Honor X9c review

Item picture

The Honor X9c is an impressive device that boasts a robust design and durable construction. With a titanium purple color and IP65M water resistance, it's clear that the phone is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities. The device features a 7.98mm thickness and weighs in at 189g, making it slightly heavier than its predecessor but with better weight distribution. The Honor X9c packs a massive 6600mAh battery, which provides around 9 hours plus of screen time on a single charge, with almost two days of battery life. Charging speed has also been upgraded to 66W, allowing for a full 100% charge in just 45 minutes. One notable feature is the improved battery health monitoring system, which provides users with detailed information about their battery's condition. Additionally, Honor offers a 36-month battery warranty, where they'll replace the battery for free if it drops below 80% capacity within three years of purchase. The phone's display features a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. While the same as its predecessor, the X9c boasts a higher maximum brightness of up to 4000 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use. The phone also features improved blue light filtering and increased pixel density. In terms of performance, the Honor X9c uses the same Snapdragon 6 Gen1 processor as its predecessor, which might be considered a compromise by some users. However, this decision allows Honor to maintain a competitive price point of RM1499 for the base variant in Malaysia. Overall, the Honor X9c is an excellent device that offers impressive durability, long-lasting battery life, and fast charging speeds. While it may not be the most powerful phone on the market, its value proposition makes it an attractive option for those who prioritize ruggedness and reliability.

Build Quality and Design

The Honor X9c is an incredibly durable phone that can withstand even the most demanding outdoor activities. Its build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy titanium purple color that exudes premium-ness. The phone's design is sleek and attractive, with a super slim profile of just 7.98mm. Weighing in at 189g, it may be slightly heavier than its predecessor, but the weight distribution feels more even, making it comfortable to hold. One of the standout features of the Honor X9c is its IP65M water resistance, a significant upgrade from the IP53 protection found on last year's model. The phone's body is crafted with precision, featuring a plastic frame that doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. This attention to detail is impressive, and it's clear that Honor has taken steps to enhance the overall build quality of their latest offering. In terms of design, the titanium purple color is undeniably eye-catching. It adds an extra layer of sophistication to the phone's premium look, making it stand out from more mundane devices. The X9c's design is undoubtedly one of its strongest assets, and it's clear that Honor has put a lot of thought into creating a phone that looks as good as it performs. Overall, the Honor X9c's build quality and design are truly exceptional. Whether you're an avid outdoorsperson or simply someone who likes to push their phone to its limits, this device is sure to impress. With its rugged construction and sleek design, it's clear that Honor has created a phone that can withstand even the toughest challenges.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Honor X9c is one of its standout features. With a massive 6600mAh battery size, this phone is designed to keep going all day long. In my testing, I was able to squeeze out around 9 hours and 30 minutes of screen on time, which is impressive for a device in this price range. The charging speed has also been upgraded to 66W, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed. A full charge took just under an hour, which is speedy by any standard. But what's even more surprising is that Honor is so confident in the X9c's battery life that they're offering a 36-month battery warranty. This means that if your battery level drops below 80% within three years of purchase, you can get a free replacement. This kind of confidence is rare in the smartphone industry, and it speaks volumes about Honor's commitment to quality. With such a long-lasting battery, you'll be able to enjoy your X9c without worrying about running out of juice at an inconvenient moment. Overall, the battery life on the Honor X9c is exceptional, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Whether you're a student, professional, or just someone who loves to be outdoors, this phone has got your back.

Display

The Honor X9c boasts an impressive display that's sure to please even the most discerning users. The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen features a resolution of 1.5K, and with a 120Hz refresh rate, it provides a silky-smooth viewing experience. One of the standout upgrades on the Honor X9c is its improved maximum brightness, now reaching an impressive 4,000 nits. This makes it more than capable of handling even the brightest sunlight conditions, ensuring that the screen remains legible and vibrant at all times. Another welcome improvement is the increased P-N dinging (Peak Nitrogen emission), which has been bumped up to 840 Hz on the Honor X9c. This helps to reduce eye fatigue after extended periods of usage, making it ideal for users who spend a lot of time gazing at their screen. The display itself is also noteworthy, with colors that pop and details that are crisp and clear. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or simply browsing the web, the Honor X9c's display is more than up to the task. In terms of design, the titanium purple color option on the Honor X9c is particularly attractive, adding a touch of premium feel to an already impressive package. Overall, the Honor X9c's display is a significant step forward from its predecessor, making it one of the best displays in its class. While some may lament the lack of a higher refresh rate or more advanced features, the Honor X9c's display remains an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and feature-rich screen experience.

Camera

The Honor X9c boasts an impressive dual-camera setup, with a primary 108-megapixel camera and a 5-megapixel secondary camera. The main highlight is the significant upgrade to OS (Optical Stabilization) for better image stabilization when taking photos and videos. One notable feature of the Honor X9c's camera system is its ability to achieve 10x digital zoom, which can be quite useful in certain situations. While it may not match the quality of dedicated zoom lenses, it's a convenient feature that can come in handy. The camera's performance under low-light conditions is commendable, with the night mode function producing decent results. Food photography is also satisfactory, capturing rich colors and details. Video stabilization is another area where the Honor X9c shines, delivering smooth footage without too much jitter or shaking. While it may not be exceptional in this regard, it's a welcome improvement over some previous models. One thing to note is that the camera system lacks a telephoto lens, which might limit its capabilities when trying to capture distant subjects or objects with complex details. However, for everyday shooting and standard photography needs, the Honor X9c's cameras hold their own against many mid-range and budget-friendly options on the market. The addition of features like OS stabilization and 10x digital zoom demonstrate Honor's commitment to improving camera performance without breaking the bank. While not a revolutionary step forward in mobile photography, the Honor X9c's camera capabilities are solid enough to make it a viable choice for those seeking a reliable, feature-rich smartphone experience. In conclusion, while the Honor X9c may not be the most advanced camera system on the market, its strengths lie in its ability to produce clear images and smooth video footage, making it an excellent option for casual photographers and enthusiasts alike.

Price and Value

The Honor X9c has been making waves in the market with its impressive durability claims. But is it worth the price tag? Priced at RM 1499 for the base variant, the Honor X9c seems to offer an unbeatable value proposition. For a phone that promises to be as tough as nails, the price feels remarkably reasonable. One of the standout features of the X9c is its massive 6600mAh battery, which offers up to 9 hours plus of screen time and almost two days of battery life. This alone makes it a great value for those who need a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle. The X9c's design also deserves praise, with a sleek titanium purple color that looks premium without breaking the bank. The phone's water resistance has been upgraded to IP65, and its Super AMOLED display is just as impressive as last year's model. While some might be disappointed by the use of last year's Snapdragon 6 Gen1 processor, it's clear that Honor had to make compromises to keep the price low. Nevertheless, performance-wise, the X9c still manages to deliver smooth day-to-day usage and decent gaming capabilities. Ultimately, the Honor X9c's value lies in its incredible durability, massive battery life, and impressive display. For RM 1499, you're getting a phone that can withstand even the most extreme conditions – making it an excellent choice for those who want a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Performance

The Honor X9c boasts an impressive array of specs, but one area that received some scrutiny is its performance. Despite the phone's rugged build and feature-rich design, it relies on the same Snapdragon 6 Gen1 processor as last year's model. While this decision may seem counterintuitive given the advancements in technology, Honor was able to maintain the same price point of RM1499 for the base variant. This compromise, while understandable, comes at the cost of slightly underwhelming performance. In day-to-day usage, the phone performs admirably, with no noticeable lag or issues. However, gaming on the X9c is a different story. While it's still manageable, even demanding games like Genshin Impact run smoothly only on low to medium settings. This is not ideal for gamers looking for a top-tier experience. The phone's AI features, such as Magic Razor and Magic Portal, are present but do little to elevate the performance. The digital Zoom has been upgraded to 10x, which is useful in certain situations, but overall, the camera experience is decent at best. In conclusion, while the Honor X9c's performance is not its strongest suit, it still manages to deliver a seamless user experience for general usage. However, those seeking a powerhouse device may find themselves disappointed. For everyone else, the X9c remains a solid choice, especially considering its affordable price point and rugged build. While not ideal for gamers or heavy users, the Honor X9c is still a great option for those seeking a reliable phone with impressive battery life and camera capabilities.

FAQ