Honor X9 review
The Honor X9 is a mid-range smartphone that packs quite an impressive punch. With a 120Hz display, triple camera setup, fast charging, and support for Google apps, this device seems to check all the right boxes. We're also introduced to a newly independent Honor brand, which adds some excitement to the package. In this review, we'll delve into the key features of the X9, including its display, camera capabilities, performance, and battery life, to determine if it's worth considering in the mid-range market.
Build Quality and Design
The Honor X9 is a stunning mid-range smartphone that exudes confidence with its sleek design and premium build quality. The titanium silver color option on this model is particularly striking, with a mesmerizing effect when the lighting catches it from certain angles. The Honor branding on the back boasts a nice contrast, while the matrix camera arrangement adds a touch of sophistication. The X9's build quality is impressive, considering its size and weight. It feels surprisingly light in hand, which is no mean feat for a device that packs a punch in terms of features and performance. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner doubles as the power button, nestled neatly below the volume rocker, adding to the overall ergonomic feel. The attention to detail in design is evident throughout the X9's build. From the subtle chamfering around the edges to the precise placement of the camera modules, it's clear that Honor has invested time and effort into crafting a device that looks and feels premium. The 94 screen-to-body ratio provides an immersive viewing experience, while the 120Hz refresh rate ensures seamless visuals. While some may lament the absence of an AMOLED display, the IPS LCD panel still delivers good contrast and punchiness. However, in bright outdoor lighting conditions, it could benefit from being a tad brighter. Overall, the Honor X9's build quality and design are major selling points for this mid-range smartphone. It's clear that Honor has aimed to create a device that not only performs well but also looks and feels like a premium product.
Battery Life
The Honor X9's battery life is an essential aspect that deserves attention. With the device's support for 120Hz refresh rate and fast charging capabilities, it's natural to wonder how long the battery will last. In my testing, I found that the Honor X9's battery life is relatively decent. The phone came with a 4000mAh battery, which provided me with around 6 hours of screen-on time. However, this duration may vary depending on your usage habits and settings. One notable aspect of the Honor X9's battery life is its ability to withstand long charging sessions without overheating. With the included 66W charger, I was able to get up to 50 minutes of charge in just 30 minutes, which is impressive. The phone also supports Magic 4.2, an optimization feature that helps prolong battery life by adjusting screen brightness and other settings. However, I found that even with this feature enabled, the battery life didn't quite meet my expectations. Overall, while the Honor X9's battery life is adequate for casual users, it may not be sufficient for heavy users or those who require a device to last all day. If you're looking for a phone with exceptional battery life, you may want to consider other options. However, if you're willing to compromise on this aspect in exchange for impressive specs and features, the Honor X9 might still be worth considering.
Display
The Honor X9 boasts an impressive display that's sure to catch your eye. The device features a Full View display with a 94% screen-to-body ratio, providing an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, it supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes for smooth scrolling and fast-paced gaming. One notable feature is the TuV I Comfort Mode, designed to reduce eye strain when watching multimedia content or playing games. The display itself has good contrast and punchiness, making colors pop. While it's not an AMOLED display, the IPS LCD screen does a commendable job and should help with battery life as well. However, there is one drawback - in bright outdoor lighting conditions, the display could have been brighter. This might be a minor issue for some users, but it's worth noting nonetheless. The camera setup on the Honor X9 includes a 48-megapixel main camera paired with 2-megapixel bokeh and macro cameras, as well as an LED flash. While the camera is decent, it does miss out on one key feature: ultra-wide capabilities. Despite this limitation, portrait shots taken with both the rear and front-facing cameras (16 megapixel, f/2.5) are quite good, capturing some nice moments. The display's ability to showcase video content without any issues is also a plus, making it easy to enjoy multimedia experiences on the Honor X9. Overall, the display on the Honor X9 is an impressive aspect of this mid-range smartphone. While there might be some minor quibbles with brightness in certain lighting conditions, the overall experience is enjoyable and engaging.
Camera
The camera on the Honor X9 is an interesting aspect of this mid-range smartphone. It features a triple-camera setup with a 48-megapixel main camera paired with two secondary cameras: a 2-megapixel bokeh lens and a 2-megapixel macro camera. The presence of an LED flash adds to its capabilities. While the camera performs decently, it's not without some caveats. One notable omission is the lack of an ultra-wide-angle camera, which would have been beneficial for capturing more expansive scenes. The primary camera's ability to zoom in up to around 3x looks acceptable, but after that, images become over-saturated and lose detail. Portrait shots taken with the selfie camera or rear-facing camera are passable, but not outstanding. They exhibit some cool effects, particularly when using the front-facing camera for self-portraits. However, the video quality is another story. Shooting at 1080p 30 frames per second results in shaky footage when zooming up to 8x. One feature that's worth noting is "dual view," which allows you to film with both the front and rear cameras simultaneously. This can be useful for adding context or perspective to your videos. The camera app also supports features like TUV I comfort mode, which helps reduce eye strain when viewing multimedia content or gaming. In terms of overall performance, the camera is decent but not exceptional. It's a good mid-range offering that won't disappoint but might not thrill either. For those seeking better zoom capabilities and ultra-wide shots, other options may be more appealing.
Price and Value
The Honor X9 is the latest addition to the brand's lineup, offering a mix of impressive features and decent performance at an affordable price. Priced around $250-$300 (depending on storage), this mid-range smartphone promises a lot for its budget-friendly tag. Firstly, let's talk about the value proposition. For a device that starts at just over $1,000 Dirhams ($275 USD), you get a phone with a fast 120Hz display, triple camera setup, and support for Google mobile services right out of the box. The inclusion of Android 11 and Honor's Magic UI 4.2 is also a plus. In terms of performance, the X9 packs a punch with its Snapdragon 695G chipset paired with 8GB of RAM. This combination provides decent frame rates in games, although some titles don't seem to take full advantage of the high screen refresh rate. However, this phone's ability to stay relatively cool during long use sessions is commendable. The camera setup, comprising a 48MP primary sensor and two secondary shooters (2MP bokeh and 2MP macro), delivers decent results in various lighting conditions. While it might lack an ultra-wide-angle lens and better quality zoom, the camera still takes some nice shots, especially in portrait mode. Considering its price point, the Honor X9 offers a compelling value proposition for those on a budget who want a reliable mid-range smartphone without breaking the bank. If you're looking to spend around $250-$300, this device is certainly worth considering. However, whether it's enough to make it a top choice in the mid-range segment remains to be seen.
Performance
The Honor X9 boasts impressive performance credentials, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable mid-range smartphone. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 695G chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and Honor's proprietary Ram Turbo feature. This combination ensures seamless multitasking, efficient app switching, and smooth gaming experiences. I found that apps ran well in the background, and transitions were swift without requiring a restart. The GPU Turbo feature also helps maintain frame rates during gaming sessions. However, some games didn't fully utilize the 120Hz refresh rate, which is a minor drawback. Nonetheless, the Honor X9's performance was impressive, with no noticeable heating issues even after extended use (over 30 minutes). The device's ability to handle demanding tasks with ease makes it suitable for everyday use, including gaming and multimedia consumption. The inclusion of Android 11 and Magic UI 4.2 ensures a stable and feature-rich experience. In terms of overall performance, the Honor X9 is a solid mid-range contender. While not perfect, its capabilities make it a viable option for those seeking a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. With the starting price set at just over a thousand dirhams (approximately $270), the Honor X9 offers excellent value for its features and performance. In conclusion, the Honor X9's performance is a significant strength of this mid-range smartphone. While it may not be perfect in every area, its capabilities make it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable device without compromising on features or budget.
Pros
1. The phone has a 120Hz display which provides an immersive experience with a 94 screen to body ratio.
2. It comes with a 66W charger that provides crazy fast charging speed, getting up to 50% charge in just 50 minutes.
3. The camera is decent and can take some cool shots, especially with the front selfie 16MP f/2.5 shooter.
4. It supports Google mobile services and Google app store right out of the box, giving you uninterrupted access to the Google Play Store.
Cons
1. The camera is missing ultra-wide capabilities and has over-saturated zoom shots after a certain level (up to around 3x).
2. There's no 4K filming option for video recording.
3. Some games may not take advantage of the high screen refresh rate, resulting in average frame rates.
4. In bright outside lighting conditions, the display could have been brighter.