The HONOR X9b is the latest smartphone from HONOR that promises to deliver a tough and powerful performance in the midrange segment. It is the successor of the HONOR X9a, which was launched in the Philippines last year and gained popularity for its durability and design. But is it worth the upgrade? Let’s find out in this review.
One-Minute SUMMARY
What’s the Price of the HONOR X9b in the Philippines?
The HONOR X9b is priced at PHP 19,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant and PHP 21,999 for the 12GB+256GB variant. It is available in four colors: Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, Emerald Green, and Titanium Silver. The Sunrise Orange is the only one with a vegan leather back, while the other colors have a glass back.
HONOR X9b Specs
Honor X9b | |
Main Display | 6.78 inches AMOLED 1220 x 2652 pixels Resolution 120Hz Refresh Rate1200 nits Peak Brightness |
Processor | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) |
Memory | 8GB, 12GB RAM |
Storage | 256GB |
Main Cameras | Main: 108 MP f/1.8 with PDAF Macro: 2 MP f/2.4 Ultrawide: 5 MP f/2.2HDR and Panorama |
Front Cameras | Main: 16 MP f/2.5 |
Battery | Li-Po 5800 mAh 35W wired charging Reverse wired |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.1 |
Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.5 x 8 mm |
Weight | 185 g |
Design and Build Quality
I’ve been using the HONOR X9b for a while now, and I love how it feels in my hand. The metal frame and curved back panel give it a premium look and a comfortable grip. The back panel also has a unique circular camera module with three cameras and a flash.
The phone is not too heavy or thick, considering its large screen and battery. It is also very sturdy and can survive accidental falls and water splashes.
The IP53 rating guarantees protection against dust and water spray. But what really impressed me was the display. It has a high-quality Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and an SGS certification for drop resistance. I don’t have to worry about cracking or scratching the screen at all.
Display
The Honor X9b has a stunning 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that delivers crisp and vivid visuals. The resolution is 1220 x 2652 pixels, and the brightness can go up to 1200 nits.
The curved edges of the screen make the phone look sleek and feel cozy. The display also has a 120Hz refresh rate – this makes everything smooth and responsive. I enjoy watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web with this phone.
Hardware and Performance
The Honor X9b is a beast when it comes to performance. It has the Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset that runs at 2.4GHz. I have 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage version, which is more than enough for my apps and games.
I rarely experienced any lag or slowdown on this phone, even when multitasking or playing heavy games. It’s amazing how fast it is, especially for its price range.
Cameras
The HONOR X9b has a versatile and capable camera system. It lets me take stunning shots and videos in various situations. The back of the phone has three cameras: a 108MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. Additionally, there’s a 16MP selfie camera on the front.
I love how the cameras capture every detail, color, and angle. Plus, the photos and videos look amazing on the phone’s display.
Battery Life and Charging
The battery of the Honor X9b never lets me down. It has a 5800 mAh capacity that keeps the phone running for a whole day. I can watch videos, play games, or browse the web on 5G for hours without worrying about the battery.
The phone also has a fast charging feature that can quickly fill up the battery. It only takes 30 minutes to charge the phone from 0% to 70%. The device can also act as a power bank and charge my other devices with a cable.
Software
The HONOR X9b has software that is fun and easy to use. It has Magic UI 7.2, which is built on Android 13.
The software has many features and customizations that make the phone more personal and convenient. I like it adapts to my preferences and habits. Plus, it runs smoothly and securely on the phone.
Should You Buy the HONOR X9b?
I’ve been using the Honor X9b for some time, and I’m very impressed by it. It has a beautiful and strong design and user-friendly and smart software. I think it’s a great phone for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile phone that can do anything and everything.
Other phones that offer the same user experience are the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A54.