Honor 60 Overview, Features, and Buying Guide
The Honor 60 entered the smartphone market in December 2021, bringing a compelling combination of premium features at a competitive price point. This device targets users who want flagship-level photography capabilities without breaking the bank. With its 108MP main camera, vibrant 120Hz OLED display, and capable 5G processor, the Honor 60 positions itself as a strong contender in the mid-range segment.
The phone’s slim 8mm profile and lightweight 179g design make it comfortable for extended use. Honor equipped this device with fast 66W charging technology, ensuring users spend less time tethered to outlets. Running on Magic UI 5.0 based on Android 11, the Honor 60 delivers a feature-rich software experience tailored for efficiency and customization.
What Makes the Honor 60 Worth Buying?
The standout feature is undoubtedly the 108MP primary camera sensor. This massive resolution allows for incredible detail capture, making the Honor 60 particularly attractive for photography enthusiasts. The 1/1.52″ sensor size ensures better light gathering compared to smaller sensors found in competing devices. Paired with an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro shooter, users get versatile shooting options for different scenarios.
Display quality ranks among the phone’s strongest selling points. The 6.67-inch OLED panel supports 1 billion colors and HDR10 content, delivering punchy visuals with deep blacks and vibrant hues. The 120Hz refresh rate transforms everyday interactions, making scrolling through social media feeds and playing games noticeably smoother. At 395 ppi pixel density, text appears crisp and images look sharp.
Performance comes courtesy of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset. Built on a 6nm process, this processor strikes a balance between power efficiency and capability. The octa-core CPU configuration handles multitasking without significant slowdowns, while the Adreno 642L GPU manages casual gaming and media consumption admirably. With up to 12GB of RAM, the device keeps multiple apps in memory for quick switching.
The 4800mAh battery capacity supports all-day usage for most users. What truly impresses is the 66W fast charging technology that pushes the battery to 50% in just 15 minutes. This feature proves invaluable when you need a quick power boost before heading out. The phone also supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for accessories or other devices.
Build quality feels premium despite the mid-range positioning. The device measures 161.4 x 73.3 x 8mm, fitting comfortably in most hands while maintaining a sleek appearance. Dual SIM functionality caters to users who need to manage personal and work numbers on a single device.
Things to Know Before Choosing the Honor 60
Storage expansion isn’t an option since the Honor 60 lacks a microSD card slot. Users must choose between 128GB or 256GB internal storage options at purchase, with no ability to expand later. This limitation requires careful consideration of storage needs upfront, especially for those who capture lots of photos and videos.
The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack follows industry trends but may disappoint users with wired headphones. You’ll need USB-C earbuds or wireless headphones to enjoy audio content. While Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX HD codec support ensures quality wireless audio, the lack of choice might frustrate some buyers.
Software support presents a potential concern. Launching with Android 11 and Magic UI 5.0, the device arrived when Android 12 was already available. The length and frequency of future updates remain uncertain, which could impact long-term usability and security. Users prioritizing the latest software features might find this aspect lacking.
Camera performance, while impressive in good lighting, shows limitations in challenging conditions. The 2MP macro lens serves as more of a checkbox feature than a practical tool. Low-light photography relies heavily on software processing since optical image stabilization is absent. The ultrawide camera’s 8MP resolution produces decent results but lacks the detail of the main sensor.
Video recording maxes out at 4K 30fps on the rear cameras. Users expecting higher frame rates for smoother 4K footage won’t find that option here. However, 1080p recording at 60fps provides smooth results for most casual videography needs. Both front and rear cameras feature gyroscopic electronic image stabilization for steadier handheld footage.
The under-display optical fingerprint sensor works reliably in most conditions but may struggle with wet or very dry fingers. Face unlock provides an alternative biometric option, though it’s less secure than fingerprint authentication. The sensor placement feels natural, falling easily under the thumb during normal phone handling.
Network support covers all major connection types including 5G, ensuring future-proof connectivity. However, specific 5G band support varies by region, so checking compatibility with local carriers is essential. Wi-Fi 6 capability provides faster wireless speeds when connected to compatible routers.
Is the Honor 60 Right for You?
Mobile Photography Enthusiasts: The 108MP camera makes this phone particularly appealing if you enjoy capturing detailed photos. The high resolution allows for significant cropping while maintaining image quality, giving you flexibility in post-processing. Social media creators will appreciate the 32MP front camera for crisp selfies and video content.
Budget-Conscious Buyers: This device delivers premium features without flagship pricing. The combination of 120Hz OLED display, capable processor, and fast charging technology typically found in more expensive phones makes it excellent value. You get a premium experience without the premium price tag.
Entertainment Seekers: The large, vibrant display paired with dual speakers creates an engaging media consumption experience. Binge-watching shows or streaming content becomes more enjoyable on the HDR10-capable screen. The 120Hz refresh rate adds smoothness to gaming sessions, though hardcore gamers might want more powerful graphics performance.
Everyday Users: If your phone usage centers on social media, messaging, web browsing, and occasional photography, the Honor 60 handles these tasks effortlessly. The balance of performance and battery life suits typical daily usage patterns. Fast charging eliminates anxiety about running out of power during busy days.
Students and Young Professionals: The sleek design and capable performance make this phone suitable for both work and play. Dual SIM support helps separate personal and professional communications. The reasonable price point fits student budgets while delivering enough performance for productivity apps and multitasking.
Not Ideal For: Power users who demand the absolute latest software, extensive storage expansion options, or top-tier gaming performance should look elsewhere. Professional photographers needing advanced manual controls and RAW capture might find the camera app limiting. Those heavily invested in wired audio ecosystems will miss the headphone jack.
Best Alternatives to the Honor 60
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G: Offers similar performance with the Snapdragon 780G processor and weighs even less at 159g. The camera system differs with a 64MP main sensor instead of 108MP, but some users prefer Xiaomi’s MIUI software experience over Magic UI.
Realme GT Master Edition: Features the same Snapdragon 778G chipset with a focus on design aesthetics. The 120Hz Super AMOLED display competes directly, though the 64MP camera can’t match the Honor 60’s resolution. Realme UI receives frequent updates, potentially offering better long-term software support.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: Provides Samsung’s ecosystem integration and typically longer software support commitments. The 64MP camera delivers reliable results, and the IP67 water resistance rating offers protection the Honor 60 lacks. Performance feels comparable thanks to the Snapdragon 778G processor.
OPPO Reno6 5G: Shares DNA with the Honor 60 given the brands’ historical connections. The Dimensity 900 processor delivers similar performance levels. OPPO’s focus on portrait photography and video bokeh effects appeals to selfie enthusiasts, though the 64MP main camera trails in resolution.
Honor 60 Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Honor 60 support 5G connectivity?
Yes, the Honor 60 fully supports 5G networks alongside LTE, HSPA, CDMA2000, CDMA, and GSM technologies. The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset includes an integrated 5G modem that enables both sub-6GHz 5G connectivity. This ensures you can take advantage of faster download and upload speeds where 5G coverage is available, making the device future-ready as 5G networks continue expanding globally.
How long does it take to fully charge the Honor 60 battery?
The Honor 60’s 4800mAh battery charges remarkably fast thanks to 66W wired charging technology. You can reach 50% battery capacity in just 15 minutes, which is perfect for quick top-ups before heading out. A full charge typically takes around 35-40 minutes from completely depleted to 100%. The phone also includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank to charge accessories or help out a friend’s device in emergencies.
Can I expand the storage on the Honor 60?
No, the Honor 60 does not include a microSD card slot for storage expansion. You’re limited to the internal storage capacity you choose at purchase, with options including 128GB with 8GB RAM or 256GB with either 8GB or 12GB RAM. This makes it important to carefully consider your storage needs before buying. If you frequently download large files, capture many photos and videos, or install numerous apps, opting for the 256GB variant would be the wiser choice.
Is the Honor 60 waterproof or water-resistant?
The Honor 60 does not carry an official IP water resistance rating. This means the device lacks certified protection against water or dust ingress. You should avoid exposing the phone to water, rain, or dusty environments. While the phone may survive minor splashes due to its build quality, there’s no guarantee of protection, and any water damage would likely void the warranty. Consider using a protective case if you frequently use your phone in potentially wet conditions.
What version of Android does the Honor 60 run?
The Honor 60 ships with Android 11 running under Honor’s Magic UI 5.0 custom interface. This version was already one generation behind at the device’s December 2021 launch, as Android 12 had already been released. Magic UI 5.0 offers various customization options, gesture controls, and Honor-specific features. The availability and timeline for future Android updates may vary by region and carrier, so checking with Honor for your specific market is recommended for long-term software support information.