Midrange smartphones usually mean one thing: compromise. Plastic builds, meh cameras, and a processor that barely keeps up. But after a couple of weeks with the HONOR 400 5G, I found myself surprisingly attached. This phone isn’t just another middle-of-the-road model—it’s actually fun, polished, and feature-packed for its price.
Design and build
The HONOR 400 5G feels good in the hand—light but sturdy at 184g, and slim enough at 7.3mm without slipping out of your grip. We love the matte finish that not only keeps smudges away at bay but also gives the phone a soft, almost suede-like feel. The Desert Gold colorway of our review unit is eye-catching in just the right way—stylish without trying too hard.
Despite its sleek look, HONOR didn’t skimp on protection. The HONOR 400 5G is rated IP66 for water and dust resistance and has SGS 5-Star Drop Resistance—impressive for a plastic frame. The addition of eSIM support is also a thoughtful touch for travelers. It’s all these small but useful inclusions that make you feel like someone actually considered real-world users when designing this phone.
Display and audio
The 6.55-inch AMOLED display is flat—a nice break from overly curved panels—and vibrant, with a resolution of 2736 x 1264 and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Whether I’m doomscrolling in bed or watching a video under the harsh noon sun, the display holds up beautifully thanks to its 5000-nit peak brightness. Colors are rich and text looks sharp.
Worth praising, too, are the built-in eye comfort features. If you spend too much time staring at your screen, you’d appreciate the 3840Hz PWM dimming, Low Blue Light tech, and Circadian Night Mode features.
HONOR equipped this phone with dual stereo speakers, which are surprisingly punchy. Sound quality is clear, full, and distortion-free—even at higher volumes.
Camera
The HONOR 400 5G sports a 200MP main sensor that may sound overkill but actually delivers. Daylight shots are crisp and colorful, low-light photos retain detail without becoming muddy, and portraits feel natural and not overly filtered.
And then there are the AI-powered features. The Image-to-video feature is simply delightful. Powered by Google’s Veo 2, it turns your photos into short video clips—like your memories are moving again. The results aren’t perfect but they’re fun. Plus, there’s something deeply nostalgic about seeing old memories move again. I used it on everything—from my dog chasing a ball to an old photo of me and my siblings at Hong Kong Disneyland in 2007. It felt like unlocking a hidden memory. Just note: you’re capped at 30 generations a day, and the feature is on a limited free trial.
The Harcourt Portrait Mode is another nice feature. It gives indoor shots a classy, studio-lit vibe without much effort.
The 50MP selfie camera doesn’t disappoint either. Photos come out with balanced skin tones, solid exposure, and just the right amount of beautification.
Performance and battery
The HONOR 400 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3—the same chip found in the older HONOR 200. While it may not break speed records, it handles daily tasks smoothly. App switching is fast and multitasking is a breeze.
With up to 12GB RAM and 512GB of storage, there’s plenty of room for photos, videos, and apps without constantly managing space.
Battery life is also excellent thanks to the 6,000mAh cell. You can easily get two full days of use with moderate tasks. On average, however—with heavy camera use and constant 5G connection—you’ll get a day and a half, which is still good.
You can top up the battery with 80W fast charging, and you’re looking at 0 to 100% in under 45 minutes. A quick 15-minute charge can give you around 40%.
Speed says
At P22,999, the HONOR 400 5G stands out as more than just a value-for-money midrange phone—it’s a thoughtfully crafted device built around real-world use.
You get sleek design, a bright and eye-friendly display, reliable performance, long battery life with fast charging, and a camera system that’s not just functional but genuinely fun. If you’re looking for a phone that’s stylish, capable, and engaging, the HONOR 400 5G is a compelling pick.
