Honor Play GPU Turbo Performance Test

The GPU Turbo update is one of the most anticipated software updates for Huawei and Honor devices as it promises better GPU performance which is very handy when playing games. The Honor Play is one of those devices to ship with GPU Turbo. How does it perform? Let’s find out.

Before we get started, let’s have a refresher. The GPU Turbo was announced in June during CES Asia. It’s a software feature that will arrive as an update to supported devices and claims to increase GPU efficiency by up to 60%, reduce single frame SoC energy consumption by 30%, power consumption by about 20%, as well as reduce jitter rate and temperature for smoother performance when gaming.

Do note though, that the GPU Turbo initially supports PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang so we’re going to use these games for testing.

Some important notes before we proceed:
* The Honor Play we’re using for testing is running on EMUI 8.2 based on Android 8.1 Oreo.
* The firmware build, COR-L29 8.2.0.111 (C900log), is in beta.

Let’s start with the benchmark tools we use for reviews.

The Honor Play’s AnTuTu score is in the same range as other flagship devices especially those packing the same chipset, like the Honor 10. As mentioned earlier, the GPU Turbo currently works with PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and promises smoother and more stable performance. So we tested both games and used GameBench to measure frame rates. Check out the results:

PUBG Mobile (Graphics: HDR, Ultra)

The Honor Play got a respectable Median FPS of 40fps and an FPS Stability of 87%. Based on our usage, the performance is smooth and responsive. There were a few times that frames drop but it was able to recover quickly. When it comes to thermal performance, it warms up but nothing out of the ordinary.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Graphics: High + High Frame Rate Mode)

This is the part where GPU Turbo performance is noticeable. The Honor Play got a good 59fps Median FPS with a 93% FPS Stability. Based on our personal experience, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang on the Honor Play is noticeably smoother and more responsive compared to other devices without the GPU Turbo feature. When it comes to thermal performance, it warms up like other device but not too much to be a problem.

Based on the results and personal experience, Huawei’s GPU Turbo, even in its beta form, works. We just hope that the performance boost gets applied to other games as well. We’re looking forward to testing GPU Turbo in its final build.

The GPU Turbo update is coming to supported Honor and Huawei devices. Check out the roll-out schedule below:

Honor Play Specifications

The Honor Play will be available on Lazada, Shopee and stores nationwide, starting August 13, 2018, for only Php15,990USD 272INR 23,099EUR 260CNY 1,984. Pre-orders can be made at the ‘Game with the Brave’ event – in partnership with SM Cyberzone – at SM City Fairview on Saturday, August 11, 2018.