The Honor X5b Plus is an entry-level smartphone from Honor, catering to budget-conscious users who want essential features without the hefty price tag. It offers a sleek design, reasonable performance, and user-friendly software, but it isn’t immune to common smartphone challenges. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the typical issues users experience with the Honor X5b Plus, potential solutions, and whether it’s a worthwhile choice among budget phones.
Honor X5b Plus Key Specifications
Before delving into common issues, let’s take a look at what the Honor X5b Plus offers in terms of specifications:
- Display: 6.5-inch HD+ LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G37
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB (expandable via microSD)
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Camera: Dual rear camera (13MP + 2MP), 5MP front camera
- OS: Android-based Honor UI
- Special Features: Facial recognition, AI-enhanced camera features
Common Issues with the Honor X5b Plus
Like many budget devices, the Honor X5b Plus has a few drawbacks. Below, we’ll examine common user complaints and provide some suggestions to help manage these issues.
1. Battery Life and Charging Issues
Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the Honor X5b Plus promises extended battery life. However, users have reported issues with the battery draining faster than expected or experiencing slow charging.
- Rapid Battery Drain: Some users notice that their battery depletes quickly, especially with resource-heavy apps or when brightness is set high.
- Slow Charging: Users occasionally report longer-than-expected charging times, which can be frustrating for those needing quick recharges.
Solution:
- Optimize Power Settings: Use battery saver mode and lower screen brightness when possible.
- Limit Background Apps: Close unnecessary apps running in the background, especially social media apps that consume battery.
- Use the Original Charger: For optimal charging speed, use the charger provided with the phone or a compatible fast charger.
2. Display Quality and Responsiveness
While the 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display is good for everyday use, some users report issues with touch sensitivity and overall display quality.
- Touch Sensitivity Problems: Occasionally, the screen may be less responsive, especially when too many background processes are running.
- Low Resolution for Larger Screen: With a 720p resolution, the screen can appear pixelated or less sharp, particularly for those used to Full HD displays.
Solution:
- Restart Regularly: This can help reduce memory clutter and improve screen responsiveness.
- Avoid Heavy Multitasking: Running multiple apps at once can slow the screen’s response.
3. Software Lag and Limited Processing Power
The Honor X5b Plus is powered by the MediaTek Helio G37 and 4GB RAM, which is suitable for basic tasks. However, performance issues can arise when running multiple apps or gaming.
- System Lag: With multiple apps running or heavy tasks, the phone can become sluggish.
- Limited Gaming Performance: While light games run smoothly, graphics-intensive games may lag or experience frame drops.
Solution:
- Regularly Clear Cache: This can help optimize memory usage.
- Limit Background Processes: Avoid running too many apps at once and use lightweight versions of apps where possible.
4. Camera Quality in Low Light
The Honor X5b Plus features a dual rear camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor) and a 5MP front camera. While decent for well-lit settings, camera quality often drops in low-light conditions.
- Poor Low-Light Performance: Images may appear grainy or blurred in dim lighting.
- Slow Shutter Speed: Some users report a noticeable delay when taking photos, which can cause blurry images.
Solution:
- Use HDR Mode: When available, HDR mode can improve contrast in low light.
- Ensure Adequate Lighting: Avoid using the camera in very dark conditions, or try using an external light source.
- Use a Third-Party Camera App: Sometimes, third-party apps offer better low-light optimization than the default camera app.
5. Connectivity Issues
The Honor X5b Plus generally performs well in terms of connectivity, but some users report issues with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data.
- Wi-Fi Disconnections: The device may lose Wi-Fi connection when switching between networks.
- Bluetooth Pairing Problems: Users report that the device occasionally struggles to maintain stable Bluetooth connections, particularly with some wireless headphones or car systems.
Solution:
- Reset Network Settings: This can often fix connectivity problems by clearing stored network preferences.
- Check for Software Updates: Honor periodically releases updates that can address connectivity bugs.
6. Audio Quality and Speaker Performance
The audio on the Honor X5b Plus is generally acceptable for a budget device, but some users report issues with call clarity and speaker quality.
- Low Call Volume: Some users find call volume too low, especially in noisy environments.
- Muffled Speaker Output: The speaker quality may sound somewhat muffled or lacking in depth, which can affect the media experience.
Solution:
- Use Earphones or Bluetooth Headphones: This can improve audio quality for both calls and media.
- Adjust Volume Settings: Ensure volume settings are optimized and consider using sound-enhancing apps if available.
Is the Honor X5b Plus Worth Buying?
The Honor X5b Plus is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a good balance of features for users who need a reliable device for basic tasks. However, it does have certain limitations, particularly in performance, camera quality, and display resolution. These factors may be acceptable for those looking for an affordable smartphone with essential functionality, but they could be deal-breakers for users who need a more capable device.
Pros of the Honor X5b Plus:
- Affordable pricing
- Decent battery life for general use
- Large screen for comfortable viewing
- Expandable storage
Cons of the Honor X5b Plus:
- Limited processing power, leading to occasional lag
- Display resolution and responsiveness may be subpar for heavy users
- Camera quality is average, particularly in low light
- Some connectivity issues and limited software update support
Alternative Options: If you’re open to other budget-friendly devices with similar features, consider these alternatives:
- Redmi 10C: Offers similar performance with a better camera and smoother software experience.
- Realme C31: Known for its decent performance, good battery life, and slightly better display.
- Samsung Galaxy A03s: A popular budget phone with reliable software, better camera, and Samsung’s update support.
Conclusion
The Honor X5b Plus is a reasonable choice for users on a tight budget who need a dependable phone for basic activities like messaging, browsing, and light app usage. However, if you’re looking for a device with enhanced performance, improved camera quality, or higher resolution, it may be worth considering other options in the budget category.
Final Verdict: For light users, the Honor X5b Plus is an affordable, functional choice, but power users or those needing a camera-focused experience may find better value in comparable alternatives.