlight. The screen may not reach the brightness levels necessary to remain readable in outdoor environments, making it challenging for users who frequently use their phones outdoors. The max brightness level does not match some competitors within the same price range.
Display Color Accuracy: While not as commonly discussed, some users feel the color representation on the Honor X60i appears somewhat muted compared to OLED displays. Colors may lack the vibrancy that some smartphone users expect, particularly those coming from phones with AMOLED screens.
2. Battery Life and Charging Concerns
One of the major attractions of the Honor X60i is its 5,000mAh battery, designed to provide all-day power, alongside its 35W wired charging capability. However, battery performance varies based on use patterns, and users have flagged several issues:
Battery Drain During Intensive Tasks: Despite the sizable battery, users report a faster drain when engaging in battery-intensive activities such as gaming, streaming, and using 5G data. The phone’s 90Hz refresh rate, while smooth, also tends to consume more battery than the standard 60Hz, which may exacerbate power consumption.
Inconsistent Charging Speed: While the Honor X60i is marketed as capable of fast charging at 35W, some users experience inconsistent charging speeds. Instances where the phone charges significantly slower than advertised may be attributed to the quality of charging accessories or potential software optimization issues.
Battery Aging: There have been scattered reports about battery degradation over time, which could lead to decreased overall battery capacity after several months of usage. This may not be unique to Honor X60i, as it’s a common concern with non-removable batteries, but it’s worth noting for long-term users.
3. Software and User Interface Limitations
The Honor X60i operates on Android 14 with MagicOS 8, a custom UI from Honor. While MagicOS offers a unique user experience, some challenges are associated with its software:
System Lag and Performance Stuttering: While 8GB or 12GB of RAM is commendable, the combination with the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset may not be optimal for heavy multitasking. When multiple applications are open or during complex processes, users might notice slowdowns or even occasional freezes.
Bloatware Concerns: Honor, like many brands, includes a suite of pre-installed apps that some users might find redundant or unnecessary. These apps take up storage and can be difficult to remove, cluttering the interface for those preferring a clean setup.
Software Update Reliability: One significant consideration for buyers is that Honor’s software update frequency is unpredictable. Unlike some competitors that commit to regular Android updates, the Honor X60i may not receive timely updates, leaving users potentially vulnerable to security gaps and without access to new Android features.
Notification Management Issues: Users sometimes report delayed or missing notifications, especially for third-party apps. This can be frustrating for users who rely on real-time notifications and could stem from aggressive power management settings within MagicOS
4. Camera Performance Limitations
On paper, the 50 MP primary camera sounds impressive, complemented by a 2 MP depth sensor. However, several user complaints suggest that the camera system does not always meet expectations:
Inconsistent Image Quality in Low Light: In low-light settings, photos tend to lose detail, with images appearing grainy and color accuracy suffering. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) further hinders the phone's performance in darker environments, making it challenging to capture sharp images without a steady hand.
Selfie Camera Concerns: The 8 MP front-facing camera, while suitable for casual use, doesn’t always produce the quality expected in this price segment. Some users note that selfies appear soft or lack detail, particularly in artificial lighting conditions.
Slow Focus in Video Mode: Another camera-related issue involves the phone’s autofocus, especially noticeable when recording videos. The autofocus can lag, making it difficult to capture quick movements smoothly without manual adjustments.
5. Connectivity and Signal Issues
Despite its 5G capability, the Honor X60i has been noted for a few connectivity issues, specifically relating to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network stability:
Wi-Fi Connectivity Drops: There are user reports of intermittent Wi-Fi disconnections, especially when switching between Wi-Fi networks or moving between rooms with different signal strengths. This issue could be due to the device's network-switching algorithm in MagicOS, which might require optimization.
Bluetooth Instability: The Honor X60i supports Bluetooth 5.2 but has been known to experience occasional Bluetooth connection drops. This issue is particularly noticeable with certain wireless earbuds and car audio systems. While Bluetooth instability can be a software issue, it might also be due to hardware limitations with Honor’s components.
5G Signal Reliability: Although the phone is marketed as 5G-ready, some users report weaker signal strength compared to similar devices. This could impact users who depend heavily on mobile data in areas with weaker signal coverage
6. Build Quality, Material Concerns, and Durability
The Honor X60i sports a lightweight and slim design, but there are a few concerns about its long-term durability and build quality:
Plastic Construction: While the plastic body helps keep the device lightweight, it may feel less premium than metal or glass. It’s also more prone to visible scratches and wear, so users often opt for protective cases to prevent damage.
Button Feedback and Fingerprint Sensor: Some users report that the side-mounted fingerprint sensor and power button feel slightly loose or “soft” after extended usage, which could potentially worsen over time. This wear affects the sensor’s effectiveness and tactile feedback.
Conclusion: Is the Honor X60i Worth the Investment?
The Honor X60i presents a balanced offering for mid-range smartphone users, with standout features like its 6.7-inch display, 5,000mAh battery, and 5G support. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in several areas, from display brightness to battery efficiency and software reliability.
Prospective buyers may find more consistent performance and reliable software support in alternative models, such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, Realme 10 Pro, or Samsung Galaxy A54, each offering competitive features with potentially better optimization and a more stable user experience.
Verdict: The Honor X60i is a viable option if you are primarily interested in an affordable 5G-capable phone with a large screen and solid battery life. However, if you prioritize camera quality, software longevity, and display performance, alternatives from Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung may offer better overall value and reliability in the long term.