When HONOR announced the release of the HONOR X9c, we expected it to raise the bar for mid-range smartphones in terms of durability. In the Philippines, where typhoons and floods are common, a phone that can withstand tough conditions is more than a luxury, it’s a necessity. With the expectation that the X9c would survive the harshest conditions, we were curious to see how it performed in other key areas. After using it as our main device for a month, here’s our full review.
HONOR X9c Review: Design
The HONOR X9c has a clean and modern design that feels comfortable in the hand. Its slim profile and fingerprint-resistant finish make it practical for everyday use. Our review unit came in the Jade Cyan variant, which features a polycarbonate back panel with a stylish design. The sleek look eliminates the need for a protective case purely for aesthetics. However, due to the phone’s slippery body, we opted to use a clear case to prevent accidental drops.
Speaking of durability, HONOR claims the X9c can survive drops of up to two meters, and our tests confirmed this. The device is built to withstand rough conditions, equipped with an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance. It’s also resistant to extreme hot and cold temperatures, making it adaptable to a variety of environments.
To put the X9c to the test, we subjected it to torture tests, including a drop test, boiling test, smash test, and knife test. It passed with flying colors, showing no signs of damage that would compromise its functionality. These tests prove that it’s a reliable option for the unpredictable conditions in the Philippines, where sudden rain or flooding is always a possibility. Knowing your phone can handle rough treatment is a major relief.
You can watch our durability test here.
HONOR X9c Review: Multimedia
The HONOR X9c features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Scrolling, animations, and transitions are smooth, and the screen delivers vibrant colors and sharp images. The display is also bright enough for outdoor use, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing social media, or gaming on the go.
Audio performance is decent, with clear output from the built-in speakers. While they’re not groundbreaking, the sound quality is sufficient for casual streaming or video calls. For a more immersive experience, we recommend using headphones.
HONOR X9c Review: Software and Performance
The HONOR X9c runs on MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14. The interface is straightforward and responsive, with minimal bloatware, a big plus in our book. Features like multi-window support and smart collaboration with other HONOR devices enhance productivity, making the phone versatile for both work and play.
Under the hood, the HONOR X9c is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It handles day-to-day tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media without hiccups. Multitasking feels smooth, and the ample storage is more than enough for apps, photos, and videos.
Here are its benchmark scores:
For gaming, the HONOR X9c delivers a decent experience for light to moderate titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, which run smoothly without any issues. More demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile are playable at medium to high settings, but the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset does show its limitations. Extended gameplay leads to noticeable heating, and frame drops can occur during intense scenes, especially in graphically demanding scenarios.
While the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 isn’t the most powerful chipset at this price point, it’s still capable of handling casual gaming and day-to-day tasks effectively. However, this device is definitely not for extreme gamers who prioritize consistent performance at max settings.
But of course, for most users who enjoy casual and light gaming on the side, the HONOR X9c offers a good experience.
HONOR X9c Review: Camera
The HONOR X9c is more than just a durable phone. It also performs well in the camera department. The device features a dual rear camera setup, consisting of a 108MP main sensor with OIS and a 5MP wide-angle lens, along with a 16MP front-facing camera for selfies.
Although the X9c drops one sensor compared to its predecessor, its AI processing capabilities result in better image quality. The 108MP main camera produces vibrant and detailed photos, especially in well-lit conditions. Portraits have good subject separation, and night shots are surprisingly impressive, thanks to the improved Night Mode.
However, the phone does fall short when it comes to zoom capabilities, as it lacks a telephoto sensor. Additionally, AI processing can sometimes be overly aggressive, particularly when taking food photos. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s worth noting for users who prioritize natural image rendering.
Selfies taken with the front-facing camera are social media-ready, offering good detail and natural skin tones. The camera setup, while not flagship-level, is more than adequate for everyday photography needs.
Sample Photos:
HONOR X9c Review: Battery Life
The HONOR X9c is equipped with a 6600mAh battery, which delivers excellent longevity. With regular usage—social media, messaging, and light gaming—the phone easily lasts more than a day. During heavy use, including extended gaming and streaming, it still manages to provide around 13 hours of screen-on time.
In our tests, the PCMark Battery Life test recorded an impressive 14 hours and 40 minutes. Additionally, the 66W fast charging feature is a standout. It charges the phone from 20% to 100% in just under an hour, making it ideal for users with busy schedules.
The combination of a long-lasting battery and fast-charging capability makes the HONOR X9c a dependable choice for users who are always on the go.
Verdict: HONOR X9c, A Reliable Phone for Everyday Life
The HONOR X9c is a well-rounded smartphone that excels in durability, making it a practical choice for users in the Philippines. At Php16,999, it provides a great balance between toughness and functionality.
For those who pre-order, HONOR is offering an exciting incentive: a chance to win a brand-new Rolex DateJust watch worth Php600,000.
So, are you getting one? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
