The midrange mobile smartphone is a space where companies usually struggle to find the right balance. Over the years, we’ve seen so many smartphones that come with less-than-stellar specifications at a very compelling price point. That’s been changing with companies like Xiaomi finding their stride in the midrange with phones like the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G. How? Well, it’s all about balance and building a smartphone that we can feel confident in. Here’s how the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is doing it.
1. A 200-megapixel Main Camera augmented with the Xiaomi Imaging Engine
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G comes with a 200-megapixel main camera sensor that comes with a large aperture. This, on its own, allows you to capture extremely detailed pictures with the lighting. However, Xiaomi isn’t just resting on the hardware. It’s introducing its own software that allows the camera to perform even better, resulting in some stunning shots even in low lighting.
The main augmentation that enhances the performance of the camera is Xiaomi’s Imaging Engine. This system uses an End-to-End (E2E) AI Remosaic to increase camera performance. This E2E AI Remosaic kicks in every time you hit the shutter button. It takes multiple exposures and processes it in an instant to give you the best picture. It sounds like it slows down the experience, doesn’t it? But all of this happens in a fraction of a second. In fact, it happens so fast that you won’t realize it’s even happening thanks to Xiaomi’s algorithm that quickens the processing by doing multiple passes in tandem rather than sequentially. You will, however, enjoy the end result.
2. The Perfect Shot& Productivity Get Even Better with AI Editing Tools
We’ve been hearing so much about AI and how they’ll be creating new experiences for us. With the new Redmi Note 14 series – that’s right, the WHOLE SERIES – Xiaomi is bringing these features to a sub-RM2,000 price point and they’re even taking it to a whole new level with the Redmi Note 14 Pro series. You’ll be able to leverage the power of the smartphones to make sure your shot is perfect in every way.
You’ll be able to use AI Magic Removal Pro to remove unwanted objects in your picture. It could be a passer-by or even a trampoline that’s just not it. This tool will be a boon for those wanting to take pictures in crowded tourist spots or even if you’re looking for the perfect shot with your special person.
It’s not just that, though, Xiaomi is also bringing AI features we’ve never seen before on a Redmi device, like AI Image expansion. This feature allows you to adjust the composition of your shot after the fact. If you’ve got that perfect mountain range but it feels too cramped, you’ll be able to use this tool to expand the composition and give that landscape some breathing space. This tool doesn’t give you new items in the shot, it just expands empty space to give you a better photo.
You’ll even be able to create videos on the fly with AI Film. This feature is going to be particularly useful for content creators. You’ll be able to create short videos from text prompts using clips in your gallery. It will even apply special camera movements and sync the footage to music rhythm points.
You’ve even got AI tools that will help you with productivity on the Redmi Note 14 Pro series. Of course, being Android smartphones, the smartphones come with Gemini and Google’s Circle to Search. On top of this, Xiaomi is also bringing its own AI features. AI Notes will help you make sense of your quick notes for easy sharing or even help you make better notes. There’s also AI Subtitles that auto-magically close captions videos you’re watching. Our favourite is AI Interpreter which helps you understand your friends better with on-the-fly translations during calls002E
3. Xiaomi’s Midrange is Even Tougher with All-Star Durability
You know how the midrange smartphone space is a tough space to be in? Well, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is tougher. Xiaomi is really fortifying its midrange hero with all the bells and whistles to make it one of the most durable smartphones they’ve ever created.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro series comes with an All-Star Armour structure that gives the phone added rigidity. The thickened motherboard reinforced six steel plates and strengthening ribs protect not only the insides of the smartphone but also its overall structure. This also gives it added bend resistance. It’s even got shock absorption in the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G that allows it to better survive hard knocks from drops.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is further fortified by dual Corning Gorilla Glass layers covering the back and front of the smartphone – more specifically it has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 up front and the Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the back.. On top of this, the Redmi Note 14 Pro series also gets added water and dust resistancewith an IP68 water and dust resistance.
The cherry on top? You’ll be able to use the smartphone even with a wet display thanks to the improved Wet Touch 2.0. This allows you to use the smartphone with better responsiveness even with a wet screen. The improvements include the relocation of the new algorithm into the application processor rather than a separate Touch IC.
4. Flagship class processors across the board in the Redmi Note 14 series
The Redmi Note 14 series comes with flagship-class processors. The regular Redmi Note 14 comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 7025-Ultra, while the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra. Both of these processors provide the phones with immense performance benefits and enable the myriad of AI features that come with it.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G on the other hand comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor. This processor comes with features that allow the top-of-the-line Redmi Note 14 variant to outperform the competition. Its 4nm fabrication process allows for top-tier performance while maintaining a long battery life. It also comes with an Adreno GPU that not only allows for better gaming performance but also provides incredible graphical processing capabilities that will allow creators to edit videos and photos on the go.
5. Battery to Last You All Day
The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, Pro 5G and Redmi Note 14 5G come with a 5110mAh battery across the board while the regular Redmi Note 14 has a larger 5,500mAh battery. While not the largest it provides all-day battery life. Even in our review, the Redmi Note Pro+ 5G lasted well over 24 hours on a single charge. On standby, it goes even further needing to be charged only after about 6 days.
Even with continual use, you should be able to get at least 10 hours of battery life with the most intense usage. We’ve got about 4 hours of battery life playing heavy games like Solo Levelling and Diablo Immortal.
The Redmi Note 14 series as a whole is changing what we’re expecting from a midrange smartphone overall. Each entry into the series is upping the ante a whole lot when it comes to balancing features, performance and price point. What’s most important is Xiaomi’s midrange is hitting 3 price points simultaneously – the sub-RM800 price point, the sub-RM1500 price point and the sub-RM2,000 price point. Do you know any other series or offering that does this? But more importantly, it’s got features that people have been asking for at a price that suits their affordability. THAT’S EXACTLY HOW YOU CHANGE A WHOLE PRODUCT CATEGORY.
Honor continues to solidify its position in the mid-range smartphone segment, consistently offering devices that balance innovation and practicality. The Honor X9c embodies this approach with a focus on durability and everyday usability. This model is distinguished by its reinforced curved OLED display, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, while also boasting an array of features aimed at delivering a reliable and versatile user experience.
In this review, we’ll explore the Honor X9c in detail, evaluating its performance, design, and feature set to determine if it delivers on its promise of affordability without compromise. Most importantly, we’ll address the question that matters most: “Does the Honor X9c offer the right mix of value, durability, and features to earn your hard-earned money?”
Design
The Honor X9c presents a design that is both visually appealing and practical, achieving a balance that caters to a broad spectrum of users. Its design elements emphasize elegance, durability, and usability, making it a noteworthy addition to modern smartphones.
Aesthetically, the Honor X9c demonstrates a refined approach. The curved edges of the display flow seamlessly into its frame, providing a sleek and cohesive appearance. This curvature not only enhances the phone’s visual profile but also improves its grip, contributing to a comfortable handling experience. The metallic finish, reminiscent of titanium, adds a sophisticated and polished touch, reflecting the brand’s commitment to premium design. These elements are complemented by a minimalist rear camera module encased within a circular bezel, which adds a unique and distinctive character to the device without appearing overly ornate.
In terms of durability, the Honor X9c has made notable strides. Its build incorporates enhanced resistance against drops, water, and scratches, ensuring that the phone can withstand everyday wear and tear. The materials used, such as robust glass and metallic accents, are chosen with both resilience and aesthetics in mind. This combination provides a reassuringly sturdy feel without sacrificing the phone’s slim and lightweight profile, measuring 7.98mm in thickness and weighing just 189g.
Material selection further underscores the phone’s focus on durability and tactile appeal. The smooth metallic frame and glass surfaces are not only visually appealing but also ergonomically designed to sit comfortably in hand. The attention to ergonomics is evident in its balanced weight distribution, which minimizes fatigue during prolonged usage.
The Honor X9c delivers a design that is ergonomic, reliable, and visually distinctive. Its curved display and metallic finish enhance both aesthetics and usability, while its lightweight and slim profile ensure ease of handling. The durability features mark a clear improvement, addressing common concerns for smartphone users. However, as with any design, concessions exist. While the curved edges add visual allure, they may compromise screen protection compared to flat displays. Overall, the Honor X9c’s design stands out for its thoughtful integration of elegance and robustness, setting it apart in its segment.
A Focus on Durability
The Honor X9c is engineered with durability as a central design pillar, ensuring it withstands the demands of everyday life while retaining its sleek appearance. The blend of material selection and structural innovations underscores its commitment to resilience.
One key element of the Honor X9c’s durability is its fortified glass construction. The front and back are crafted using advanced glass technologies designed to resist scratches and withstand minor impacts. This makes the phone better equipped to handle accidental drops or contact with abrasive surfaces, an area where many smartphones fall short. The curved edges of the glass, while primarily aesthetic, are also built to distribute force more evenly in case of accidental drops, reducing the likelihood of cracks. However, it’s worth noting that curved displays can sometimes be more vulnerable than flat ones due to their extended surface area, though Honor has implemented measures to reinforce this.
The phone’s frame is another testament to its durability. Made from a robust metallic alloy, the frame offers structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight form. This alloy strikes a fine balance between rigidity and flexibility, helping the device absorb shock during accidental falls. The metallic finish is treated with a coating that resists corrosion and wear, ensuring the phone maintains its polished appearance over time.
In addition to its material choices, the Honor X9c includes features aimed at protecting the device from external elements. Its design incorporates water resistance, which shields the internal components from accidental splashes or exposure to moisture. While it may not be fully waterproof, this added protection provides peace of mind for users who encounter unpredictable environmental conditions.
Furthermore, Honor has taken steps to enhance the device’s resistance to thermal stress. The materials used in the construction are carefully chosen to withstand temperature fluctuations, reducing the risks of warping or internal damage in extreme climates. This is particularly advantageous for users living in regions with varying weather conditions.
Finally, the design includes subtle reinforcements, such as strengthened corners and well-sealed ports, which collectively contribute to the phone’s durability without compromising its aesthetic appeal. These design choices reflect Honor’s effort to create a device that is both stylish and rugged.
Hardware
Honor brings durable and capable hardware to the midrange smartphone segment with the Honor X9c. Designed to balance functionality with affordability, the device incorporates key features typically seen in higher-tier models. Its hardware aims to meet practical user needs while offering reliable performance at a competitive price point.
GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO A2DP Bluetooth 5.1, LE,
OTG Support USB 2.0 (Type-C)
NFC
Camera
REAR: Dual Sensor:108-megapixel (Wide)
f/1.8, 1/1.67″
Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
5-megapixel (Ultrawide)
f/2.2
LED Flash
HDR
Panorama
4K Video recording (30fps) 1080p Video recording (30fps)
FRONT: 16-Megapixel (Wide)
f/2.5
1080p (30fps)
Sensor
Accelerometer Ultrasound Proximity Sensor Fingerprint (Optical, under display) Gyroscope Compass
Miscellaneous
Dual SIM
Retail Price (Malaysia)
MYR1,499 (256GB + 12GB) MYR1,699 (512GB + 12GB)
Retail Price (EU)
EUR€429 (256GB + 12GB)
EUR€469 (512GB + 12GB)
User Interface
The Honor X9c’s interface, powered by MagicOS 8.0, significantly influences the overall user experience by emphasising both functionality and adaptability. Its gesture-based navigation enhances the usability of the phone, offering a seamless and modern method of interacting with the device. While this may require some adjustment for those unfamiliar with gestures, its integration into the interface makes navigation more efficient once mastered.
The AI-powered Magic Capsule and privacy tools, such as the AI Eraser, streamline daily interactions and provide added security. For users who value efficiency and data protection, these features enhance the experience by addressing practical needs. However, the effectiveness of AI predictions may vary, influencing the degree to which they improve usability for different users.
Features like one-handed mode and multitasking capabilities address usability challenges associated with the phone’s large screen. These additions cater to diverse user scenarios, such as operating the phone in constrained settings or managing multiple apps simultaneously. They not only improve convenience but also ensure that the phone can adapt to various usage patterns.
Customization options and eye comfort settings further contribute to the phone’s user-centric design. By allowing users to personalize the interface and reduce strain during prolonged use, these features promote a sense of control and long-term comfort, enhancing the overall experience.
The interface of the Honor X9c has a positive impact on user experience and usability by offering a well-rounded combination of innovative tools and practical features. While the adaptability of certain elements depends on user preferences and learning curves, the interface as a whole aligns with modern expectations, making the Honor X9c both functional and user-friendly. This thoughtful integration of features makes it appealing to a wide range of users, from multitaskers and professionals to privacy-conscious individuals and those seeking customization in their devices.
Performance
The Honor 200 Pro is no slouch when it comes to specifications. However, hardware specifications are only part of the equation. What’s more important is the interplay of software and hardware which is more obvious in the performance overall. Let’s be honest, hardware-wise, the Honor 200 Pro isn’t the pinnacle we’re looking for. However, it’d be foolish of us to write it off just based on that.
Multitasking & Productivity
The Honor X9c, operating on MagicOS 8, presents a balanced approach to multitasking performance, leveraging both its hardware and software to create a capable and responsive user experience. Its combination of processing power, memory configuration, and software features enables effective management of multiple tasks, making it suitable for users with diverse multitasking requirements.
At the heart of the Honor X9c’s multitasking capability is the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, a mid-range chipset known for balancing performance and energy efficiency. The processor provides sufficient power for running multiple applications simultaneously, ensuring smooth transitions between tasks and minimizing delays during operation. While it is not a flagship chipset, it is well-optimized for daily multitasking activities, supporting a reliable and consistent performance.
The phone’s memory configuration further enhances its multitasking potential. It features 12GB of physical RAM, supplemented by an additional 12GB of virtual RAM. This effectively expands the memory pool to a combined 24GB, enabling the device to handle demanding applications and maintain multiple processes in the background without significant slowdowns. For instance, users can switch between resource-heavy apps, such as video editing tools and web browsers, without experiencing lag or app closures.
MagicOS 8 plays a critical role in complementing the hardware with multitasking features. The split-screen mode allows users to run two applications side by side, which is particularly useful for productivity tasks like researching while drafting documents or managing a calendar alongside communication apps. Additionally, floating windows offer the flexibility to keep a compact app window active over other tasks, enabling quick interactions such as replying to messages or referencing information.
In terms of user experience, the combination of hardware and software makes multitasking on the Honor X9c intuitive and efficient. The device maintains responsiveness even with multiple apps running, providing a seamless workflow for users. However, during prolonged periods of intensive multitasking or when operating several resource-heavy applications simultaneously, the phone may exhibit a slight increase in temperature. While this thermal buildup remains within acceptable limits and does not severely impact performance, users engaging in high-demand activities should be aware of this tendency.
The Honor X9c with MagicOS 8 offers a well-rounded multitasking experience, supported by a capable processor, generous memory allocation, and practical software enhancements. The integration of features like split-screen mode and floating windows significantly improves usability, catering to professionals, multitaskers, and productivity-focused users. While minor thermal increases may occur during extended heavy usage, the overall performance remains reliable and consistent, delivering a positive and functional experience for those who prioritize multitasking on their smartphones.
Call Quality & Connectivity
The Honor X9c provides a comprehensive range of connectivity features, focusing on call quality, Wi-Fi performance, and mobile network capabilities, including 5G. While its hardware is well-suited for maintaining connectivity, network conditions in Malaysia influenced some aspects of its performance.
The Honor X9c delivers reliable call quality with clear audio during voice calls. Its microphone system effectively reduces background noise, maintaining intelligibility even in louder environments. Additionally, the earpiece provides consistent audio clarity at varying volumes, ensuring calls remain comfortable and clear. However, the overall call performance, as with most smartphones, is dependent on the stability of the network, which may vary based on location and carrier.
The device supports Wi-Fi standards 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, allowing it to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. This dual-band functionality provides users with flexibility, offering better range on 2.4GHz and faster speeds on 5GHz networks. The phone demonstrates strong Wi-Fi performance in close to moderate proximity to routers, making it suitable for most home and office environments. However, as expected, performance diminishes in areas with physical barriers or interference, which are common challenges faced by most devices.
The Honor X9c supports 5G connectivity, enabling fast data speeds on compatible networks. In Malaysia, however, 5G performance proved inconsistent. While the phone performed well in areas with strong 5G signals, delivering fast download and upload speeds ideal for activities like streaming and video calls, connectivity was spotty in some regions. This is likely attributable to the current state of 5G coverage and infrastructure in Malaysia rather than a limitation of the phone itself. When outside 5G coverage, the Honor X9c transitions to 4G LTE networks, where it maintains reliable speeds for standard browsing and messaging.
The device also features Bluetooth 5.1, enabling stable wireless connections with peripherals such as headphones and wearables. Additionally, NFC support facilitates contactless payments and quick pairing with compatible devices. These features enhance the versatility of the phone’s connectivity.
The Honor X9c performs well in terms of connectivity, with reliable call quality, stable Wi-Fi performance, and robust support for 5G. The device’s dual-band Wi-Fi ensures compatibility and solid performance for most use cases, while its mobile network capabilities shine in areas with established 5G infrastructure. However, spotty 5G connectivity in Malaysia highlights the dependency of performance on local network quality and coverage. Despite this limitation, the phone remains a solid choice for users seeking versatile and dependable connectivity features in their daily activities.
Gaming
The Honor X9c provides a balanced gaming experience, with performance reflective of its hardware capabilities and pricing strategy. While it caters well to casual gamers and handles various titles effectively, the limitations in performance highlight a trade-off made to achieve its competitive price point.
During testing, Diablo Immortal demonstrated adequate but constrained performance on the Honor X9c. On max settings, the game struggles during high-intensity scenes, such as when multiple monsters swarm the player, resulting in noticeable lag that disrupts gameplay fluidity. To achieve smoother performance, settings need to be adjusted to medium, with Anti Aliasing disabled and shadows and reflections simplified. These changes improve responsiveness and allow the game to run more smoothly, though they come at the expense of visual fidelity.
Other titles, including Asphalt 8, Pokémon UNITE, and Marvel SNAP, performed significantly better. These games ran with minimal to no issues, maintaining consistent frame rates and responsive controls. However, games like Pokémon UNITE and Asphalt 8, which demand greater graphical power, also pushed the phone’s hardware, causing it to become noticeably warm during extended sessions.
The Honor X9c relies on software optimizations and basic hardware cooling mechanisms to manage thermal performance. During prolonged gaming sessions, especially with graphically demanding titles like Diablo Immortal, Asphalt 8, and Pokémon UNITE, the phone becomes very warm. While the device does not overheat to critical levels, the increase in temperature affects user comfort during handheld play. The thermal management system is adequate for light to moderate gaming but less effective during heavy use, reflecting the limitations of its hardware setup.
The Honor X9c delivers an acceptable gaming experience, with performance and thermal management reflective of the price-conscious design choices. While casual games like Marvel SNAP perform seamlessly, more demanding titles such as Diablo Immortal require reduced settings to run without issues. The phone’s hardware, including its processor and cooling system, faces challenges during prolonged sessions with high-performance games, leading to increased warmth. These compromises highlight the trade-offs made to maintain an affordable price point, positioning the Honor X9c as a suitable option for users seeking versatility rather than high-end gaming performance. For those prioritizing consistent gameplay without thermal concerns, the Honor X9c is best suited for light to moderate gaming scenarios.
Battery Life
The Honor X9c offers commendable battery performance, with its high-capacity 6,600mAh silicon-carbon battery providing sufficient longevity to meet diverse user needs. The phone balances strong battery life with rapid charging capabilities, making it suitable for both regular and intensive use.
With regular usage, including tasks such as web browsing, social media, and video streaming, the Honor X9c delivers an average battery life of approximately 10 to 13 hours on a single charge. For gaming sessions, which demand higher power consumption, the battery lasts around 4 hours before requiring a recharge. In standby mode, the phone maintains exceptional energy efficiency, lasting close to 20 hours, making it reliable for users who rely on infrequent but consistent access throughout the day. These figures underscore the device’s capacity to handle varied use cases, from casual to more demanding scenarios.
The inclusion of silicon-carbon technology enhances the battery’s energy density and retention, allowing for consistent performance across different usage patterns. This technology ensures that the device maintains a stable charge duration over time, even with prolonged use.
The Honor X9c supports 66W fast charging, which significantly reduces downtime. In practical terms, the device can reach approximately 50% charge in 20 minutes and a full charge in just under an hour, depending on usage conditions. This quick-charging feature adds convenience for users with dynamic schedules, ensuring the phone can be rapidly recharged during breaks. Additionally, the phone’s charging system manages heat effectively, maintaining safe and stable temperatures during the charging process.
The Honor X9c strikes a balance between battery longevity and efficient charging, making it well-suited for daily use. With 10 to 13 hours of active use, around 4 hours for gaming, and up to 20 hours on standby, the device offers versatility across different usage patterns. The addition of fast charging enhances its practicality, particularly for users who need their device ready in minimal time. While high power-demand activities like gaming shorten battery life, the overall performance remains consistent and dependable, highlighting the Honor X9c’s capacity to meet diverse user needs effectively.
Display
The Honor X9c features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that delivers a balanced combination of colour reproduction, brightness, and responsiveness. Its display is designed to provide a practical and visually appealing experience for various types of use, from general browsing to media consumption and gaming.
The AMOLED technology ensures accurate and vivid colours, with high contrast ratios and deep blacks. This makes the display well-suited for viewing photos, videos, and other media, as well as tasks where precise colour representation is important. Colours appear consistent and natural, providing a satisfactory visual experience.
The display achieves a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, which helps maintain visibility in outdoor conditions and under direct sunlight. Text and visuals remain legible in most scenarios, though glare and reflection may still affect visibility in particularly bright environments. These results are consistent with expectations for displays in this category.
The 120Hz refresh rate enhances the fluidity of the user interface, contributing to smoother scrolling, animations, and transitions. This higher refresh rate is beneficial for activities such as gaming and watching fast-paced video content. Users have the option to reduce the refresh rate to conserve battery life, providing additional flexibility based on their preferences.
The Honor X9c’s AMOLED display offers a good balance of features, including accurate color reproduction, sufficient brightness for outdoor use, and a high refresh rate for smoother performance. While some visibility challenges may arise under strong glare, the display performs well overall, meeting expectations for usability and quality. It provides a versatile viewing experience suitable for a variety of tasks and environments.
Cameras
The Honor X9c features a versatile camera system tailored for everyday photography, with components designed to deliver solid results across different scenarios. While the setup offers advantages, it also demonstrates limitations that users should consider.
The rear camera system centres around a 108MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS). Under optimal lighting conditions, the primary camera captures detailed and vibrant images, ensuring clarity and strong colour reproduction. However, the images often lack the depth and bokeh effect that users have come to expect from modern smartphone cameras. This absence can leave compositions appearing flat compared to competitors in the same segment.
In low-light environments, the main camera’s performance declines significantly. Despite the presence of OIS, photos captured in dim settings often appear blurry and struggle with noise. This limits its usability for nighttime photography or indoor scenes with poor lighting, where clarity and sharpness are essential.
The camera system also includes a 5MP ultrawide lens, which is designed for capturing broader scenes. While it adds flexibility to the setup, its lower resolution compared to the primary sensor impacts image detail and sharpness, particularly in demanding scenarios. The ultrawide lens performs best in well-lit conditions, as low-light performance introduces noticeable grain and reduced detail.
A notable omission is a dedicated telephoto lens, limiting the system’s optical zoom capabilities. The reliance on digital zoom can result in reduced image quality when focusing on distant subjects, which may not meet the needs of users seeking robust zoom functionality.
The front-facing camera is equipped with a 16MP sensor, providing good performance for selfies and video calls under adequate lighting conditions. It produces natural colours and decent sharpness, making it suitable for casual use. However, like the main camera, its performance deteriorates in low-light settings, where noise and loss of detail become prominent challenges.
The primary strengths of the Honor X9c’s camera system include its 108MP sensor, which excels at capturing detailed images in bright conditions, and the flexibility provided by the ultrawide lens. The front camera is adequate for typical usage, such as selfies and virtual meetings. Features like OIS improve stabilization in photos and videos, but cannot fully compensate for the performance gaps in low-light scenarios.
On the downside, the camera system’s low-light performance remains a weakness, especially with blurred and noisy images from the main sensor. The lack of depth and bokeh in photos affects aesthetic appeal, and the absence of a telephoto lens limits zooming capabilities. These shortcomings may impact users seeking a more comprehensive smartphone photography experience.
The Honor X9c’s camera system delivers good performance in well-lit conditions, particularly with its 108MP primary sensor, while offering versatility through its ultrawide lens and front camera. However, low-light performance leaves images blurry and introduces noise, highlighting areas for improvement. The lack of depth and bokeh in photos and limited zoom functionality further emphasize compromises in the system. For casual users prioritizing daytime photography, the Honor X9c is a dependable option, but advanced users seeking standout performance across all scenarios may find the system less satisfying.
Durability takes centre stage, supported by middling specifications, but it could be the difference users are looking for
The Honor X9c excels with its reinforced curved OLED screen, which boasts enhanced durability, offering resistance to drops and scratches—a feature that sets it apart in its class. Combined with its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, 120Hz AMOLED display, 108MP main camera, and 6,600mAh silicon-carbon battery, the device provides reliable performance across multitasking, gaming, connectivity, and everyday use. While it does have some limitations, such as spotty 5G connectivity in certain regions, low-light camera performance, and warmth during extended gaming sessions, these compromises align with its price point, ensuring it remains an affordable and practical choice.
The Honor X9c is well-suited for users seeking a smartphone that emphasizes durability, versatility, and dependable performance. It not only addresses key expectations in its category but also provides added reassurance with its robust build, making it a reliable companion for daily life, even in challenging environments.
The vivo V40 Lite 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a blend of style, performance, and durability. With its sleek design, powerful features, and long-lasting battery, the V40 Lite 5G is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-packed device.
Source: vivo Malaysia
The V40 Lite 5G boasts a sleek and stylish design, available in Titanium Silver, Dynamic Black, and Dreamy Violet. The design is also a marked departure from the design language of the V40 series. The camera module is now a sleek bar with three squircles which house the camera’s three modules and vivo’s signature Aura light. The phone’s 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display offers vibrant colours and a comfortable viewing experience. The device is also durable, with IP64 Dust and Water Resistance and a sturdy build.
The new affordable smartphone runs on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor promising the best performance and multitasking in the price range. Together with this, the V40 Lite comes with at least 8GB RAM. This is supplemented by up to 16GB of virtualised RAM and up to 512GB of storage. The storage is expandable with a microSD card and should ensure you have plenty of space for your apps and files.
Source: vivo Malaysia
The V40 Lite 5G’s camera system brings the signature vivo photography to a more affordable price point. Notably absent on the V40 Lite is the ZEISS co-branding. However, it doesn’t stop vivo from supping up the smartphone’s camera setup. The smartphone comes with a 50MP Main Camera, 8MP 120° Ultra Wide-Angle Camera, and 32MP Portrait Camera. The setup provides versatility for various shooting scenarios. The AI Aura Light enhances your portraits with natural and even illumination.
The V40 Lite 5G’s 5000mAh battery provides ample power for extended usage. vivo is touting this as the smartphone’s main selling point with extended usage and support for 80W FlashCharge, you can quickly top up your battery when needed. However, the vivo V40 Lite stands out as one of the only smartphones in its price range to come with a 4-year guarantee for smoothness and responsiveness. vivo is guaranteeing the battery life and smoothness of the software experience on the smartphone. That said, the guarantee doesn’t indicate how many updates and security patches it will be receiving.
Pricing and Availability
The vivo V40 Lite 5G is priced at RM1,299 for the version with 256GB of storage and RM1,599 for the version with 512GB of storage. It will be available in Diamond Titanium, Dreamy Violet and Dynamic Black.
Source: vivo Malaysia
Pre-orders for the vivo V40 lite start on 25th October through various online and offline channels. All pre-orders will come with up to RM955 worth of freebies which include 4 years of vivo Care – Battery Warranty, 4 years of vivo Care – Free Screen Protector and Protective Cover, 1 year of extended warranty and screen protection and a vivo selection earbuds and powerbank.
Bowers & Wilkins is expanding its earbuds lineup with two new entries. The new True Wireless earbuds – the Pi6 and Pi8 – are designed by the same team behind the category-leading Px7 S2e and Px8 headphones and represent a new leap forward from the previous Pi7 S2.
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6: Taking a Swing with Affordable, Premium Sound and Superlative Comfort
The Pi6 is the more affordable option of the two, designed to deliver excellent sound, features, and performance at a competitive price point. The company touts that the buds will be on par with the previous Pi7 S2.
The new wireless earbuds come with an unnamed advanced Qualcomm Chipset for improved wireless stability and reliable connectivity. The same chipset enables Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity with Multipoint for connecting to two devices simultaneously. It also allows the Pi6 to stream high-quality audio at 24-bit and 96KHz with aptX Adaptive Wireless Transmission.
The Pi6 isn’t just about chipset and transmission technologies either, it also leverages 12mm Bio-cellulose Drive Units that allow for crisper high frequencies and fuller sound. The drive units also allow for brighter sounds and better audio clarity. The earbuds come with up to 8 hours of usage on a single charge with ANC on. You’ll be able to top this up twice with the case. The buds can get 2 hours of playback on 15 minutes of charge thanks to fast charge support and it’s even got IP54 water and dust resistance.
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: The New Flagship B&W Sound
Together with the Pi6, Bowers & Wilkins are reimagining its flagship sound when it comes to wireless earbuds with the Pi8. The new flagship one-up the Pi6 will be taking the spotlight from the Pi7 S2 with updated performance and features compared to the Pi6.
The Pi8 is gunning for higher quality and fuller sound with 12mm Carbon Cone Drive Units. These units allow the earbuds to reproduce sound with exceptional accuracy and depth. The earbuds support aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless Support over Bluetooth 5.4.
In addition to this, they come with a dedicated DSP, DAC, and Amplification that allow for high-resolution audio with support for up to 32-bit audio. You’ll also be able to personalise your sound with a User-Adjustable 5-Band EQ that will be accessible from the Bower & Wilkins app.
The Pi8 comes with a smart charging case that supports wireless charging. However, the high-quality sound does take a little bit of a toll on the battery life. The Pi8 has up to 6.5 hours of playback time on a single charge with ANC on. You’ll be able to get another 13.5 hours with the casing.
Improved Design and User Experience
Both Pi6 and Pi8 benefit from a comprehensive design overhaul, focusing on comfort, usability, and aesthetics. The new design is created ergonomically for a wider range of ear shapes and sizes. However, it also maintains its stemless design that is now iconic of B&W.
The wider earbuds also come with improved touch controls that provide more responsive and reliable interactions. They also come with IR Proximity sensors that allow for more accurate wear detection. The earbuds also have enhanced antenna placement to prevent accidental blockages and disconnects.
Both models also prioritize call quality with strategically placed microphones for clear voice calls. Additionally, they boast advanced noise cancellation technology. The Pi6 utilizes the same noise-rejection platform as the Pi7 S2, offering effective noise cancellation. However, the Pi8 adopts the noise cancellation technology found in the flagship Px8 headphones for industry-leading performance.
The new Pi6 and Pi8 are also Google Fast Pair and Made for iPhone certified for platform agnosticism and better compatibility across both Android and Apple devices.
Pricing & Availability
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Pi8 will be available in Malaysia from October onwards.
The Pi6 will be available in Storm Grey, Cloud Grey, Forest Green, and Glacier Blue. It will be priced at RM1,399. Internationally, it’s priced at USD$249.
The Pi8 will be available in Anthracite Black, Dove White, and Midnight Blue. The Jade Green colourway will be available at a later date. It will be priced at RM2,399. Internationally, it is priced at USD$399.
Both models will be available for purchase through the TC Acoustic web store and the physical TC store – Sonos Concept Store by TC Acoustic – in Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur.
Tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious smartphone users might be familiar with brands like Tecno, Infinix, and iTel. These popular names belong to Transsion Holdings, a major smartphone manufacturer based in China. However, Transsion is currently facing a legal challenge from a tech giant – Qualcomm – over alleged patent infringement.
According to reports, Qualcomm has filed lawsuits against Transsion Holdings in India, China, and Europe. The lawsuit claims that Transsion’s smartphones utilize patented technologies developed by Qualcomm without acquiring the necessary licenses. While the specific patents in question haven’t been publicly disclosed, the lawsuit likely centres on essential mobile phone technologies protected by Qualcomm’s vast patent portfolio.
Qualcomm is a leading designer of semiconductors, particularly the Snapdragon processors that power countless smartphones. The company also holds a significant number of patents related to cellular communication and other mobile technologies. Traditionally, Qualcomm has generated revenue not only by selling its chips but also by licensing these patents to other phone makers.
The twist in this legal battle is that Transsion smartphones primarily use processors from MediaTek and Unisoc, Qualcomm’s competitors in the chip market. This raises the question: how exactly could Transsion be infringing upon Qualcomm’s patents if they aren’t using Qualcomm chips?
Source: Qualcomm
Experts suggest the lawsuit might target patents that extend beyond the physical chips themselves. These could be patents related to software functionalities, cellular communication protocols, or other aspects of smartphone operation that might be implemented in various chipsets, including those from MediaTek and Unisoc.
The outcome of this lawsuit remains to be seen. If Qualcomm prevails, Transsion might be forced to either obtain licenses for the infringed patents, potentially leading to increased production costs or modify their smartphone designs to avoid the infringing technologies. This, in turn, could impact the pricing or features of future Tecno, Infinix, and iTel devices.
While Qualcomm is a dominant player in the mobile chip market, Transsion is no small fry. The company is the world’s fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer, known for offering affordable and feature-packed devices in emerging markets. This lawsuit pits a tech giant against a budget smartphone leader, raising questions about the accessibility and affordability of future mobile technology.
As this legal battle unfolds, it’s important to stay informed about the details of the case and its potential impact on the smartphone landscape. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Realme has unveiled the GT 6T, a new mid-range smartphone boasting flagship-level features. This phone is designed for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and long battery life, all at a competitive price point.
The GT 6T is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, a powerful chipset known for its ability to handle demanding tasks and games smoothly. This is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and app performance. Storage options range from 128GB to a generous 512GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
The GT 6T features a large 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display with a 1264 x 2780 pixel resolution. This combination promises vibrant colours, sharp visuals, and a smooth viewing experience, whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or gaming. The display boasts a peak brightness of 1600 nits, making it easily viewable even in bright outdoor conditions. Additionally, the display utilizes an 8-fold increase in brightness to intelligently analyze on-screen content, ensuring details are preserved in both bright and dark areas.
The rear camera system on the Realme GT 6T consists of a triple-sensor setup. The primary sensor is a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for capturing clear and detailed photos and videos. An 8-megapixel ultrawide lens allows you to capture expansive landscapes, while a 1-megapixel macro lens lets you get up close for detailed close-up shots. A 13-megapixel camera on the front handles selfies and video calls.
A highlight of the GT 6T is its massive 5,500mAh battery. This promises all-day usage on a single charge, with support for 120W SUPERVOOC fast charging to quickly refuel the device when needed. According to Realme, the 120W charger can take the phone from 0 to 50% in just 7 minutes.
The GT 6T runs on Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0 on top. This latest software iteration offers a refined user interface, improved privacy controls, and access to the latest Google features. Realme promises four major Android updates and five years of security updates, ensuring your phone stays protected and up-to-date for years to come.
The GT 6T incorporates an Iceberg Cooling System to manage heat and ensure sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming. This system utilizes a combination of a vapour chamber, multiple graphite layers, and a stainless steel vapour cooling plate to dissipate heat effectively.
Pricing & Availability
The Realme GT 6T is currently available for pre-order in India. The starting price is INR 30,999 (approximately MYR 1,770 or USD 416) for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is priced at INR 34,999 (approximately MYR 2,020 or USD 473) and the top-of-the-line 12GB RAM + 512GB storage variant is priced at INR 38,999 (approximately MYR 2,270 or USD 530). The phone comes in two colour options: Razor Green and Fluid Silver.
It is expected to launch in other markets soon, but specific details on Malaysian launch dates and pricing are not yet available.
Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy F55, a new mid-range smartphone geared towards gamers and content creators. The phone boasts impressive specifications and software features designed to deliver a smooth and powerful user experience.
The Galaxy F55 packs a punch with the QualcommSnapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset, known for its efficient performance and reliability. This octa-core processor is paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and handling demanding games with ease. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
The phone features a large 6.7-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) Super AMOLED Plus display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This combination promises vibrant colours, sharp visuals, and incredibly responsive touch input, ideal for watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web.
The rear of the Galaxy F55 houses a triple-camera system, headlined by a 50-megapixel main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for capturing clear and detailed photos even in low-light conditions. An 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor expands your field of view for capturing breathtaking landscapes, while a 2-megapixel macro sensor allows you to get up close and personal with small objects. For selfies and video calls, the phone boasts a 50-megapixel front-facing camera.
The Galaxy F55 runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 on top. This latest software iteration offers a refined user interface, improved privacy controls, and access to the latest Google features. Additionally, Samsung promises four major Android updates and five years of security updates, ensuring your phone stays protected and up-to-date for years to come.
Pricing & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy F55 is currently only available for pre-order in India. The starting price for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant is ₹27,999 (approximately RM1,610 or USD$378). The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is priced at ₹31,999 (approximately RM1,860 or USD$437). The phone comes in two colour options: Apricot Crush and Raisin Black. Both have vegan leather finishes.
Microsoft is signaling a paradigm shift in PCs with the introduction of CoPilot+ PCs. This new generation of intelligent machines leverages the power of ARM processors and AI features to redefine user experience. Here’s a closer look at the all-new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, the first devices to spearhead the CoPilot+ revolution.
Surface Laptop – Designed for Mobility and Productivity
The Surface Laptop continues its legacy of being a thin-and-light laptop. Starting at a feathery 2.96 lbs (1.34 kg), it boasts a 13.8-inch PixelSense touchscreen HDR display with vibrant colors and exceptional clarity. The AI-powered features take center stage, with innovations like “Recall” allowing users to effortlessly search through past activities and retrieve information. Imagine revisiting a specific point in a document you viewed weeks ago – Recall surfaces it instantly.
The Surface Laptop is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processors with upto 32 GB of RAM and upto 1 TB of memory, delivering exceptional performance and efficiency. Multiple sources, including Engadget, highlight an impressive battery life exceeding 22 hours on a single charge – perfect for professionals and students on the go. The sleek, signature design is available in a variety of captivating colors, making a statement wherever you take it.
Surface Pro – Unmatched Versatility and Power
The Surface Pro remains the ultimate device for those who demand flexibility. This 2-in-1 powerhouse seamlessly transforms from a high-performance laptop to a versatile tablet with its stunning 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display. The detachable keyboard with backlit keys ensures a comfortable typing experience, while the integrated kickstand allows for effortless adaptation to any work style.
Under the hood, the Surface Pro boasts the mighty Qualcomm Snapdragon X series chips complemented by up to 32GB of RAM and 1 TB of memory, delivering exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing and creative workflows.
Pricing & Availability
The Surface Laptop and Surface Pro with CoPilot+ features are available for pre-order now, with official release dates expected in early July.
The Surface Laptop starts at $999 and comes in a variety of colors, including Sapphire, Platinum, and the ever-popular Matte Black.
The Surface Pro starts at $1,000 and is available in Platinum and Graphite color options.
Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC branding is making waves with a stampede of laptops coming from a number of OEMs including Acer. However, Acer isn’t fooling around with their introduction of Copilot+ PCs. Its first Copilot+ PC is part of its Swift lineup. The Acer Swift lineup has always been the company’s flagship for premium thin and light devices. The latest stable of Swift laptops has brought ample performance with the latest and greatest processors and GPUs.
The Swift 14 AI will be available with both the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. The new ARM64-based systems on a chip (SoCs) will be powering the unique AI features that set the Swift 14 AI apart from its brethren. But before we delve into Copilot features, let’s talk about the specs. The Snapdragon X SoCs will;l be paired with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of memory.
It will come with a 14.5-inch WQXGA IPS display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The screen comes with TUV Rheinland Eyesafe 2.0 certification and covers 100% of the sRGB gamut. The Swift 14 AI will also be available with a touchscreen option. It will also feature a QHD IR camera with a physical privacy shutter and a triple mic setup. The camera will also support Windows Hello.
The Acer Swift 14 AI will come with a dual speaker setup with DTS X Audio. It will also feature two USB Type-C ports with support for charging and DisplayPort. In addition, there will be two USD 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports and an audio combo jack. The laptop will also support WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. A 75Wh battery will power this laptop. Best part? It only weighs 1.36 kg.
Of course, as Microsoft mentioned during its announcement, the hallmark of any Copilot+ PC will be the inclusion of extended Copilot features. The first of which is the inclusion of a dedicated Copilot key. In addition, the laptop will be shipped with a key for Copilot+. This will unlock features like Recall which allows you to search for documents with descriptions or keywords; Cocreator which will allow you to create AI images with Copilot and Auto Super Resolution which automatically upscales graphics and images for the best performance.
Pricing & Availability
The Acer Swift 14 AI will be priced from USD$1,099 (RM5,157.67) in North America. It will be available starting in July.
The laptop will be priced from EUR€1,499 (RM7,646.46) in the EMEA region and will be available starting in June.
The new Copilot+ PCs are running Qualcomm’s latest made-for-pc system on a chip (SoC). The Snapdragon X SoCs were announced together with Microsoft’s new Copilot+ PC standard. So far, Microsoft itself has used the SoC on the latest Surface Laptop and Surface Pro. Other OEMs have also introduced laptops carrying the same chipset under the Copilot+ PC program.
The new Snapdragon X SoCs are fabricated using a 4nm process and come with Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU, Adreno GPU and Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing unit). The combination of the three empowers higher performance and better battery life. Qualcomm boasts that Snapdragon X Elite delivers current peak PC CPU performance at 60% less power.
There are two variants of the Snapdragon X SoC: the Snapdragon X Elite and the Snapdragon X Plus. The Elite features a 12-core Oryon CPU clocked at 4.2 GHz with a 5% dual-core boost, an Adreno GPU capable of up to 4.6 TFLOPs performance and a Hexagon NPU capable of 45 TOPS performance. The Plus features a 10-core Oryon CPU with dual-core boost, an Adreno GPU with up to 3.8TFLOPs performance and the same Hexagon NPU.
Qualcomm boasts that the Snapdragon X chips are built for AI. This is primarily due to the inclusion of the Hexagon NPU which is the cornerstone of the SoC. AI tasks are primarily run using the NPU and offload complex, energy-draining processes from the CPU. This results in better power efficiency and an overall boost in performance. The chip also supports 5G connectivity and WiFi 7.
According to Qualcomm’s internal benchmarking, the Snapdragon X Elite is able to perform better than currently available chips from AMD and Intel with 60% better power efficiency, 52% better CPU performance and 36% better GPU performance. Wins across the board. The company is boasting a 2.6x improvement on Apple’s M3 processor and 5.4x improvement over Intel’s Core Ultra 7 processor.
We will have to wait to see how performance is with the first wave of Copilot+ laptops set to be released soon. Over 20 laptops are coming from various OEMs including Dell, Acer, ASUS, HP and Samsung that will be using the Snapdragon X SoCs.
