Friday, July 21, 2017

OnePlus 5 Review: Vs. Honor 8

OnePlus 5
I am an android geek and an enthusiast for many years. I have rooted phones, written xposed modules and am deeply familiar with android phones. I have moved on, though. All i now want is a good stable, responsive phone. Coming from LG G3, i narrowed my choices to Axon 7, Honor 8 and OnePlus 5 (based on true value). I don't believe there are many other choices.
I read numerous reviews on each of these phones, however, i want to decide for myself. Bought all 3 phones and used it as daily driver for a week. I am not gonna bore you with all with processors/technical specs/etc. Phone Arena has those info.
Here's my summarized version on usability of the phones.
Axon 7
Pro:
+ Best value for the money among all three phones.
+ ZTE is very generous; they don't skimp on anything; Phone comes with everything; including a case, extra set of screen protector.
+ Phone is snappy; not many junk Apps; can even disable most of the junk;
+ ZTE Custom UI is decent (not great); but customizable
+ Dual Sim; but one of slot is either SD card or 2nd sim
+ Excellent speaker; although i rarely use it. I always use headphones, so this feature really didn't tip the scale.
+ Wifi Calling and VOLTE are available.
Con:
- Slow fingerprint reader for unlocking the phone. In my opinion, this is a serious flaw since you will be constantly unlocking the phone. Even though you might overlook this flaw initially, it will get to you after some time.
- Cellular bands are not wide. Works well with GSM carriers in USA (like TMobile, AT&T etc). Does not work with CDMA. However, if you want to take your phone over seas (asian countries) not all LTE bands are compatible
- Among the three, this is the heaviest phone. Also, phone is slightly big to use it in 1 hand.
Honor 8 (FRD L04):
Pro:
+ Best looking phone. Phone feels very slippery. I was afraid i might drop the phone.
+ Very fast and good finger print reader. Best of all, you can customize few commands in the reader.
+ Good customizable UI. Best part is, you can dim the screen for reading, will be easy on your eyes.
Con:
- This is NOT a dual sim phone. This phone may have a slot to put the second sim. The phone sold in usa does not have dual sim support in OS.
- The cellular bands are not wide. Works well with GSM Networks in USA (like TMobile, AT&T, etc). Not with CDMA. However, if you want to take your phone over seas (asian countries), not all LTE bands are compatible
- Junk apps
- no WiFi calling available.
OnePlus 5:
Pro:
+ Phone is lighter than Axon7
+ Broadest Cellular band. Works well with all GSM Carrier in USA; And, if you plan to take it to asian countries, it works well with all GSM carriers there as well.
+ Dual Sim; Also, you can dim the screen for reading, will be easy on your eyes
+ BEST of all; insanely fast fingerprint reader; The fastest phone, by far. Has the largest RAM, 6GB; fastest processor.
+ Closest to the native android experience. Not many bloatwares
+ Wifi Calling available; so is VOLTE.
Con:
- Phone is the same size as Axon7; big for one hand; but much lighter than Axon 7
- No SD Card slot
- Most expensive of all 3
- Compared to ZTE (see Axon 7 above) OnePlus is very cheap. Phone comes with wall charger and a cable, that it. No ear phones, nothing.
- Not many UI customization available;
- WORST Customer Service. This takes the cake, when it comes to bad customer service.
In summary, it all came down to finger print reader. The delay in reading and unlocking the phone will slowly get on your nerves. If you do not care about dual sim (or broadest cellular band), Honor 8 is a good choice. However, if you want dual sim and the fastest
finger print reader, you may have to choose OnePlus 5. I know i will hate OnePlus customer service. I may buy square trade warranty just to avoid talking to OnePlus.

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