HONOR X9b 5G: Practical Yet Unbelievably Tough

To identify a tough or rugged smartphone, you can look for specific features and characteristics that are designed to enhance durability and resilience. There are some key factors to consider when determining if a smartphone is tough such as IP rating, drop resistance, build materials, as well as manufacturer reputation.

One good example is the HONOR X9a. It was strong enough to withstand a direct impact on the screen. But the toughness is merely on its screen, not entirely on its body. So, HONOR did not stop there.

Meet the HONOR X9b 5G, the newest model in the renowned X Series lineup. It is the latest durability-focused smartphone from the brand launched in the Philippine market just a year after the X9a was introduced.

Quick Unboxing

In the box are the HONOR X9b 5G unit, a USB-C cable, 35W HONOR Supercharge11 adapter, a transparent case, and SIM ejector pin.

*This new device is said to have expertly blended cutting-edge technology with a dash of elegance at a competitive price.*

Design and Display

The new HONOR X9b 5G has a slim design of 163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm and weighs a comfortable 185g. Its stunning 6.78-inch AMOLED curved display produces deep blacks while the colors are vibrant and bright, and provides a visual feast with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 1 billion colors. With screen resolution of 1220 x 2652 pixels, which has a pixel density of roughly 431 ppi and a peak brightness of 1200 nits, an enjoyable viewing experience is guaranteed with this phone.

Design-wise, the new phone is almost exactly the same as that of its predecessor. The display is curved on both the front and rear but relatively bigger and brighter. It even has the same camera ring with the three lenses and the flash. The only slight variation is that the rim surrounding the module is ridged this time.

Above the screen is a punch hole for the selfie camera, and below is the fingerprint sensor which enables the quick unlocking feature. The screen border is minimal.

At the right side, are the volume rocker and the power button.

At the bottom, there’s the USB-C charging/data port, a SIM tray and a speaker.

This latest mid-range smartphone also features an Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop design which comes with a 3-layer structure of partial reinforcement of the screen, surrounding buffer protection and sealing protection inside the fuselage. And with 5-star Overall Drop Resistance Certification from Switzerland’s SGS, HONOR company guarantees its screen durability. If you’re one of the clumsy people constantly dropping their phone, then this is definitely the safest choice for you!

**Note that it* has only an IP rating of IP53. Yes, it can withstand a little bit of water and dust, but by no means should it be considered a waterproof phone.

Hardware and Software

The HONOR X9b 5G is powered by the Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 CPU with 20GB of upgraded RAM and 256GB of storage. With its four 4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 and four 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, the octa-core CPU guarantees seamless performance in a wide range of applications. With improved visuals, the Adreno 710 GPU promises a captivating entertainment and gaming experience.

Similar to other top smartphones, the HONOR X9b 5G offers excellent multitasking capabilities. The apps open instantly, and the screen is highly responsive to your fingertips. You will be able to swipe, browse, and access several apps at once without too much effort.

Meanwhile, Android 13 runs right out-of-the-box with Honor’s own MagicOS 7.2, which is user-friendly interface and easy to use. Most importantly, it is very stable and intuitive.

When it comes to entertainment like gaming or watching movies, the 120hz refresh rate does make a difference. Coupled with the AMOLED display, this phone can provide an immersive viewing experience. If you’re on a budget, and looking for an entertainment and also a gaming-enabled smartphone, you should consider this unit.

Camera Features

The adaptable triple-camera setup on the back will appeal to photographers. It has this 108MP (f/1.75) Ultra-Clear Lossless, Main Camera. Lossless camera allows you to reduce image size without compromising on quality. Magnificent images are also produced by the 5MP (f/2.2) Ultra-Wide Camera as well as its 2MP (f/2.4) Macro lens. Meanwhile, clear and colorful selfies are guaranteed with the 16 MP front camera.

The HONOR X9b 5G produces amazing images. The adaptable triple-camera system is prepared to capture every detail, from intricate wide pictures to enticing macros.

Perfect selfies are guaranteed with the front camera.

Battery Life

Another notable feature of this phone is the sturdy 5800 mAh non-detachable Li-Po battery. With its 35W wired charging capability, the HONOR X9b 5G promises to keep you charged all day. In order to further its adaptability, the device can also be charged in reverse wired mode.

*Yes, 3-day Battery with Supercharge11 ensures long-lasting power and versatility!*

Connectivity options are also plentiful: dual SIM support, NFC (market/region dependent), and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG capabilities. In addition, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 802.11 and Bluetooth 5.1 ensures seamless wireless connectivity.

Lastly, the HONOR X9b 5G is a stylish statement with Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, and Emerald Green color options, allowing users to match their preferred look.

*Surprisingly durable, vegan leather is an alternative faux leather and is produced without the use of any animal materials.*

Verdict

The phone’s smoothly integrated hardware and system, along with its competitive camera, make for a delightfully smooth phone experience. And considering that it retails at Php16,999 only, this tough phone is an incredible deal. So, for those searching for a reasonably priced smartphone that has the greatest display available, the HONOR X9b 5G is surely an appealing option.