Released in 2016, the Honor 8 quickly gained popularity for its stylish design, solid specs, and competitive price. While many users have praised it for its excellent build quality and camera performance, the phone isn't without its flaws. In this article, we will meticulously analyze the most common issues, problems, and bugs that Honor 8 users have reported over the years. Our aim is to help you determine whether the Honor 8 is still worth purchasing or if there are better alternatives in today’s market.
1. Battery Life Problems
One of the most common complaints from Honor 8 users is poor battery life. While the phone originally featured a 3000mAh battery, it seems that, over time, users have reported a significant drop in battery performance.
Key issues include:
- Draining quickly after moderate use (social media, web browsing, etc.)
- Overheating during charging, especially with fast chargers
- Battery percentage drops suddenly (e.g., from 30% to 10% in a matter of minutes)
Possible solutions:
- Battery calibration: Fully draining the battery and then charging it to 100% might recalibrate the sensor.
- Software updates: Keeping the phone updated often fixes issues related to power management.
- Factory reset: If the phone still drains quickly, some users have reported that a factory reset temporarily solves the problem.
2. Overheating Issues
Overheating is another frequently reported issue, particularly during tasks like gaming or video recording. The phone’s glass back design tends to trap heat, exacerbating the problem.
Common triggers for overheating:
- Prolonged gaming sessions or intensive app use
- Fast charging combined with usage
- Continuous use of the camera for video recording, especially in high resolution
User experience:
"After about 30 minutes of playing games, the phone becomes too hot to hold comfortably, which impacts performance. Even while charging, the back of the phone gets unusually warm."
Solutions:
- Lower screen brightness and avoid multitasking while gaming.
- Remove the phone from its case during charging to allow better ventilation.
- Try using a standard charger instead of fast charging to reduce heat buildup.
3. Software Bugs and Lag Issues
When first launched, the Honor 8 shipped with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Huawei’s EMUI 4.1. Over time, many users have experienced software bugs, even after upgrading to later versions like Android 8.0 Oreo with EMUI 8.
Common software bugs:
- Random app crashes and system freezes
- Lagging UI after long-term use, especially on the home screen
- Touchscreen responsiveness issues, particularly near the screen edges
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity issues, such as random disconnects or failure to pair with devices
Fixes:
- Clearing app cache often resolves crashes and lagging.
- Factory resets have proven helpful in fixing persistent software issues.
- Ensuring the phone runs the latest firmware can mitigate connectivity problems.
Despite these measures, many users report that the phone tends to become sluggish after extended use.
4. Camera Performance Decline
The Honor 8's dual-camera setup was one of its standout features at launch, praised for its sharp, detailed photos in both daylight and low-light conditions. However, many users report a noticeable decline in camera performance over time.
Reported problems include:
- Focusing issues, particularly in low light
- Camera app crashes during video recording or after switching between modes
- Blurry images, which some users suspect are due to wear and tear on the camera lens or software glitches
Workarounds:
- Clearing the camera app cache can sometimes resolve crashes.
- Third-party camera apps like Open Camera may offer more stability.
- Using a tripod or phone stabilizer helps reduce blur in low-light conditions.
5. Screen Burn-In and Ghosting
Some long-term users have reported screen burn-in and ghosting issues with the Honor 8’s 5.2-inch Full HD display. Screen burn-in typically occurs when static images, such as app icons or navigation bars, leave permanent marks on the display.
Symptoms:
- Ghost images remain on the screen after switching between apps.
- Burn-in becomes particularly noticeable on bright backgrounds.
- Discoloration or dimming in specific areas of the screen.
Unfortunately, screen burn-in is often a hardware-related issue with OLED or LCD displays, and there's no definitive fix.
Prevention:
- Lower screen brightness and avoid displaying static images for long periods.
- Use a dark theme or wallpaper to minimize the risk of burn-in.
6. Fingerprint Sensor Issues
The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Honor 8 is generally fast and responsive, but some users have experienced issues over time.
Typical problems:
- Fingerprint not recognized after multiple attempts
- Slow unlocking speed, particularly after software updates
- Sensor becoming unresponsive or freezing
Troubleshooting:
- Re-register your fingerprints after updates to improve recognition accuracy.
- Ensure the sensor is clean; dust and moisture can impact performance.
- Clear cache of the fingerprint manager in settings.
Conclusion: Is the Honor 8 Still Worth Buying?
The Honor 8 was a stellar phone at launch, with a design and camera that still hold up today. However, it is no longer the top contender in its class due to its age-related issues, such as battery degradation, overheating, and software lag.
If you're looking for a budget phone with solid design and don’t mind troubleshooting these problems, it might still be worth considering for light use. However, better alternatives are available today in a similar price range with more modern hardware and software support.
Recommended alternatives:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro: Offers a larger battery, better performance, and improved camera system at a similar price point.
- Samsung Galaxy A54: Known for its reliable performance and long software support.
- OnePlus Nord N30: For those who want a cleaner Android experience with better software longevity.
In summary, while the Honor 8 was a great phone for its time, it struggles to keep up with today’s standards. If you’re looking for a reliable and hassle-free experience, it's better to consider newer models with fewer hardware and software issues.