HONOR X9c Smart 5G Review – Durable Smartphone Made Even More Affordable
The HONOR X9c 5G made waves when it launched last month. Now, HONOR is back with a more budget-friendly option—the HONOR X9c Smart 5G. But is this new model worth it, or should you stretch your budget for the original HONOR X9c 5G? Let’s find out in this review!
Table of Contents
HONOR X9c Smart 5G Specifications
| OS: | Android 14, MagicOS 8.0 |
|---|---|
| Processor: | MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra |
| Display: | 6.8″ 120Hz TFT |
| Wireless Connections: | 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Memory: | 12GB+256GB |
| Connectors: | USB Type-C 2.0 , OTG |
| Cameras: | Rear Camera: (Main) 108 MP, f/1.8 (Ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.2 Front Camera: 16 MP, f/2.5 |
| SIM Card Slots: | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Battery: | 5800mAh 35W wired |
| Price: | 12GB+256GB: Php 13,999 |
The Unboxing
The HONOR X9c Smart 5G comes in a packaging with the product image and product model name on the front of the box. Inside we got the unit itself, a clear case, SIM ejector tool, the 35W charger, USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable, and some documents.
The Design
You will notice that the HONOR X9c Smart 5G has a flat design compared to the X9c 5G, which features a curved design. Aside from that, the rear camera design is borrowed from last year’s model, the X9b 5G.
The HONOR X9c Smart 5G we have is the Midnight Black variant, which sports a minimal black design with a sparkling finish. The rear camera circle is accented by a gold ring. If you don’t prefer its minimalistic design, there is also the Ocean Cyan variant, which has a marble-like finish that makes the device stand out.
The buttons and ports are placed in a standard layout. On the right, you’ll find the volume rocker and power button, which also doubles as a fingerprint sensor. At the bottom, there’s a speaker grille, a USB Type-C port, a microphone hole, and a SIM tray slot that supports dual SIM.
In terms of durability, the HONOR X9c Smart 5G has slightly lower durability compared to the X9c 5G, but it still holds up better than smartphones without durability features. It comes with HONOR’s Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0, providing 2-meter drop resistance, so you won’t have to worry about accidental drops.
Additionally, it features 360° full-body rinse protection, offering a splash-resistant design. This means you don’t have to worry about your phone getting damaged if you get caught in the rain.
The Display and Speaker
The HONOR X9c Smart 5G has a 6.8-inch 120Hz TFT LCD which is a downgrade from the X9c 5G that uses AMOLED. Yes you will not get the inky blacks when you have an AMOLED screen however it is still vibrant that you can enjoy watching your favorite content. Plus it has Widevine L1 making you able to play HD Netflix content.
Besides that, they also added some features that will take care of your eyes when using the HONOR X9c Smart 5G like it has dynamic dimming display, flicker free dimming, and Circadian Night display.
The HONOR X9c Smart 5G features a down-firing speaker that delivers loud and clear audio. However, enabling the extra volume setting can sometimes make the sound feel thin. For the best audio experience, it’s recommended to keep the volume slightly below the maximum level to fully enjoy the content you are listening to.
The Performance
The HONOR X9c Smart 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025-Ultra chipset, a 6nm octa-core processor designed for mid-range 5G smartphones, offering a balance between power efficiency and performance. It is paired with 12GB of RAM, which also supports HONOR’s RAM Turbo technology, allowing an additional 12GB of virtual RAM, for a total of 24GB RAM. For storage, the device comes with 256GB of UFS 2.2.
Here are the benchmark results of the HONOR X9c Smart 5G.
The HONOR X9c Smart 5G runs on MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14. Navigation was smooth, and we didn’t encounter any issues during our review.
As expected with MagicOS, there are some pre-installed apps, including HONOR’s own apps and third-party software. While third-party apps can be easily uninstalled, HONOR apps cannot be removed.
When gaming on the HONOR X9c Smart 5G, the Game Manager helps optimize resource allocation for better frame rates and reduced latency. Additionally, users can adjust settings such as brightness, screenshots, and rotation lock within the Game Manager.
Casual games like Mobile Legends and Honor of Kings run smoothly on medium to high settings. However, more graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact may require lowering the graphics settings to maintain stable performance.
The thermal performance of the HONOR X9c Smart 5G is decent, with the CPU throttling to 74% of its maximum performance during our CPU Throttling Test. When playing casual games for several minutes, the back plate warms up, but not to the point of being uncomfortable to hold.
The Camera
Smartphone cameras continue to evolve, offering users a versatile tool for photography and videography. In this review, we analyze the performance of the main camera, selfie camera, and ultrawide camera, as well as the video recording capabilities of a smartphone, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.
The camera configuration of the HONOR x9c Smart 5G is dual on the rear having 108 megapixels for the main camera and 5 megapixels for the ultrawide camera and on the front camera it has 16 megapixels.
HONOR X9c Smart 5G – Main Camera Sample
The main camera of the HONOR x9c Smart 5G delivers impressive sharpness and vibrant colors under normal lighting conditions. Daytime shots appear well-detailed with a natural color balance, making it an excellent choice for casual and professional photography. However, in low-light environments, skin tones can become inconsistent, sometimes appearing brownish or darker than expected. Another challenge is handling bright light sources in dark conditions, which occasionally results in overexposed images. Despite these drawbacks, the main camera generally performs well for everyday photography needs.
HONOR X9c Smart 5G – Selfie Camera Sample
During daytime tests, the selfie camera of the HONOR x9c Smart 5G excels in capturing natural skin tones and detailed images. The overall quality is impressive, making it a great option for social media uploads and personal photography. However, in low-lit environments, image processing becomes more noticeable, leading to an artificial appearance. While the level of detail remains acceptable, some users may prefer a more natural look in challenging lighting conditions.
HONOR X9c Smart 5G – Ultrawide Camera Sample
Compared to the main camera, the ultrawide camera’s quality falls short, particularly in terms of sharpness and detail. While it may not match the main selfie camera’s capabilities, it still produces decent images suitable for social media sharing. For users capturing travel memories or group shots, the ultrawide lens remains a useful addition, even if it doesn’t deliver the same level of image quality as the primary camera.
One of the biggest limitations of HONOR x9c Smart 5G’s camera system is its video recording capabilities. With a maximum resolution of only 1080p, some camera phone enthusiasts might be disappointed, especially those who prefer recording in 4K for enhanced detail and clarity. On a positive note, the phone offers decent electronic image stabilization, ensuring smoother video footage, which is beneficial for handheld recording and capturing moving subjects.
The HONOR x9c Smart 5G offers a solid overall experience, with the main and selfie cameras excelling in well-lit conditions. While low-light photography and video recording could see improvements, the device still provides a reliable option for everyday users. Whether for personal memories or social media sharing, this camera setup meets general expectations, though it may not satisfy those seeking professional-grade results.
The Battery
The HONOR X9c Smart 5G comes with a 5,800mAh battery, capable of lasting through a busy workday without needing a recharge.
In our PCMark battery benchmark test, the phone achieved 12 hours and 34 minutes with 50% brightness, starting the benchmark at 100% battery—a solid performance.
For charging, the device includes a 35W fast charger, which can fully charge the phone in approximately an hour and thirty minutes.
HONOR X9c Smart 5G Verdict
The HONOR X9c Smart 5G brings durability, solid performance, and a decent camera experience at a more affordable price. While it makes some compromises, such as switching from an AMOLED to a TFT LCD and having limited video recording capabilities, it still holds up well for everyday use. The device’s 5,800mAh battery, 5G connectivity, and HONOR’s Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology make it a reliable choice for users looking for a budget-friendly yet durable smartphone. If you prioritize a better display and slightly higher durability, stretching your budget for the original HONOR X9c 5G might be worth considering. However, for those who want a capable, long-lasting phone without breaking the bank, the HONOR X9c Smart 5G is a solid option.
The HONOR X9c Smart 5G is priced at Php 13,999 for its 12GB+256GB configuration and is available exclusively on Shopee. During the 3.3 sale, it is on sale for Php 10,799 with a free HONOR camping light speaker.
