REVIEW: Is PH’s ‘toughest phone’ HONOR X9c 5G also tough on the inside?

When HONOR unveiled the HONOR X9c 5G, the jaw-dropping durability tests that also earned a Guinness World Record stole the show. We saw vehicles (not to mention a huge crane) running over it, boiling water challenges, smash tests, and even chop tests! At first glance, these may seem like gimmicks meant to make the smartphone go viral. However, it’s more than that as this somehow highlights an unspoken truth: Durability matters, especially in a calamity-prone country like the Philippines.

Living in a region prone to typhoons, earthquakes, and flash floods means that our devices are often exposed to extreme and unpredictable conditions. Phones have become more than just communication tools—they’re lifelines, entertainment hubs, and work essentials. A device like the HONOR X9c 5G, with its promise of toughness, goes beyond being a flashy gadget you can throw around. It’s a reliable partner for Filipinos, proving its worth not just in controlled tests but in real-world scenarios. Now that we’ve seen how well it performs in terms of durability, let’s look at the other features:

Inside the Box

Photo courtesy of Nicole Paler/Chic Mix

The HONOR X9c 5G comes in the usual white HONOR smartphone box. Inside, you’ll find the unit with a pre-applied screen protector, a clear protective case, a user manual, a 66W fast charger, and a USB Type-C cable. HONOR even includes a SIM ejector tool, rounding out the essentials you need to get started without delay.

Design and Display

The HONOR X9c 5G is available in three colors – Jade Cyan, Titanium Purple, and Titanium Black. In this review, I’m using the Jade Cyan variant which has a back panel akin to blue Capiz Shells, but in reality, it’s really polycarbonate. To make it look even more premium, HONOR added a circular camera module inspired by the timeless elegance of Rolex watches, giving it a luxurious and refined aesthetic. Inside are four sensors, but more about the cameras later on.

On the right side of the device, you’ll find its volume rocker and power/lock-unlock button; while the left is clean. On top, you’ll find the secondary speaker; while at the bottom, there’s a SIM tray, USB Type-C port, and primary speaker.

However, the HONOR X9c 5G’s 6.78-inch all-angle ultra-tough screen is the true centerpiece. HONOR doesn’t stop at just having a durable screen—the back and camera module are also made with the same advanced double-tempered glass, providing 360-degree drop resistance even up to 10 feet. Whether it’s surviving a fall from your hands or enduring the harshest surfaces, like marble, cobblestone, or asphalt, the X9c 5G laughs in the face of danger. This rugged durability ensures that no matter what life throws at it, your phone is built to last. Plus, with Triple Defense technology, it’s not just drop resistance—this phone also boasts three-layer water resistance. Watch all the tests we did here:

@manilamillennial

Pinakuluan, hiniwa, tinapon, binagsak, pero buhay pa rin. 🥹♥️ Wishing that everyone would be able to find the best version of themselves this 2025. May you have all the strength, courage, and toughness to brave through another jam-packed year ahead… just like the HONORX9c5G, launching on January 10! Watch it live on Facebook via @honorphilippines. Could this be #TheToughestPhone ever? We’ll find out after a gazillion more tests. #AllAngleTripleDefense 😎 HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY NEW SMARTPHONE! Disclaimer: The durability, heat, and scratch tests performed on the HONOR X9c 5G are conducted under controlled conditions, and for demonstration purposes only. These tests may involve extreme scenarios that are not part of typical device usage, and should not be replicated. Attempting similar tests on your device may result in damage, void the warranty, or cause injury. Always handle your device with care, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper use and maintenance.

♬ original sound – Manila Millennial – Manila Millennial

HONOR has taken durability to a whole new level. With hidden shock-absorbing technology nestled between the screen and the middle frame, this phone is designed to withstand even the hardest impacts. The shock-absorbing materials cushion the screen, reducing the likelihood of cracks or shatters. Whether you’re dropping it in the middle of a busy street or on a rugged hiking trail, the HONOR X9c 5G stays intact.

@manilamillennial

Grabehan naman ‘to, @HONOR Philippines! Ang tibay! Dami ko feelings, sa blog na lang. 🤣 #HONORX9c5G #TheToughestPhone #AllAngleTripleDefense #HONORPH

♬ original sound – Manila Millennial – Manila Millennial

It doesn’t stop at durability, though! The AMOLED screen has an FHD+ resolution with up to 120Hz refresh rate. The sides are curved, making the bezels almost unnoticeable, plus it has 4,000 nits of peak brightness which means you can still enjoy crisp and vibrant visuals even under the sun!

Cameras

In a world where capturing moments (and posting them on social media) is second nature, the HONOR X9c 5G ensures your photos and videos also stand out. It has a 108MP OIS AI Camera paired with a 5MP wide camera that delivers clear details especially when used in well-lit spaces. The Optical Image Stabilization helps take sharp shots even in low-light conditions or while on the move and the phone’s AI-powered photography also helps enhance images, whether you’re capturing landscapes, taking portrait shots, or snapping quick memories with friends.

In front, you’ll find a 16MP selfie camera which is also capable of recording videos up to 1080p. While it takes clear selfies, I highly suggest that you turn off Beauty Mode as it’s quite obvious when there are alterations done to your photo.

I’ll let the sample photos do the talking:

REAR CAMERA

SELFIE CAMERA

Overall, photos are not too saturated and would pass social media quality for sure. However, I struggled a bit with its Portrait Mode since it’s not quick to identify which person to highlight when you’re standing in front of a lot of people. Same applies to objects—it takes a few shots before it realizes which one is in the foreground vs the background that needs to be blurred. Quality starts to become grainy as well when taking videos and photos at 0.6 ultrawide mode under low lights or at nighttime.

These hiccups aside, the camera setup is still versatile enough for vloggers, content creators, and smartphone photography enthusiasts. Aperture is adjustable and you have a lot of options to choose from – Night, Portrait, Photo, Video up to 4K, and Multi-Video which all have zoom options and filters; Pro; Slow-Mo, Panorama; HDR Photo; Time-lapse; High-Res; Story which has a template ready for social media uploading, and Scan Document.

Storage and Performance

Under the hood, the HONOR X9c 5G packs a punch with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. With a 24GB RAM (12GB physical + 12GB virtual) and 256GB of internal storage (some with 512GB), it offers a seamless experience, whether you’re editing videos, switching between apps, or saving your favorite shows.

Same as how it thrives under pressure on the outside, the inside is also just as good, making lag and slowdowns a thing of the past. I’ve tried it for gaming (my usual Pokemon Unite, Roblox, and Honor of Kings), work apps, almost a whole day of social media, video editing, and binge-watching my favorite shows but it was able to keep up for around 14 hours.

What I like about the HONOR X9c 5G is that it makes gaming and streaming more immersive, thanks to its volume that can be adjusted up to 300%. Although it goes beyond the usual 100%, the audio still sounds clear. Speaker placement is also well-thought of since it doesn’t get in the way whether you’re using the smartphone horizontally or vertically.

This smartphone runs on MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14 which is smooth and user-friendly. UI looks like the usual Android so you won’t need much adjustments if you’ve been an Android user before. As for the usual question on whether it has Google or not, glad to share that it comes with both a Google Play Store (and all its apps) and HONOR’s App Market so you have options.

Battery

A phone that can handle so much needs a battery to match—and the HONOR X9c 5G delivers. With a 6600mAh silicon-carbon battery, it offers long-lasting performance, good enough for marathon workdays or weekend getaways. Its 66W fast-charging technology ensures you’re never tethered to a wall socket for long, giving you up to 50% charge in just minutes. For a full charge, it only takes around an hour as long as you use the charging brick that comes with the unit.

Price

The HONOR X9c 5G is now available nationwide for only Php 16,999 –quite a competitive offer, considering how tough it is both inside and out. But that’s not all! If you pre-order, you’ll have the chance to win a Rolex watch worth Php 600,000, adding an incredible bonus to an already impressive device.

Overall, I can say that the HONOR X9c 5G is more than just a smartphone—it’s a statement of resilience, innovation, and elegance. From its ultra-tough screen and premium design to its impressive performance and features, it’s clear that this phone is built for those who demand something more than what they’re paying for.


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2 Replies to “REVIEW: Is PH’s ‘toughest phone’ HONOR X9c 5G also tough on the inside?”

  1. Thanks Sa review Ms.Ces
    Kahit Pinakuluan itong Phone ay still matibay Pa din at sa mga sample Photos Ay malinaw Yung kuha at pangmatagalan din malowbat,so nice naman

  2. Jaw dropping talaga sa tibay ng phone na yan🤗kaya deserve makasali sa Guinness world record. Ganda ba naman ng quality and specs pa.

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