The Honor 7S is a real 2018 entry-level Android phone, but in 2026 it makes sense only as an exceptionally cheap, tested device for calls, messages and other basic tasks. Its 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and Android 8.1 make it a poor choice for a dependable modern primary phone.
What is the Honor 7S?
Honor announced the 7S in May 2018 as a low-cost smartphone, below models such as the Honor 7A and 7C. It is a separate, newer budget phone—not a refreshed version of the older Honor 7. Its appeal at launch was an inexpensive price, a taller 18:9 screen, dual-SIM support and microSD expansion. Honor’s comparison with the 7C sets out the original positioning.
Most availability today is likely to be used or refurbished. Historical launch prices were ₹6,999 in India for the 2GB/16GB model and £99 in the UK; these are not current used-market valuations. TechRadar said the phone was not available in the US or Australia at launch. Indian Express and TechRadar report those launch details.
Honor 7S specifications
| Specification | Honor 7S |
|---|---|
| Announcement | May 2018 |
| Operating system at launch | Android 8.1 Oreo with EMUI 8.0 |
| Display | 5.45-inch LCD, 1440 × 720, 18:9 |
| Processor and graphics | MediaTek MT6739 quad-core; PowerVR GE8100 GPU |
| Memory and storage | 2GB RAM; 16GB internal storage |
| Expandable storage | microSD, advertised up to 256GB; card support can depend on firmware and formatting |
| Rear camera | 13MP with PDAF autofocus and LED flash |
| Front camera | Most detailed listings say 5MP with LED selfie light; one Indian Express summary line says 8MP |
| Battery | 3020mAh typical capacity; non-removable |
| SIM | Dual SIM |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
| Port | microUSB 2.0 |
| Sensors and biometrics | Accelerometer and proximity sensor; no fingerprint reader |
| Dimensions and weight | 146.5 × 70.9 × 8.3mm; 142g |
| Listed colors | Black, gold and blue in listed markets |
Specifications are based on Honor’s India product page, its 7S/7C comparison and contemporary reviews. Regional configurations may differ, particularly in camera details, LTE bands, firmware, services and colors. The front-camera figure is not completely consistent: the detailed Indian Express review text and other listings say 5MP, while one summary line in that article says 8MP. Treat 5MP as the commonly listed specification, not a guarantee for every regional unit.
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#1 Best Overall
- Factory Unlocked (USA & Rest of the World), In USA Unlocked only for T-Mobile (GSM) and excluding Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular, No CDMA / Dual SIM (Nano-SIM slot 4FF, eSIM), Networks: 2G GSM, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G
- 6.71 inches, OLED, FHD+ 1256 x 2808, 1.07 billion colors
- 1TB Storage, 16GB RAM
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 5) Mobile Platform, Adreno 840
- Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi, NFC
Design and display
The 142g plastic-bodied phone is compact by current standards, and reviewers described it as reasonably solid or plain rather than premium. Its 5.45-inch, 18:9 screen gave it a taller look when that format was relatively new in budget phones. The bezels are still visible; it is not an edge-to-edge display.
At 1440 × 720, the panel is adequate for basic reading, messaging and casual video, but it is not especially sharp next to newer phones. Contemporary reviewers liked its brightness, although Tech Advisor found the display grainy. Tech Advisor’s review and TechRadar’s review discuss the screen and build.
Performance: basic tasks only
The MT6739 and 2GB of RAM were entry-level even at launch. Reviewers reported stutter in routine use, delays switching between apps and poor performance under multitasking. Indian Express recorded an AnTuTu score of 46,426 and Geekbench scores of 661 single-core and 1,782 multi-core in its review. Those are historical results from a review unit, not a prediction for every phone; a worn battery, nearly full storage, heat or background software can make a used handset feel slower. Indian Express, TechRadar and Tech Advisor all describe significant performance limits.
Rank #2
- Factory Unlocked Compatibility: USA & Rest of the World, In USA Unlocked only for T-Mobile (GSM) and excluding Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular, No CDMA / Dual SIM (Nano-SIM slot 4FF, eSIM), Networks: 2G GSM, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G
- Display Specifications: 6.71 inches, OLED, FHD+ 1256 x 2808, 1.07 billion colors
- Storage and Memory: 1TB Storage, 16GB RAM
- Processor and Graphics: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 5) Mobile Platform, Adreno 840
- Connectivity Features: Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi, NFC
Tasks it may still handle
- Calls and SMS, if the phone is compatible with the carrier and its voice network.
- Simple messaging, basic email and light web browsing.
- Music playback, FM radio and very light games.
- Occasional navigation, if the current navigation app remains compatible and performs acceptably.
Tasks it handles poorly
- Modern 3D games, video editing and demanding social-media apps.
- Keeping several apps active while switching between them.
- Workflows that depend on reliably supported current apps.
Storage, dual SIM and connectivity
The phone has 16GB of internal storage, but Android, EMUI and preinstalled software occupy part of it. Leaving several gigabytes free is sensible: a nearly full system partition can make an already slow phone feel worse. Honor advertised microSD expansion up to 256GB, and the dedicated card slot allows storage expansion while retaining two SIMs in the listed configuration. Check the exact regional handset and card compatibility before relying on this arrangement.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesA microSD card is useful for photos, music and videos, and may hold some app data depending on Android support. It does not add RAM, speed up the processor or guarantee that an app can be moved to the card.
LTE support on paper does not guarantee service on a current carrier. Regional versions can use different bands, and voice calling may depend on VoLTE support as networks retire older services. In the US especially, confirm the exact model number, LTE bands and carrier VoLTE acceptance before buying; the available specifications do not establish a universal band list or carrier compatibility.
Rank #3
- For USA Buyers: This Smartphone is not compatible/will not work with any CDMA Networks including: VERIZON, SPRINT, US CELLULAR. Please check with your network provider for 3G or 4G/LTE compatibility check before you purchase.
- Dual-SIM, Network Compatibility, SIM CARD 1 & 2 : [2G : GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and/or 3G : WCDMA 850(B5) / 900(B8) / 2100(B1) and/or 4G : LTE 700(B28) / 800(B20) / 850(B5) / 900(B8) / 1800(B3) / 2100(B1) / 2600(B7)]
- 5.45 inches, LCD, 720 x 1440 pixels
- 16GB Storage, 2GB RAM, microSDXC
- Android 8.1 (Oreo), Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm), Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53
Cameras
The rear camera is a single 13MP unit with PDAF autofocus and an LED flash. Contemporary testing found it usable in good light, with weaker results in dim conditions; another review judged it only passable. The front camera is commonly listed as 5MP and has an LED selfie light, but the published 5MP/8MP discrepancy means buyers should check the regional specification. Megapixel count alone does not establish image quality. The camera is adequate for daylight snapshots or documentation, not a compelling reason to buy the phone now. Honor’s product page and the Indian Express review describe its camera features and results.
Battery and charging
Honor lists a non-removable 3020mAh battery and promoted Smart Battery Management 6.0. Indian Express reported roughly a day of moderate use in its contemporary review, while Tech Advisor described battery life as decent. Those launch-era observations say little about a handset that has been in use for years.
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Check charging, standby drain and battery-percentage behavior on the actual device. Unusual heat, sudden shutdowns, inconsistent charging or a swollen battery are reasons to reject it. The phone uses microUSB, not USB-C. Because the battery is non-removable, replacement requires opening the phone; use a qualified repair technician rather than attempting casual removal.
Rank #4
- For USA Buyers: This Smartphone is not compatible/will not work with any CDMA Networks including: VERIZON, SPRINT, US CELLULAR. Please check with your network provider for 3G or 4G/LTE compatibility check before you purchase.
- 6.79 inches, AMOLED, 1B colors, 1200 x 2640 pixels
- 256GB Storage, 8GB RAM
- Android 15, Magic OS 9, Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 (4 nm), Octa-core (1x2.3 GHz Cortex-A720s & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A720s & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520s)
- Rear: 108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), PDAF, 1/1.67", 1.0µm, OIS, 5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, Front: 16 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide)
Software and app compatibility
The Honor 7S launched with Android 8.1 Oreo and EMUI 8.0. The official Honor 7S support entry does not establish a current update commitment or a current troubleshooting outcome. Do not assume the phone receives security patches or can be upgraded to a modern Android release.
Android age can affect app availability, security and compatibility, but results vary by app, region, firmware and device certification. The phone predates the 2019 US restrictions discussed in later Huawei coverage, so it would be inaccurate to claim that every 7S lacks Google Play. On the exact handset, check that the Play Store opens, apps update, and the banking, work, messaging or authentication apps you need actually run. Do not use it for sensitive tasks unless its security and app support meet your requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Honor 7S vs. Honor 7C
| Feature | Honor 7S | Honor 7C |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.45 inches | 5.99 inches |
| Processor | MediaTek MT6739 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 |
| RAM and storage | 2GB and 16GB in the listed configuration | More RAM and storage in most configurations; exact configuration varies by market |
| Fingerprint reader | No | Rear fingerprint reader |
| Battery capacity | 3020mAh | 3000mAh |
| Best fit | Lower-cost, basic-use option | More capable same-generation option with a larger screen |
Honor’s comparison page presents the 7C as the stronger option for performance, storage and larger-screen use. It is also an old phone now, so its individual condition, software status and network compatibility still need checking.
Best Value
- For USA Buyers: This Smartphone is not compatible/will not work with any CDMA Networks including: VERIZON, SPRINT, US CELLULAR. Please check with your network provider for 3G or 4G/LTE compatibility check before you purchase.
- Dual-SIM, Network Compatibility, SIM CARD 1 AND 2 [2G : GSM 850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900and/or3G : HSDPA 850(B5) / 900(B8) / 1900(B2) / 2100(B1)and/or4G : LTE and/or5G : SA/NSA/Sub6]
- 6.78 inches, AMOLED, 1224 x 2700 pixels
- 256GB Storage, 12GB RAM
- Android 14, Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm), Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
Is the Honor 7S worth buying in 2026?
Only consider it if it is exceptionally cheap, tested and intended for basic or secondary use. It is a poor choice for a secure modern primary phone, dependable work or banking access, smooth multitasking, gaming, NFC payments, 5G, USB-C or a fingerprint reader. No current used price is established here, so compare the asking price against newer entry-level phones rather than using its 2018 launch price as a guide.
Before paying, verify carrier compatibility, battery condition, app support and the return policy. If you can spend more, Tech Advisor recommended the Honor 9 Lite over the 7S at the time and also named the Moto G6 Play as a stronger historical alternative; neither recommendation establishes that those older phones are suitable buys today. Tech Advisor’s review makes that period-specific comparison.
Quick Recap
Used Honor 7S buying checklist
- Open Settings → System → About phone and note the exact model number and software version.
- Check IMEI status and whether the handset is unlocked; confirm its LTE bands and VoLTE compatibility with the intended carrier.
- Insert the intended SIM and test a call and text rather than relying on a listing’s network claims.
- Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, camera, speaker, microphone, proximity sensor and headphone jack.
- Connect the charger; check the microUSB port for looseness and watch for erratic charging or excess heat.
- Observe battery drain over several hours and check for sudden percentage changes, shutdowns or swelling.
- Open Google Play, update an app and confirm the apps you depend on are available and work.
- Check screen for cracks, burn-in and dead pixels, and test touch response across the entire panel.
- Ensure the phone is factory-reset and does not remain tied to another owner’s account or activation lock.
- Prefer a seller with a clear return window; reject a device that cannot pass the checks your intended use requires.
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.
