Reviews

HONOR 90 5G: Thoughts and impressions

For some people, it might sound like an exaggeration when I say that I was amazed the first time I tried the 200MP flagship camera of the HONOR 90 5G for a night shot in Palawan. However, that’s exactly how I felt.

It was a simple test, a straight-out-of-camera (SOOC) shot, that ended up becoming one of my frequently used photos on social media. Thanks to this experience, the HONOR 90 5G became my go-to companion and the first thing I think of when I need to take a photo.

The shot

A 200MP Ultra-Clear Camera (f/1.9) is no joke, especially for a mid-range phone. Even in high noon shots, the camera delivered natural colors, capturing the sky’s true blue shade. The images turned out crisp and clear, with the 200MP sensor and the ability to display 1.07 billion colors adding desirable detail and clarity to the pictures.

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Its 1/1.4-inch CMOS sensor size allowed for clear shots of moving subjects, with occasional blurriness that occurred only in a few instances during the review period. Complemented by the 2MP Depth Camera (f/2.4) and the 12MP Ultra Wide and Macro Camera (f/2.2), the HONOR 90 5G has truly set a high standard for smartphone cameras.

Aside from its remarkable 200MP flagship camera, the HONOR 90 5G includes several modes that smartphone users can conveniently utilize: Portrait Mode, High Res Mode, AI Video Quality Enhancement, HDR Enhancement, Moving Photo, AI Vlog Assistant, and Video Noise Reduction.

Let me highlight the AI Video Quality Enhancement feature, especially as capturing videos can be challenging for someone with aging eyesight. This feature allows me to fully trust the camera’s capabilities and focus solely on capturing the right angles and shots. Indeed, it enhanced my videos, correcting skin tones and landscape colors.

Get a grip

While the camera might be the standout feature of the HONOR 90 5G, as I used it day in and day out, I realized how comfortable it is to hold. Measuring just 161.9mm (L) x 74.1mm (W) x 7.8mm (L), it’s easy to carry around due to its symmetrical slim design and quad-curved display. Unlike other bulky phones, the non-slippery Emerald Green variant feels like it securely “adheres” to the palm of my hand, providing both comfort and a premium look.

The 6.7-inch AMOLED Quad-Curved Floating Display offers ample space for watching videos or playing games. The 120Hz refresh rate facilitates smooth transitions between apps, while the 2664×1200 resolution and 1600 nits peak brightness ensure a clear view, whether it’s day or night. No more squinting when scrolling through social media feeds or reviewing recently taken photos.

Zero Flicker

One of the HONOR 90 5G’s key features is its zero-flicker display for eye comfort. Although we might not always notice it, think about how firelight or candlelight flickers at night. Staring at such flickering lights can be discomforting. Now imagine this effect on a smartphone screen, which many of us stare at for prolonged periods before sleep. It strains the eyes and leads to other inconveniences.

The HONOR 90 5G incorporates technologies like 3840Hz PWM Dimming, Dynamic Dimming, Circadian Night Display, Circadian Color Temperature, and TÜV Rheinland Flicker-Free Certification to address this concern.

Performance

Running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition 5G with an Adreno GPU, the HONOR 90 5G boasts powerful performance. Its MagicOS 7.1 is built upon Android 13.

During mobile gaming, such as in Mobile Legends, the HONOR 90 5G maintains game fluidity, especially with its 120Hz refresh rate.

Considering all these features, battery life becomes crucial. The 5000mAh Super Battery can be charged up to 20% in just about 5 minutes using the 66W HONOR SuperCharge.

In the end, I couldn’t ask for much more from the HONOR 90 5G in terms of camera capabilities, performance, and design. Having used it for four weeks now, it has become an indispensable tool for both work and play.

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