Honor Play smartphone

Photo: 茅野ふたば via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Honor

Honor Play

August 2018 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Honor Play is a gaming-centric smartphone released in 2018, known for offering flagship-level performance at a mid-range price. It features Huawei's powerful Kirin 970 chipset and GPU Turbo technology, designed to enhance mobile gaming experiences.
Display6.3-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2340 pixels
ChipsetKirin 970
Main Camera16MP Dual Camera
Battery3750 mAh

💰 Honor Play Price

No verified retailer price for this phone yet.

This usually means the phone was listed very recently — new prices are checked on a rolling basis. In the meantime, see similar phones with live prices.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeIPS LCD
Size6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
ProtectionNo Gorilla Glass protection (2.5D glass)

Platform

ChipsetKirin 970 (10 nm)
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
GPUMali-G72 MP12

Memory

Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM (UFS 2.1)

Main Camera

Dual16 MP, f/2.2, PDAF (wide) + 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS)

Selfie Camera

Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 3750 mAh, non-removable
Charging18W wired

Body

Dimensions157.9 x 74.3 x 7.5 mm (6.22 x 2.93 x 0.30 in)
Weight176 g (6.21 oz)
BuildGlass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame
SIMHybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE, EDR, aptX HD
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFCYes (market dependent)
RadioNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0

Launch

AnnouncedJuly 2018
StatusDiscontinued
OSAndroid 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Powerful Kirin 970 chipset delivers smooth performance
  • GPU Turbo significantly enhances gaming experience
  • Good battery life for a full day of use
  • Attractive and sturdy metallic design
  • Retains a 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Excellent value for money at its price point

Cons

  • Camera performance is considered average, especially in low light and video recording
  • Display can be dim and lacks the punch of OLED panels
  • No official IP rating for water resistance
  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Single loudspeaker, which can be quiet
  • EMUI interface might feel outdated to some users
★ Our Verdict

The Honor Play earns a strong rating for its exceptional performance-to-price ratio, making flagship-level gaming accessible to a wider audience despite some compromises in camera quality and display brightness.

The Honor Play, while an older model, remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious users prioritizing raw performance, especially for mobile gaming. Its Kirin 970 chip and GPU Turbo still offer a capable experience for many titles. However, be aware that its camera system is not its strongest suit, and the display might not be as vibrant as modern OLED panels. For everyday tasks and solid battery life, it still holds up, but consider its age regarding software updates and overall longevity. It's best suited for those who value gaming and speed over cutting-edge camera technology or premium display features.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Honor Play Smartphone
  • 18W Fast Charger
  • USB Type-C Cable
  • SIM Ejector Tool
  • Protective Silicone Case
  • User Manuals

Typically comes with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the Honor Play released?

The Honor Play was officially released in August 2018.

Is the Honor Play good for gaming?

Yes, the Honor Play was specifically designed for gaming, featuring the powerful Kirin 970 chipset and GPU Turbo technology for enhanced performance and smoother gameplay.

Does the Honor Play have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Honor Play is equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

What processor does the Honor Play use?

The Honor Play is powered by Huawei's Kirin 970 (10 nm) octa-core processor.

Does the Honor Play support expandable storage?

Yes, the Honor Play supports expandable storage via a microSDXC card, utilizing a shared SIM slot.

Is the Honor Play waterproof?

No, the Honor Play does not have an official IP rating for water or dust resistance.