[James Falconer]

Received my Honor 8 yesterday, and was able to unbox and fire it up this morning. Quite excited.

Getting accustomed to the phone, but now that I have it - if you have any questions at all, fire away. It's sitting here on my desk, happy to answer any questions you may have!!

[Guytronic]

How do you like it?
What color is yours James?
Do you think you will install a separate launcher for it?

[worldspy99]

Received mine yesterday. 32GB, Sapphire Blue and have it set up to match my other Android device(s).
Like it so far. Was a pain to get the contacts snafu sorted out - Xiaomi makes it so much easier - but all is good now.
Spare line SIM is in the device.
I am running EMUI stock, no launcher. I had the Huawei Mate S and Mate 8 earlier this year so am familiar with the idiosyncrasies of EMUI.

[libra89]

How do you feel about the UI of the phone? Do you love it? Hate it? Indifferent?

[James Falconer]

How do you like it?
What color is yours James?
Do you think you will install a separate launcher for it?

I have the black version. Not sure if I'll install a separate launcher, just getting started with it

[James Falconer]

How do you feel about the UI of the phone? Do you love it? Hate it? Indifferent?

Looks like there have been some big improvements to EMUI. I have an Honor 5X as well - EMUI seems a lot more stable and usable on the 8. So far a really great experience.

[worldspy99]

I have the black version. Not sure if I'll install a separate launcher, just getting started with it

Black is nice. How does the camera stack up against other $400 devices?

[libra89]

Are you planning to use the Smart Key function? If so, what for?

[James Falconer]

So far so good. I don't take a whole lot of photos, but do have some other (similarly priced) Android phones around here that I've used as daily drivers. I'd say the Honor 8 holds up well in all regards.

Controls are simple. Swipe left to uncover all 'modes', and right to view all settings. There are two buttons, one to the left of the shutter and one to the right. One for photo, and one for video. Makes it easy to switch between the modes.

Overall very snappy with solid quality photos. I'll know more once I spend some more time with it!

[James Falconer]

Are you planning to use the Smart Key function? If so, what for?

Haven't tried it yet... will let you know...

[dpham00]

I have the black version. Not sure if I'll install a separate launcher, just getting started with it

I would give it a try on the stock launcher for a bit to get the feel first

[dpham00]

Looks like there have been some big improvements to EMUI. I have an Honor 5X as well - EMUI seems a lot more stable and usable on the 8. So far a really great experience.

Does the honor 8 feel much faster?

[James Falconer]

It does actually. Everything feels just a little bit better, if that makes any sense.

[dpham00]

It does actually. Everything feels just a little bit better, if that makes any sense.

That's awesome to hear!

[Guytronic]

If the phones homescreen is unlocked so it can be viewed in landscape does the smart key still have full function?

The reason I'm asking is because the 5x seemingly disables some of the buttons function in landscape except for the camera and return to previous screen.
I was curious as to how the honor 8 handles this scenario.

[Etyrnus]

If the phones homescreen is unlocked so it can be viewed in landscape does the smart key still have full function?

The reason I'm asking is because the 5x seemingly disables some of the buttons function in landscape except for the camera and return to previous screen.
I was curious as to how the honor 8 handles this scenario.

Just tried this, it works. Launched the flashlight and Google Now from it.

[James Falconer]

Ditto!

[worldspy99]

So far so good. I don't take a whole lot of photos, but do have some other (similarly priced) Android phones around here that I've used as daily drivers. I'd say the Honor 8 holds up well in all regards.

Controls are simple. Swipe left to uncover all 'modes', and right to view all settings. There are two buttons, one to the left of the shutter and one to the right. One for photo, and one for video. Makes it easy to switch between the modes.

Overall very snappy with solid quality photos. I'll know more once I spend some more time with it!

It would be interesting to see your opinion about how well the camera stacks up against the big boys - Galaxy S7, iPhone 7/7+.
I will be doing a comparo when my iPhone 7+ shows up shortly. I need to still unbox my iPhone 7 - been sitting around doing nothing for a week now :-)

[dpham00]

It would be interesting to see your opinion about how well the camera stacks up against the big boys - Galaxy S7, iPhone 7/7+.
I will be doing a comparo when my iPhone 7+ shows up shortly. I need to still unbox my iPhone 7 - been sitting around doing nothing for a week now :-)

I would definitely like to see that,especially against the manual controls of the s7

[James Falconer]

It would be interesting to see your opinion about how well the camera stacks up against the big boys - Galaxy S7, iPhone 7/7+.
I will be doing a comparo when my iPhone 7+ shows up shortly. I need to still unbox my iPhone 7 - been sitting around doing nothing for a week now :-)

Will do once I have one of the others in hand!

In the meantime, make sure you check out Andrew's take on the Honor 8 Camera in his review.

[anon(464338)]

Is the rear physical button pretty sturdy and strong? I get ocd about them wearing out.

[Guytronic]

Is the rear physical button pretty sturdy and strong?

Phone is too new to say with any long term confidence.
It feels good to me it has good mechanical action in my opinion.
I'll say it's most likely dependable mainly because it won't be pressed hundreds of times under regular use.

[James Falconer]

^ what Guytronic said. No concerns or issues from my side either. Time will tell, but I suspect it's solid!

[Alan Kaf]

One of the criticisms in reviews of the phone was when placing the screen brightness in manual mode, the adjustment slider could really dial in brightness at low brightness setting. At the higher end of the brightness adjustment range, however, it was difficult to set. It was all "bunched up" at the right end of the slider...going from a lower mid-level setting to full brightness very quickly.

I went to BB today to check it out for myself, & indeed there is a problem. Have Huawei fixed this with an update?

[Guytronic]

Have Huawei fixed this with an update?

Not yet.
The phone I have does the same thing.
I keep it off of auto brightness at around 50%.

Had this same problem on my LG G4 and never did see a fix for that phone.
I'm betting honor/Huawei will address this if possible.