HONOR X9c Review: Setting New Standards in Durability and Performance

HONOR Philippines has officially launched its first smartphone of the year, the HONOR X9c, bringing a fresh design and robust features. Positioned as an upgrade to the HONOR X9b, it features enhanced durability, featuring Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0 and more.

We had the chance to test the HONOR X9c, challenging its features and durability claims to see how it holds up. From its sleek Titanium Finish design to its rugged Ultra-Bounce anti-drop technology and IP65M water resistance, the phone promises to deliver both style and resilience. But is it really as tough as HONOR claims? Let’s dive into our hands-on experience with this robust yet stylish smartphone.

HONOR X9c Specs:

MagicOS 8.0 (based on Android 14)
6.8-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, 2700 x 1224 pixel resolution, ~437ppi
120Hz refresh rate
2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 octa-core processor
Adreno 710 GPU
8GB RAM
256GB internal storage, non-expandable
108MP f/1.8, PDAF + 5MP ultra-wide rear cameras, LED flash
16MP selfie camera
Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face unlock
Single loudspeaker
Dual SIM, Dual standby
4G LTE, 5
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Bluetooth 5.1
GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
NFC
USB-C
6,600mAh battery, 66W fast charging
Colors: Titanium Purple,Titanium Black,Jade Cyan
Weight: 189g

Design

The HONOR X9c features a sleek Titanium Finish, blending style and durability in a design inspired by the luxurious appeal of Rolex watches. Its geometric back pattern enhances grip, while the camera layout resembles that of the HONOR X9b, with a knurled-edge circular casing featuring the 108MP main sensor and 5MP wide-angle lens.

Available in Titanium Purple, Titanium Black, and Jade Cyan, the phone feels solid at 189g without being too bulky. Conveniently placed on the right side are the power button and volume rocker, with the SIM slot and USB-C port located at the bottom for easy one-hand use.

Build Quality

The HONOR X9c is built to withstand harsh conditions, featuring IP65M water resistance for protection against splashes and wet environments. The Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0 provides drop resistance from heights of up to 2.0 meters, offering peace of mind to users prone to accidents. 

Additionally, the phone is equipped with heat resistance, ensuring stability even in extreme temperatures. The device feels solid with a rugged yet refined finish, making it a reliable companion for everyday use.

When compared to the HONOR X9b, the X9c shows significant improvements: it offers a higher drop resistance (2.0m vs. 1.5m), an IP65M protection level (compared to the IP53 rating on the X9b), and an anti-drop display and camera shield with reinforced Super Double Tempered Glass for added durability.

Display

The HONOR X9c offers a visually pleasing 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. The 4000nits peak brightness allows for comfortable usage even in direct sunlight, and the wide viewing angles maintain clarity and color accuracy from various perspectives, making it ideal for streaming and gaming.

Watching the latest Squid Game 2 TV series, scrolling through TikTok, and enjoying YouTube videos felt immersive, with vivid colors and sharp details enhancing the experience.

A standout improvement over the HONOR X9b is the 3840Hz PWM dimming, which reduces flicker and provides better eye comfort, especially for extended use. The slightly higher 93.7% screen-to-body ratio also contributes to a more immersive screen experience.

However, the absence of HDR support limits its potential for fully optimized high-definition content. Additionally, while the dual stereo speakers enhance the overall experience, their audio quality lacks the depth and richness expected at this price point. Despite these minor drawbacks, the display remains a strong feature for the HONOR X9c, offering both practicality and enjoyment in everyday use

Durability Test and Experience

The HONOR X9c demonstrated exceptional durability during rigorous tests. First, I subjected it to multiple drops from waist and shoulder height onto hard concrete surfaces. The phone remained intact, with no visible damage or functional issues, thanks to its Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0 and Super Double Tempered Glass.

For the water resistance test, I briefly submerged the HONOR X9c in a tub of water. After wiping it dry, the phone continued to function flawlessly, demonstrating its IP65M rating against water exposure. To push the boundaries further, I boiled the device in water for a few seconds. Despite the extreme conditions, it emerged completely functional, with both the display and performance unaffected. These results showcase the device's remarkable resilience, though such tests are not recommended for everyday use.

Disclaimer: These tests are not recommended for users to replicate. Submerging the phone for extended periods or exposing it to extreme conditions, like boiling water, may damage the device and void the warranty. The boiling test was conducted for a very short duration to push the limits under controlled conditions.

Compared to its predecessor, the HONOR X9b, the X9c showcases improved resilience with enhanced drop resistance (2.0m vs. 1.5m) and better protective technology. It’s a standout choice for users who need a durable smartphone for demanding environments or active lifestyles.

HONOR Philippines has made history with its latest smartphone, the HONOR X9c 5G, setting a Guinness World Record for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously.” A total of 264 participants dropped the phone at the same time, proving its unmatched durability.

Performance and Gaming

The HONOR X9c offers a solid performance, powered by its Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and 12GB of RAM, with the added benefit of HONOR Turbo RAM. The combination ensures smooth multitasking, with multiple apps running seamlessly at the same time. Whether I was juggling Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or streaming videos, the X9c handled everything without a hitch.

The large 256GB storage is another plus, as it offers ample space for apps, media, and files, especially considering that the device lacks an SD card slot. Overall, the HONOR X9c proves itself to be reliable and efficient for both everyday use and mobile gaming.

The HONOR X9c delivers solid gaming performance, effortlessly handling both demanding and casual games. Titles like Call of Duty: Mobile ran smoothly at medium to high settings, with responsive controls and a fluid 120Hz refresh rate. Black Desert Mobile also performed well, showcasing vibrant graphics on the AMOLED display. For lighter games like ROBLOX and Among Us, the device offered a consistent experience with responsive touch controls. Whether you're into high-action shooters or laid-back social games, the HONOR X9c provides a satisfying and smooth gaming experience.

The Antutu Benchmark results show that the HONOR X9c handles everyday tasks smoothly, managing both lighter apps and more demanding ones like YouTube and Spotify with ease. While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is capable, it’s the same chipset found in the HONOR X9b and feels somewhat outdated when compared to newer options.

MagicOS 8.0: A User-Friendly Experience

The HONOR X9c runs on MagicOS 8.0 (based on Android 14), which offers a clean and streamlined user interface. The OS is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy to use for both tech-savvy users and first-time smartphone owners. Its minimal bloatware ensures a clutter-free experience, while its responsive UI allows for smooth navigation across apps and menus.

Customization is a standout feature, offering the flexibility to tweak themes, icons, and widgets. Features like HONOR Share enable seamless file transfers across devices, and Multi-Screen Collaboration makes multitasking with other HONOR devices. AI-based features such as Smart Recommendations adapt to user behavior, enhancing productivity and convenience. The system also supports Gesture Controls, improving accessibility.

While MagicOS 8.0 is efficient, it lacks some depth in its customization compared to competitors like One UI or MIUI. Certain features, such as Multi-Screen Collaboration, are limited to the HONOR ecosystem, reducing their usefulness for users with mixed devices. Additionally, the OS occasionally preloads HONOR-branded apps, which may not be useful to all users.

MagicOS 8.0 is a well-balanced OS that enhances the HONOR X9c’s performance and usability.

Camera Performance

The HONOR X9c features a 108MP main camera paired with a 5MP ultra-wide lens and a 16MP selfie camera, delivering impressive photo and video capabilities. The primary sensor excels in capturing vibrant, high-resolution images with OIS+EIS ensuring stability even in challenging conditions. Its 1/1.67-inch sensor and f/1.75 aperture offer excellent light capture, making it particularly strong in low-light scenarios. The 3X lossless zoom and 9-in-1 pixel binning enhance image clarity and detail in zoomed shots.

In real-world use, photos are sharp and rich in detail, with vibrant colors. Portraits stand out with natural bokeh, and the ultra-wide lens adds versatility for dynamic compositions like group shots or landscapes. Videos with 4K recording provide smooth, stable footage, while the selfie camera produces bright and well-lit images, though it occasionally softens details, which may suit some users’ preferences. The LED flash aids in dim conditions, keeping selfies usable.

The camera interface is user-friendly, featuring gesture control and smile detection, with AI optimization that subtly enhances photos without overprocessing. Whether for casual snapshots or professional-style photography, the HONOR X9c delivers reliable and creative results.

However, the ultra-wide lens resolution could be improved for sharper output, and the lack of advanced telephoto options limits zooming flexibility. The camera app occasionally feels slow when switching modes, a minor inconvenience in an otherwise stellar system.

Overall, the HONOR X9c camera system is versatile and capable, excelling in most scenarios but leaving room for refinement.

Battery and Charging

The HONOR X9c packs a large 6000mAh battery, making it a dependable companion for a full day of heavy use. During real-world testing, the device comfortably lasted through activities like streaming videos, playing games, and multitasking without requiring a midday recharge. This makes it ideal for users who demand long-lasting performance from their smartphones.

When it’s time to recharge, the 66W HONOR SuperCharge technology ensures a charge. From 0% to 50%, the battery charges in just around 30 minutes, and a full charge takes roughly 50–60 minutes, which is convenient.

The battery management system optimizes power usage, so apps running in the background don’t drain the battery unnecessarily. Even with features like a high refresh rate display and powerful performance, the X9c maintains impressive battery longevity.

Pros:
Stylish and Modern Design
Durable Build
Impressive Camera
Smooth Performance
Long Battery Life

Cons:
Outdated Chipset
Camera Limitations
Bloatware

Verdict:
The HONOR X9c is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in durability, equipped to handle drops and water exposure, smooth performance, and exceptional battery life. Its rugged build and stylish design make it a solid choice for users with active lifestyles or families with young children prone to accidental drops. Performance is smooth for everyday use and gaming, though the slightly dated chipset and limited software customization may leave power users wanting more. With exceptional battery life and reliable build quality, the X9c is a solid choice for durability and everyday use.

HONOR Philippines officially launched the HONOR X9c 5G, priced at just ₱16,999, this powerful and stylish device is set to redefine the mid-range smartphone market.

-

Subscribe to our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Twitter, and YouTube. to receive the latest news and updates.