Huawei GX8, we have tested it

Large, with good features and a moderate price. This is the Huawei GX8 , a team that is a step below the Huawei Mate 8 , but maintains a remarkable set of specifications. Including a main camera of 13 megapixels that has surprised us by its luminosity . But that is not all. It also highlights a 5.5-inch screen with Full HD resolution , an eight-core processor plus 3 GB of RAM or a good 3,000 milliamp battery that places its autonomy around a day and a half of use. In addition, the company has deployed a metallic designthat enhances its appeal and a fingerprint reader . The Huawei GX8 joins the increasingly widespread trend of including this sensor in mid-range and high-end models. If you want it, you can already find it in stores for a price of 400 euros. We have had the opportunity to test it in depth. We tell you our impressions after trying it for a few days.

Very bright photos

Very bright main camera, BSI sensor with wide angle lens, numerous modes to enhance our photos, dual-tone LED flash

It is one of the great surprises that we have taken with this phone. A premium mid-range terminal is expected to have a camera to match, but the 13-megapixel resolution of its rear sensor does not invite you to think of such high performance. And it is that with the main camera of the Huawei GX8 we have achieved very bright photos , even above the lighting that is shown with the view. This makes it an excellent lens for taking our photos in low-light environments  or during our night out. To achieve this, the GX8 's camera uses a BSI- type sensor with a 28mm wide-angle lens..

In addition, it incorporates optical image stabilization so that our photos do not come out shaky even when our hands are shaking. Another point that can give us a lot of play is the object tracking function , which is accessed through the settings menu. This feature consists of fixing an object so that the camera always focuses on that point even when the element moves (or we move). The maximum ISO light exposure level for this camera is ISO-800 . As is normal, it also has HDR mode to improve photos in which there will be color contrast (for example, at sunset) or a dual-tone flash. Thanks to this feature, more natural photos are achieved at night. Of course, taking into account how bright the camera is, it is best to first try to take the photo without the use of flash to achieve a better result. The lens aperture reaches f / 2.0 .

As for the video, as expected we can record videos with a quality of 1080p in Full HD . The good news is that optical image stabilization also works for record mode , allowing for more stable shots.

Detail of the rear camera modes of the Huawei GX8

Main camera modes

One of the points that seem somewhat more confusing in Huawei's interface is its camera modes. These modes are separated into two, so that at a first glance we have modes that can be accessed by sliding your finger left and right across the screen. These modes are:

Good food : This mode is specially designed so that the photos we take of the dishes appear more defined.

Beauty : A mode in which more juice is squeezed into the front camera, but which can help us to achieve more beautiful compositions when we photograph one or more people. Beauty mode softens the features and makes the face more defined. Users can choose from ten different levels of beauty.

Photo : As its own mode indicates, this is the standard mode for taking photos.

Video: The same but when recording scenes

Sequences : It is the way that helps us to make time-lapse compositions, with several photos that follow one another quickly to create a curious effect.

Apart from these "main" modes, the user can also access other features by pressing the button with three horizontal stripes. In this case we have:

Panoramic : For landscape photos that fill the horizon.

HDR : This is a feature that today cannot be missing from a camera worth its salt. With this mode activated, colors appear more vivid and highly colorful compositions can be created. There is a danger of achieving hyper-realistic effects, but if this result is pursued we can get very precious photos.

Total focus : A mode that superimposes several images with different focuses so that we can later choose the place of the photo that we want to highlight.

Best photo : The camera takes several photos in a row and then proposes the best photo between the shots.

Watermark : A personal touch with a brand that we can choose from a good collection with elements such as the date or temperature, our reaction to the photo or even positive messages.

Audio note : After taking the photo, an audio track with up to 10 seconds of recording is included.

Along with these modes, there is also a filter button to include different layers to our photos. Thanks to this, the image can be converted into black and white, adding a sad or even vintage touch, to name a few.

Front camera

As for the front camera, Huawei GX8 commitment to a simpler goal with a resolution of 5 megapixels . Mind you, it maintains a good maximum ISO of ISO-800 and takes pretty decent photos in darker environments. In addition, we have a specific mode to improve selfie taking that memorizes our features so that the result is more harmonious. You can also play with a mode called "Makeup" in which curious effects can be added to both the lips and the eyes. For example, we can simulate a more striking party makeup or another more restrained for day to day. Another fun option is the "Mirror", designed so that we have the experience of being in front of a small mirror. In fact, we have the option of blowing in the direction of the microphone to "mist" the screen and then lighten it by dragging our fingers. Video recording goes up to 720p in maximum quality.

Balanced design and Full HD panel

Aluminum construction, speakers in the lower area, fingerprint reader

The Huawei GX8 is a terminal that maintains elegant lines, although our feeling is that it is far from the preciousness of models such as the Huawei P8 or the Huawei Mate 8 . The company uses a one-piece aluminum body that gives it that premium look so demanded in recent months. One of the aspects that immediately attract the attention of this smartphone are its two rear grilles.We also have two rows of grille at the bottom to create a more immersive audio experience. In addition, a more differential and quite elegant design is created, especially when we look at the rear case. Another interesting point is the reduction of the side frames of the screen almost to a minimum, to make it easier to grab the mobile with one hand and access the different corners of the screen. By the way, all the physical buttons on the front have been removed. The touch buttons to go back, go to the main screen or switch between apps appear in the lower area of ​​the panel itself. As in most upper-middle and high-end equipment, the Huawei GX8 incorporates a fingerprint reader. This is positioned just below the rear camera. This position is interesting since it allows the reader to be active at all times. In this way, all you have to do is place your finger on the reader even with the screen off and the computer is unlocked immediately.

This model can be found in two configurations, one that combines the front area in white with the rear in silver (which we have had the opportunity to test), and another with the front area in dark gray next to the sides and the rear. in metal. The Huawei GX8 is well balanced, although it does come across as heavy. It is just a sensation, since its weight stands at 167 grams, a fairly competitive figure if we compare it with other models in the same range. We are also facing a fairly slim smartphone, with dimensions of  152.5 x 76.5 x 7.5 millimeters.

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Comparative table of weights and thicknesses

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As for the screen, the Asian company has opted for an IPS-type LCD panel with a size of 5.5 inches . It is a size that has practically become a standard in the latest generation phones, which tend to bet on this size or the more compact five-inch format. In the case of the Huawei GX8, we have a resolution Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 pixels with a density level of 401 dots per inch. It is a level of detail more than enough to enjoy movies or videos in high resolution, although it is a step below the most cutting-edge equipment. Its tactile response is very good and the brightness level lives up to what is expected from a premium mid-range device . It does not reach the brightness of models like the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge , but in general we have not had problems to see its contents in all kinds of environments even on a sunny day.

Power and memory

Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 processor, 3GB RAM, 32GB internal memory

The Huawei GX8 uses an eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 processor , with a power of 1.5 GHz per core . This chip has good performance during normal use of the computer, although it is true that with more powerful processes it can be somewhat short (such as when facing games like Asphalt 8: Airborne ). What is more interesting is its 3 GB RAM, which allows us to run a large number of apps at the same time without affecting performance. Another point that should be noted is the use of a 32 GB internal memory, a capacity that should be sufficient for normal use of the equipment. Be that as it may, if we put aside the space occupied by the operating system and the pre-installed applications, the memory we have left for our personal files is around 24 GB. For the most demanding users, the GX8 also includes a microSD card slot of up to 128GB.

Regardless of our personal considerations, we have decided to pit the Huawei GX8 against two of the most popular power tests on the net. We are talking about AnTuTu Benchmark and Geekbench 3 .

AnTuTu Benchmark and Geekbench 3 Results on the Huawei GX8

As we can see, the performance of this equipment is in the middle, quite far from the results that, for example, marks the Huawei Mate 8 . The beast of the Asian brand is placed in the 86,000 points within the results of AnTuTu.

Pre-installed apps

The Huawei GX8 bets on the Android 5.1 Lollipop version , one of the most recent installments in the Google universe. This platform has become the most popular in the smartphone universe, far ahead of other alternatives such as the iPhone's iOS or the -almost-defunct Windows Phone. One of the main advantages of Android is in its large ecosystem of its own applications, with many quality titles in its official store. In addition, it also gives companies a lot of freedom to create their own layers of software to personalize the phone. In the case of the Huawei GX8, we have the EMUI 3.1 version of Huawei with some very interesting applications and functions.

HiCare

An app for users who come into contact with the mobile for the first time, and to solve any problem that the Huawei GX8 may suffer . Once we accept the terms of service, we have quick access to a guide to master the different aspects of the phone. It also includes a telephone to contact technical service or an email address to make a complaint or claim. In addition, under the "Forum" tab we can directly access the brand's forum or its Twitter and Facebook accounts .

Topics

Today, customization is key. And the Huawei platform incorporates a dedicated app to "dress" the mobile to our liking. The theme app offers a good number of wallpapers and icon format for all users. In fact, if we don't like all the details of a specific topic, we have the option to customize the phone as we like it best.

Movement control

One of the advanced options of the Huawei GX8 is the function of accessing different apps directly with the screen off. To do this, you have to draw a letter on our panel with your finger . Specifically, with this terminal we can use four different letters ( C, E, M and W ). Each of these letters is configured to be associated with a different application.

Connections

4G support, NFC, GPS, use of a nanoSIM card

In the field of connections, this model has everything expected from a team of this range. This equipment is compatible with high speed 4G networks. To save data at home, we have the option of connecting to WiFi networks . It also includes NFC connectivity , a technology used to make payments through mobile phones. Or GPS , to navigate anywhere. The type of card used is nanoSIM , a very small format that is becoming the most popular option among new releases.

Autonomy, price and opinions

3,000 milliamp battery, 380 euros, very bright camera, good design

The Huawei GX8 incorporates a 3,000 milliamp battery . It is a capacity that is placed in the middle for this mobile format, with a remarkable performance . In our personal use, we have been able to work with the mobile for an average of a day / a day and a half without having to recharge it. However, beyond personal impressions, the most interesting thing is to face the mobile phone with a battery test so that it can give us a more approximate measurement (and easy to compare). As on other occasions, we have decided to use the AnTuTu Tester tool . These are the results.

The results place it in the upper-middle part of the table. Here is the ranking of the teams that we have faced to date in the battery test:

1. Huawei Mate 8 ”“ 11,804 points–

2. Samsung Galaxy A5 2016 ”“ 10,102 points ”“

3. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge –8,047 points–

4. Huawei GX8 –7,800 points–

5. ZTE Axon Mini ”“ 6,445 points ”“

6. Sony Xperia Z5 Premium ”“ 4,870 points ”“

The Huawei GX8 is now available for sale for an approximate price of 380 euros . In short, a premium mid-range mobile that has surprised us by the brightness of its main camera . This lens offers the performance of a top team. Otherwise, we have a very remarkable set of features that do not clash at any point, and that are complemented by an elegant and balanced metal design . Undoubtedly, an option to take into account for users who want to spend an average cost to get a terminal from a reference brand such as Huawei.

HUAWEI GX8 DATA SHEET

screen

Design

Camera

Multimedia

software

Power

Memory

Connections

Autonomy

+ info

Price: 380 euros