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In this article, I give you my Huawei P8 Lite review with specs included. I got this phone unlocked for all mobile networks. This seems to be the era for affordable Android smartphones particularly unlock ones but we’ve seen some carrier-based ones too.

As you might guess from the name, this is a more affordable or Lite version and it is the U.S. model. I know this one is available overseas with slightly different specs.

I have a model that has 4G LTE for both T-Mobile and AT&T in the United States. It’s unlocked so I don’t have to pay somebody to unlock it. I just put a SIM card from any GSM carrier and it is going to work.

One of the things I like about Huawei is its packaging. They did a nice job with the slipcase for this phone.

Inside the box, there’s the phone visible right away. And then, there is another box inside that has the manual and then a fatter box that has the charger and the USB cable, which isn’t the most exciting thing, and there’s a little SIM trey key that you’re going to need.

The Huawei P8 Lite stands out as an affordable Android smartphone designed specifically for the US market. This particular model offers 4G LTE compatibility with both AT&T and T-Mobile networks, along with some of their affiliated carriers. Sporting a 5-inch display with a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels, it provides a pleasant viewing experience with Gorilla Glass 3 protection and low-temperature poly-silicon technology, akin to IPS displays.

In terms of design, the Huawei P8 Lite bears a striking resemblance to the Sony Xperia Z3, featuring a plastic build that manages to exude a premium feel. The device incorporates a headphone jack at the top, a textured power button reminiscent of the Xperia series, volume controls, and dual SIM card slots on the side, catering to users who require multiple lines without carrying additional devices. Additionally, the bottom houses a standard microUSB port and a single rear-mounted speaker designed with symmetrical porting akin to the iPhone 4.

The back panel of the P8 Lite showcases a textured finish, enhancing its visual appeal, while the shiny faux-glass accent around the camera module adds a touch of elegance. Speaking of the camera, the device boasts a 13-megapixel rear camera with a Sony sensor, promising reliable performance for capturing everyday moments. Moreover, an LED flash accompanies the camera for low-light photography.

With a price tag of $249, the Huawei P8 Lite offers consumers an unlocked device available in black or white color options, compatible with any GSM carrier. However, it’s worth noting that the device does not support CDMA networks like Sprint or Verizon. The display boasts decent viewing angles, albeit susceptible to glare, while the 5-megapixel front camera facilitates 1080p video recording, delivering satisfactory results for selfies and video calls.

Despite featuring a 720p display, which some users may find lacking in resolution, the Huawei P8 Lite offers a sharp and vibrant viewing experience suitable for its 5-inch screen size. The device runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat out of the box, which may disappoint users expecting the more recent Lollipop version. However, Huawei has implemented various UI customizations, including a unique home screen layout that integrates launcher functionality, albeit with a slight learning curve for users accustomed to standard Android interfaces.

The Huawei P8 Lite presents a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers seeking an affordable yet feature-rich smartphone. Its blend of design, performance, and affordability makes it a competitive choice in its price segment, despite minor drawbacks such as the older Android version and potential software customizations that may require adaptation from users accustomed to stock Android experiences.

The Huawei P8 Lite offers a budget-friendly option for consumers seeking an Android smartphone in the US market. Despite running on the older Android 4.4 operating system, the device provides a familiar Google experience with access to essential Google applications. Additionally, Huawei includes a suite of tools such as an FM radio, calculator, voice recorder, magnifier, and an update manager for the EMUI (Emotion UI) user interface.

In terms of bundled software, users receive a 30-day trial version of Route 66 for navigation, along with an office suite that allows for document creation and editing. The device is free from carrier bloatware, delivering a clean user experience. Powering the Huawei P8 Lite is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 CPU, an octa-core 64-bit processor that strikes a balance between mid-range and high-end performance. Coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot, the device offers adequate storage and processing power for everyday use.

Huawei has equipped the P8 Lite with dual SIM card slots, both of which support LTE 4G connectivity, a feature uncommon in many US smartphones. However, users must choose between using a microSD card for storage expansion or a second SIM card due to the shared slot configuration. While this may limit the appeal of the dual SIM functionality for some users, it remains a convenient option for those seeking flexibility in managing multiple lines.

The device features a 5-inch display with a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels, protected by Gorilla Glass 3. While the display resolution may not match the standards of higher-end smartphones, it delivers adequate sharpness and clarity for everyday use. The inclusion of a single-band Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity ensures seamless wireless connectivity, although the absence of dual-band Wi-Fi may be a drawback for users requiring faster wireless speeds.

Battery life on the Huawei P8 Lite is sufficient for a day of moderate usage, thanks to its 2200mAh sealed battery. While the battery capacity may not be the largest in its class, the device’s moderate hardware demands ensure efficient power management. However, users should note that the sealed design of the device prevents access to the battery for replacement or servicing.

In terms of performance, the Huawei P8 Lite performs admirably for its price range, delivering smooth multitasking and app performance. Benchmark tests demonstrate comparable performance to other smartphones running on the same CPU and RAM configuration. The device handles gaming and web browsing tasks with ease, thanks to its capable hardware specifications.

Call quality and data connectivity are strong points for the Huawei P8 Lite, with support for both T-Mobile and AT&T networks. Additionally, the inclusion of support for T-Mobile’s Band 12 ensures comprehensive coverage for T-Mobile users. The device’s customized dialer and contact screen provide convenient access to essential calling features, enhancing the overall user experience. Despite its older operating system and some limitations such as the shared SIM/microSD slot, the device offers a well-rounded feature set, reliable performance, and solid build quality, making it a competitive choice in its price segment.

The Huawei P8 Lite offers an affordable option for consumers seeking an Android smartphone in the US market. Despite its outdated Android 4.4 operating system, the device provides a familiar Google experience with access to essential Google applications. However, there are some design quirks and limitations to consider.

When opening a contact, the device performs an unnecessary bouncy animation, which may seem superfluous to some users. However, the call quality of the phone is commendable, offering clear and full-sounding audio, making it a pleasant device for voice calls. In terms of data speeds, the device performs adequately, delivering speeds on par with carrier-branded phones in the Dallas metro area, where testing was conducted across both AT&T and T-Mobile networks.

Moving on to the camera functionality, the Huawei P8 Lite features a 13-megapixel Sony sensor, which should theoretically provide high-quality imaging. However, the camera software is somewhat peculiar, lacking automatic rotation to landscape mode when the phone is held horizontally for capturing photos or videos. Despite this, the camera offers various shooting modes and effects, including beauty mode, color effects, and video recording capabilities at 1080p resolution.

Upon closer inspection of the camera performance, it becomes evident that the images captured may lack depth and detail, possibly due to issues with lens quality. Additionally, the device tends to overexpose images, resulting in a loss of dynamic range. While the camera performs adequately for everyday use, it falls short of delivering the exceptional image quality expected from flagship devices. Video recording quality is similarly underwhelming, with noticeable over-sharpening effects and a lack of clarity in details.

Transitioning to gaming performance, the Huawei P8 Lite demonstrates satisfactory capabilities, thanks to its Snapdragon 615 CPU. Playing graphically intensive games such as Marvel fighting games is smooth, and the device’s one-watt speaker delivers loud and clear audio output, enhancing the gaming experience. Despite its capable hardware, the device faces stiff competition from other smartphones in its price range, particularly from the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 and the ASUS ZenFone 2, which offer superior camera performance and display quality.

In terms of design, the Huawei P8 Lite boasts a slim profile, measuring just 0.3 inches thick and weighing 4.76 ounces, making it lightweight and portable. Its aesthetic appeal may be subjective, with some users finding it attractive, while others may find it lacking in originality. While the device is competitively priced at $249, there are numerous alternatives available in the market, such as the Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3, which offers a higher resolution display and better camera performance for a similar price point.

In short, the Huawei P8 Lite presents a viable option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a functional Android smartphone. However, its outdated operating system and subpar camera performance may deter some users, especially when compared to other smartphones offering better features and value for money in the same price range. As the market for unlocked affordable Android phones continues to grow, consumers are encouraged to explore their options thoroughly before making a purchasing decision, considering factors such as performance, camera quality, and overall user experience.