Huawei G8 (GX8) Smartphone Review

As in the more expensive Huawei Mate S, the G8 supports only the Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n standards, and thus 5 GHZ networks cannot be used. A maximum gross data rate of 72 Mbit/s was achieved in the test with an Asus RT-AC56U router. The excellent reception compensated slightly for the relatively mediocre outcome. Bluetooth 4.0 is also available for near-field communication.

Both nano-SIM slots support LTE (Cat. 4: max. 50 Mbit/s upload, 150 Mbit/download), 3G and 2G networks. Which of the two slots is to be preferred for mobile data traffic can be selected in the settings. Reception in the urban T-Mobile network was impeccable.

The integrated GPS module located us quickly both outdoors and inside a ground-level supermarket. It also made a good impression in comparison with Garmin's Edge 500 GPS bike computer. Although the smartphone did not scan our position as frequently, which led to minor inaccuracies in the traced route, the deviation between the devices was less than one percent in total - an outstanding outcome.

Telephone & Call Quality

The clearly arranged phone app enables accessing saved contacts, a chronologically ordered call list, directly accessing received text and MMS messages, as well as the mandatory keypad function.

The audio quality during calls was satisfactory, but not as crystal clear as in some premium models. The earpiece's high maximum volume and the good hands-free speaker are all the more pleasing. The voice always sounded natural and static-free on the contact's side - praise for the installed microphones. However, the sound deteriorates at both ends when using the provided headset.

The primary camera in Huawei's G8 has a resolution of 13 megapixels and an aperture of f/2.0. An optical image stabilizer effectively prevents blurred photos. The picture quality is very good. Subjectively, they appeal with decent image dynamics, rich colors and useable low-light quality. However, when recording our ColorChecker chart, consistently bright and rather over-saturated colors were noticeable. Even though higher-resolution lenses exist in the premium range, the review sample shines with an almost homogeneous sharpness over the entire image section - a superb performance. The fast auto focus, diverse live effect filters and ultra-snapshot mode adds to the fun of using the camera.

It is therefore not very surprising that the front-facing 5 megapixel webcam loses out in the comparison: The photos taken with the primary camera are considerably sharper, especially in good light, and the dynamics range of the webcam's photos is visibly lower. The differences fade increasingly in poorly illuminated rooms, though.

While the primary camera records Full HD videos that impress with decent, but not outstanding sharpness, only 720p videos can be recorded with the webcam. They show considerably less object detail and are noticeably pixelated at the edges of the recorded objects. It is too bad that the primary camera's auto focus does not function while recording videos, making it necessary to focus manually via touchscreen input. The natural sounding audio track is noticed favorably. Movie makers should take care not to touch either microphone because that leads to ugly interference noises.

The 5.5-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels in the G8 has a high pixel density of 401 PPI. Thus, no annoying pixel structures are visible even at close range.

The screen of the review sample lags behind the technically related Honor 5X with a brightness of 468 cd/m² and contrast of 1064:1. This result does not change in the measurement with equally distributed bright and dark areas on the screen (average picture level/APL50). We measured a maximum of 452 cd/m² when the brightness sensor was enabled. However, the screen can collect plus point with its very homogeneous brightness distribution and non-existent PWM flickering.

The mono speaker in Huawei's G8 situated beside the USB port and behind a perforated grille delivers an overall average sound. Although the maximum volume of 87.9 dB(A) is quite high, the audio output is very treble-heavy. This is also evident in our Pink Noise diagram that shows that the low frequencies are clearly understated. However, we have to highlight that the casing never vibrated unpleasantly and the sound remained largely homogeneous over the entire volume spectrum.

A subliminal noise distracts when a headphone is connected to the 3.5 mm audio jack, which continues to be audible for a few seconds in the quiet moments after playback has finished. Otherwise, the sound is impeccable. The included headset sounds very muffled, so it is recommended to use a higher-quality headphone for music enjoyment.

At a first glance, Huawei's new mid-range scion impresses with appealing, high-quality build that would even fit into the premium range. Beyond that, the user does not miss out much technically. The G8 has both the memory configuration and the decent primary camera in common with the more expensive Mate S. Unfortunately, it also inherits the lack of support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency bandwidths. The installed panel's high resolution and accurately functioning touchscreen is compelling in everyday use, but some users might find the color tint annoying. The smartphone gets the biggest minus point for the SoC's rather mediocre overall performance, which should hardly be a problem in everyday use, though. The many extra functions that Huawei's modified user interface involves and the reliable and quick fingerprint scanner are all the more pleasing.

The G8 is a good alternative for all buyers who find premium smartphones too expensive, but do not want to forego a big, high-resolution screen, decent camera and extensive memory configuration. On the other hand, some compromises have to be made in terms of performance.

Should 16 GB of internal storage be enough, a look at Honor's 5X from the same company might be worthwhile before buying Huawei's G8 - it offers a largely similar configuration, but is also approximately 100 Euros (~$114) cheaper. The formerly much more expensive Mate S sister model is now available for less than 400 Euros (~$456) and is also worth considering as an alternative to the review sample.