When I first heard about the Honor x9c 5G, I was intrigued by its promise of combining robust performance, cutting-edge features, and impressive durability—all at an affordable price point. As someone who relies heavily on my smartphone for everything from gaming and photography to everyday tasks, I decided to put the Honor x9c to the test. In this in-depth review, I’ll walk you through my experiences, highlighting the pros and cons to help you decide if this smartphone is the right fit for you.
Specifications Overview
Design and Build Quality
From the moment I unboxed the Honor x9c, I was struck by its sleek and modern design. The phone comes in three stunning colors: Jade Cyan, Titanium Purple, and Titanium Black. The choice between polycarbonate and titanium materials gives it a premium feel without the hefty price tag.
Durability Features
One of the standout aspects of the Honor x9c is its Triple Defenses Technology, which includes Anti-Drop 3.0 and a Cushioning Airbag Protective Case. These features, combined with the SGS 5-Star Comprehensive Reliability Certification, make me feel confident about the phone’s ability to withstand daily wear and tear. The IP65M rating further assures me of its water and dust resistance, making it a reliable companion in various environments.
Display
The Honor x9c boasts a 6.78-inch OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and an impressive brightness of 4000 nits. Watching videos and playing games on this screen is a visual treat, thanks to vibrant colors and sharp resolution. The Eye Comfort Technology ensures that prolonged usage doesn’t strain my eyes, which is a thoughtful addition for heavy users like me.
Screen Protection
To top it off, the phone features a Fully Wrapped Curved Screen Protection Layer that guards against scratches and damage. The PWM Dimming and Circadian Night Display further enhance the viewing experience by adjusting brightness dynamically, which I found incredibly useful during nighttime use.
Performance
Under the hood, the Honor x9c is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, paired with 24GB of HONOR Turbo RAM and a Qualcomm Adreno 710 GPU. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and impressive gaming performance, even with demanding titles like Wuthering Waves. The silicon-carbon battery technology in the 6600mAh battery provides reliable power throughout the day, and the 66W HONOR SuperCharge means I’m back up to full battery in no time.
Camera System
As a photography enthusiast, the 108MP Super Sensing Camera caught my attention. The Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and 3x Lossless Zoom capabilities allow me to capture detailed and stable shots. Night Mode enhances low-light photography, and AI-powered features like AI Eraser and AI Motion Sensing add creative flexibility to my photos.
Video Recording
Recording videos on the Honor x9c is equally impressive. The stabilization ensures smooth footage, and low-light performance holds up well, although there is room for improvement in extremely dark conditions.
Battery Life and Charging
With a massive 6600mAh silicon-carbon battery, the Honor x9c easily lasts me a full day on a single charge, even with heavy usage. The 66W HONOR SuperCharge feature is a lifesaver when I need a quick recharge, and the AI Super Power Saving Mode helps extend battery life when needed. Additionally, the Battery Assurance Policy offers peace of mind with options for battery replacement if needed.
Software and User Interface
The Honor x9c runs on MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14. The user interface is smooth and intuitive, with plenty of customization options. Features like Magic AI, Parallel Space, and Magic Capsule enhance the overall user experience. Security and privacy are well-handled with robust controls and device security measures. However, I did notice that the frequency of software updates could be better, which might impact long-term usability.
Audio Performance
The stereo speakers on the Honor x9c deliver decent sound quality, though they aren’t exceptional. The volume levels are adequate for most environments, but audiophiles might find them lacking compared to higher-end models. Still, the overall audio performance is satisfactory for everyday use.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic Appeal
The Honor x9c stands out with its elegant color options—Jade Cyan, Titanium Purple, and Titanium Black. The choice of materials, including polycarbonate and titanium, not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its durability. The phone feels sturdy yet lightweight, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Ergonomics
In terms of ergonomics, the Honor x9c excels. The slim profile and well-balanced weight make it easy to handle, even with one hand. The buttons are conveniently placed, and the overall design feels thoughtfully crafted for user comfort.
Durability Testing
I put the Honor x9c through various durability tests, including drop tests and scratch resistance checks. The phone survived minor drops without any visible damage, thanks to the Anti-Drop 3.0 technology and the Cushioning Airbag Protective Case. The scratch-resistant screen protection layer held up well against everyday use, maintaining the display’s pristine condition.
Display Performance
Visual Quality
The OLED display on the Honor x9c is nothing short of impressive. The colors are vibrant, and the brightness levels ensure visibility even in direct sunlight. The HDR support enhances the contrast and depth of the visuals, making media consumption a delightful experience.
User Experience
The 120 Hz refresh rate provides smooth and fluid interactions, whether I’m scrolling through social media or playing games. The Eye Comfort Technology effectively reduces eye strain during prolonged usage, which is a significant plus for heavy smartphone users like me.
Protection Features
The Fully Wrapped Curved Screen Protection Layer offers excellent resistance against scratches and minor impacts. Combined with the IP65M rating, the display feels well-protected against everyday hazards, ensuring longevity and reliability.
Performance and Hardware
Processing Power
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset paired with 24GB of HONOR Turbo RAM ensures that the Honor x9c handles multitasking with ease. Switching between apps is seamless, and even demanding applications run smoothly without any lag. While it doesn’t match the performance of flagship models, it certainly holds its own in the mid-range segment.
Graphics Performance
The Qualcomm Adreno 710 GPU delivers impressive graphics performance, making gaming on the Honor x9c a pleasurable experience. Titles like Wuthering Waves run smoothly, with no noticeable frame drops or stutters. The GPU handles intensive tasks efficiently, ensuring a lag-free experience.
Battery Efficiency
The 6600mAh silicon-carbon battery provides ample power for a full day of use, even with heavy multitasking and gaming. The 66W HONOR SuperCharge feature is incredibly fast, allowing me to charge the phone from 0% to nearly full in a matter of minutes. Additionally, the AI Super Power Saving Mode intelligently manages battery usage to extend life when needed.
Camera Capabilities
Main Camera Features
The 108MP Super Sensing Camera is a standout feature of the Honor x9c. The Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) ensures that my photos are sharp and free from blur, even in challenging conditions. The 3x Lossless Zoom allows me to get closer to the action without sacrificing image quality, which is perfect for capturing detailed shots from a distance.
Photography Modes
Night Mode on the Honor x9c performs well, enhancing low-light photography with better detail and reduced noise. The AI Eraser and AI Motion Sensing features add creative flexibility, allowing me to edit and enhance my photos effortlessly. Portrait modes deliver impressive bokeh effects, making my subjects stand out beautifully against blurred backgrounds.
Video Recording
Recording videos on the Honor x9c is a pleasure. The stabilization technology ensures smooth footage, and the camera performs well in low-light conditions. However, I did notice that in extremely dark environments, the video quality could be improved, as some noise and lack of detail are still present.
Selfie Camera
The selfie camera on the Honor x9c is competent, offering good resolution and clarity. AI enhancements help in capturing better selfies by adjusting lighting and focus dynamically. However, like the main camera, the low-light performance of the selfie camera has room for improvement.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Capacity and Technology
The 6600mAh silicon-carbon battery in the Honor x9c provides exceptional battery life. I was able to go through an entire day of heavy usage without needing to recharge, which is impressive for a mid-range smartphone. The battery’s longevity is further enhanced by the AI Super Power Saving Mode, which optimizes power consumption based on my usage patterns.
Charging Speed
The 66W HONOR SuperCharge feature is one of the highlights of the Honor x9c. Charging the phone from 0% to nearly full in just a short time is incredibly convenient, especially when I’m in a rush. Compared to other mid-range phones, the Honor x9c offers superior charging speed, ensuring minimal downtime.
Battery Assurance
The Battery Assurance Policy provides additional peace of mind, offering options for battery replacement if needed. This, along with the front and back crack replacement services, ensures that I have reliable support in case of any hardware issues, making the Honor x9c a trustworthy investment.
Software Experience
MagicOS 8.0 Features
MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14, offers a smooth and intuitive user interface. The customization options allow me to tailor the phone to my preferences, making the user experience personalized and enjoyable. Features like Magic AI, Parallel Space, and Magic Capsule enhance functionality and productivity, providing a seamless software experience.
Security and Privacy
Security and privacy are well-handled on the Honor x9c. The built-in security features and robust privacy controls ensure that my data remains protected. I appreciate the comprehensive security measures, which add an extra layer of trust in using the device
Software Updates
While the software experience is generally smooth, I did notice that the frequency of software updates could be improved. Regular updates are crucial for maintaining security and introducing new features, and this is an area where the Honor x9c falls slightly short compared to some competitors.
Durability and Reliability
Comprehensive Durability Testing
The Honor x9c’s durability is one of its strongest points. The IP65M rating ensures that the phone is water and dust resistant, making it reliable in various environments. The Triple Assurance Program and SGS 5-Star Comprehensive Reliability Certification further attest to its robust build quality.
Protection Mechanisms
The Anti-Drop Technology and Cushioning Airbag Protective Case provide excellent protection against accidental drops and impacts. During my testing, the phone survived several minor drops without any damage, thanks to these advanced protection mechanisms.
Reliability in Daily Use
In daily use, the Honor x9c has proven to be highly reliable. Whether I’m using it for multitasking, gaming, or photography, the phone consistently delivers strong performance without any issues. The front and back crack replacement services offer added assurance, ensuring that any accidental damage can be quickly and effectively addressed.
Audio and Multimedia
Stereo Speakers Performance
The stereo speakers on the Honor x9c offer decent sound quality, with clear audio and sufficient volume levels for most environments. While they may not satisfy audiophiles looking for top-tier sound, they are perfectly adequate for everyday use, including media consumption and gaming.
Multimedia Features
The HDR support and high brightness levels enhance the multimedia experience, making videos and games look stunning on the OLED display. The Honor x9c handles mobile entertainment tasks with ease, providing a vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
Connectivity and Network
5G Connectivity
The Honor x9c’s 5G connectivity is a significant advantage, offering faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G networks. This ensures smooth streaming, quick downloads, and seamless online gaming experiences, making the phone future-proof as 5G networks continue to expand.
Other Connectivity Features
In addition to 5G, the Honor x9c supports a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. These features ensure that the phone remains versatile and compatible with various devices and services, enhancing overall usability.
Pricing and Value for Money
Price Points
The Honor x9c is priced at RM 1,499 for the base model, with higher variants like the 512 GB model available at RM 1,699. This pricing positions the phone competitively within the mid-range segment, offering a balance of features and affordability.
Value Proposition
Considering its robust performance, impressive camera system, durable build, and extensive feature set, the Honor x9c provides excellent value for money. It competes well with other mid-range smartphones, offering premium-like features without breaking the bank.
Warranty and Assurance Programs
The Battery Assurance Policy and Triple Assurance Program add significant value, providing comprehensive support and warranty coverage. These programs ensure that the Honor x9c remains a reliable and trustworthy investment, enhancing its overall value proposition.
Pros and Cons
After extensively using the Honor x9c 5G, I can confidently say that it stands out as a well-rounded smartphone in the mid-range market. Its combination of durable build quality, vibrant display, powerful performance, and versatile camera system makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of users. The impressive battery life and fast charging capabilities add to its appeal, ensuring that the phone can keep up with demanding daily tasks and entertainment needs.
However, there are a few areas where the Honor x9c could improve, such as the frequency of software updates and the lack of expandable storage. Additionally, while the camera performance is strong, low-light photography could benefit from further enhancements. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall value offered by the Honor x9c is hard to beat, especially considering its affordable price point.
Who Should Consider Buying It
The Honor x9c is ideal for tech enthusiasts who seek a balance between performance and affordability. It’s also a great option for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on features like a high-quality display, robust camera system, and long-lasting battery. Photography lovers will appreciate the advanced camera capabilities, while gamers will enjoy the smooth performance provided by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Adreno 710 GPU.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other mid-range smartphones, the Honor x9c holds its own with its superior durability, impressive camera system, and excellent battery life. While some competitors may offer more frequent software updates or expandable storage, the Honor x9c compensates with its robust build and comprehensive feature set, making it a strong contender in its category.
Recommendation
Based on my experience, I highly recommend the Honor x9c 5G for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank. Its combination of durability, performance, and value makes it a worthwhile purchase, especially for those who prioritize long-term reliability and a premium user experience.
FAQ
Is the Honor x9c 5G worth the price?
Absolutely. Considering its robust build, impressive camera system, powerful performance, and long-lasting battery, the Honor x9c offers excellent value for its price. It’s a strong contender in the mid-range segment, providing premium-like features without the high cost.
How does the Honor x9c perform in gaming?
The Honor x9c performs exceptionally well in gaming, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 710 GPU. Games like Wuthering Waves run smoothly with no noticeable lag or frame drops, providing an enjoyable gaming experience.
What are the camera capabilities of the Honor x9c in low light?
The Honor x9c’s 108MP Super Sensing Camera performs well in low light with its Night Mode, enhancing detail and reducing noise. However, there is still some room for improvement, as photos taken in extremely dark environments can sometimes lack clarity.
Does the Honor x9c support expandable storage?
No, the Honor x9c does not support microSD cards, limiting storage expansion beyond the built-in capacity. Users who require additional storage may find this restrictive and will need to opt for higher storage variants.
What warranty and support options are available for the Honor x9c?
The Honor x9c comes with a Battery Assurance Policy and Triple Assurance Program, which offer comprehensive support and warranty coverage. These programs include options for battery replacement and front and back crack replacement services, ensuring reliable support in case of any hardware issues.
