Honor 400 Pro review – “A compact and comfortable gaming option”

by

  • The Honor 400 Pro boasts impressive gaming performance
  • However, it does run hot with more demanding games
  • It has excellent battery life and is super-comfortable to hold

It appears that AI is playing a significant role in the mobile industry currently. Each new device showcases advanced functions that utilize artificial intelligence to enhance photo quality, assist with real-time translation, and even draft text messages, among other functionalities. The Honor 400 Pro is no exception, offering several features, all of which incorporate AI technology.

Rather than embracing the idea of computers dominating the authenticity of photos, I find it less appealing, given my limited interest in photography. Consequently, I opted to disregard this trend and focus on evaluating the Honor 400 Pro as a gaming device instead. For the most part, it has been quite impressive in this role.

Let’s look at the Honor 400 Pro’s hardware

So, let’s start by looking at that usual jumble of letters and numbers to learn what’s under the hood of the Honor 400 Pro. It boasts a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform chipset and 12GB Honor Turbo RAM. Alongside that, the GPU Turbo X Game Engine promises to enhance graphics and provide a smoother experience. There are some AI shenanigans at play here, too, because there has to be. But frankly, if it makes everything play buttery smooth, then I welcome it, and in this instance, it’s obviously doing a great job. Thank you, future computer overlord.

I’ve had a blast putting the Honor 400 Pro through its paces with a range of games, and let me tell you, it seems this device can handle just about anything! From high-octane racing in Asphalt Legends to creepy encounters in Alien Isolation, everything ran smoothly without a hiccup. Even after prolonged gaming sessions, there were no performance dips to speak of. To top it off, the 120Hz refresh rate and stunning 6.7-inch OLED display made every game look nothing short of breathtaking!

What particularly stood out to me was how visually and mechanically engaging Alien: Isolation proved to be, given its high system demands. Even more surprising was discovering that my battery level had dropped by 10% after just a few hours of play. Although this might seem significant, it’s important to note the game’s resource intensity. In comparison, playing less demanding games for an equivalent duration would not drain the battery nearly as quickly.

Although the battery performs admirably under intense gaming conditions, I wouldn’t advise prolonged gaming sessions at Sevastopol Station throughout an entire evening. It didn’t take much time before the Honor 400 Pro began to heat up, reaching a level suitable for a chilly winter morning. The device wasn’t excessively hot, but if used continuously in this heated state, I would express concern about its internal components.

Understated looks, fantastic performance

It was a similar story with Asphalt Legends and, to a lesser extent, Wild Rift. However, the likes of Squad Busters and Pokémon TCG Pocket barely raised the temperature, so it’s very much a case-by-case basis. If you play something that asks less of your device, it’s unlikely to become an issue.

One intriguing aspect about the Honor 400 Pro’s exceptional performance is its understated nature. Sporting a simple, black design, it stands out among the more extravagant devices I’ve recently encountered on my desk. While I typically review gaming phones with eccentric designs, I must admit that its subtle aesthetics might appear dull to some. However, for me, it’s a breath of fresh air to discover a competent device that doesn’t boast about its capabilities so boldly.

Apart from its aesthetics, I find the feel of the Honor 400 Pro exceptional as well. Contrary to what you might think based on specifications, it’s actually less bulky and more comfortable to handle than my Infinix GT 20 Pro. Although it weighs slightly more at 205 grams versus 194 grams of the Infinix, its size is smaller which makes it feel much more compact, a feature that’s refreshing given the trend of larger phones in today’s market. Additionally, the Honor 400 Pro has a softer texture compared to the somewhat rough edges of my Infinix, providing an overall superior user experience. In summary, the ergonomics of the Honor 400 Pro are impressive.

This model also steers clear of one significant issue with the previous Honor phone (as Catherine noted in her review) regarding telescopic controllers; these fit perfectly without any hindrances. My Razer Kishi V2 effortlessly attached without any obstructions, and the phone felt firmly held. This is particularly important to me as I’ve always struggled adapting to clamp-based controllers. Consequently, a telescopic controller is the only compatible option for mobile gaming that works for me.

Final thoughts on the Honor 400 Pro

Ultimately, I was pleasantly surprised by the Honor 400 Pro’s capabilities. Everything I threw at it ran smoothly, and only the more demanding stuff made it heat up to borderline concerning levels. The battery is excellent, meaning you can play for a long time without worry, and it’s one of the most comfortable phones to hold, which helps during those extended sessions.

It’s reassuring to know that Honor has promised to provide AndroidOS updates and security support for a period of six years. Therefore, if you seek a device that can handle a wide range of tasks and isn’t heavily reliant on graphically intensive games for extended periods, the Honor 400 Pro could be an excellent choice for you. Additionally, if you have an interest in AI photography, this device offers those capabilities as well.

Read More

2025-05-22 18:18