Huawei Ascend Mate 8 Thread

simdan

Hi

I have been watching reviews over the past month or so and have decided to purchase this beast. It has the fastest processor at this very moment, has nearly 2 days battery life, 4GB RAM, 64GB with microSD card slot and is running marshmallow. The screen resolution is a little bit of a disappointment being only 1080p, but after watching reviews it looks beautiful and crisp.

Cannot wait for it to arrive.

Will add reports once it gets here.

youcancallmeal

I just ordered it as well last week, hoping it arrives sometime this week. Make sure you get the NXT-L29 model as this is the international version. You can get the Chinese version NXT-AL10 and flash the international L29 ROM but I didn't want the hassle and it's not clear if you will get OTA updates in future? I ordered from wondamobile. It can be gotten cheaper on eglobalcentral but it's not clear what the model is, I emailed them to ask but never go a response?

simdan

youcancallmeal wrote:

I just ordered it as well last week, hoping it arrives sometime this week. Make sure you get the NXT-L29 model as this is the international version. You can get the Chinese version NXT-AL10 and flash the international L29 ROM but I didn't want the hassle and it's not clear if you will get OTA updates in future? I ordered from

Yeah, they have two models listed, the al10 Chinese version and the international version with no mention of the l29 version. I have my fingers crossed.

I've been an android head for a while so if the worst comes to the worst and it is the al10, I will flash it Will let you know once it arrives.

youcancallmeal wrote:

. It can be gotten cheaper on eglobalcentral but it's not clear what the model is, I emailed them to ask but never go a response?

Nice one! I ordered it from eglobal. I've used them several times and have been perfect as long as you don't mind the 7-10 day wait.

Mine should arrive by Friday, will have the DPD tracking details in the morning.

Let us know once yours arrives, any review, info or pics etc would be much appreciated.

simdan

DPD confirmed delivery for Monday. Updates will have to wait until next week..

Mourinho

Oh wow this looks awesome, was looking at LG G5 but this seems really cool.

€580 or so for international 64GB too.

simdan

Mourinho wrote:

Oh wow this looks awesome, was looking at LG G5 but this seems really cool.

Yep I know, can't wait to get my hands on it. The battery and processor made the purchase so much easier! 😀

Mourinho wrote:

€580 or so for international 64GB too.

I've already purchased the 128GB card to go with it. Will post some pics and let you know how it runs when it gets here. 10 days delivery is a tough wait for a man child!

youcancallmeal

Hoping mine arrives tomorrow. My tracking only goes as far as the UK so all I know is it's cleared customs and was picked up by Royal Mail on Tuesday evening. I've seen unboxing videos where they come with a case but not sure if the retail version comes with one too? I ordered the 3/32GB space grey so hoping it does

simdan

youcancallmeal wrote:

Hoping mine arrives tomorrow. My tracking only goes as far as the UK so all I know is it's cleared customs and was picked up by Royal Mail on Tuesday evening. I've seen unboxing videos where they come with a case but not sure if the retail version comes with one too? I ordered the 3/32GB space grey so hoping it does

Nice one! Yes, it looks like that version comes with a clear case for the back. I think mine comes with an S-view style case. I hope they're included too

youcancallmeal

Well it finally arrived, think I would of gone mad if I had to wait all weekend. Don't think I'm going to get much done today.

First impressions are very good. Screen is amazing. Size is great for me with my big hands. Performance seems unreal, it installed nearly 100 apps VERY fast in about 10 mins. I remember when I set up my LG G4 it took nearly 45 minutes to install everything. I like the software although first thing I did was install Nova launcher but everything else seems grand so far.

EDIT: After a few hours playing around with it I'll mention a few things. Firstly I had read that notifications are a bit flakey but I seem to have them working now. For each app I want to get notifications from while screen is off I did this:
1 - Go to apps/advanced/ignore battery optimizations -> yes
2 - Go to advanced settings/battery manager/protected apps -> yes
3 - Go to notification panel&status bar/notification manager and then set allow notifications, priority display and the notification methods -> yes to all

I even had to do this for stuff like pushbullet and lightflow to get them working. Regarding lightflow it doesn't seem to like a lot of the colours so you'll have to play around with it to find out which ones work.

Very happy with the pre-applied screen protector and supplied case, won't need to be buying any others now.

The fingerprint reader is amazing, incredibly reliable, works even when your finger is sweaty.

Camera seems pretty good so far. Will give it the real test later on my 2 year old toddler running around the place, most phone cameras I've used result in blurry messes when taking pictures of moving objects so will probably be the same with this?

The build really reminds me of the Note 4 I used to have, I think it's the chamfered edges and size that does it.

I'll update more if I think of anything

simdan

youcancallmeal wrote: »

Well it finally arrived, think I would of gone mad if I had to wait all weekend. Don't think I'm going to get much done today.

First impressions are very good. Screen is amazing. Size is great for me with my big hands. Performance seems unreal, it installed nearly 100 apps VERY fast in about 10 mins. I remember when I set up my LG G4 it took nearly 45 minutes to install everything. I like the software although first thing I did was install Nova launcher but everything else seems grand so far.

EDIT: After a few hours playing around with it I'll mention a few things. Firstly I had read that notifications are a bit flakey but I seem to have them working now. For each app I want to get notifications from while screen is off I did this:
1 - Go to apps/advanced/ignore battery optimizations -> yes
2 - Go to advanced settings/battery manager/protected apps -> yes
3 - Go to notification panel&status bar/notification manager and then set allow notifications, priority display and the notification methods -> yes to all

I even had to do this for stuff like pushbullet and lightflow to get them working. Regarding lightflow it doesn't seem to like a lot of the colours so you'll have to play around with it to find out which ones work.

Very happy with the pre-applied screen protector and supplied case, won't need to be buying any others now.

The fingerprint reader is amazing, incredibly reliable, works even when your finger is sweaty.

Camera seems pretty good so far. Will give it the real test later on my 2 year old toddler running around the place, most phone cameras I've used result in blurry messes when taking pictures of moving objects so will probably be the same with this?

The build really reminds me of the Note 4 I used to have, I think it's the chamfered edges and size that does it.

I'll update more if I think of anything

Fantastic! Thanks so much for the quick review, pics and tips. So glad you've confirmed all of my assumptions. It's a beast! With all the customization and Android 6.0, I'd say you've got a busy weekend ahead!

Cheers, and hopefully mine will be here on Monday!

Mourinho

Awesome man thanks!

If you can throw up a few picture sample when you have them say indoors shots EG sitting room with the light on so we can see how the low light is.

jacksie66

This post has been deleted.

simdan

jacksie66 wrote: »

I'd be interested to hear what the audio quality is like. I have a note 5 and the audio through my sennheisers is superb. The thing that kills me is the lack of expandable storage on my Note 5.

I will let you know.. Love Sennheisers, have a set of HD650s and a pair of IE8s

Frankmagnet

youcancallmeal wrote: »

Well it finally arrived, think I would of gone mad if I had to wait all weekend. Don't think I'm going to get much done today.

First impressions are very good. Screen is amazing. Size is great for me with my big hands. Performance seems unreal, it installed nearly 100 apps VERY fast in about 10 mins. I remember when I set up my LG G4 it took nearly 45 minutes to install everything. I like the software although first thing I did was install Nova launcher but everything else seems grand so far.

EDIT: After a few hours playing around with it I'll mention a few things. Firstly I had read that notifications are a bit flakey but I seem to have them working now. For each app I want to get notifications from while screen is off I did this:
1 - Go to apps/advanced/ignore battery optimizations -> yes
2 - Go to advanced settings/battery manager/protected apps -> yes
3 - Go to notification panel&status bar/notification manager and then set allow notifications, priority display and the notification methods -> yes to all

I even had to do this for stuff like pushbullet and lightflow to get them working. Regarding lightflow it doesn't seem to like a lot of the colours so you'll have to play around with it to find out which ones work.

Very happy with the pre-applied screen protector and supplied case, won't need to be buying any others now.

The fingerprint reader is amazing, incredibly reliable, works even when your finger is sweaty.

Camera seems pretty good so far. Will give it the real test later on my 2 year old toddler running around the place, most phone cameras I've used result in blurry messes when taking pictures of moving objects so will probably be the same with this?

The build really reminds me of the Note 4 I used to have, I think it's the chamfered edges and size that does it.

I'll update more if I think of anything

Looks class, best of luck with it

corwill

Very interested in hearing how people get on with the camera, which took some flak in post release reviews. I was hoping to read somewhere that an update had sorted it.

simdan

I hope the cam will have improvements with updates..

Looks like you can get this guy to order the phone for you for the small fee of 100euro

http://www.adverts.ie/other-mobiles/huawei-ascend-mate-8/9863595

corwill

simdan wrote: »

I hope the cam will have improvements with updates..

Looks like you can get this guy to order the phone for you for the small fee of 100euro

http://www.adverts.ie/other-mobiles/huawei-ascend-mate-8/9863595

That's pretty big of him, swell guy.

youcancallmeal

corwill wrote: »

Very interested in hearing how people get on with the camera, which took some flak in post release reviews. I was hoping to read somewhere that an update had sorted it.

I've now taken a good few pictures in various light conditions and I think I would sum it up as competent. It's not bad but it's not amazing like my old LG G4. It is good enough for me anyway but I could see why a more demanding photographer might be disappointed. I've noticed that shooting video at 60fps is very dark for some reason, if I switch back to 30fps it is fine again. I don't know if this is an issue with the phone or a limitation of shooting at 60fps? It basically means 60fps is only worth using in good lighting conditions.

Mourinho

Thanks lad. I had the LG G4 myself which I am comparing to haha, bit of a difference alright! Dunno whether to get this or wait for the LG it won't be out til April I think, long time when I want to change right away

youcancallmeal

Battery is unreal. Unplugged on Friday at lunchtime and just plugged it now nearly 48 hours later with nearly 6 hours screen on time

simdan

youcancallmeal wrote: »

Battery is unreal. Unplugged on Friday at lunchtime and just plugged it now nearly 48 hours later with nearly 6 hours screen on time

Awesome! So glad it's performing as the reviews say!

My DPD tracking is now saying Tuesday for the delivery.. Pulling my hair out at this stage

Mourinho

Getting more excited over this than the G5... So what are Eglobal like if the phone gets issues in a years time? That's my only problem, WA a looking for it on Amazon but the prices are way higher obviously.

simdan

Mourinho wrote:

Getting more excited over this than the G5... So what are Eglobal like if the phone gets issues in a years time? That's my only problem, WA a looking for it on Amazon but the prices are way higher obviously.

I've used them a number of times. Great service and prices with no worry of duties. That's about it though, your warranty is with the manufacturer. I had a problem with an LG g flex 2. They accepted the imei and replaced the charging port free of charge.

Am really struggling with the 8 working day wait though lol

Mourinho

Thanks Surely Huawei have a European replace centre? UK would be even better

simdan

Mourinho wrote:

Thanks Surely Huawei have a European replace centre? UK would be even better

They have multiple authorised service centres 2 in Dublin

http://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/service-center/index.htm?countryid=2709&cityid=2711&curpage=1

Mourinho

simdan wrote: »

They have multiple authorised service centres 2 in Dublin

http://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/service-center/index.htm?countryid=2709&cityid=2711&curpage=1

Ah class courier with parcel motel would cost feck all for a repair that has a lot of worry gone for me can seriously consider buying

simdan

Mourinho wrote:

Ah class courier with parcel motel would cost feck all for a repair that has a lot of worry gone for me can seriously consider buying

Yeah, if you do make a purchase, pay with PayPal so you're covered ;-)

youcancallmeal

With most phone manufacturers they will only repair a phone under warranty in the region it is from. So if you buy from eglobalcentral you will be getting a Hong Kong region model. This could be different with Huawei but I wouldn't be so sure. You could contact them and ask but I would be very clear with your question when you do.

I had a screen problem before with a Nokia Lumia 1520 I bought from a Hong Kong based seller. I contacted Nokia first and asked whether I could have my phone repaired under warranty in Ireland even though it was purchased in Hong Kong. They said yes so I brought it along to the authorised repair center, got it back 3 days later saying not covered in this region under warranty. I rang Nokia and went apesh*t at them, some idiot in the call center had given me wrong info, spoke to a supervisor and he apologised profusely but still didn't sort me out.

I think at the end of the day if your phone fails due to a genuine hardware problem then it will be worth the 20/30euro it costs to post it back to Hong Kong, you'll be without a phone for a few weeks though.

Mourinho

Hmm dunno so might just wait to see if Amazon stock it or at least cover it under Prime

simdan

Hmmm, maybe that's a Nokia rule. I haven't had any warranty issues with Asian LGs or Samsung units, but I suppose it's worth checking if you want to make sure.

PS. Most of the phones on Amazon are actually from Asia, make sure to check prior to purchasing..

Mourinho

Yeah its hard to know some do and some don't... I must try and find the proper Huawei division to contact and see.

simdan

It's arrived and I'm extremely pleased

1. Superfast with no lag at all so far
2. It is the L29 International Version, google play is installed and the phone was updated to the latest version already, factory sealed. - Eglobal Central
3. The S-View style case is included as expected, It has a more premium feel than the Note 3 S-View and actually has a magnet which gives a satisfying close which also makes a click sound to confirm it's locked. Nice touch.
4. The UK/Ireland Fast Charger was included in the sealed Huawei Box - I thought this was unusual as it came from Hong Kong.
5. The EMUI Rom takes a little getting used to, but runs really well, I'm coping without an app drawer and haven't had to install Nova(Yet!) Settings are simple to understand and there are tons of optons to mess around with. Think I need to watch some YouTube clips for tips.
6.The screen is gorgeous, most of my colleagues are asking if its a QHD display and the viewing angles are excellent. So chuffed.
7. Build Quality - Excellent, It's a beautifully crafted piece of kit.
8. I'm picking up better signal than on my LG G Flex 2 - I get 4G in places I didn't before.
9. The fingerprint reader is perfectly placed and is the best I've ever used. Impressed!
10. I put the phone side by side with a Note 4, its surprising similar in size. The screen seems much larger and with the beautiful build, makes the Note 4 look like a toy.
11. I may have missed lots of things due to the excitement

The cam looks great in well lit areas, it seems similar to my G Flex 2, but haven't had a chance to really test it out. The cam was not a priority for me anyway as I'm not going to be taking pics in low lit areas.

I will be messing around with the phone over the next few days and will update you all with Pics and reviews shortly.. Cheers

Mourinho

Actually yes for all the talk of being a 6" phone it's the same size at the previous Nexus 6.

Also just thinking there surely if you purchased the international version you would be covered to get it repaired in any centre?

youcancallmeal

Sounds like exact same model that I have, wish I had ordered with eglobalcentral after all! Is your build number NXT-L29C636B103?
Hong Kong have the UK 3 pin plugs so thats why it comes with that plug, very handy for us! I'm not sure if the supplied charger is indeed a fast charger though, must test it out?
This is mostly useful but some filler tips in there too.
Do post some pics!

simdan

Mourinho wrote:

Also just thinking there surely if you purchased the international version you would be covered to get it repaired in any centre?

I'm not sure. I think the warranty is based in the country of origin. Best to check with Huawei I think though..

simdan

youcancallmeal wrote:

Sounds like exact same model that I have, wish I had ordered with eglobalcentral after all! Is your build number NXT-L29C636B103? Hong Kong have the UK 3 pin plugs so thats why it comes with that plug, very handy for us! I'm not sure if the supplied charger is indeed a fast charger though, must test it out?

Yes, it's the same build! If only eglobal had better pre sales knowledge. It's definitely the fast charger that's supplied with mine. It's white, rectangular shaped and is about one and a half times the length of my old Samsung charger.

youcancallmeal wrote:

is mostly useful but some filler tips in there too. Do post some pics!

Excellent I shall take a read!

Mourinho

simdan wrote: »

I'm not sure. I think the warranty is based in the country of origin. Best to check with Huawei I think though..

I dunno I emailed them there now to see anyway

Hi

If I import the international version of the Huawei Ascend Mate 8 phone from Asia, will my warranty be valid for support in Europe?

Regards

thomasj

simdan wrote:

It's arrived and I'm extremely pleased

Yeah have to say huawei have really upped their game. I got the GX8 and it's a brilliant phone. Finally got a phone with decent battery life!

Mourinho

Mourinho wrote: »

I dunno I emailed them there now to see anyway

Not good news.

Dear User,
Thank you for contacting Huawei Device.
According to our aftersales policy, your phone is only under warranty in the country where you bought your phone
Once again thank you for contacting Huawei device.
Best Regards,
Huawei Device Customer Care Team (3207)

simdan

Mourinho wrote:

Not good news.

Nope.. But it could be an excuse to visit Hong Kong though

Ste-

simdan wrote: »

I get 4G in places I didn't before.

What network are you on ?
Was tempted by this or the Mi5 but band supported is putting me off a bit on either phone.

thomasj

Ste- wrote:

What network are you on ? Was tempted by this or the Mi5 but band supported is putting me off a bit on either phone.

I have the huawei GX8 and I get 4G on the meteor network in places I never got 4G when I had the OnePlus one

simdan

Ste- wrote:

What network are you on ? Was tempted by this or the Mi5 but band supported is putting me off a bit on either phone.

I'm on 3 currently. Will be moving away on Friday Can't wait!

You really need to check which bands the phone supports for 3 & 4g before purchasing. Luckily the Mate 8 supports nearly every network worldwide..

Borisgem8

I was looking at some options on Gear Best, is this where you got the phone? I have never purchased anything through them but I have been considering a phone. So many on there out rank the mainstream phones we company see people using (Galaxy, iPhone, ect).

CantGetNoSleep

Borisgem8 wrote: »

I was looking at some options on Gear Best, is this where you got the phone? I have never purchased anything through them but I have been considering a phone. So many on there out rank the mainstream phones we company see people using (Galaxy, iPhone, ect).

Do not buy something of this price from Gearbest - it is just not worth it

youcancallmeal

Do not buy from gearbest, they are more expensive than eglobalcentral and more importantly they are selling a version of the phone that is locked to a Chinese carrier, DL00 (They claim it is unlocked but I wouldn't believe them)

simdan

Borisgem8 wrote:

I was looking at some options on Gear Best, is this where you got the phone? I have never purchased anything through them but I have been considering a phone. So many on there out rank the mainstream phones we company see people using (Galaxy, iPhone, ect).

CantGetNoSleep wrote:

Do not buy something of this price from Gearbest - it is just not worth it

They are barred from boards too. Avoid!

youcancallmeal

So how are you getting on with your phone so far? I have a few small niggles but for the most part I am quite happy with it.
Small issues I have is that battery is draining around 10% overnight and fingerprint reader seems to have gotten slower to unlock the phone. Still waiting on an OTA update, I've heard that fixes standby battery drain.

simdan

youcancallmeal wrote:

So how are you getting on with your phone so far? I have a few small niggles but for the most part I am quite happy with it. Small issues I have is that battery is draining around 10% overnight and fingerprint reader seems to have gotten slower to unlock the phone. Still waiting on an OTA update, I've heard that fixes standby battery drain.

Yeah, loving it. Haven't noticed any delay in the fingerprint reader, its superfast on mine. Maybe remove your fingerprints and replace them in the settings. I get about 5% drain overnight and Bluetooth & Wi-Fi are always on.

I'm extremely impressed with the phone. The cam takes a little getting used to, but overall does the job. The battery life is almost 2 days with my best result being 44 hours of everyday use, sleeps included of course. The permissions can get annoying.. ie. "Allow access" requests.

Overall love it though, I would prefer not to use the case as it's so premium without it but I'm just too worried about scratches while it's so new

Hellrazer

Any networks over here planning on stocking this?

simdan

Hellrazer wrote:

Any networks over here planning on stocking this?

I'm not sure, its not released in the UK or Ireland yet. I hope so though, its a fantastic phone