Introduction
The HONOR X9c 5G represents an evolution in HONOR’s mid-range lineup, featuring enhanced durability specifications including improved drop resistance up to 2 meters, IP65M rating. The smartphone boasts super double tempered glass and heat and cold resistance, making it a compelling choice for users who prioritize device longevity.
Display and Build Quality
The HONOR X9c 5G’s design departs from its predecessor’s orange leather finish, opting instead for a ceramic-like exterior that interacts dynamically with light. The device features a curved design that, while perhaps less practical than a flat alternative, adds a touch of premium aesthetics.
The circular camera module, now featuring a dual-tone black and silver finish, maintains design continuity with the previous model.
Durability stands as a cornerstone feature, with the device demonstrating remarkable resilience in extreme conditions. Testing revealed the phone’s ability to withstand being submerged in boiling water with minimal damage limited to the screen protector, and multiple intentional drops without compromising structural integrity. This makes it suitable for users working in challenging environments or those prone to accidental drops.
Performance
The device is still powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, which may not exactly please those who expecting a performance upgrade. However, the chipset proves competent for everyday tasks and gaming, successfully running titles like Honor of Kings at Ultra framerates and Honkai: Star Rail at Medium preset with 60 fps enabled with no major issues.
The device comes equipped with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, offering ample space for most users, though the lack of expandable storage might be a limitation for some.
Camera
The HONOR X9c 5G’s rear camera system has a 108MP main sensor with OIS, along with a 5MP ultrawide unit, though notably, they have opted to remove the macro camera. Image quality impresses with strong detail retention, accurate color reproduction, and convincing depth effects. The camera system performs admirably in low-light conditions, producing decent night shots. The 16MP front-facing camera delivers satisfactory results for social media content, with reasonable edge detection in portrait mode.
Audio and Multimedia
The dual stereo speaker setup has sufficient volume for small room environments, maintaining clarity even at maximum volume levels. While not exactly a replacement for dedicated speakers, they serve admirably as a backup audio solution.
The 6.78-inch AMOLED display stands out with its impressive 4,000 nits peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate. The 3840Hz PWM Dimming technology promotes eye safety, while the AMOLED delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing both gaming and content consumption experiences.
Software
Running on MagicOS 8 atop Android 14, the HONOR X9c 5G offers a refined user experience. The software package includes several AI-powered features such as AI Eraser for removing photobombers, objects or people from your photos, Magic Capsule for contextual information, and Magic Portal for seamless media sharing across applications.
The interface maintains a clean appearance despite the presence of some pre-installed applications, while features like Parallel Space add practical functionality for users needing to keep important files from being accessed without permission.
Battery and Charging
Battery performance proves robust, with the device achieving approximately 15 hours in PCMark’s Work 3.0 benchmark.
The 66W HONOR SuperCharge technology allows for a zero to full charge in around 1.5 hours, providing reasonable charging speeds for daily use.
Verdict
The HONOR X9c 5G successfully builds on its predecessor’s strengths, particularly in durability and display quality. While the use of the processor might disappoint power users, the device still offers a well-rounded package suitable for users prioritizing reliability and durability over raw performance.
The eye-catching design, improved display, capable camera system, excellent battery life, and robust build quality make it an attractive option in the mid-range segment. The device is priced at PHP 16,999.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
