I drop my smartphone a lot. Whether it slips out of my pocket or takes a dive off my kitchen counter, it goes through extensive trauma.
Every time it happens, I wince, worried I will have to pay a fortune for a new display – or even a whole new device.
For people like me, the HONOR X9c – which promises next-level durability – is a total game-changer.
HONOR gave us the opportunity to push this smartphone to its limits, and when I say ‘limits’, I mean it.
We tested this phone in ways no sane person would dare, using challenges set out by HONOR to showcase the X9c’s incredibly robust build quality.
Our tests included:
- Using the phone to drive nails into wood and smash ice cubes.
- Dropping a steel ball onto the display from 50cm high.
- Having an 80kg person step on it
- Dropping the X9c from shoulder height
- Submerging it in flowing water.
Through all these tests, the HONOR X9c emerged unscathed – as you can see in our review video, below.
Tougher than the rest
The HONOR X9c’s impressive durability is thanks to several key features, including HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0, its titanium finish, and a triple-layer seal.
Setting a new benchmark, the Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0 ensures the X9c can survive a two-metre fall onto a hard granite floor and up to 3,000 cycles of steel wool abrasion.
The X9c’s three-layer ultra-sealed chassis then provides it with an IP65m rating, meaning it can withstand water spray from 360 degrees, while the industry-leading battery coating and HONOR Power Management System let the smartphone function in temperatures ranging from -30 degrees Celsius up to 55 degrees Celsius.
Thanks to all these durability features, it is clear that the HONOR X9c can quite literally handle almost anything you throw at it.
Beyond durability
The HONOR X9c stands out for its durability without sacrificing performance or style.
It houses a powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor paired with 12GB of RAM, which provides exceptional performance.
We also enjoyed the smooth scrolling on its 120Hz 6.78-inch AMOLED display, and rugged outdoor users will appreciate the screen’s 4,000nit brightness.
HONOR also fitted the X9c with a large 6,600mAh battery that can be powered up using 66W SuperCharge and delivers an outstanding three days of battery life.
This powerful hardware is packed into a slim 7.98mm-thick chassis that weighs a mere 189g, ensuring the HONOR X9c is incredibly comfortable to hold.
Curved edges complement the slim form factor, while the Jade Cyan and Titanium Black finishes looked great.
Camera and AI
When you’re in the outdoors or working in an unforgiving environment, it’s great to know that you can capture photos and videos in high quality with the HONOR X9c.
Its 108MP primary sensor lets you do this with ease, thanks to its optical image stabilisation (OIS) that ensures crisp shots every time.
The camera also offers several AI-powered features, including:
- AI Eraser – To remove unwanted obstacles in your shots.
- AI OIS Motion Sensing Capture – Takes a photo when you jump in the air.
- AI-enhanced photography – Automatically adjusts settings to optimise the colours of every scene.
Verdict
The HONOR X9c isn’t just another smartphone – it’s a powerhouse built to handle life’s unexpected moments.
Whether you need performance, durability, or style, this smartphone does it all.
The specs of the HONOR X9c 5G are listed in the table below.
| HONOR X9c 5G | |
|---|---|
| OS | MagicOS 8.0 (based on Android 14) |
| Display | 6.78-inch (2,700 x 1,224) AMOLED 120Hz refresh rate, 4,000nits |
| CPU | 12GB + 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Rear camera | 108 + 5MP |
| Front camera | 16MP |
| Cellular | 5G Dual SIM |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5Bluetooth 5.1NFC |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor |
| Durability | IP65M |
| Dimensions and weight | 162.8mm x 75.5mm x 7.98mm (189g) |
| Colour | Jade Cyan and Titanium Black |
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