Short answer: The Huawei Mate 8 64GB is the 4GB RAM version of Huawei’s 2016 large-screen flagship. It still works well as an inexpensive secondary phone, offline media player, reading device or collector handset, but its aging battery, old Android software and uncertain carrier support make it a risky primary smartphone in 2026.
What the Huawei Mate 8 64GB actually is
“64GB” identifies a specific Mate 8 hardware configuration, not merely a phone bundled with a 64GB memory card. Huawei’s global launch paired 64GB of internal storage with 4GB of RAM and announced a launch price of €699 in January 2016. The same product family also included a 3GB/32GB model, while some markets received a 4GB/128GB version. Regional availability and specifications were not identical everywhere.
| Mate 8 configuration | RAM | Internal storage |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3GB | 32GB |
| Target model | 4GB | 64GB |
| Higher-capacity model in some markets | 4GB | 128GB |
Huawei’s launch announcement identifies the 4GB/64GB configuration directly: Huawei global launch announcement. Catalogs such as Swappa’s Mate 8 listings show that sellers still use several storage and model combinations, so a listing title alone is not proof of the variant.
Huawei Mate 8 64GB specifications
| Specification | Mate 8 64GB |
|---|---|
| Launch period | Announced globally at CES in January 2016; regional release timing varied |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Internal storage | 64GB advertised capacity; usable space is lower after Android, EMUI and preinstalled apps |
| Expandable storage | microSD support; maximum capacity and tray behavior can vary by model and firmware |
| Processor | HiSilicon Kirin 950 octa-core |
| Display | 6-inch IPS LCD, 1,920 × 1,080 |
| Rear camera | 16MP |
| Front camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 4,000mAh, non-removable |
| Original software | Android 6.0 Marshmallow with EMUI 4.0 |
| Mobile network | 4G LTE; no 5G |
| Biometrics | Rear fingerprint reader |
| Construction | Large metal-bodied smartphone |
These are original specifications, not a promise about a particular used unit. Huawei’s user manual, the PhoneArena specification reference and Huawei’s launch material are useful checks, but third-party listings sometimes combine details from different Mate 8 variants.
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64GB versus 32GB and 128GB
64GB versus 32GB
The 64GB model is preferable when prices and condition are similar because it normally combines twice the internal storage with 4GB rather than 3GB of RAM. That extra RAM does not make the phone modern, but it gives the 64GB version more room for multitasking and larger applications.
64GB versus 128GB
The 128GB version offers more internal space but was not sold in every region. It may be harder to verify its firmware, SIM arrangement and LTE bands. Choose it only when the seller can document the exact model and the device works on your intended network.
Internal storage versus a memory card
A phone described as “32GB + 64GB SD card” is still a 32GB internal-storage model. Ask for a screenshot of the storage screen and proof of RAM. The Mate 8’s tray can be hybrid on some regional versions, meaning a microSD card occupies the second-SIM position.
Rank #2
- GSM Unlocked: Use your preferred GSM carrier with ease. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, Mint, and others. Sim card not included. For availability on select networks, please consult your service provider. Note: This device is not compatible with AT&T/Cricket and Verizon.
- Big Screen for Big Moments: Enjoy your content on the K2’s expansive 6.88” HD+ Infinity Display, offering crisp visuals and vibrant colors for videos, photos, apps, and everything you love.
- Smooth Everyday Performance: The K2’s Octa-Core processor delivers smooth performance for your daily apps, social media, videos, and multitasking, giving you a reliable experience all day long.
- Capture the Essentials: Take sharp portraits, scenic shots, and clean selfies with the K2’s dual 13MP main camera and 8MP front camera, all designed for easy everyday photography.
- Power That Lasts: The K2’s 5,000mAh battery is built to last through your day, keeping you connected from morning to night without constant charging.
Performance, screen and design
In 2016, the Kirin 950 and 4GB of RAM placed this configuration in flagship territory. Contemporary reports described it as fast with strong endurance, while reviews considered the camera competent rather than class-leading. See the period coverage from Tom’s Hardware, Digital Trends and Android Central.
In 2026, expect adequate performance for calls, messaging, light browsing, music, offline navigation and some older games. Current games, large social apps and applications requiring newer Android components may be unavailable, unstable or too demanding. No current benchmark score should be inferred from the original flagship label.
The 6-inch 1080p IPS LCD remains the phone’s most appealing feature. It provides a spacious reading and video surface, but it lacks a high-refresh-rate panel, modern HDR certification and an edge-to-edge design. The metal body and rear fingerprint reader feel distinctive, although years of use can leave scratched glass, dents, a loose charging port, uneven backlighting or a less reliable fingerprint sensor.
Rank #3
- 𝟯.𝟱𝗺𝗺 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸 & 𝗙𝗠 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼: Enjoy classic 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening and built-in FM radio for live music and news—no internet required.
- 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼：unlocked phones automatically generates live captions for all video content, making movies, social media, and online clips accessible without headphones.
- 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲：The 90Hz refresh rate on this 6.75-inch screen delivers exceptionally fluid scrolling and responsive touch control for seamless everyday use.
- 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴：Bluetooth-enabled file transfer lets you move data between compatible devices seamlessly, maintaining connectivity when internet isn't available.
- 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀: UMIDIGI provides a 1-year limited warranty for your peace of mind. If you encounter any issues, feel free to contact us – we're committed to resolving your concerns sincerely.
Battery and charging in a used phone
The Mate 8 contains a 4,000mAh non-removable battery. Huawei claimed up to two days of use and said its rapid charging could provide roughly a day’s charge after 30 minutes under specified launch conditions. Those were launch claims, not a prediction for a battery that has aged since 2015 or 2016; see Huawei’s announcement and the launch release.
Battery health now matters more than the original capacity. Before buying, ask:
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- Has the battery been replaced, and by whom?
- Does it become unusually hot while charging?
- Is the rear cover lifting or separating?
- Does rapid charging work?
- Must the cable be held at an angle?
A swollen battery, strong chemical smell or rapidly rising temperature is a safety reason to reject the phone, not a cosmetic defect. A replacement cell may have less capacity or may have been installed poorly; watch for sudden percentage drops, shutdowns and interrupted charging.
Rank #4
- GSM Unlocked Freedom: Unlock Your World: Experience the flexibility of GSM unlocked. Effortlessly switch between compatible carriers like T-Mobile, Metro PCS, and more. (Sim card not included. For network compatibility, please consult your service provider.) Note: This device is not compatible with AT&T/Cricket new activations or CDMA networks like Verizon.
- Expansive 6.6” HD+ Display: Enjoy stunning clarity on a large Infinity Display that’s perfect for streaming, browsing, and gaming.
- Smooth Performance: An octa-core processor and provides reliable speed for multitasking, social media, video playback, and more.
- Capture the Everyday: The 8MP rear camera with LED flash delivers crisp photos, while the 5MP front camera is ready for selfies and video calls.
- Secure Fingerprint Unlock: Easily and securely access your phone with the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Camera expectations
The hardware comprises a 16MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. Period reviews found daylight photos acceptable for casual use but weaker in low light than those from newer phones. There is no modern computational-photography stack, so do not expect current flagship dynamic range, night shooting or portrait processing.
Test the individual unit for autofocus, video recording, microphone audio and camera-glass haze. A scratched lens cover can matter more than the published megapixel count.
Android, EMUI and app support
The Mate 8 launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and EMUI 4.0. Some databases list Android 7.0 Nougat as a later release, but the final version depends on the model, region and update history. Check the installed versions under Settings → About phone rather than assuming every 64GB handset received the same update.
Best Value
- Made of good quality ultra-fine fiber PU leather+PC. The surface will not leave fingerprints, and it is wear-resistant and durable
- Automatic elastic hinge cover protection, easy to use, providing 360 ° protection for mobile phones. Super strong protection, not afraid of falling.
- A raised border used to protect the screen and camera from flat surfaces. Metal camera protective cover provides super strong protection for the camera. The front shell integrates 9H high-definition tempered glass
- Convenient metal bracket makes reading and watching exciting programs easy
- Stylish and elegant appearance, comfortable grip
In practical terms, the platform is old. Applications may refuse installation because they require a newer Android API level, current security libraries, supported DRM or device certification. Google Play and other Google services can also differ between Chinese-market and international firmware. A phone that still boots and browses is not necessarily suitable for banking, password management, work authentication or other sensitive tasks. Do not treat an unofficial ROM as a routine modernization step; flashing can cause data loss, boot failure, loss of network service or Google-service problems.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Model numbers, SIMs and carrier compatibility
Common identifiers include NXT-L29, NXT-L09 and NXT-AL10. Swappa lists them as separate options at its Mate 8 catalog. NXT-L29 is often associated with an international dual-SIM version, but that should not be assumed without checking the actual phone. SIM count, LTE bands, firmware and whether the second slot accepts a microSD card can differ by market; Tech Advisor’s regional review describes these differences.
“Unlocked” does not mean “works on every network.” Model bands, SIM-lock status, VoLTE behavior and the carrier’s current policies all matter. Back Market’s separate pages for unlocked, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile listings demonstrate that seller descriptions are not interchangeable.
- Get the exact model number from Settings → About phone and the label.
- Ask for the IMEI before purchase and check whether it is blacklisted or locked.
- Compare that model’s LTE bands with your carrier.
- Ask the carrier whether voice service and VoLTE are supported for the device.
- Confirm the return period.
- For a private sale, insert your own SIM and test calls, texts, data and hotspot before completing the transaction.
Used or refurbished buying checklist
Request photographs or a video showing:
- About phone: model number, Android version and EMUI version.
- Storage: 64GB internal capacity, not just an inserted card.
- Memory: 4GB RAM where the software exposes it.
- SIM tray: single- or dual-SIM layout and microSD behavior.
- IMEI: partially obscure digits in a public listing, but provide enough information for a private check.
- Physical condition: screen scratches, frame dents, lifting back cover and port wear.
- Functions: fingerprint reader, cameras, GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, speakers, microphones and proximity sensor.
Run one normal-use battery cycle if the return policy allows it. Prefer a refurbished seller that offers a meaningful warranty and returns over the cheapest unverified private listing. Marketplace availability changes: Back Market’s U.S. page identified a 64GB unlocked device but was out of stock when checked, while Swappa’s marketplace maintains a catalog whose inventory and prices vary by seller.
Who should buy the Mate 8 64GB?
- Someone wanting a very large screen for little money.
- A secondary phone for calls and basic messaging after carrier verification.
- An offline music, video, reading or navigation device.
- A collector who specifically wants a metal-bodied Huawei flagship from 2016.
- A buyer who accepts old software and has a return window.
Who should avoid it?
- Anyone needing a dependable primary phone for banking, work, authentication or security-sensitive apps.
- Buyers who require 5G, current Android updates, USB-C-era accessories, high-refresh display technology or modern camera processing.
- Anyone unable to verify the model number, internal storage, battery condition or network compatibility.
- Buyers facing a carrier-locked listing without a confirmed unlock path.
Alternatives to consider
A later Huawei Mate, used Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy Note, or a newer inexpensive Android phone will generally offer better software support and application compatibility. If the priority is only a large display for reading or video, a used tablet or e-reader may be a better fit. Current prices and stock for those alternatives require a separate publication-time comparison; do not infer value from the Mate 8’s original €699 launch price.
Final verdict
Buy a Huawei Mate 8 64GB only as a low-cost, returnable and carrier-verified used device. Confirm that it is genuinely the 4GB/64GB configuration, inspect the battery and charging port, and test your network before committing. Its screen, metal construction and large battery remain appealing, but old software and uncertain modern network support make it a poor default choice for a primary 2026 smartphone.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
