The Honor X6 has emerged as a budget-friendly smartphone aimed at users who want a dependable device without breaking the bank. With an attractive design, modest features, and a focus on performance efficiency, the device positions itself as a well-balanced daily driver. But how well does it perform when it comes to its camera capabilities and battery endurance, two key features many consumers prioritize?
TLDR: The Honor X6 provides solid camera performance for its price point, with surprisingly vibrant shots in daylight conditions. Its 5000mAh battery is a standout feature, offering outstanding longevity and making it ideal for users who want less frequent charging. However, low-light photography is where the phone reveals its budget limitations. Still, for value-seekers and casual users, it’s an excellent option under the entry-level segment.
Camera Test: A Closer Look at Imaging Performance
The Honor X6 features a triple-camera setup with the following sensors:
- 50 MP main camera – f/1.8 aperture
- 2 MP macro lens – f/2.4
- 2 MP depth sensor – f/2.4
This configuration on paper looks impressive for a budget device. But real-world performance is where it truly counts. In this section, the camera system is evaluated based on various shooting conditions.
Daylight Photography
Under bright sunlight, the 50 MP primary sensor on the Honor X6 performs unexpectedly well. It captures images with good corner-to-corner sharpness and decent dynamic range. Colors appear natural, and details are well-preserved without looking oversharpened.
Autofocus is mostly responsive, although it struggles slightly when objects are too close to the lens. The macro lens offers the ability to capture finer detail, but results are best when the camera is held perfectly still and the subject is brightly lit.
Portrait Mode and Depth Effects
The 2 MP depth sensor works with the main camera to create portrait shots that offer reasonably accurate background blur. Although the separation between the subject and the background isn’t flagship-grade, it’s sufficient for social media sharing and casual photography.
Occasionally, the edge detection falters — especially with subjects that have intricate outlines like hair or outstretched fingers — but overall the bokeh effect is commendable for a phone in this price bracket.
Low Light and Night Mode
Low-light performance is where the Honor X6’s limitations begin to show. In dim settings, images often lose detail and introduce noticeable noise. The colors become muted, and the focusing system slows down considerably.
However, the Honor X6 does offer a basic night mode that helps brighten poorly lit scenes and retains slightly better texture than the auto mode. Still, users shouldn’t expect stunning night-time photography from this device — it’s simply not its strong suit.
Selfie Camera
The front-facing 5 MP selfie camera is functional, delivering decent shots in well-lit surroundings. Skin tones are generally accurate, and exposure is well-handled. There is a software-driven beauty mode that can be turned on or off, but results can look overly processed at higher levels.
Video recording maxes out at 1080p for both front and rear cameras, and while it lacks advanced stabilization, casual videos still look passable for sharing online.
Battery Life Test: Power That Lasts
One of the standout features of the Honor X6 is its 5000mAh battery. For a budget device without power-hungry flagship features, this translates to incredibly long runtimes.
Screen-On Time
In moderate use scenarios — web browsing, some social media, occasional video streaming, and photography — the phone easily offers 8 to 10 hours of screen-on time. Many users report going up to two full days without the need to recharge, depending on usage intensity.
This endurance is aided by the device’s lower display resolution (720p), an efficient MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, and optimized software from Honor’s Magic UI 6.1 (based on Android 12).
Charging Speeds
While the longevity is highly appreciated, the charging speeds somewhat dampen the experience. The Honor X6 supports 10W charging, which is relatively slow by modern standards. A full charge takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. There’s no USB-C fast charging or wireless charging support, both of which are rarely seen at this price point anyway.
This means overnight charging is the best approach, and those who are used to quick top-ups during the day may find it slightly inconvenient.
Battery and Camera Comparison with Rivals
When placed side-by-side with competing devices like the Samsung Galaxy A04 or Xiaomi Redmi A1, the Honor X6 holds up well.
- Camera: The 50 MP sensor outshines most similarly priced rivals, where 13 MP or 8 MP main sensors are still common. However, low-light photography remains a challenge across all models in this segment.
- Battery: The 5000mAh unit is standard across budget models, but Honor’s power management software gives it an edge in standby performance.
Buyers looking for a phone with a little more photographic flexibility or fast-charging may need to consider mid-range alternatives. But if raw battery life and decent daylight photography are top concerns, Honor X6 covers the essentials well.
Final Verdict
Honor has struck a fine balance with the X6. Its primary camera delivers surprisingly good images in optimal lighting, and the battery life is nothing short of impressive. Limitations in low-light photography and charging speed keep it firmly in the budget category, but for the price range it’s targeting, the device performs reliably.
It’s best suited for:
- Students and light users needing long battery life
- First-time smartphone users
- Older demographics who prioritize endurance over features
Those needing higher-end features like fast charging, superior audio, or improved night-time photography might be better served by exploring higher-tier Honor devices or rival brands offering mid-range solutions. But for what it sets out to do, the Honor X6 gets most things right.
FAQ
- Q: What is the main camera specification of the Honor X6?
- A: The Honor X6 features a 50 MP primary camera with f/1.8 aperture, accompanied by a 2 MP macro and a 2 MP depth sensor.
- Q: Can the Honor X6 handle night photography well?
- A: Night photography is a weak point for the device. While it offers a basic night mode, images tend to be noisy and lacking in detail.
- Q: How long does the battery last on average?
- A: The Honor X6’s 5000mAh battery can last up to two days on moderate use, providing 8 to 10 hours of screen-on time depending on usage patterns.
- Q: Does the Honor X6 support fast charging?
- A: No, the Honor X6 supports only 10W charging, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge.
- Q: Is the phone good for selfies?
- A: The front 5 MP camera performs adequately in daylight but doesn’t offer advanced features or exceptional results in low light.