I wonder if I should be writing this review, since I got a press release last week that the Honor X9d has sold five times more units than its predecessor in Singapore. It is not difficult to see why though. While it might be priced starting from an affordable S$449 (for 256GB version), the X9d is supposed to be super durable with water and dust resistance as well as drop protection. Does it sound too good to be true? Let’s find out.
- Price: S$449 (256GB) and S$529 (512GB), get it at Shopee and Lazada
- Display: 6.79 inches, 1,200 x 2,640 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4
- Rear Cameras: 108MP, f/1.8 (wide); 5MP, f/2.2 (ultra-wide)
- Front camera: 16MP, f/2.5
- Battery: 8,300mAh
- Weight: 193g
| PROS | CONS |
| Highly durable | Cameras can be better |
| Affordable pricing | Not exactly fast performance |
| Long battery life | |
| Large and bright display |
To start with the boring bits, the X9d is a mid-range smartphone that boasts a large 6.79-inch 120Hz display but measures only 7.8mm thick. It is available in four colours of forest green, sunrise gold, midnight black and reddish brown (version reviewed).
In terms of design, the gold X9d actually looks premium with this review unit’s maroon leathery back and “golden” brown sides. It feels premium in your hand as well. Not to mention, its display comes with thin bezels and is vivid and bright. With a peak brightness of 6,000 nits, you have no issues looking at the display even under bright sunlight.
Yet, despite its affordable pricing, the X9d’s unique selling point is actually its durability. It is said to feature a “Three-layer Water Resistance Structure 2.0” supporting IP69K Water Resistance, meaning it can easily handle splashes, high temperature water (within 10s), dynamic water and even ultra-high pressure water jet. It can also be submerged in water at a depth of 1.5m for up to 30 minutes. Additionally, with its AI Heavy Rain Touch and AI Glove Touch, you can still use the smartphone even in the rain or with gloves.
X9d’s body is also reinforced by Honor’s Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology, and new ultra-deep tempered glass. Honor claims that the phone can withstand drops from up to 2.5m on certain surfaces, on 10 more types of stone ground, and even being shot by an air-gun.
During the media event, Honor had us fire paintballs at X9d. We also tried our hands using industrial stapler to staple on the phone’s display. There was an X9d “permanently” submerged in a water tank on display as well.
For this review, I tried dropping the phone on my HDB’s tiled floor, concrete pavement. I also dunked the phone into a pail of water and let it sit for 10 minutes. It survived. In other words, it should survive your occasional hand slips and mishaps.
But beware that nothing is indestructible. During the media event, I think two X9d’s displays were cracked due to constant stapling of the same spot. Resistance doesn’t mean completely immune to damage.
The X9d features a “not-so-flagship” Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor. Thus, do not expect super-fast performance. But it should to handle most of your daily tasks like email, WhatsApp and social media. Some less graphics-intensive games like Pokemon Go also run with no issues. But if you want to play Diablo Immortal, it will struggle a bit.
In addition, its camera performance, especially night shots, can be better. For most of the time, its rear 108-megapixel main camera will be able to do the job. But the photos shot by this phone just lack the sharpness and fidelity from the likes of iPhone or Pixel. Then again, with its price point, it can be forgiven.
On the bright side, it packs a high-capacity 8,300mAh silicon-carbon battery that is said to last three days of use. In fact, I left the phone alone for 4 days as I was busy with other work. And I found it still has 66% juice left. Even if you use it regularly through the day, it can easily last two full days without charging.
The battery is also supposed to retain 80% charge even after six years of use. The phone also supports reverse charging to be used as a power bank with 7.5W wired charge.
VERDICT: If you are the kind that drops your phone regularly on all sorts of surfaces, the Honor X9d is ideal for you. It is rare for a device that can withstand drops and water exposure. Not to mention, it has a long battery life to boot. Sure, the cameras could be better. But if all you (or your parent) need is a smartphone that can last; then, I don’t think there is a better choice than the Honor X9d at this kind of price point.