Huawei sub-brand Honor launch affordable smartphone alternative

23^rd May 2019

The editorial unit

The editorial unit

23 May 2019

It’s fair to say Huawei are having a rough year when it comes to their brand image. Despite being indisputably at the top of their game product-wise, the Chinese company have come under increasing scrutiny in relation to how they use their data (not that the handsets seem any less pervasive on the high street at this point in time). Though they made huge headway when they were granted restricted access to the UK’s future 5G network, on Monday another huge blow was dealt when tech giant Google barred Huawei from a series of Android updates.

So how are Huawei combatting potential boycotts and keeping themselves a household name? Well, this week sister company Honor have released a new handset, the Honor 20 Pro, with all the power but without the price tag. The smartphone is sure to appeal for its accessibility and affordability, but on top of this, by all accounts, the cut in cost has not been made at the expense of the model’s functionality. The device features the same large, vivid display and still incorporates four cameras, meaning it doesn’t feel like a budget alternative to the P30 Pro, but rather stands as an impressive product that holds its own. 

Of course, there are some notable changes which set this handset apart, for better or worse. In terms of the negatives, there is no headphone jack or stereo speakers, and the front-facing hole-punch camera takes up more space than the corresponding tech of its cousin over at Huawei. Nonetheless, some differences bring something new to the table. The phone is curved at the edges, and though not to everyone’s taste, the back features an interesting reflective design that is almost holographic. In addition, the phone has better viewing angles than its predecessor and holds up well when being viewed in sunlight, which comes handy in any situation, from the use of Instagram to even play games. The online gaming is an industry in continuous expansion everywhere in the world, with Canada’s being on of the most prosperous.

So how cheap really is this “budget” option? If you’re expecting an absolute steal, prepare to be disappointed. Though the model is surprisingly reasonable in comparison with market competitors, it is still expected to come in at around the £525 mark (as a starting point for the lowest spec options). But when you consider that the launch price of the Huawei P30 pro was just under £700, it’s not a saving to be laughed at. And if you take a look at the price tags on Apple devices, it’s possible to see why Huawei might have made an incredibly smart move.

The editorial unit
Photo: Courtesy of Honor