Tuesday, December 16Contact Us: enquiries@poppulse.co.za

PopPulse Review: The HONOR 400 Lite Is the Creator’s Dream Phone — and We’ve Got Receipts!

At PopPulse, we’re constantly moving, covering premieres, chasing stories, producing content, and posting in real-time. So when the HONOR 400 Lite landed on our desk, we didn’t just unbox it for aesthetics, we put it to work. And after using it across multiple content days, from live events to editing on the fly, here’s what stood out.

A Camera That’s Always Ready

The standout feature has to be the AI Camera Button, a simple but game-changing addition. Tap it once to open the camera, again to take a shot, or hold to record video instantly. No delays, no fumbling for the app. During a red carpet event, this feature alone helped us capture those blink-and-you-miss-it moments: a celebrity walking in, a surprise guest appearance, or a live reaction from the crowd.

The 108MP main camera holds its own in terms of clarity and sharpness. Photos come out detailed, even in lower lighting. We also tested the AI Motion Sensing Capture and it delivered, freezing motion clearly without that usual blur, which is useful when shooting content that’s dynamic and fast-paced.

The 16MP front camera, paired with a subtle selfie light, was another win. Whether we were shooting “fit checks” indoors or wrapping up a vlog segment after sunset, the lighting always felt balanced and natural. No need to over-edit in post.

Editing Tools That Work on the Go

We’ve used plenty of phones that capture good content, but the HONOR 400 Lite takes it a step further with built-in AI tools like AI Eraser and AI Outpainting. For us, this meant we could clean up a background. Let’s say a random person walking through the shot or extend the edges of an image to suit different formats, all directly from the phone. It’s subtle features like these that help elevate everyday content and cut down on editing time.

Display That’s Made for Screen Time

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display makes a difference. We’ve reviewed footage and adjusted colour tones straight from the phone without needing to plug into a laptop. The 3500-nit peak brightness came in especially handy when we were filming outdoors in the middle of the day, no squinting, no guessing.

It’s also one of the few screens that prioritises eye care in a noticeable way. We spent hours using it for scripts, social media planning, and watching cuts. The E-Book Mode and Circadian Night feature definitely helped reduce that end-of-day eye fatigue.

Powered to Keep Up

From filming multiple segments to editing and posting across platforms, our usage is heavy, and the 5230mAh battery handled it comfortably. We got through a full day without scrambling for a charger, and the 35W SuperCharge came through when we did need to top up. Charging from 0 to 100% in just over an hour is no exaggeration.

Storage-wise, the version we used had 256GB onboard, which gave us more than enough space to hold videos, images, and edits from multiple shoot days. The MediaTek Dimensity 7025-Ultra processor also helped with smooth multitasking, no lag, even with heavy apps running in the background.

Designed with Usability in Mind

The HONOR 400 Lite feels good in hand — lightweight, slim, and easy to use during longer filming sessions. The matte finish gives it a premium look, and the IP65 wet-hand touch support meant we didn’t stress when using it in slightly rainy weather or on sweaty hands during long event days.

And features like Magic Capsule and Magic Portal genuinely improved how we multitasked, dragging content across apps, opening notifications with a tap, and accessing key info without jumping between screens.

Smart Features That Fit the Moment

One unexpected highlight was Google Gemini, pre-installed and surprisingly useful. We used it to brainstorm post captions, summarise notes, and even prep for interviews on the spot. It’s more than just an AI add-on, it’s something we found ourselves actually using day to day.

The AI Translation tool also came in handy during our coverage of international campaigns, especially with media kits or foreign guests. It’s fast, accurate, and doesn’t feel gimmicky.

Final Thoughts

The HONOR 400 Lite has found its rhythm. It’s reliable, fast, and equipped with smart features that make sense for anyone working in content, media, or digital storytelling. For us at PopPulse, it’s more than just a phone, it’s become a core part of how we cover, create, and connect.

If you’re serious about content and looking for a phone that’s just as versatile as you are, the HONOR 400 Lite is worth checking out.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *