The Honor X60 is a sleek and feature-packed mid-range smartphone that aims to compete with some of the most well-known devices in its segment. It boasts an attractive design, an impressive AMOLED display, powerful hardware, and advanced camera technology. On paper, the X60 seems like a fantastic deal for anyone seeking a premium experience at a mid-range price.
However, like any device, the Honor X60 isn’t without its flaws. Users have reported various hardware and software issues that can affect the overall experience, ranging from minor inconveniences to critical malfunctions. In this exhaustive review, we’ll explore these common problems, provide insights into the real-world user experience, and assess whether the Honor X60 is a smart purchase or if there are better alternatives on the market.
1. Build Quality and Design: Sleek but Slippery
The Honor X60 features a glass back and a metal frame, giving it a premium look and feel. Its curved edges and thin profile make it visually appealing, but these same design elements contribute to a few practical issues.
a) Fragile Back Panel
- Problem: Despite its elegant design, the glass back panel is prone to cracking or shattering upon impact. Even minor drops can cause significant damage.
- Impact: Users may find themselves frequently replacing the back panel, leading to increased maintenance costs.
- User Experience:
“I dropped my Honor X60 from a chair, and the back glass shattered completely. I wasn’t expecting a phone in this price range to be so fragile.” – User review on GSM Arena.
b) Slippery Finish
- Problem: The phone’s glossy finish makes it slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidental drops.
- Impact: Many users feel the need to invest in a protective case to prevent damage.
- User Experience:
“The phone looks stunning, but it’s so slippery that I almost dropped it twice in the first week. Definitely not a phone you want to use without a case.” – Comment from a tech forum.
c) Weak Buttons and Port Durability
- Problem: Several users report that the power and volume buttons become loose or unresponsive over time, and the USB-C port shows signs of wear with frequent use.
- Impact: This can compromise the phone’s usability and require professional repairs.
- User Experience:
“After just three months, the power button is almost unusable. I have to press it hard for it to respond.” – Feedback from a user on Reddit.
2. Display Performance: Stunning but Problematic
The Honor X60’s 6.67-inch AMOLED display is one of its standout features, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. However, users have encountered several issues that affect the display’s long-term performance.
a) Screen Flickering and PWM Issues
- Problem: Some users experience screen flickering at lower brightness levels, a result of the phone’s Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology.
- Impact: This can cause eye strain, especially for users who spend extended periods looking at their screens in dim environments.
- User Experience:
“I noticed the screen flickers when I reduce the brightness, and after using it for a while, my eyes start to hurt.” – Review on a smartphone blog.
b) Ghost Touch and Touch Sensitivity Problems
- Problem: Several reports highlight ghost touch issues, where the screen registers unintended touches, and inconsistent touch sensitivity.
- Impact: These issues can make the phone frustrating to use for typing, gaming, or even basic navigation.
- User Experience:
“The screen often registers taps I didn’t make, and sometimes it won’t recognize my touch at all. It’s especially annoying during gaming.” – Comment from a user on XDA Developers.
c) Screen Burn-In and Image Retention
- Problem: AMOLED displays are susceptible to screen burn-in and image retention, and the Honor X60 is no exception.
- Impact: This results in static images, such as app icons or navigation bars, becoming permanently visible on the screen.
- User Experience:
“After just six months, I can see the outline of my home screen icons even when watching videos. It’s disappointing for such a new device.” – Feedback from a user on Trustpilot.
3. Battery Life and Charging: Power Struggles
The Honor X60 is equipped with a 4800mAh battery, which, in theory, should provide excellent battery life. However, real-world usage reveals inconsistencies in battery performance.
a) Rapid Battery Drain
- Problem: Many users report that the battery drains faster than expected, even during light to moderate use.
- Cause: This may be due to poor software optimization or background apps consuming excessive power.
- Impact: Users are often left needing to charge their phones multiple times a day.
- User Experience:
“I barely get 4-5 hours of screen-on time, which is far less than I expected for a phone with a 4800mAh battery.” – User review on a tech site.
b) Inconsistent Fast Charging
- Problem: While the Honor X60 supports 66W fast charging, some users report inconsistent charging speeds and occasional failure to recognize fast chargers.
- Impact: This reduces the convenience of quick top-ups, a feature many users rely on.
- User Experience:
“Sometimes it takes over two hours to charge fully, even though it’s supposed to support fast charging.” – Comment from a tech forum.
c) Overheating During Charging and Heavy Use
- Problem: The phone tends to overheat during charging or when running demanding apps like games or navigation.
- Impact: Overheating can degrade battery health over time and affect the phone’s performance.
- User Experience:
“The phone gets really hot when I’m charging it or playing games, to the point where it’s uncomfortable to hold.” – Feedback from a gaming enthusiast.
4. Software Bugs and User Interface Glitches
The Honor X60 runs on Magic UI 6.1, based on Android 12. While the interface offers a range of features and customization options, users have encountered several bugs and glitches.
a) Random Reboots and System Freezes
- Problem: One of the most frustrating issues is the phone randomly rebooting or freezing, often during critical tasks.
- Impact: This can result in lost data and disrupt daily productivity.
- User Experience:
“The phone restarts itself at least once a day, and it’s completely random. Sometimes it even happens during calls.” – User review on XDA Developers.
b) App Crashes and Compatibility Issues
- Problem: Some popular apps crash frequently or fail to function correctly on the Honor X60.
- Impact: This limits the phone’s usability for both work and entertainment.
- User Experience:
“Apps like Instagram and Facebook keep crashing, even after reinstalling them. It’s really annoying.” – Feedback from a tech forum.
c) Slow Software Updates
- Problem: Honor is known for its slow rollout of software updates, leaving users with unresolved bugs and outdated security patches.
- Impact: This compromises the phone’s security and reduces its longevity.
- User Experience:
“It’s been months since I’ve received an update, and the issues are still there. I expected better support from Honor.” – Review from a tech enthusiast.
5. Connectivity Problems: Network and Bluetooth Woes
A smartphone’s connectivity is crucial for daily use, and the Honor X60 has its fair share of connectivity issues.
a) Weak Signal Reception
- Problem: Users frequently report poor network reception, especially in areas with weak coverage.
- Impact: This affects call quality, internet speed, and overall connectivity.
- User Experience:
“I often lose signal in places where my previous phone had no issues. It’s frustrating, especially when I need to make calls.” – Comment from a customer.
b) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Instability
- Problem: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections are often unstable, with frequent drops and difficulties in pairing with other devices.
- Impact: This affects tasks like file sharing, using wireless headphones, and connecting to Wi-Fi networks.
- User Experience:
“My Bluetooth headphones disconnect randomly, and it’s impossible to maintain a stable Wi-Fi connection.” – Feedback from a user on Reddit.
Conclusion: Is the Honor X60 Worth Buying?
The Honor X60 offers a sleek design, vibrant display, and competitive hardware at a mid-range price point. However, its durability issues, inconsistent battery life, and software glitches make it a less reliable option for users seeking long-term performance.
Pros:
- Premium design and build quality.
- Vibrant AMOLED display.
- Decent performance for the price.
Cons:
- Fragile build and slippery design.
- Battery life issues and inconsistent charging.
- Frequent software bugs and slow updates.
- Connectivity problems.
Better Alternatives:
- OnePlus Nord CE 3: Offers better software support, a more reliable battery, and superior build quality.
- Samsung Galaxy A54: Provides a well-rounded experience with excellent display quality, battery life, and durability.
- Realme GT Neo 3: Delivers superior performance, fast charging, and a more stable software experience.
In conclusion, while the Honor X60 has its strengths, the frequent issues and lack of reliable software support make it a less compelling choice. If you prioritize durability, performance, and long-term usability, consider exploring alternatives in the same price range.