The Honor X9b makes its debut in the Indian smartphone market, boasting a unique combination of durability and elegance. Despite its name taking some time to get accustomed to, the Honor X9b’s design and standout features immediately grab attention. Marketed as the most durable and reliable smartphone across various segments, it features innovative “ultra-bounce 360-degree anti-drop resistance and cutting-edge cushioning technology,” making it the first device to receive a Five-Star Overall Drop Resistance certificate. Alongside its impressive 120Hz refresh rate 1.5k AMOLED display, 108MP primary camera, and a 5,800mAh battery, the Honor X9b aims to set a new benchmark.

Are these features enough to make the Honor X9b your next smartphone? Let’s dive deeper to find out.

Design and Display

The Honor X9b draws design inspiration from brands like Realme, balancing sturdiness with style. Certified by Switzerland’s SGS for five-star overall drop resistance, it incorporates a shock-absorbing material called cushioning technology, providing structural integrity against drops from up to 1.5 meters. Although the durability claims are impressive, the smartphone’s looks are not compromised. It features a luxurious circular camera module inspired by high-end watches and jewelry, and a vegan leather back exclusive to the Sunrise Orange variant. The Midnight Black variant, with its matte finish, also stands out, with both versions showcasing golden rings around the camera module.

The Honor X9b is sleek and lightweight at just 185 grams and 7.98mm thick, making it comfortable for prolonged usage. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5k resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1920Hz PWM dimming, and 1200 nits peak brightness. The display offers an immersive viewing experience with vibrant colors, high contrast, and good dynamic range, though the single bottom-firing speaker may not provide the immersive audio experience some users might expect.

Cameras

Equipped with a 108MP primary camera, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro unit, the Honor X9b aims to deliver decent photography performance. The 16MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. In well-lit conditions, the primary camera captures substantial details, although there is some oversaturation. The dynamic range could be better, and while portrait mode provides good edge detection, facial details are often smoothed out. The 5MP ultra-wide camera, with its narrow 110-degree field-of-view, struggles with resolution and color accuracy, while the 2MP macro sensor fails to capture fine details effectively. Low-light performance is underwhelming, with better options available in the same segment.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC, the Honor X9b offers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks. It features 8GB of RAM, 256GB of non-expandable storage, and virtual RAM expansion up to 8GB. Benchmark scores are competitive, though not leading in the segment. In real-world usage, the smartphone handles streaming, browsing, navigation, and moderate gaming without significant issues. However, for intense gaming, settings need to be adjusted for optimal performance.

Running Android 13-based MagicOS 7.2, the Honor X9b offers a familiar interface for those accustomed to Huawei devices. The software includes proprietary apps alongside standard Google apps, with a promised update roadmap providing two years of major software upgrades and three years of security updates. The intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface enhances the user experience.

Battery and Charging

The Honor X9b’s 5,800mAh battery is a standout feature, potentially lasting up to three days on light use. In practical terms, moderate to heavy users may need to charge every one to two days. The device supports 35W fast charging, but the lack of a bundled charger is a drawback. Charging speeds are slower than competitors, taking approximately two and a half hours for a full charge.

Price and Value

The Honor X9b is priced at Rs 25,000 in India, placing it in the mid-range smartphone segment. For this price, the X9b offers a blend of durability, premium design, and impressive battery life, making it an attractive option for users prioritizing these features. However, its performance, camera versatility, and charging speed are areas where it doesn’t quite match up to some competitors.

When compared to alternatives like the POCO F6, Motorola Edge 50 pro, and Realme 12 Pro+, the Honor X9b may not be the top choice for those seeking superior performance and camera capabilities. Nonetheless, for users who value a durable build and long-lasting battery, the Honor X9b provides good value at its price point.

Final Verdict

The Honor X9b is a compelling choice for those prioritizing durability, battery life, and a commendable viewing experience. However, if faster charging, and versatile camera capabilities are high on your list, alternatives like the POCO F6 , Motorola Edge 50 pro, and Realme 12 Pro+ may be worth considering.

The Honor X9b is priced at Rs 25,000 in India, offering a balance of durability and style with a few compromises in performance and camera versatility.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Durability: Five-Star Overall Drop Resistance certification with ultra-bounce 360-degree anti-drop technology.
• Design: Premium aesthetics with a sleek, lightweight build and vegan leather back option.
• Display: 6.78-inch 1.5k AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth viewing experience.
• Battery Life: Impressive 5,800mAh battery that can last up to two days with moderate use.
• Camera Performance in Daylight: 108MP primary camera delivers detailed images in good lighting conditions.

Cons:

• Camera Limitations: Ultra-wide and macro cameras underperform, especially in low light.
• Single Speaker: Lack of stereo speakers diminishes audio experience.
• Charging Speed: 35W fast charging is relatively slow, taking over two hours for a full charge

Image Credits :The images used in this review are sourced from the official HONOR Website https://www.honor.com/in/ All rights reserved to their respective owners.

Do checkout review of Huawei Nova 12 SE : https://reviewandratings.com/huawei-nova-12-se-review/