Title: Honor 400 Lite 5G: All the Way Down to the “Distinct AI Camera Button”
In the continuously transforming landscape of smartphones, innovation often occupies a fine line between originality and imitation. The freshly unveiled Honor 400 Lite 5G exemplifies this intricate balance. Set to launch in the U.K. and Europe, the device has already attracted attention due to its striking similarity to Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro — from the rear camera arrangement to the frequently highlighted “distinct AI Camera Button.”
But how distinct is this button, truly? And what insights does the Honor 400 Lite 5G provide about smartphone design trends in 2024?
A Recognizable Design with a Fresh Identity
At first sight, the Honor 400 Lite 5G might easily be confused for an iPhone 16 Pro. The resemblances are remarkable: a nearly identical rear camera setup, a Dynamic Island-style front camera cutout, and a specific camera button situated in the same place as Apple’s recent Camera Control feature.
While Android manufacturers have historically taken design inspiration from Apple, the Honor 400 Lite 5G elevates this trend to a new height. The rear camera assembly closely resembles the iPhone’s triple-lens configuration, but a closer look shows that the third “lens” is cleverly merely the flash — artfully disguised to create the illusion of a more sophisticated arrangement.
The “Distinct” AI Camera Button
Possibly the most discussed feature is Honor’s so-called “distinct AI Camera Button.” Advertised as an innovative enhancement, this button mirrors both functionally and visually Apple’s Camera Control button unveiled on the iPhone 16 Pro. Like its iOS equivalent, Honor’s button is set back and located on the lower right side of the device, enabling users to quickly initiate the camera or activate AI-driven functionalities like Google Lens.
While the idea of a dedicated camera button is far from new — Sony Xperia phones have included them for years — Honor’s approach feels more like a straightforward imitation than a respectful homage. Moreover, Apple’s variant has received mixed feedback regarding its ergonomics, rendering Honor’s choice to replicate it directly a questionable decision.
Imitation Isn’t Always Negative
To be fair, drawing from rivals’ successful concepts is not inherently detrimental. The smartphone market has a long-standing history of mutual influence. Apple’s Live Voicemail is an evident reference to Google Pixel’s Call Screen, and iOS only recently added Offline Maps — a feature Android users have relished since 2012.
In the same vein, Android brands like Samsung and OnePlus have embraced Apple’s titanium frame design, and many companies have extended software support to align with Google’s seven-year commitment. These advancements ultimately benefit consumers by elevating standards industry-wide.
However, the crucial distinction lies in the execution. When approached mindfully, borrowing features can result in meaningful enhancements. When poorly executed, it can resemble a cheap copy.
A Step Backward for Honor?
The design of the Honor 400 Lite 5G represents a shift away from the brand’s previously distinctive visual appeal. Earlier iterations in the Honor 200 and 300 series showcased unique designs that allowed the brand to establish a distinct presence in a saturated midrange market. In contrast, the 400 Lite 5G feels like a decline — a gadget that compromises originality in favor of an appearance of premium quality.
This is particularly disappointing considering Honor’s track record of bold design decisions and innovative functionalities. The company had a chance to take the lead in the Android domain by launching a camera button that improved upon Apple’s problematic execution. Instead, it opted for replication.
The Conclusion: Innovation or Imitation?
Ultimately, the Honor 400 Lite 5G is a mixture of positives and negatives. On one hand, it presents high-end aesthetics and features like a 108MP AI-driven camera at a more budget-friendly price. On the other, it achieves this by substantially borrowing from Apple’s playbook, right down to the “distinct” AI Camera Button that’s far from original.
For consumers, the phone might still deliver considerable value — particularly for those who admire the iPhone’s design yet prefer the flexibility of Android. However, for tech aficionados and brand loyalists, the 400 Lite 5G might feel like a lost chance for Honor to distinguish itself instead of blending into the crowd.
As the distinctions between Android and iOS continue to fade, one thing remains evident: true innovation lies not in mimicking what has worked, but in daring to chart a different course. Let’s hope Honor keeps this in mind for its upcoming releases.
