HONOR X9c 5G
From RM1,499.00
Pros
- Super tough
- Waterproof
- Excellent battery capacity
- AI features are available
- Good camera
Cons
- No headphone jack
- No IR blaster
- Outdated chipset
- Fingerprint magnet on the back panel for this colourway
In a time when smartphones often feel like delicate glass slabs that need constant protection, HONOR is challenging that narrative with the launch of the HONOR X9c 5G. This device isn’t just a typical mid-range smartphone; it represents a new standard in durability and functionality that’s built to handle the unexpected bumps and drops of everyday life.
With its advanced Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0, the HONOR X9c 5G combines style with strength, making it both a functional tool and a tough companion for users on the go. HONOR has packed this device with cutting-edge features—water resistance, advanced AI functions, a massive battery, and a vibrant display—all within a sleek design that doesn’t sacrifice looks for durability.
Lets explore what sets the HONOR X9c 5G apart from the crowd, from its groundbreaking resilience to its smart innovations, and see why it’s fast becoming a standout in the mid-range market.
Unboxing the HONOR X9c 5G
Opening the box of the HONOR X9c 5G, you’re immediately met with a sense of premium design and solid construction. The device itself feels substantial in hand, with a design that clearly emphasizes durability without sacrificing aesthetics. HONOR has gone the extra mile to reinforce the user experience by including a pre-installed screen protector, adding an initial layer of protection to a phone that’s already built to endure more than a few drops and bumps. This thoughtful addition means users can start using their phone right out of the box without worrying about adding extra protection.
The box contents are comprehensive and practical, offering everything you need to get started. In addition to the device, HONOR includes a high-quality TPU screen protector to further shield the screen from scratches. There’s also a USB-C cable that pairs with the included 66W HONOR SuperCharge adapter, a powerful accessory designed to take full advantage of the phone’s fast-charging capabilities. The charger comes in a UK-style plug, tailored for the local market and providing convenient and fast power-up sessions.
You’ll also find a SIM pin ejector—a simple but essential tool for setting up your SIM card—as well as a quick start guide to walk users through initial setup and features. All these accessories are presented in a sleek, minimalist packaging style that aligns with HONOR’s brand, reinforcing the premium feel of the HONOR X9c 5G from the moment you unbox it. Together, these elements make for a thoughtful unboxing experience, setting the stage for a durable, feature-rich device that feels ready to meet the demands of everyday use right out of the box.
Design and Build
At first glance, the HONOR X9c 5G presents itself as a sleek, stylish smartphone with all the elegance you’d expect from a modern device. However, its true strength lies in the robust durability engineered beneath its polished exterior. Designed for more than just looks, the HONOR X9c 5G is equipped with an impressive IP65M water and dust resistance rating.
This rating isn’t just a number; it certifies that the device can handle intense conditions, such as high-pressure water jets from any angle, without compromising functionality. Picture a stream of water powerful enough to slice through objects like watermelons—yet the HONOR X9c 5G can withstand such force, protecting its inner components from water and dust damage.
Adding to its resilience, the HONOR X9c 5G has achieved the prestigious SGS Five Star Comprehensive Reliability Certification. This industry-first certification underscores HONOR’s commitment to creating a device that endures real-life challenges, from drops and impacts to dust and moisture exposure.
The certification validates that the HONOR X9c 5G has undergone rigorous testing, ensuring that users can rely on it in a wide range of environments and situations. Together, these features make the X9c 5G not just a stylish choice but a smartphone designed to withstand the rigors of active, adventurous lifestyles.
Visual Brilliance
The HONOR X9c 5G’s display is nothing short of stunning, setting a new standard for visual quality in its class. Its 6.78-inch OLED screen supports an incredible 1.07 billion colors and offers a 1.5K resolution, delivering vibrant, lifelike hues and exquisite detail that make every image, video, and app pop with clarity. Whether you’re watching a high-definition video, gaming, or browsing photos, the color depth and sharpness on this display provide an immersive experience typically found only on higher-end devices.
With a 120Hz refresh rate, the display offers ultra-smooth motion and fluid responsiveness, making every swipe, scroll, and interaction feel effortless. This refresh rate is especially valuable for gaming and video playback, where it reduces lag and creates a seamless visual flow, perfect for fast-paced action or smooth transitions. Adding to this impressive visual clarity, the screen achieves peak HDR brightness of up to 4000 nits, ensuring that images remain sharp and vivid even in bright sunlight or other challenging lighting conditions.
HONOR has also integrated several eye-comfort technologies to make prolonged viewing easier on the eyes. The 3840Hz Risk-free PWM Dimming minimizes screen flicker, reducing eye strain, particularly in low-light settings. The Circadian Night Display feature adjusts the screen’s color temperature based on the time of day, promoting a healthier sleep cycle by minimizing blue light exposure during nighttime hours.
Additionally, Dynamic Dimming responds to ambient light conditions, providing optimal brightness and contrast to reduce visual fatigue over long viewing sessions. Together, these features make the HONOR X9c 5G’s display not only visually impressive but also comfortable and adaptive for extended use, making it a true asset for users who spend significant time on their devices.
The Anatomy of Toughness
Drop Resistance
The HONOR X9c 5G is built to handle the unexpected, thanks to its next-generation Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0. Engineered to withstand drops from heights of up to 2 meters, this technology sets a new standard for smartphone durability.
HONOR has increased the shock-absorbing material coverage by 90% and boosted elasticity by 67%, creating a protective barrier that cushions critical internal components like the motherboard and camera module. Whether you’re at home, in the gym, or out exploring rugged terrain, this enhanced drop resistance provides peace of mind that your device is protected from accidental falls and impacts.
Scratch Resistance
The HONOR X9c 5G is equally equipped to fend off daily wear and tear with super double-tempered glass and an advanced resistance shield. This dual-layer protection ensures comprehensive scratch resistance, preserving the device’s polished appearance even with frequent handling or exposure to rough surfaces.
Adding to this is the phone’s unique Bézier curve design, which reinforces the corners to better absorb and dissipate shock on impact. This subtle design enhancement not only adds to the device’s overall aesthetic but also provides additional protection to areas most vulnerable in a fall.
Water and Dust Protection
Built for adventure, the HONOR X9c 5G features a three-layer waterproof structure that provides 360° water and dust protection. Rated IP65M, this smartphone is designed to handle exposure to water and dust from any angle, keeping its performance intact in challenging environments. The IP65M rating goes a step beyond standard IP ratings; the “M” signifies that the device can resist water exposure even while in motion, meaning it can endure splashes or brief submersion up to 25cm for five minutes.
Additionally, the X9c 5G remains responsive when wet, thanks to wet-hand touch control technology that allows you to use the device seamlessly even with damp or greasy hands. This makes it an ideal companion for outdoor activities, rainy days, and messy kitchen experiments alike.
Under the Hood and Performance
The HONOR X9c 5G retains the reliable Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor from its predecessor, the HONOR X9b. While this chipset continues to provide a solid foundation for everyday tasks, what sets the X9c 5G apart is its enhanced memory configuration. It now boasts 12GB of RAM, further bolstered by an additional 12GB of HONOR RAM Turbo technology. This innovative feature dynamically allocates resources to ensure smooth multitasking, making it easier to switch between apps without experiencing any noticeable lag.
Our test unit, equipped with a generous 256GB of internal storage, provided ample space for all our apps, photos, and media files. For a mid-range device, this storage capacity is more than sufficient, ensuring users can store a considerable amount of data without worrying about running out of space.
On the software side, the HONOR X9c 5G is powered by MagicOS 8.0 (based on Android 14), bringing intelligent features like Magic Portal, Parallel Space, and AI Blur Private Info. These functions streamline tasks and protect privacy, making the phone as smart as it is durable.
In terms of overall performance, the HONOR X9c 5G holds its own. During our testing, it handled everyday tasks with ease and maintained a smooth user experience. When it came to gaming, titles like PUBG Mobile ran well at medium settings. However, for more demanding games like Genshin Impact, the device exhibited some sluggishness during intense scenes. Despite this, the HONOR X9c 5G managed to handle heavy gaming sessions without major issues, thanks in part to its efficient RAM management and powerful battery life.
To quantify its performance, we put the HONOR X9c 5G through rigorous benchmarking tests using Antutu and 3DMark. The device scored 532,621 points on the Antutu 3D benchmark, placing it in the mid-range category. On the 3DMark Wild Life test, it achieved a score of 2,385 points. These scores are typical for mid-range devices and indicate a balanced performance that should satisfy most users. The additional 12GB of HONOR RAM Turbo certainly played a role in ensuring smooth real-world performance, making the device capable of handling multitasking and gaming efficiently.
Battery Life
For the first time ever, HONOR has introduced its Silicon Carbon Battery 2.0 technology in the X Series, making its debut in the HONOR X9c 5G. This revolutionary battery is the industry’s largest silicon-carbon cell, with a substantial 6,600mAh capacity that redefines what users can expect in terms of battery life and reliability. The battery’s excellence in capacity and longevity has earned it the prestigious 2025 Gold Battery Label from DXOMARK, marking it as a frontrunner in smartphone power solutions.
This powerhouse battery supports up to 48.4 hours of music streaming or 25.8 hours of online video playback on a single charge, making it perfect for users who love long listening or viewing sessions without frequent charging interruptions. When the battery level drops to critical lows, the X9c 5G’s advanced AI technology kicks in, allowing up to 50 minutes of continuous calls even with just 2% battery remaining. This feature provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind, ensuring you’re always able to make essential calls when power is scarce.
Charging is efficient and fast with the 66W HONOR SuperCharge technology, which rapidly powers up the device and minimizes downtime, perfect for busy days. For added safety and power management, the X9c 5G includes an AI Safe Charging System. This intelligent system ensures each charge cycle is secure and efficient, helping to prolong battery life and optimize performance by monitoring for overheating, overcharging, and other potential risks. Together, these features make the HONOR X9c 5G’s battery system not only a high-capacity solution but also a smart and secure one, providing users with a worry-free, long-lasting power experience.
Camera and AI Assistant
The HONOR X9c 5G truly stands out in the camera department, delivering impressive photography capabilities with its dual rear camera setup. Leading the pack is the 108MP primary camera with an F/1.8 aperture, designed to capture remarkably sharp and detailed photos. Thanks to the addition of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), users can now take ultra-clear shots, even when the camera or the subject is in motion. Whether you’re snapping a quick photo of a moving scene or taking low-light shots, OIS ensures minimal blurring and maximizes image clarity.
Supporting the main camera is a 5MP ultra-wide-angle lens, which expands your photographic range to capture wider landscapes and larger group shots, adding versatility to your photography toolkit. On the front, the X9c 5G features a 16MP front-facing camera that produces crisp, high-quality selfies, perfect for video calls, social media, and more.
Beyond its powerful camera setup, the HONOR X9c 5G enhances the user experience with MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14. This upgraded operating system introduces a host of intelligent features that streamline daily interactions:
- Magic Portal: Seamlessly directs users to relevant apps based on received content, such as addresses in messages, instantly opening them in mapping applications.
- AI Eraser: An innovative tool that allows users to remove unwanted elements from photos, such as bystanders or objects, with ease, making for cleaner, professional-looking images.
- Magic Capsule: Simplifies multitasking by expanding notifications with a tap, offering quick access to more details without switching apps.
- AI Blur Private Info: Helps protect user privacy by allowing sensitive information in images to be blurred out in a single click, safeguarding names, passwords, and contact information.
- Parallel Space: Enables users to maintain separate profiles or work and personal data within the same device, essentially offering two phones in one, which is ideal for productivity and organization.
With these smart features and an advanced camera system, the HONOR X9c 5G offers a comprehensive suite for both photography enthusiasts and users seeking a seamless, efficient smartphone experience.
The overall photography performance of the HONOR X9c 5G is quite commendable. With its advanced camera setup, the device ensures that most photos come out clean, well-balanced, and sharp. When shooting outdoors in bright conditions, the camera truly excels, capturing images with vibrant colors and impressive contrast. The level of detail and color accuracy is quite striking, making outdoor photography a delightful experience.
In low light conditions, the HONOR X9c 5G still manages to perform admirably. Thanks to its enhanced camera sensor and software optimization, the phone can capture well-balanced and sharp images with minimal noise. This means that even in dimly lit environments, you can expect to get usable photos that don’t require extensive post-processing.
Indoor photography can be a bit of a mixed bag. While the camera generally performs well, there are instances where colors might not be as accurate or vibrant. However, for the most part, the indoor photos are satisfactory and more than acceptable for casual use. The combination of decent light management and noise reduction makes the camera capable of handling a variety of lighting conditions, ensuring that your indoor photos are generally pleasing.
The selfie camera on the HONOR X9c 5G is quite capable, especially in well-lit environments. It delivers clear and detailed selfies that are perfect for sharing on social media or with friends. The portrait mode works similarly well under good lighting conditions, capturing sharp and detailed portraits with a pleasant bokeh effect that adds depth to the background.
However, in low light, the performance of the selfie camera can be a bit challenging. The images tend to be slightly grainy, and the detail level drops. That said, the selfies and portraits taken in optimal lighting conditions are usually quite good. The camera software’s ability to enhance skin tones and manage lighting helps in producing flattering selfies and portraits, making them suitable for most social media platforms.
In everyday use, the HONOR X9c 5G’s camera system proves to be reliable for a variety of scenarios. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or casual snapshots, the device handles most tasks with ease. The AI-enhanced camera features contribute significantly to this performance, adjusting settings on-the-fly to optimize every shot.
Overall, the photos taken with the HONOR X9c 5G are more than adequate for regular social media posting and sharing. The combination of good hardware and intelligent software ensures that you get the best possible shots in a wide range of conditions. This makes the HONOR X9c 5G a versatile option for users who enjoy taking photos and sharing their experiences online.
Sample photos
Major Upgrades
The HONOR X9c 5G isn’t just about durability; it also brings a suite of impressive upgrades that enhance the user experience across the board. One standout feature is the dual-speaker system, which has been significantly enhanced to deliver sound up to 300% louder than its predecessor. This upgrade elevates audio clarity and immersiveness, making it ideal for music, movies, and gaming. Whether you’re enjoying a podcast or engaging in a video call, the upgraded speakers ensure crystal-clear sound quality that makes every interaction more vivid.
Despite its robust build, the HONOR X9c 5G maintains a sleek and lightweight profile, weighing just 189g and measuring only 7.98mm in thickness. This slim design makes it comfortable to hold and carry, proving that durability doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. Available in three eye-catching colors—Titanium Purple, Jade Cyan, and Titanium Black—the X9c 5G combines elegance with practicality, making it a visually appealing choice that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle.
With its upgraded audio, advanced camera technology, and refined design, the HONOR X9c 5G stands out as a stylish yet rugged smartphone.
Conclusion
The HONOR X9c 5G goes beyond the definition of a typical smartphone; it’s a showcase of how advanced technology can create a device that marries durability with top-tier performance and style. This phone isn’t just built to survive the everyday wear and tear—it’s designed to thrive in challenging conditions, making it the perfect partner for users who need a reliable device that can keep up with their dynamic lifestyles. With unmatched durability features, including impact resistance, advanced scratch protection, and an IP65M water and dust rating, the X9c 5G raises the bar on resilience in a way that few smartphones can match.
Beyond its toughness, the HONOR X9c 5G impresses with its powerful 108MP Ultra-Sensing Camera, which brings your photos to life with incredible clarity and brightness. Enhanced with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and AI-driven editing tools like HONOR AI Motion Sensing and AI Eraser, it empowers users to take professional-quality photos with ease. This is a smartphone that doesn’t just capture your adventures; it captures them with unparalleled detail.
Powering these experiences is HONOR’s groundbreaking 6,600mAh Silicon Carbon Battery 2.0, which offers extensive usage time on a single charge. Paired with the 66W HONOR SuperCharge, this battery lets users stay connected, entertained, and ready to go without constantly worrying about recharging. From long travel days to spontaneous outdoor adventures, the HONOR X9c 5G is ready to keep up.
In every way, the HONOR X9c 5G sets a new standard in the smartphone industry for those who want a device that’s both powerful and resilient. To learn more about this remarkable smartphone and to stay updated on its availability, visit HONOR Malaysia. The HONOR X9c 5G isn’t just a smartphone; it’s a dependable companion, built to join you on every adventure and tackle the world right alongside you.
