Honor, a prominent player in the smartphone arena, has recently introduced its latest offering – the Honor X9b. Boasting a partially reinforced body and innovative features such as the Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display, this device has garnered significant attention from a diverse range of users. In this review, we will delve deep into analyzing how well the Honor X9b performs, especially considering its positioning in the sub-30k price segment.
Variant and Price:
The Honor X9b is available in a single RAM and storage configuration of 8GB RAM + 256GB storage. It is offered in two captivating color options: Midnight Black and Sunrise Orange with a Vegan leather finish. Priced competitively at Rs 25,999, the Honor X9b aims to provide value-packed features within an affordable range. For this review, we are examining the Sunrise Orange variant.
Display and Aesthetics:
Inspired by luxury watches, the Honor X9b features a premium ring design and a vegan leather finish, exuding sophistication and class. Available in Sunrise Orange and Midnight Black colors, this device allows users to express their individual style while enjoying premium craftsmanship. The Classical Dual Ring Design adds an extra touch of elegance, making the Honor X9b a fashion statement as well as a functional device. The Honor X9b features an Edgeless AMOLED Curved Display, measuring 6.78 inches and offering a 1.5K resolution (429PPI). With support for 1.07 billion colors and 100% DCI-P3, this display delivers smooth visuals that are sharp and detailed. The dynamic refresh rate automatically adjusts to the user’s activities, providing smoother visuals for gaming and optimizing battery life for other tasks.
Durability and Stability:
The Honor X9b boasts exceptional durability, largely attributed to its innovative Ultra-Bounce Anti-drop Display. However, it’s important to note that while this feature significantly enhances the device’s resilience, it doesn’t render it completely unbreakable. During our rigorous drop testing, we observed that the screen incurred a crack from an edge of the display. This highlights that the device’s durability is contingent upon various factors such as the angle and surface upon which it falls.
To address potential concerns regarding accidental damage, Honor offers the Honor Protect Plan for the X9b. Priced at Rs 2,999, this plan provides comprehensive coverage and peace of mind to customers. Notably, Honor is currently offering this plan for free to all Honor X9b customers as a part of a promotional offer.
The Honor Protect Plan includes a range of benefits, such as a one-time screen replacement within six months of purchase, a 30-day Assured Buy Back option of up to 90%, six months of extended warranty cover, and door-to-door service assistance for a duration of 18 months. This comprehensive protection plan ensures that customers can enjoy their Honor X9b with confidence, knowing that they are covered in the event of accidental damage or unforeseen circumstances.
Camera Capabilities:The HONOR X9b 5G introduces significant improvements in its camera department, particularly with its rear main camera now boasting a whopping 108 megapixels, a substantial upgrade from its predecessor’s 64 megapixels. This enhancement enables users to capture stunningly detailed images with vibrant colors and impressive clarity.
The upgraded rear main camera is capable of recording videos in up to 4k@30fps or 1080p@30fps, offering users flexibility and versatility in their video recording endeavors. Additionally, the device retains its 5-megapixel ultrawide and 2-megapixel macro cameras on the rear, catering to various photography needs and preferences.
On the front, the HONOR X9b 5G features a 16-megapixel front camera, allowing users to capture high-quality selfies and video recordings in up to 1080p@30fps.
In well-lit environments, images captured with the new 108-megapixel rear main camera exhibit exceptional detail and lively colors, enhancing the overall visual experience. However, in low-light conditions, some graininess may be apparent, although the camera still manages to retain notable details.
The device’s Night mode functionality comes into play in low-light scenarios, artificially increasing brightness and enhancing colors to produce visually appealing results. While this feature may be appreciated by some users for its ability to improve low-light photography, others may find the resulting images to be overly processed.
Overall, the HONOR X9b 5G’s enhanced camera capabilities make it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts and casual users alike, offering improved performance and versatility in various lighting conditions.
The Honor X9b is equipped with a robust Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, ensuring commendable performance that exceeds expectations within its price range. Whether you’re a casual user or an avid gamer, this device delivers a satisfactory experience across various tasks and activities.
For casual gamers, the Honor X9b proves to be a capable companion, effortlessly handling popular games like Traffic Rider and Angry Birds with smooth gameplay and responsive controls. Impressively, it also manages to run more demanding titles like Genshin Impact without significant lag or performance issues, showcasing its versatility and power.
Operating on MagicOS 7.2, based on the Android 13 Operating System, the Honor X9b offers a seamless and intuitive user experience. With its clean and user-friendly interface, navigating through apps, multitasking, and accessing features feels effortless. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming content, or engaging in social media, the device ensures a buttery smooth experience that enhances overall usability and satisfaction.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor and operating on MagicOS 7.2, the Honor X9b delivers impressive performance and a delightful user experience that caters to the diverse needs of modern smartphone users.
Battery Life and Performance:
Equipped with a massive 5800 mAh battery, the Honor X9b ensures long-lasting performance, supporting users who wish to remain connected all day. Certified with the 5G Gold label by DXOMark, this device can power through three days of regular use on a single charge, making it ideal for users on the go. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform provides exceptional performance, handling intensive tasks with ease and delivering smooth multitasking capabilities.
The enhancements in display quality, performance, battery life, camera capabilities, and design elevate the HONOR X9b to a compelling choice in the mid-range smartphone market. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new phone within the budget range of 30k pesos or less.
One of the standout features of the HONOR X9b is its seamless display and robust build quality, ensuring a satisfying user experience. Moreover, its impressive battery life sets it apart from other mid-range offerings, making it a standout performer for day-to-day usage.
If your typical smartphone activities involve multitasking, streaming video content, and browsing social media, the HONOR X9b excels in providing smooth and efficient performance. However, if your priorities lean towards camera-centric features, it may be worthwhile to reconsider your decision, as the device may not meet the highest standards in this regard.
The HONOR X9b emerges as a top contender in the mid-range smartphone segment, offering exceptional value for money and catering to the needs of a wide range of users. With its combination of durability, performance, and affordability, it stands as a commendable choice for those seeking a reliable and capable smartphone within the specified budget range.
