Huawei P8: analysis, testing and reviews

Huawei P8

The best

  • Camera
  • Design
  • Connectivity

The worst

  • Battery
  • Audio and alarm controls does not recognize

The leap that makes the difference

Today we bring you one of the most anticipated analysis of recent months, the of the Huawei P8, the new flagship of the Chinese firm. This brand has entered the European market thanks to its good value for money with force.
A few months ago, the company confirmed that it would dispense with the denomination "Ascend", which has become evident with the Huawei P8. We have spent a few days with him and TalkBand B2, latest brand smart bracelet.
With this pair of devices Huawei wanted to improve certain aspects of their predecessors to compete with other first swords and other smartbands. They will be at the height? To answer this question, you'll have to continue reading, since they will not leave you indifferent.
Photo Gallery Huawei P8: complete analysis of the new flagship of Huawei

Design premium

One of the strong points of the terminal is its design. The back of the device is made of steel, which provides strength and stability to the terminal. The front is glass and combined with the rear aluminium, makes that the P8 has a premium look. It has a white band in the place where it is placed the antenna at the top and bottom that resembles a little the iPhone 6.
The Huawei P8 has curved edges of metallic appearance. This makes that the corners are not completely square, and view thanks.
It has only 6.4 mm thick, which implies that it is especially fine. If we compare it with other flagships, such as 6 iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, we'll realize that this is up to 0.04 mm thinner. And it shows. On the other hand, its weight is 144 grams, so it is quite lightweight.
On one side we find the on/off button, which boasts a touch totally different from the volume. As a result, it is very easy to distinguish them and not to be confused with each other.
A little further down, but on the same side of the team, find the slots for the SIM and microSD. If you prefer, we can change this external memory for another SIM, and so we will have the opportunity to have us in the same mobile phone numbers.
At the bottom we find speakers, as well as the input microUSB for charging terminal or to transfer files. In the same way, on the upper side is the 3.5 mm headphone minijack and microphone.
The dimensions you have complete the tab attached to the beginning of the story, but you already anticipate that it has a 5.2-inch screen, slightly larger than its predecessor. We say that you can perfectly control with one hand though, if you see it too large, the company has developed a function which I'll talk more later.
The texture of the Huawei P8 is very pleasant to the touch, but it can be somewhat slippery. In spite of this, and as you have made strides at the beginning of the article, the design is one of the strengths of the device.
Screen
The screen of the Huawei P8 is an LCD IPS Neo of 5.2 inches with Full HD resolution (1.920 x 1.080 pixels). This tells us that it has a density of 424 ppp pixels. While it is true that other manufacturers have decided to incorporate higher resolution panels to their reference model (as it is the case of the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge), we say that this is no short as far as quality is concerned.
In fact, maintains the same resolution Full HD that the 6 Plus iPhone and is better than the iPhone 6. Outdoors we have not had virtually no problem with reflections, which tends to worry enough users.
In addition, the sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness works perfectly, so if we go from a dark environment to one light, the technology implemented in the P8 does its function without any problems.
Nliked you that brand has managed to exploit their resources incorporating the Neo IPS LCD panel, which intensifies a little more blacks than the standard models. In this way, it reinforces our theory that, sometimes, it is not necessary to pass to QHD panels have a better viewing of the contents that we want to play in the terminal.
Their protection is provided by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, that the terminal will help guard against bumps and scratches. We have to say that, like other Huawei models, comes with a screen protector already incorporated, is grateful for that.
On the other hand, the front panel of the P8 Huawei occupies a 78.3% of the front, an excellent ratio. It what us is this data? The big screens have to be at odds with that a smartphone is compact.
One of the drawbacks of the screen is that the main menu buttons (menu, kick, forward) are not integrated into the exterior of its front, i.e., that they are inside the screen. For that reason, 5.2 inches do not exploit the full. Sometimes you will reach appear a black band, as in mobile as Facebook or Chrome apps, which detract a little from the end result.
Hardware and performance
As you might expect, Huawei has returned to bet on a processor of own manufacture. This time it's a HiSilikon Kiron 930 8 core. Four of them operate at 2 GHz and the other four to 1.5 GHz. The chip has a 64-bit architecture and is accompanied by a Mali GPU T628 for graphics. The Huawei P8 also has 3 GB of RAM, what is normal in terminals high range in recent times.
As always, we offer AnTuTu results so you can see the score earned compared to other mobiles. It is striking that has remained below the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, although it outperforms other high range as HTC One M8 terminals and is positioned with a performance very similar to that proposed by the LG G4, with which we had the opportunity to have a touchdown a few days ago.
If we compare it with other competitors stays quite below, by perhaps a point to improve in future chips. Moreover, the smartphone is heated enough to use GPS, as well as to give an excessive use. However, the same with other equipment range made of metal, unibody tops happens to us as it is the case with the iPhone 6, for example.
Aside from this detail, we found no problems with the performance and it has a fluid software. But that we will discuss later.
On the other hand, it has an internal memory of 16 or 64 GB, expandable with a microSD of up to 128 GB. We can also take hold of cloud storage service should be missing us space as Google Drive or DropBox.
Camera
One of the features that we liked the Huawei P8 is your camera. While they have decided to continue with a 13 megapixel on the main and 8-megapixel sensor in the front, the company has added new modes of photographs to improve user experience.
Among them is trail of light, which allows you to play with cars moving so they form lines. On the other hand we have light graffiti, creating streaks of light in dark environments. The Soft water effect captures the flow of water in motion with a soft and silky effect. Finally, Star trail is especially dedicated to the lovers of astronomy, since it will allow us to capture the wake of stars in the night sky.
We must say that all these modes work pretty well, but they are unhelpful in every day. However, we have other more common that we use regularly. Among them is the beautymode, which eliminates imperfections on the face, or panoramic, to capture images with a 180 ° angle. It also includes a series of filters type Instagram so you don't have to worry about the photo through Photoshop. Among them are: Valencia, nice, Sentimental, Mono, Halo and Vintage.

Huwei P8 camera not excels, contrary to what happens in other similar range tops. This is not only a point in favor of the design, but it also favors the protection of the terminal. The camera has image stabilization (1.2 °) that offers a better correction of lens if compared, for example, with the iPhone 6 Plus (0.6 °). It also incorporates dual LED flash, and an intelligent mode that takes up to four different frames that combine to provide the best possible picture.
As for its performance and results, we say that we found the rather slow, approach but the image stabilizer has been very useful to us in our case. With favorable conditions, the photographs that we have obtained had a good level of detail. In most dark environments, thanks to the system of noise reduction that Huawei guys have been incorporated, it also reveals some interesting snapshots, but it falters slightly, giving a somewhat worse results.
Regarding the video, there is an option in the Huawei P8 called Director mode. What is it? So your files moving will be recorded in the most original way. This connects the device with four other teams, which allows to record the same scene from several angles, then edit it and that is only one. It is not the first time that we see a similar function, since it is a feature that we have been tested in analysis of the Sony Xperia Z3, but it continues to be original and entertaining.
Photo Gallery Images taken with the Huawei P8

Software: Android 3.1 EMUI Lollipop

The Huawei P8 works with Android Lollipop, the latest version of the operating system for mobile phones and tablets of Google, which accompanies EMUI 3.1, Huawei customization layer. This edition is very smooth and you can navigate seamlessly through their various screens.
It is true that recalls largely to iOS 8, although no one is who to say where have got the inspiration. It does not have an application panel, although it does have a search box on apps. This may be something that many users dislike, but personally nothing uncomfortable isn't to us. In fact, if we have all the applications on the screen, do we need store them also on an additional panel?
Anything other than we liked are the controls of power and battery. While it is true that, sometimes, can be somewhat intrusive, they are us pretty useful to keep the autonomy of the terminal.
One of the failures of this device comes in controlling reproduction of audio or video. The system takes enough to recognize the action we want to perform (pause, play, forward, rewind), so sound is emitting for several seconds after you run the action. In addition, should give you exactly to the center of each command, since a minimum right or left clicking it will not recognize the order. Something similar happens with alarm, since it is very difficult to turn it off if not click precisely in the right place.
One of the innovations of the software is the new feature that has to make screenshots with the knuckles. Yes, you read correctly. Although, it seems, a provision of the bland P8 Huawei, we assure you that it is a more useful option. Normally, when we make screenshots with the cell phone, we do not want to select the entire image and always just cut the snapshot. Making a circle or a square in the place that you want to select, we will avoid us an extra step, so we will gain in productivity.
Another curious feature is the voice search. After setting the keyword, you can say: "Where are you?" (Where are you?, in English) and Huawei P8 will sound until you pick it up. This feature works best in quiet noisy environments, something that was to be expected. Even so, responds quite well in general. The problem is that, for the moment, it is only available in English, but if you get with the language, is very useful.

One option that liked us, while we had already seen it in previous equipment brand, is the energy-saving mode. If you have low battery will be helpful, since it only has phone, camera, messages, contacts, music and Gallery options. It also has a mode to manage the team with one hand, even if we have been able to control the P8 in this way without the need to use this version.
Autonomy and connectivity
One of the strengths of the device is its connectivity. Coming from Huawei we didn't expect less, since it is leader in solutions of this type. In addition to NFC and Bluetooth 4.1, the equipment comes with a number of features that we provide every day.
The Huawei P8 is 4 G Dual SIM, so we won't have any problems when it comes to connect us to the Internet. If you prefer, one of the slots can be used for expanding the terminal using a microSD memory.
One of the things that we liked in it comes to connectivity is Signal +, a feature that includes two antennas on the phone. The smartphone is able to change from one to another quickly, regardless of the grip that we do, so that coverage is always optimal. We must say that it works, since we have not had any problems when making calls, thing that if we spent with branded appliances.
It is also very interesting WiFi +, a function that the mobile will automatically connect to the best WiFi network available to have a stable connection. We have found this feature in particular very useful, because it is quite tedious be looking continuously the best network, especially if you are traveling frequently abroad or you run out of data before the end of the month, as it is our case.
For those users who usually travel by airplane, the P8 Huawei incorporates Roaming +. This feature allows you to synchronize with the roaming network services up to three times faster than a normal phone.
The autonomy of the team is one of the points where the smartphone limps. It comes with 2,680 mAh and device not reach the day giving an intensive use. With normal use, lasts one day and peak. This may be a point to improve in future editions.
Huawei TalkBand B2, the perfect companion
While we could see it in the MWC 2015, no we have been enjoying it so far. TalkBand B2 It is the new smart Huawei bracelet and responds to various needs of what we understand as a smartband.
We have tested it with Huawei P8 and, in general, has left us with some very positive feelings. The design is excellent, because it has a solid and resistant, exterior while that elegant.
Available in two versions: leather, with more delicate aesthetic, or thermoplastic polyurethane, for a casual occasion. We have tested the first model, although we have to say that it includes with an additional belt of plastic on the inside of the packaging. Anyway, it's standard 8 mm belt, so we can exchange it for any other model available on the market.
One of the things that we liked the B2 TalkBand is its autonomy, since it has stood us four and a half days giving intensive, which isn't anything wrong taking into account what other smartbands duran. Also, takes no more than two hours to charge 100% of its capacity, something that is appreciated.
Another of the strong points of this wearable is that it can be removed easily belt to use as a Bluetooth headset. We have to say that, in this way, note technology of noise reduction that Huawei guys have been incorporated.
Thanks to the TalkBand B2 can locate our smartphone since, if we execute this function, the terminal will emit a high enough so that we can figure out where.
In terms of the functions of the smartband are pros and cons. Sleep monitoring works perfectly thanks to the 6-axis sensor is fitted. Also we liked much to know the calories we burned during physical activity that we have performed. However, we have not so clear for the pedometer to point the correct steps. In addition, the screen is not especially well in bright outdoor.
Once we have finished our physical activity, we will only have to pair it with your mobile phone. If we want to, we may also share it on our social networks.
As you can see in the pictures, is not large in a female doll which is a point in its favor. And, lately, it is very difficult to find a smartwatch or a smartband that is not lopsided in a woman.
Conclusions
In conclusion, we cannot deny that we are faced with one of the best designs in smartphones that we have seen so far. The Huawei P8 is elegant, light and especially thin.
However, it has left us somewhat cold performance and autonomy of the terminal.
On the other hand, the new functions of the camera have seemed to us a success, as well as solutions in connectivity. On this second point, there are very few mobiles that match it.
Another point to consider is the price of the Huawei P8, since it can buy from 499 euros. In short, if you are looking for a top of the range phone with a good camera and an excellent design that offers good solutions in regards to connectivity, this is your smartphone.

Our assessment

  • Design 9 9/10
  • Screen 8 8/10
  • Hardware 7 7/10
  • Software 8 8/10
  • Camera 9 9/10
  • Battery 7 7/10
  • Connectivity 9 9/10
  • Quality/price 8 8/10
Extracted from the website: ComputerHoy.com
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