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.

 

Specifications

Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Octa-Core: 4×2.2GHz Cortex A78, 4×1.8GHz Cortex A55
RAM	12GB (AS TESTED) 8GB
Memory	256GB 512GB (As Tested)
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)	Adreno 710
Display	AMOLED panel 6.78-inch (~437 ppi) 1224×2700 pixels1.5K resolution 120Hz Refresh rate HDR 4000 nits peak brightness
Operating System	Android 14 with MagicOS 8
Battery	6,600mAh Fast Charging (66W)
Connectivity	Dual SIM (nano SIM), Dual Standby 5G/4G LTE/HSPA/GSM Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 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.