When it comes to tough, durable smartphones, HONOR has established a solid reputation. Their midrange X9 series has consistently impressed with devices designed to endure the everyday (and not-so-everyday) hazards of life.
The latest addition to this lineup, the HONOR X9c 5G, is a testament to this legacy, boasting enhanced durability that’s remarkable even in a market saturated with ruggedized gadgets. With improved resistance to drops, water jets, and even the bold claim of being tough enough to drive nails into wood, the HONOR X9c 5G aims to redefine what it means to be a tough phone.
Let’s dive into the details of this rugged phone, covering everything from its durability features and hardware upgrades to the exciting extras included with purchase.
Design and Unboxing: First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the HONOR X9c 5G gives off an air of durability and sophistication. HONOR has maintained a sleek, professional design, even with its focus on toughness. Available in Titanium Purple, Jade Cyan, and Titanium Black, the HONOR X9c 5G has a modern, understated style. But looks aside, the focus of this device is its ability to withstand harsh conditions, drops, and the rigors of daily life.
Unboxing Experience:
HONOR has gone the extra mile to make the unboxing experience feel premium. Included in the box are:
- The HONOR X9c 5G itself with a pre-applied screen protector
- A soft TPU case, adding an additional layer of protection without detracting from the phone’s style
- A USB-C charging cable
- A 66W fast charger with a UK-style plug, catering to the Malaysian market
- SIM ejector pin
- Quick start manual
The thoughtful inclusion of both a screen protector and case demonstrates HONOR’s commitment to protecting its users’ investments.
Hardware Highlights: A Power-Packed Midranger
Stunning Display with Added Durability
The HONOR X9c 5G sports a 6.78-inch curved OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This display isn’t just about beauty and brightness; it’s also built to endure. With an SGS Five Star Comprehensive Reliability Certification, the display has been tested against conditions most people wouldn’t dream of exposing their phones to. From surviving powerful water blasters that can slice through watermelons to withstanding repeated two-meter drops, this display is crafted to stay intact under challenging conditions.
In addition to its toughness, the display is eye-friendly. HONOR has incorporated eye-protection features, such as reduced blue light emission, which makes long hours of screen time less taxing on the eyes. The 120Hz refresh rate also makes for buttery-smooth interactions, be it scrolling through social media or playing graphically demanding games.
Battery Life and Fast Charging
The HONOR X9c 5G packs a 6,600mAh battery – a substantial upgrade over its predecessors. This large battery is designed to offer extended usage, so you can go about your day without constantly reaching for a charger. And when you do need a top-up, the phone supports 66W wired fast charging, ensuring you can quickly get back to full power. In HONOR’s own testing, a short charge provides enough battery life for hours of typical use.
Improved Camera Capabilities
Camera upgrades are also a highlight of the HONOR X9c. The device features a 108MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), which is particularly beneficial for low-light and motion shots. The OIS feature is new to the series and is a welcome addition, making handheld shots clearer and minimizing blurriness. Alongside this primary camera, there’s a 5MP ultra-wide camera for capturing more expansive scenes and a 16MP selfie camera on the front, which ensures crisp, high-quality selfies.
Ruggedness and Durability: Built for the Bold
What sets the HONOR X9c apart from other midrange smartphones is its durability. HONOR has made this phone tough enough to endure situations that would spell disaster for most other devices.
Enhanced Drop Resistance:
With an SGS Five Star Comprehensive Reliability Certification, the HONOR X9c is built to survive repeated drops from heights of up to two meters. This makes it perfect for users who are constantly on the go and may not always be careful with their phones. Whether you’re outdoors, at work, or just prone to dropping your phone, this device can take a beating and keep on working.
IP65M Water and Dust Resistance:
The HONOR X9c also comes with an IP65M rating – a special certification indicating that it can withstand high-pressure water jets from all angles. This M-rating is an enhancement to the usual IP ratings, allowing the phone to survive scenarios as extreme as cleaning with water blasters that have enough force to cut through softer materials. You can rest assured that the HONOR X9c will survive rain, splashes, or even the occasional encounter with high-pressure water.
High-Pressure Water Resistance:
With the IP65M rating, the HONOR X9c’s rugged design is tested to withstand scenarios you wouldn’t even dream of exposing a typical smartphone to. Imagine being able to accidentally spray the phone with a high-pressure jet (such as during industrial work) and still find it unscathed. This durability makes it an ideal choice for users who work in demanding environments like construction sites or for adventurers who take their phones on rugged expeditions.
Screen Toughness That Defies Expectations
The HONOR X9c’s screen is not only designed to be scratch-resistant but also impact-resistant. HONOR has claimed that the display can even handle the blunt force of being used as a hammer to drive nails into wood. Although this is more a testament to its toughness than a recommendation, the fact that it can withstand such impacts speaks volumes about the device’s engineering.
Software and User Experience
The HONOR X9c 5G runs on HONOR’s custom user interface based on Android, providing an intuitive experience that’s rich in features without being overwhelming. With multiple customization options and pre-installed tools to enhance productivity, this phone caters well to users seeking a powerful, everyday device.
HONOR has also ensured that the software is well-optimized for its hardware, allowing for smooth multitasking, gaming, and browsing. Coupled with the stunning 120Hz display, navigating the HONOR X9c feels fluid and fast.
Exclusive Offers for Early Birds in Malaysia
To celebrate the launch of the HONOR X9c 5G, HONOR Malaysia has unveiled a generous early bird special for local buyers. From now until November 4, 2024, users can place an RM9 deposit to unlock a package of free gifts worth RM1,486. The package includes:
- HONOR Choice smartwatch – a stylish accessory to complement your phone
- 365-day front-and-back crack replacement – offering peace of mind in case of accidental damage
- 180-day one-to-one replacement policy – ensuring a swift replacement for any early technical issues
- 36-month battery assurance guarantee – a long-term promise that the battery will remain in good condition for an extended period
These incentives make the HONOR X9c 5G an even more attractive purchase, especially for those seeking durability and reliability at a midrange price point.
Final Thoughts: Who Is the HONOR X9c For?
The HONOR X9c 5G is a phone built for users who need both performance and resilience. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a busy professional working in tough conditions, or simply someone who values a phone that won’t break after a minor drop, the HONOR X9c 5G is designed to stand the test of time.With an expected price around the RM1,499 mark (based on the previous model), the HONOR X9c offers impressive durability features, a high-quality camera, and a vibrant display, all at a reasonable price.
If toughness is a priority and you’re tired of phones that can’t handle life’s little mishaps, the HONOR X9c 5G may just be the phone you’ve been waiting for.
More info: https://www.honor.com/my/