Honor Play 40

Released on October 20, 2022, the Honor Play 40 has made waves in the smartphone market, offering 5G connectivity at an attractive price point of Rs. 32,999. In this review, we’ll delve into the key features and specifications that make the Honor Play 40 a noteworthy contender in the mid-range smartphone segment.

Design

The Honor Play 40 sports dimensions of 163.3 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm, making it compact and comfortable to hold. With a weight of 188 grams, it strikes a balance between a lightweight build and a substantial feel. The device supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to efficiently manage two Nano-SIM cards.

Display

The smartphone features a 6.56-inch TFT LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. While not as advanced as AMOLED displays, the TFT LCD still offers vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The screen has a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and an aspect ratio of 20:9, providing a pixel density of approximately 269 PPI. The device boasts an 84.3% screen-to-body ratio, offering an immersive viewing experience.

Processor

Running on Android 13 with Magic UI 7.1, the Honor Play 40 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset, built on an 8nm process. It features an octa-core CPU, including two high-performance Kryo 460 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six power-efficient Kryo 460 cores at 1.9 GHz. The Adreno 619 GPU ensures that the device can handle various tasks, including gaming and multimedia.

Memory and Storage

The Honor Play 40 is available in multiple memory and storage configurations. You can choose between 6GB or 8GB of RAM paired with 128GB of internal storage, or opt for the 8GB RAM variant with a generous 256GB of internal storage. Unfortunately, there is no provision for expandable storage via a microSD card.

Camera

The device features a dual-camera setup on the rear, comprising a 13 MP primary camera with an f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, and a 2 MP depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. While it may not compete with flagship camera systems, it offers the essential features for capturing everyday moments, including LED flash, HDR, and panorama. Video recording capabilities include 1080p at 30fps.

On the front, there is a single 5 MP wide-angle camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of capturing decent selfies and supporting 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Connectivity and Features

The Honor Play 40 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac on dual bands and offers Wi-Fi Direct for seamless internet access. Bluetooth 5.1 with A2DP, LE, and aptX HD ensures fast and efficient wireless connections. For navigation, the device includes GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, providing accurate location services. However, it does not support NFC.

The smartphone is equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack and delivers 24-bit/192kHz audio quality. This is great news for music lovers who prefer wired audio solutions. The loudspeaker ensures you can enjoy multimedia content without external speakers.

Battery Life and Charging

Powering the Honor Play 40 is a non-removable 5200 mAh Li-Po battery. While the device supports 5G connectivity, its energy-efficient components contribute to a longer-lasting battery life. The device features 10W wired charging, allowing you to quickly recharge your device.

The Honor Play 40 is offered in a range of attractive colors, including Blue, Mint, Black, and Purple, catering to diverse style preferences.

Sensors and Features

The device includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking. It also incorporates sensors for accelerometer, proximity, and compass, enhancing usability and overall user experience.

In conclusion, the Honor Play 40 is a compelling choice for those looking for an affordable 5G smartphone with a sleek design, respectable camera capabilities, and efficient performance. While it may not rival flagship models, it offers an excellent value proposition. The device is particularly well-suited for users who prioritize long battery life and those who appreciate the versatility of a 3.5mm headphone jack. Honor continues to deliver solid smartphone options, and the Play 40 is a testament to their commitment to providing quality mid-range devices.