HONOR X9c 5G long-term review: Tougher than it looks

SponsoredHONOR

Most smartphones don’t handle drops well. A moment of distraction, a slip from your hand, and you’re left staring at a cracked display. But after months with the HONOR X9c 5G, it’s clear this phone plays by different rules. It has survived drops onto tile, tar, and concrete, shrugged off a steel ball impact, and even taken on the role of a makeshift hammer — all without a single crack. But the X9c 5G isn’t just about durability. It’s a well-rounded device with a smooth display, solid battery life, and enough performance to keep up with everyday demands.

A smartphone that refuses to break

Durability claims from smartphone brands often sound impressive, but real-world use tells a different story. That’s not the case here. The X9c 5G has been through some serious stress tests, including being dropped down stairs, onto rough surfaces, and even used to drive nails into wood. It’s still in perfect working order.

HONOR’s Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0 is the reason behind its resilience, reinforcing the frame and display to handle falls from up to two metres. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen has also undergone 3000 cycles of steel wool friction testing, proving its resistance to scratches and everyday wear. If you need a phone that can handle life’s unpredictability, this one is built for it.

More than just a tough device

A smartphone can be built like a tank, but if it stutters through daily tasks, it’s not worth using. That’s where the X9c 5G surprises. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset with 12GB of RAM (expandable with HONOR RAM Turbo) and 256GB of storage. Apps open quickly, multitasking is fluid, and there’s no noticeable slowdown even with heavier workloads.

MagicOS 8.0, built on Android 14, keeps things simple and efficient. The interface is clean, intuitive, and free from excessive bloatware.

A display that doesn’t compromise

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is sharp and vibrant, with deep contrast and excellent colour reproduction. The curved edges add a premium touch, and at 120Hz, scrolling and animations feel smooth. Despite its rugged build, this is still a screen that’s great for watching videos, playing games, or just browsing the web.

Battery life that keeps going

With a 6,600mAh battery, the X9c 5G easily lasts three days with moderate use. Even with heavy usage, including gaming and video streaming, it powers through more than a full day without breaking a sweat. And when it’s time to recharge, 66W HONOR SuperCharge gets the battery back up to 50% in just 15 minutes.

A camera that holds its own

The 108MP main camera captures detailed and well-balanced shots, especially in good lighting. Colours are natural and vibrant, and the 3x lossless zoom ensures that even distant subjects look crisp. There’s also a 5MP ultra-wide camera for landscape shots and a 2MP macro camera, though these secondary lenses aren’t as impressive as the main sensor.

The 16MP front camera is decent for selfies and video calls, and AI-powered features like Motion Sensing and AI Eraser help enhance shots by reducing blur and improving clarity. While the camera setup won’t rival flagship devices, it’s more than capable for everyday photography.

Who should buy the HONOR X9c 5G?

If you’re looking for a smartphone that can survive real-life accidents without feeling like a rugged brick, the HONOR X9c 5G is an easy recommendation. It combines exceptional durability with a premium design, long battery life, and smooth performance, making it a solid option for anyone who needs a phone that won’t let them down.

This isn’t just a phone built to last — it’s one that delivers where it counts.

Zeen Social Icons