Hotwav

Hotwav Symbol S8L: Pros and Cons

Android OS v8.1 (Oreo)
Mediatek MT6739WA
PowerVR GE8100
2 GB / 16 GB
6.22 inch (720 x 1520 px)
13 + 2 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus

Hotwav announced the launch of the Symbol S8L smartphone in 2018. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6.22 inch IPS display, Mediatek MT6739WA SoC, and 2 GB of RAM. It comes with Android OS v8.1 (Oreo) out of the box, and a Li-Po 3150 mAh, non-removable battery. This phone features a high resolution 720 x 1520 px IPS display. The size of screen is 6.22 inch. The Symbol S8L has a multi-camera setup. The lens offers versatility. It lets you capture a wide range of subjects and scenes from different perspectives. Is this phone a good value for its price? My review aims to answer that question by the end.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Hotwav Symbol S8L smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Hotwav Symbol S8L / 1

Hotwav Symbol S8L specifications

BrandHotwav
NameSymbol S8L
ModelSYMBOLS8L
Release date2018

Weight, dimensions, colors

Dimensions6.25 x 3.03 x 0.31 inch
Colorsblue, purple
SIM typeNano SIM

Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v8.1 (Oreo)
SoCMediatek MT6739WA
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUPowerVR GE8100

The Hotwav Symbol S8L comes with Android OS v8.1 (Oreo) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. PowerVR GPUs have a reputation for being power-efficient and delivering strong performance.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size6.22 inch
Resolution720 x 1520 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 6.22 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 6.22 inch display should be big enough for your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you're reading, browsing, or watching. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Hotwav Symbol S8L / 1

Memory, storage

RAM2 GB
Internal storage16 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The smartphone has 2 GB of RAM. It can run many apps at once without much lag or slowness. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The Symbol S8L has only 16 GB. You can expand the internal storage (16 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 + 2 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 MP

The Symbol S8L has a multi-camera setup. It lets you adapt to different photography situations. You can achieve various perspectives and compositions. The Symbol S8L comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This phone like all modern smartphones, is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The Symbol S8L smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 3150 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3150 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of Symbol S8L isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, light, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The Symbol S8L smartphone has an accelerometer. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Hotwav phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • appropriate screen size
  • microSD slot
  • multicamera setup
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • insufficient internal storage
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
  • no fingerprint reader
Add Hotwav Symbol S8L to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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