HONOR X7c Review
HONOR has been doubling down their social media presence lately with the launch of HONOR X7c. They previously released outrageous samples of this new phone managed to withstand water splashes. Clearly, HONOR wants to convey a message that their latest budget phone is tough on water in various manners. However, the HONOR X7c is not just all about all angle water resistance; it can actually do more.
Build and Design
The HONOR X7c packs a robust build with a focus on durability. It features a 5-star drop resistance certification from SGS, providing peace of mind for users prone to accidental drops. The phone’s design is functional, if not particularly groundbreaking. While it may not win awards for aesthetics – I’m not a fan of it, to be honest, its practicality shines through with its water-resistant capabilities.
One of the standout features is its IP64 rating for water and dust resistance. HONOR claims the device can withstand submersion in up to 20 cm of water for 3 minutes, making it one of the most affordable smartphones with proven all-angle water resistance. However, it’s important to note that this protection may decrease over time due to wear and tear, and the warranty doesn’t cover water damage (as far as we are aware). As of this writing, HONOR has not yet responded whether they are going to cover instances of accidental water damage.
The phone is available in three colors: Midnight Black, Forest Green, and Moonlight White, offering some variety for different tastes.
Display
The HONOR X7c features a 120Hz refresh rate, which is noteworthy for a device in this price range. This high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and a more fluid user experience, particularly beneficial for gaming and video playback.
The screen boasts a peak brightness of 850 nits (I feel like it’s more than this though), making it easily visible even under bright sunlight. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor use, ensuring clear visibility for navigation, messages, and video watching.
On the other end of the spectrum, the display can dim to as low as 2 nits in dark environments, complemented by multiple eye care options and bright protection modes. This adaptability makes the X7c comfortable to use in various lighting conditions and helps reduce eye strain during prolonged use. I have to say though that advance eye protection features like Circadian Night display is not available on this device, as this uses TFT display only.
Hardware
Under the hood, the HONOR X7c is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 4nm processor. While not the most powerful chip on the market, it provides adequate performance for everyday tasks such as social media browsing, content creation, and casual gaming.
The device comes with 16GB of RAM (8GB physical + 8GB virtual) and 256GB of storage. This generous amount of memory and storage is a strong point for the X7c, allowing for smooth multitasking and ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
One notable omission is 5G connectivity. In an era where 5G is becoming more prevalent, the X7c’s reliance on 4G might be seen as a drawback by some users. However, for many everyday tasks, 4G connectivity is still sufficient.
Benchmark
While specific benchmark scores aren’t provided, the HONOR X7c is reported to outperform competitors like the OPPO A60 and realme 12 4G in terms of performance. When considering the price-to-performance ratio, the X7c appears to offer good value for money.
Software and Other Features
The HONOR X7c runs on MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14. This brings several useful features to the device:
- HONOR Magic Capsule: A convenient interface for accessing essential information like calls and alarms.
- One-Tap Access: Allows quick addition of features like QR code scanner and payment codes to the home screen.
- Three-Finger Swipe Down: A gesture for quick bookmarking of websites, images, and documents.
These software features enhance the user experience and provide shortcuts for common tasks.
Camera
The camera setup on the HONOR X7c is impressive for its price point. It features a 108MP main camera, which should provide detailed and crisp photos in good lighting conditions. The front-facing camera is 8MP, suitable for selfies and video calls.
The camera also supports 3x lossless zoom, allowing users to get closer to their subjects without significant loss in image quality. There in no wide angle capability, which can be a downer for those who badly need a wide angle selfies with friends. While not extensively promoted by HONOR, the camera capabilities seem to be a strong point for this device.
Audio
The HONOR X7c comes equipped with dual stereo speakers that can reach up to 300% volume boost. This feature is particularly useful in outdoor scenarios, ensuring clear audio for calls, music, videos, and navigation. The device also supports Hi-Res audio, promising high-quality sound output for audiophiles.
Battery
Battery life is one of the standout features of the HONOR X7c. It’s equipped with a massive 6000mAh battery, which provides exceptional longevity. In real-world testing, the phone lasted 18 hours and 12 minutes with 20% battery remaining under medium usage, including social media, casual gaming, and YouTube viewing.
The device also supports 35W SuperCharge technology for faster charging times. An interesting feature is the Ultra Power Saving Mode, which can extend the last 2% of battery life to provide 75 minutes of continuous calls.
Verdict
The HONOR X7c is a compelling option in the budget smartphone segment. Its strengths lie in its durable build, water resistance, long-lasting battery life, and generous RAM and storage. The 120Hz display and capable camera system are also noteworthy features at this price point.
However, the lack of 5G connectivity and a somewhat uninspiring design might be drawbacks for some users. The fingerprint sensor’s inconsistent performance is also a minor annoyance.
Should you buy it? HONOR X7c offers good value for money, especially for users who prioritize battery life, durability, and a smooth display experience. It’s a solid choice for those who need a reliable, long-lasting smartphone for everyday use, particularly if they’re not concerned about having the latest 5G technology. So, yes – we recommend this phone.
While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw performance or cutting-edge features, the HONOR X7c successfully balances practicality, durability, and affordability, making it a worthy contender in the budget smartphone market.
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.
