TECH/REVIEW | HONOR X9d 5G: The toughest phone yet

In 2026, we’re no longer treating a phone like a fragile keepsake. That’s why the HONOR X9d 5G arrives as a device that promises to survive real, everyday use—and it’s a major improvement from the previous one.

At the heart of the HONOR X9d is its industry-first ultra-bounce antidrop technology, a term that sounds overestimated, but quickly proves its worth. Combined with an ultra-tough tempered glass, the phone feels confidently solid without crossing into bulky territory.

A device which HONOR proudly says doesn’t flinch at water immersion, heavy rain, or dusty environments. It’s a smartphone that feels ready for whatever your day throws at it, and one we’re gonna be testing today, in this edition of VP Tech.

Build and durability

What surprised me most is how effortlessly the HONOR X9d 5G balances toughness with elegance. Available in Sunrise Gold, Midnight Black, and Reddish Brown, it doesn’t immediately reveal its rugged nature.

Underneath that refined exterior lies the real engineering magic. The HONOR ultra-bounce antidrop technology is supported by a six-layer drop-resistant structure and the industry’s first SGS triple-resistant premium performance certification. In practical terms, that means the phone can withstand accidental drops of up to 2.5 meters on certain surfaces like marble, as well as more punishing terrain. I stopped bracing myself for disaster every time it slipped from my hand.

We even made a video putting the HONOR X9d under extreme drop tests to prove that breaking it will take more than just a drop.

And that’s not all, with IP69K, IP68, and IP66 ratings, the HONOR X9d offers complete protection against dust and impressive resistance to water, including full submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Whether it’s sudden rain or an accidental splash, the phone just keeps working.

Display

For a device so focused on resilience, the display is unexpectedly refined. The 6.79-inch OLED panel stretches edge-to-edge with a 94.6 percent screen-to-body ratio, creating a near full-screen experience that feels immersive and modern. It’s the kind of display that makes everyday tasks and multimedia consumption feel more engaging.

The 120Hz refresh rate ensures everything feels fluid, from casual navigation to more demanding gaming sessions. With a peak of up to 6000 nits, outdoor visibility is exceptional. Even under harsh sunlight, the screen remains clear and comfortable to use. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, it strikes a reassuring balance between visual excellence and real-world durability.

Battery

Battery life is where the HONOR X9d quietly becomes indispensable. The 8300mAh silicon-carbon battery is massive, but more importantly, it’s smartly managed. I pushed through long workdays and still had plenty of charge left to unwind in the evening.

HONOR’s self-developed anti-aging algorithm adds another layer of reassurance, promising to preserve battery health for up to six years. That kind of longevity matters if you see your phone as a long-term thing rather than upgrading yearly. And when it’s time to recharge, the 66W HONOR SuperCharge minimizes downtime, quickly topping up the battery so you can get back to what you’re doing.

Camera

The camera setup focuses on reliability rather than gimmicks, which I appreciate. The 108MP rear camera captures sharp, detailed images that hold up even when cropped. It even comes with Optical Image Stabilization, which keeps photos crisp.

Photos taken using the HONOR X9d came out sharp and clear, which shows just how much thought was put into this phone. A lesson on balance, this phone is a prime example of how to value phones should be: tough, smart, and takes decent photos.

The 5MP ultra-wide camera is useful for landscapes and group shots, while the 16MP front camera handles selfies and video calls with natural clarity.

Performance and storage

Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, the HONOR X9d delivers consistent, reliable performance. Multitasking feels smooth, apps load quickly, and everyday tasks run without friction. Whether you choose the 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB, or 12GB + 512GB variant, there’s ample room for work files, media, and everything in between.

You can even go for your casual MOBA games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Call of Duty Mobile smoothly, albeit in their default settings. It is a great phone for casual gaming and multitasking—a device that will allow you to power through your day without any noticeable hiccups along the way.

Overall thoughts

After living with the HONOR X9d 5G, what stands out most is the sense of confidence it brings. This is a phone designed for people who actually live with their devices—people who work hard, move fast, and don’t want to worry about accidents. Durable without being clunky, powerful without being excessive, the HONOR X9d feels like a genuinely modern take on what an ultra-durable smartphone should be.

I can tell how much this phone would be vital for people who have rugged jobs that require them to be out day and night, rain or shine. For people that needs their phone to be the last thing they think about at work or errands, all for the price of P18,999.