The HONOR X9c builds upon the success of its predecessor, the HONOR X9b, by pushing the boundaries of durability and performance in the mid-range smartphone market. HONOR’s latest model, dubbed the “King of Durability,” showcases several impressive advancements, including ultra-tough drop resistance, an expansive battery, and AI-powered photography features. Designed for active lifestyles and challenging environments, the HONOR X9c promises to deliver a reliable experience that lasts. After a thorough test, here’s our comprehensive review to see if the device lives up to its bold claims.
Design and Build Quality: A Durable Marvel
The HONOR X9c carries forward the legacy of the HONOR X series, emphasizing resilience with its core “Toughness DNA.” Measuring just 7.98mm in thickness and weighing 189g, the phone maintains an ultra-slim profile while offering a sturdy build. Available in Titanium Purple and Jade Cyan, the device exudes a modern aesthetic that feels premium in hand.
The titanium purple version is printed on the box, as seen below.
The review unit is of the Jade Cyan variation. Watch how it looks:
Drop Resistance: A Leap Forward
The HONOR X9c is equipped with the next-generation HONOR Anti-Drop Display, now featuring Anti-Drop 3.0 technology. The display can withstand falls from heights up to 2 meters—a significant improvement from the HONOR X9b’s 1.6 meters. I conducted several drop tests from different angles and surfaces like cobblestones and marble, and the device remained fully functional without visible damage. This resilience is supported by ultra-tempered glass and advanced protective shields that enhance the screen’s impact resistance by 60% and corner protection by 52% compared to its predecessor.
Protective Accessories
Complementing the built-in durability, the HONOR X9c includes the industry’s first Fully Wrapped Curved Screen Protection Layer and a Cushioning Airbag Protective Case. The case’s second-generation cushioning structure absorbs shock efficiently, further minimizing the risk of screen cracks and other damage. These innovations create a comprehensive system of protection, reducing damage from everyday impacts and accidents.
Water and Dust Resistance: Unmatched Protection
The HONOR X9c’s durability extends beyond drop resistance with its 360° water resistance protection. Certified with an IP65M rating (an improvement over the HONOR X9b’s IP53), the device features a three-layer water resistance structure:
- First Layer: Shields exposed components with a specialized outer ring design.
- Second Layer: Adds sealing protection to sensitive internal parts.
- Third Layer: A robust cover ensures the core components remain secure against water intrusion.
The device also supports wet hand touch control, allowing seamless usage even with wet or greasy fingers—ideal for use in the kitchen or during outdoor activities.
Battery Life and Performance: The Silicon-Carbon Advantage
One of the most impressive aspects of the HONOR X9c is its industry-first 6600mAh silicon-carbon battery. HONOR has managed to increase the battery capacity significantly (compared to the HONOR X9b’s 5800mAh) without adding extra weight. This ultra-large battery supports up to 48.4 hours of music streaming and 25.8 hours of online video playback, ensuring users can stay connected and entertained throughout the day.
AI SuperPower Saving Mode and Fast Charging
The HONOR X9c’s battery efficiency is further enhanced by the AI SuperPower Saving Mode, which allows the phone to maintain continuous calls for up to 50 minutes even when the battery drops to 2%. This feature is crucial for emergencies, ensuring communication remains uninterrupted. Additionally, the 66W HONOR SuperCharge capability rapidly revives the device—charging from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes and reaching full capacity in under an hour.
Display Quality: A Flagship-Level Experience
The HONOR X9c features a 6.78-inch OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The display, slightly curved at the sides, offers 1.07 billion colors and a peak HDR brightness of 4000 nits, the display delivers sharp and vivid visuals even in bright sunlight.
During tests, whether watching Netflix or navigating maps outdoors, the display remained exceptionally clear and responsive.
Additionally, HONOR has integrated various eye-comfort features to enhance the viewing experience. The 3840Hz Risk-free PWM Dimming reduces flicker to an imperceptible level, which is crucial for those using their phones for extended periods, as it helps minimize eye strain. The Circadian Night Display shifts the screen’s color temperature to a warmer tone at night, reducing blue light exposure and promoting better sleep. The Dynamic Dimming feature further adapts lighting patterns to mimic natural light, providing a comfortable viewing experience in different environments.
Camera Performance: AI-Powered Precision
The HONOR X9c takes photography seriously with its 108MP ultra-sensing camera featuring Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The 1/1.67-inch sensor, combined with a large f/1.75 aperture and 9-in-1 pixel binning technology, captures bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. I tested the camera’s capabilities in various settings, from outdoor landscapes to dimly lit interiors, and the results were consistently sharp and well-balanced.
Portrait and Zoom Capabilities
The camera offers three portrait modes—1x Environmental Portrait, 2x Atmospheric Portrait, and 3x Close-up Portrait—allowing users to experiment with different focal lengths. The 3x lossless zoom was particularly effective, providing detailed close-ups without pixelation.
AI Photography Features
The AI Motion Sensing feature captures dynamic action shots, ensuring every moment is captured with clarity. I tested this by photographing fast movements like jumping and running, and the AI accurately detected and focused on the subject, producing blur-free images. The AI Eraser tool is another highlight, seamlessly removing unwanted elements from photos. It worked perfectly when removing background objects and text in multiple languages, intelligently filling in gaps for a polished result.
Check out the photos taken on the phone below:
Software Experience: MagicOS 8.0 Brings Smarter Interactions
Running on MagicOS 8.0 (based on Android 14), the HONOR X9c offers a smooth, intelligent, and personalized experience. Several key features enhance multitasking and user convenience:
Magic Capsule
This feature allows for quick and seamless interaction with notifications. For example, by tapping on a notification capsule, users can access related apps and information without navigating through multiple menus—saving time and simplifying interactions.
Magic Portal
The Magic Portal integrates AI capabilities, enabling users to access system apps directly by interacting with text or images. Whether opening maps from an address or attaching files to emails, this feature makes multitasking more efficient and intuitive.
Parallel Space
For those managing multiple accounts or balancing work and personal data, Parallel Space offers a secure and separate storage solution. I used it to operate dual-space apps, effectively transforming the device into two phones in one—a valuable feature for professionals and users with diverse needs.
Audio Performance: Enhanced Clarity
The HONOR X9c boasts dual speakers with a 300% increase in maximum volume compared to the HONOR X9b. The enhanced audio quality provides clear and immersive sound, ideal for entertainment and calls, making the device versatile for different media consumption needs.
Conclusion: Setting a New Standard for Mid-Range Smartphones
The HONOR X9c delivers exceptional durability, advanced features, and a premium display experience, positioning itself as a leader in the mid-range smartphone market. From its ultra-tough build quality and expansive battery life to AI-powered photography and multitasking enhancements, the HONOR X9c is designed to meet the needs of active and demanding users.
While it may not match flagship-level processors, its durability, versatility, and price point make it an outstanding option for those seeking a reliable and feature-packed smartphone.
Pros:
- Comprehensive durability with drop, water, and scratch resistance
- Long-lasting 6600mAh battery with fast-charging support
- Vibrant OLED display with eye-comfort technology
- Advanced AI features for photography and multitasking
Cons:
- Processor performance is competitive but not flagship level
- Limited to two color options
If you’re looking for a smartphone that blends toughness with intelligent features and long battery life, the HONOR X9c should be at the top of your list.
