VP Tech Review: HONOR X9b 5G Proves to Be One of the Toughest Smartphones of 2024
HONOR Philippines kicks off 2024 by showcasing the durability of its latest model, the HONOR X9b 5G through intriguing drop tests and a watermelon and apple smash challenge, creating anticipation among consumers. The social media buzz surrounding these challenges, including our team’s participation, showcases impressive results, as seen in the accompanying video.
@villagepipol Get ready for the unbreakable launch of #HONORX9b5G, the #TheToughestPhone of 2024 on January 12! 🚀 @HONOR Philippines We've put it to the test with a đź«ł Drop Test and a 🍉 Watermelon Smash challenge – check it out! Stay tuned for the full #VPTechReview. Follow this link for the live update: https://bit.ly/HONORX9b5GEvent #AllAngleUltraTough #VillagePipol #HONORDropTest #HONORSmashchallenge ♬ original sound – Village Pipol Magazine
Delving into a comprehensive VP Tech Review, we aim to explore whether the HONOR X9b 5G lives up to its tough reputation from all angles, while also examining its feature-rich offerings within the mid-range segment, all at a price point below P20,000.
BUILT and AESTHETIC
The HONOR X9b 5G boasts a slim, classy, and premium design, defying its mid-range category. With a weight of only 185g and a thickness of 7.98mm, it combines elegance with portability. The back, housing the main camera, features a high-end watch design, adding a touch of sophistication.
Available in three colors—Emerald Green, Midnight Black, and Sunrise Orange—along with a vegan leather design sent for our review, it stands out, especially when held.
AN ALL-ANGLE ULTRA-TOUGH SCREEN
The HONOR X9b 5G boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED Curved Display, featuring the HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display with SGS Five-star Overall Drop Resistance Certification, solidifying its reputation as one of the toughest phones today. Our 5 ft. drop test and watermelon smash challenge yielded impressive results, showcasing the screen’s resilience even under forceful impact.
Having successfully passed the 100ft drop test conducted by HONOR during the launch emphasizes the phone’s robust build. With a resolution of 2652×12006, 1200 nits Peak Brightness, and a 120Hz Refresh rate, the screen ensures a vibrant and smooth viewing experience. The inclusion of TĂśV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification and Circadian Night Display Technology protects users’ eyes during extended use.
108MP LOSSLESS CAMERA
The HONOR X9b 5G excels in photography with its triple-camera setup, featuring a 108MP (f/1.75) Ultra-Clear Main Camera, a 95MP (f/2.2) Ultra-Wide Camera, and a 2MP (f/2.4) Macro Camera. Daylight captures exhibit color accuracy and stunning details, even when zoomed 3x, as evidenced in the samples below.
In low-light conditions and nighttime, the camera performs admirably, with slightly visible noise that remains acceptable for its price point. The lossless camera feature reduces image sizes without compromising quality, providing a valuable solution for storage management.
The 16MP Front Camera captures decent selfies in daylight and well-lit conditions, further emphasizing the camera’s excellence. Considering its P16,000 price point, the HONOR X9b 5G delivers excellent camera results, making it a standout feature of the device.
POWERFUL PERFORMANCE
The HONOR X9b stands out in the performance department, featuring the Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 6 Gen 1 (4nm) processor. This choice ensures optimal performance for a midrange phone, particularly excelling in handling resource-intensive tasks like video and photo editing, providing users with a seamless experience.
With a large 256GB storage and 12GB RAM, the HONOR X9b is well-equipped to handle multitasking efficiently. The addition of HONOR’s RAM Turbo feature virtually upgrades the memory to 20GB, enhancing overall performance and responsiveness.
The device houses an industry standard 5800mAh large battery, accompanied by a 35W SuperCharge charger for fast charging. During our tests, the battery exhibited an impressive capability to last up to three days without charging, attesting to its reliability and longevity. Additionally, the IP53 water and dust resistance ensures durability and longevity.
The smooth performance during various tasks, from social media use to video binge-watching and even video editing with the CapCut app, solidifies the HONOR X9b’s capabilities.
VERDICT
In a market saturated with aesthetically pleasing smartphones focusing on camera and performance features, HONOR takes a unique stance by highlighting durability. The HONOR X9b emerges as a compelling, innovative, and game-changing device, offering not only an enhanced mid-range mobile experience but also a promise of exceptional toughness, catering to Filipinos who prioritize rugged smartphones to maximize cost-efficiency.
The HONOR X9b 5G stands out as an all-rounder, positioning itself as the toughest phone of 2024 that users shouldn’t overlook.
AVAILABILITY
Priced at P16,999, the HONOR X9b 5G is available for pre-order from January 12 to 19, 2024. As an exclusive offer, pre-orders come with a FREE HONOR Gift Box and HONOR Choice X5 Earbuds worth Php 4,000. For convenient online purchases, find the HONOR X9b on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
