Launched in November 2024, HONOR X7c is making waves – or should I say, splashes – not just for its affordable price tag, but for bringing a feature typically reserved for higher-end phones: water resistance.
The Importance of Water Resistance in the Philippines
The Philippines, with its tropical climate and frequent rain showers, presents a unique challenge for smartphone users. The constant threat of water damage from sudden downpours or accidental spills has long been a concern for many Filipinos. HONOR seems to have taken this to heart with the X7c, marketing it as an “all-angle water resistant” phone.
While there isn’t specific research on Filipino consumer preferences for water-resistant smartphones, global trends suggest that this feature is highly valued. A study commissioned by Gore found that 74% of global consumers rated improved water resistance as essential (36%) or important (38%) in their next smartphone purchase. Moreover, 14% of consumers selected “improved water resistance” as the most important new or improved feature they wanted, second only to longer battery life.
The HONOR X7c’s IP64 Rating: What It Means
The HONOR X7c features an IP64 rating, which provides protection against dust and water splashes. While it’s not designed for submersion, it can handle rain showers and accidental spills – a significant upgrade for a phone in its price range. HONOR has even put the X7c through a three-minute washing test in controlled laboratory conditions to demonstrate its resilience.
It’s important to note that while the IP64 rating is impressive for a budget device, it doesn’t make the phone completely waterproof. Users should still exercise caution around water, especially as the water resistance may degrade over time with normal wear and tear.
More Than Just Water Resistance
While the water resistance feature is certainly a highlight, the HONOR X7c brings more to the table:
- Durability: Beyond water resistance, the X7c has earned a five-star drop protection rating from SGS, a leading testing and certification company.
- Large Battery: The 6000mAh battery is designed to last up to two days, with HONOR claiming it can provide 28.5 hours of streaming or 21.5 hours of YouTube playback.
- Camera Capabilities: The X7c features a 108MP main camera, bringing high-resolution photography to the budget segment.
- Display: A 6.77-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a smooth visual experience.
- Performance: Powered by a Snapdragon 685 chipset and 8GB of RAM (expandable to 16GB with virtual RAM), the X7c aims to deliver solid performance for its price point.
You can check out our full review of HONOR X7c for full reference to our benchmarks, sample photos, and assessment.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Priced at PHP 8,999, the HONOR X7c is positioned in the competitive budget to lower mid-range segment of the Philippine smartphone market. This pricing strategy, combined with features typically found in more expensive devices, appears to be HONOR’s attempt to capture a larger market share in the country.
The strategy aligns with broader industry trends observed in 2024, where there’s growing demand for budget and mid-range devices with advanced features, especially in emerging markets like the Philippines.
Consumer Perspective
For Filipino consumers, particularly those in urban areas prone to flooding or individuals who work in environments where their phones might be exposed to water, the X7c presents an attractive option. The combination of water resistance, a large battery, and a high-resolution camera at a budget-friendly price point addresses several key concerns of the average smartphone user.
This is also particularly important to motorcycle delivery service providers in the country – over 40,000 registered drivers by Grab alone. Having a smartphone with at least IP64 rating matters especially at this season.
However, it’s worth noting that while water resistance is a valuable feature, it’s just one of many factors that consumers consider when purchasing a smartphone. Brand reputation, overall performance, camera quality, and after-sales support also play crucial roles in the decision-making process.
The Bigger Picture: Smartphone Trends in the Philippines
The launch of the HONOR X7c reflects broader trends in the Philippine smartphone market. As of 2024, there’s a growing emphasis on providing feature-rich devices at more accessible price points. This trend is particularly important in a country where the average consumer is price-sensitive but still desires modern smartphone features.
Moreover, the focus on durability – both in terms of water resistance and drop protection – speaks to a growing consumer demand for devices that can withstand the rigors of daily use in a tropical, urban environment. As smartphones become increasingly central to daily life, from communication to financial transactions, the need for reliable, durable devices becomes more pronounced.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of the HONOR X7c with its water-resistant feature at a budget price point could potentially influence other manufacturers to follow suit. If successful, we might see water resistance becoming a standard feature even in budget smartphones in the coming years.
For HONOR, this launch could be a significant step in strengthening its position in the Philippine market. By offering a feature typically associated with premium devices at a budget-friendly price, HONOR is positioning itself as a brand that understands and caters to the specific needs of Filipino consumers.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
