HONOR Magic6 Lite Review: Smartphone with best value for money
The HONOR Magic6 Lite signifies Honor’s ambitious entry into the mid-range of mobile telephony, presenting a product that notably surpasses its predecessor in terms of quality. This smartphone places a strong emphasis on aesthetics, performance, and extended battery life. In this comprehensive review, we’ll closely examine the key features that make the HONOR Magic6 Lite a standout contender in the mid-range smartphone market.
- Dual SIM: This smartphone has dual SIM slots for SIM card 1 and SIM card 2 with network compatibility for 2G, 3G,...
- Large Display: Features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1080 x 2400 resolution for an...
- High Performance: Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G octa-core processor and 6GB RAM for fast performance and...
- Large Storage: Comes with 128GB internal storage and 6GB RAM, providing ample space for apps, photos, videos, and...
- Long Battery Life: Equipped with a 5100mAh battery that provides up to 10 hours of screen-on time on a single...
HONOR Magic6 Lite: Video Review
| Specs | HONOR Magic6 Lite |
| Display | 6.78 inches, AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 x 2652 pixels, 19.9:9 ratio (~431 ppi density), 1200 nits (peak) |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 |
| GPU | Adreno A710 |
| Memory | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Memory Card slot | No |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| OS | Android 13, Magic UI 7.2 |
| Rear Camera | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Front Camera | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| NFC | Yes |
| Battery | Li-Po 5300 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | 35W wired |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Protection | SGS Five-Star drop-resistant certification |
| Colors | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green |
Design
The HONOR Magic6 Lite has a familiar design, but there are still some noticeable changes. The camera module stands out with a metal ring, providing a subtle yet premium touch. Within this module, there’s a 5-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera (which might be considered outdated by 2024 standards), and a commendable 108-megapixel main camera. The latter, according to testing, proves to be capable of capturing high-quality photos.
Examining the back of the device reveals a Shimmer effect, adding a touch of elegance as the color transitions from lighter to slightly darker depending on the viewing angle. The emerald green color, labeled as “HONOR,” adds a distinctive aesthetic. The frame surrounding the device is constructed from plastic, contributing to a lighter feel compared to some bulkier flagships, weighing in at 185 grams. Despite the plastic build, it comes with SGS Five-Star drop-resistant certification, promising durability against accidental drops.
On the front, the INB fingerprint reader embedded in the screen is highlighted, providing efficient and reliable unlocking. The placement, however, could be more comfortable according to personal preference. The 16-megapixel selfie camera is situated at the top, accompanied by a secondary microphone, but notably missing an IR transmitter.
The device supports dual Nano SIMs but lacks microSD card support and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The absence of a headphone jack may disappoint users who prefer wired audio solutions. The loudspeaker is a single unit, positioned at the bottom alongside the microphone and USB Type-C port, which supports USB TWP speeds but lacks video-out capabilities.
While the HONOR Magic6 Lite offers a well-rounded experience for its price point, the absence of dual loudspeakers might be perceived as a drawback in a market where such features are becoming increasingly common, even in more affordable models, by the year 2024.
HONOR Magic6 Lite: Display
The HONOR Magic6 Lite boasts an impressive 6.78-inch diagonal AMOLED display. With a 19.9:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1200 x 2652 pixels (1.5K), this display offers a cinematic and immersive viewing experience. The screen-to-body ratio stands at an outstanding 92.8%, practically eliminating bezels and contributing to a sleek, modern aesthetic.
The panel’s pixel density is a noteworthy 429 pixels per inch (ppi), ensuring exceptional detail and sharpness in every visual element. The display also covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, delivering vibrant and accurate colors with nuanced gradients.
To further elevate the user experience, the HONOR Magic6 Lite incorporates a 120Hz refresh rate. This feature enhances the fluidity of animations and transitions, resulting in smoother interactions and an overall more responsive feel.
In terms of brightness, the display impresses with a peak brightness of 1200 nits. This high level of brightness is not only beneficial for indoor usage but also proves to be more than useful under direct sunlight. The slightly rounded edges of the screen contribute to the device’s aesthetic appeal, striking a balance between a modern look and ergonomic comfort.
Performance
The HONOR Magic6 Lite features the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor. This flagship chipset is complemented by a robust 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, providing not only swift multitasking capabilities but also contributing to a smooth and responsive overall user experience. Notably, the device allows users to virtually expand the RAM by an additional 8GB if needed.
Furthermore, the inclusion of 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage ensures that the Magic6 Lite not only performs at high speeds but also offers ample space for storing apps, media, and other files.
The powerful combination of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 3.1 memory contributes to seamless multitasking and a superior gaming experience. Users can engage in resource-intensive tasks, including high-level gaming, without encountering overheating issues, thanks to the efficient thermal management of the device.
Security and convenience are at the forefront, with the HONOR Magic6 Lite offering two biometric unlocking methods. The 2D face recognition and the fingerprint sensor integrated under the display ensure swift and secure access to the device. Regardless of the chosen method, users can enjoy a quick and efficient unlocking process.
Connectivity options are comprehensive, with the device supporting dual SIM functionality (without eSIM support). The Magic6 Lite is equipped with 5G connectivity, providing users with high-speed data transmission. Other connectivity features include dual-band WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, NFC for mobile payments, and a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
Software
The HONOR Magic6 Lite runs on the Android 13 operating system, coupled with the MagicOS 7.2 graphic customization. While the device impressively delivers a smooth and responsive user experience, a minor drawback is evident as it relies on a slightly “older” version of the Android OS.
Navigating through the system is seamless, and users can enjoy the familiar features and functionalities without encountering any notable difficulties or negative experiences.
The company promises to provide updates for two more versions of the Android operating system, ensuring that users can anticipate upgrades to Android 14 and Android 15. Additionally, HONOR pledges three years of security patch updates, contributing to the device’s longevity and security.
The inclusion of MagicOS 7.2 adds a layer of customization and optimization to the Android base, enhancing the overall user experience with tailored features and optimizations specific to HONOR devices.
Camera
The HONOR Magic6 Lite photography capabilities are commendable, featuring a trio of rear sensors to cater to various shooting scenarios. The main highlight is the impressive 108-megapixel primary camera with an F1.75 aperture, delivering sharp and detailed images. The secondary sensors include a 5-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro lens, capable of capturing shots up to 4 centimeters.
Considering its budget-friendly price, the image quality is excellent, showcasing well-calibrated colors and rich details. While the overall sharpness of shots may benefit from some minor software improvements, the device captures images that meet or exceed expectations for its price range. In low-light conditions, digital noise becomes apparent quickly, and there’s a risk of blurry shots. However, with careful attention, users can still achieve satisfactory results.
Video recording capabilities of the HONOR Magic6 Lite extend to a maximum resolution of 4K at 30fps. The autofocus performs admirably across various lighting conditions. However, the absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) becomes noticeable, leading to somewhat shaky videos. This lack of stabilization can make it challenging to capture smooth footage, especially during more dynamic shooting situations.
On the front, the device features a 16-megapixel selfie camera with fixed focus and no optical stabilization. This front-facing camera is capable of recording videos in Full HD format at 30 frames per second. The selfie camera produces high-quality photos, ensuring users can capture clear and detailed self-portraits.
Battery
The HONOR Magic6 Lite is equipped with a 5300mAh battery. Paired with 35W fast charging support, the device offers efficient power replenishment. With this fast charging capability, the phone reaches 80% battery in just 1 hour and 5 minutes, and a full charge is achieved in approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Battery life is a standout feature, allowing users to comfortably exceed 6 hours of active display time. This endurance is comparable to dedicated battery-centric devices, providing a reliable power source for users throughout the day. With moderate usage, the HONOR Magic6 Lite can often go for at least two days before requiring a connection to the wall socket.
The phone does not support wireless charging, but does support reverse charging. Therefore, you can use it as a power source for small wearable devices or another smartphone via a USB-C to C cable.
HONOR Magic6 Lite: Conclusion
The HONOR Magic6 Lite stands out as a definitive smartphone, delivering a compelling package at an affordable price of 299 euros. This device can genuinely be considered a best buy, offering a well-rounded set of features that cater to various user needs.
- Dual SIM: This smartphone has dual SIM slots for SIM card 1 and SIM card 2 with network compatibility for 2G, 3G,...
- Large Display: Features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 1080 x 2400 resolution for an...
- High Performance: Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G octa-core processor and 6GB RAM for fast performance and...
- Large Storage: Comes with 128GB internal storage and 6GB RAM, providing ample space for apps, photos, videos, and...
- Long Battery Life: Equipped with a 5100mAh battery that provides up to 10 hours of screen-on time on a single...
Its strong points are exceptional battery life, modern and elegant aesthetics, good performance (compared to its price), and in any case a large OLED display that immediately appears to be of a superior level. The camera is also very good. The downside is perhaps the operating system, which is still updated to Android 13.
