When I first heard about the Honor X9c Smart, I was excited to try it out. With its promise of durability, affordability, and essential features, it seemed like the perfect budget phone. After using it extensively, I’ve gathered my thoughts on its strengths and shortcomings. Here’s my honest review, based on my experience.
First Impressions: A Budget Phone with a Premium Feel?
The Honor X9c Smart certainly makes a good first impression. Its sleek, ultra-slim profile and modern design give it a premium feel, despite being a budget-friendly option. The SGS five-star durability certification adds a layer of confidence for anyone prone to accidental drops.
However, the polycarbonate body, while lightweight, lacks the sturdiness of glass-backed phones. It’s prone to scratches, and the included protective case doesn’t do much to elevate the overall build quality. While it feels good in the hand, it’s clear this phone is built to cut costs.
Display: Flat FHD+ LCD with Some Trade-offs
The 6.8-inch flat FHD+ LCD display is one of the highlights of the Honor X9c Smart. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, and features like dynamic dimming and circadian night tech make it comfortable for extended use.
Yet, the display’s brightness struggles outdoors. Even at maximum settings, reading or navigating under direct sunlight was challenging. The lack of OLED also means colors aren’t as vibrant as those seen on similarly priced competitors. For someone who consumes a lot of multimedia content, this might feel like a letdown.
Durability: Tough, But Not Invincible
Honor has marketed the X9c Smart as a durable phone, and it mostly lives up to the claim. The Anti-Drop 3.0 technology and corner protection make it resilient against everyday drops. I even dropped it onto cobblestone accidentally, and it survived with minor scuffs.
That said, the phone lacks IP68 water resistance. While it’s water-resistant to a degree (IP65M), it won’t survive being submerged in water for long. If you’re clumsy like me, you’ll have to be cautious around pools or during heavy rain.
Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra Is Just Okay
Under the hood, the Honor X9c Smart is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset. It’s capable enough for day-to-day tasks like browsing, texting, and social media. Even casual gaming on default settings was decent.
However, demanding apps and games like Genshin Impact pushed the chipset to its limits, leading to noticeable frame drops and heating. This isn’t a phone built for performance-intensive users, and the lack of cooling mechanisms doesn’t help.
Camera: Good in Daylight, Struggles in Low Light
The camera setup includes a 108MP primary sensor and a 5MP wide-angle lens. During the day, the main camera produces crisp and detailed shots. AI enhancements like the Highlights Capture mode are great for dynamic shots of moving subjects.
But as soon as the light dims, the camera’s shortcomings become apparent. Low-light photos are noisy, and the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) makes it harder to get sharp images. The 16MP selfie camera is fine for casual use, but it’s nothing to write home about.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting, But Charging Could Be Better
The 5800mAh battery is one of the phone’s biggest strengths. I managed to get a day and a half of moderate use, which is impressive for a budget phone. Watching videos, browsing, and texting barely made a dent in the battery percentage.
However, the charging speed, capped at 35W, feels slow compared to competitors offering 65W or even 120W at this price point. It takes over an hour to fully charge, which isn’t ideal for someone who’s always on the go.
Software: MagicOS 8.0 Feels Intuitive But Limited
Running on Android 14 with MagicOS 8.0, the Honor X9c Smart delivers a smooth and intuitive experience. Features like Magic Capsule and Parallel Space are useful for multitasking and separating work and personal data.
Unfortunately, the phone will only receive two years of software updates. This makes it a questionable long-term investment, especially for users who keep their phones for 3-4 years. The occasional bloatware and lack of guaranteed security updates beyond 2026 are also concerning.
Pricing: Affordable, But Are the Features Enough?
Priced around RM1,000, the Honor X9c Smart offers excellent value for money, particularly for students and parents who need a reliable phone for everyday use. Its durable build and long-lasting battery are its standout features.
That said, the compromises in performance, camera quality, and charging speeds make it less appealing for users seeking a more versatile phone. Other brands in the same price range offer better-rounded packages, making the X9c Smart a tough sell for those willing to explore alternatives.
FAQs
What is the Honor X9c Smart price?
The phone is priced around RM1,000, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious users.
Is the Honor X9c Smart good for gaming?
It can handle casual gaming on default settings but struggles with demanding titles due to its midrange chipset.
How durable is the Honor X9c Smart?
It features Anti-Drop 3.0 technology and SGS-certified durability, making it resistant to everyday drops and scratches. However, it’s not fully waterproof.
Does the Honor X9c Smart have fast charging?
It supports 35W fast charging, which is slower compared to competitors offering higher wattage at this price point.
Is the Honor X9c Smart worth it?
If you prioritize durability and battery life, it’s a great budget phone. However, the limited performance and average camera quality might make you consider other options.
Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag
The Honor X9c Smart is a decent budget phone with excellent durability and battery life. It’s ideal for students, parents, and casual users who need a reliable daily driver. However, its performance limitations, slow charging, and mediocre low-light camera performance hold it back from being a standout choice.
Would I recommend it? Only if you value durability over everything else. For those seeking a more well-rounded experience, it might be worth exploring other options. Honor has a solid foundation here, but with a few tweaks, the X9c Smart could truly shine.
