Smartphones today are no longer designed solely for performance. From accidental drops at work to long hours of scrolling, gaming, and multitasking, durability and battery life have become just as important. The HONOR X9d 5G positions itself as a phone built for real-life situations, promising toughness, endurance, and reliability in one slim package.
To see how well it actually holds up beyond lab tests, I used the HONOR X9d 5G as my daily device. From accidental drops to pushing its battery through long days of use, here is how the HONOR X9d 5G performed in real-world conditions.
Design: 4/5
Our review unit came in the Sunrise Gold variant, though the HONOR X9d 5G is also available in Reddish Brown, Forest Green, and Midnight Black. Sunrise Gold looks clean and premium in person without feeling overly flashy.
The phone features a large 6.79-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, peak brightness of up to 6000nits, and a 2640 × 1200 resolution. Colors appear vibrant, the screen is sharp, and visibility remains very good even under bright lighting. HONOR’s Eye Comfort Display also helps reduce eye strain during long periods of continuous use.
Design-wise, the phone stands out with its circular camera module, now updated with a ridged frame that serves both aesthetic and grip-enhancing purposes. For security, the device features a seamless dual-biometric system. Facial recognition works reliably across different lighting conditions, while the in-display fingerprint scanner is responsive and well-placed for quick unlocking.
Hardware: 4.5
Powering the HONOR X9d 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Mobile Platform, delivering stable performance while maintaining energy efficiency. One of the phone’s biggest highlights is its massive 8300mAh silicon-carbon battery, paired with 66W wired HONOR SuperCharge. Despite the large capacity, charging speeds remain impressively fast.
Durability is clearly a core focus. The phone is protected by Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology and Ultra Tough Tempered Glass, along with triple water- and dust-resistance certifications rated at IP69K, IP68, and IP66. This combination provides protection against drops, rain, and water exposure, making daily use far less stressful.
For photography, the device is equipped with a 108MP ultra-sensing main camera with both OIS and EIS. This helps ensure photos and videos remain stable, especially during handheld shooting.
User Experience: 4.5/5
Since durability is one of the phone’s main selling points, my testing focused on everyday accidents rather than extreme stress tests. I dropped the HONOR X9d 5G several times, including knocking it off a desk while working and dropping it while placing it into my bag. Despite landing on concrete surfaces, the phone did not break.
I pushed things further by kicking the phone down a set of stairs, and the device remained fully functional with no display or performance issues. (You can watch the full durability test in the linked video.)
In daily use, gaming performance was smooth. Playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang felt seamless, with no noticeable delays even during extended sessions. Battery life was another standout. The 8300mAh capacity easily powered through long hours of use, while fast charging made topping up quick and convenient.
Running on MagicOS 9.0 based on Android 15, the phone delivers a smooth and intuitive experience. Navigation feels fluid, app switching is responsive, and system stability remains solid even with heavier multitasking. Camera performance proved reliable in both indoor and outdoor settings, and I appreciated the built-in AI tools such as AI Editing, AI Eraser, AI Cutout, and AI Upscale, which make quick photo edits easy directly on the device.
Knowing the phone carries triple waterproof certifications also provides extra peace of mind when using it in wet or unpredictable environments.
Value: 4.5/5
Based on real-world use, the HONOR X9d 5G offers strong value for users who prioritize durability, long battery life, and dependable everyday performance. It handled repeated drops, extended usage, and demanding conditions without major issues.
Priced at PHP17,999 during the preorder period from January 9 to 23, and with a standard retail price of PHP18,999 starting January 24, the HONOR X9d 5G stands out as a compelling option for anyone looking for a phone that can survive daily accidents while still delivering smooth performance and practical features. It is a solid and dependable choice in its segment.
Bottomline
If you tend to drop your phone often and need all-day battery life, the HONOR X9d 5G delivers exactly what it promises. It is built for durability, designed for long use, and dependable enough to handle everyday accidents without slowing you down.
What’s Hot:
- Massive 8300mAh battery
- Excellent durability for everyday drops and accidents
- Triple waterproof certifications (IP69K, IP68, IP66)
- Smooth performance for daily use and casual gaming
What’s Not:
- Dual-camera setup feels limited
- Back panel may crack under extreme impact
Specifications:
- Display: 6.79-inch OLED display with deuterated organic light-emitting materials; 120Hz refresh rate; 6000 nits peak brightness; 2640 × 1200 resolution; 7.76mm ultra-slim design
- Processor: Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 Mobile Platform
- OS: MagicOS 9.0 (Android 15)
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 256GB
- Camera: 108MP ultra-sensing rear camera with OIS and EIS; 5MP ultra-wide camera; 16MP front camera
- Battery: 8300mAh silicon-carbon battery; 66W wired HONOR SuperCharge
- Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner; face recognition; HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology; up to 2.5m drop resistance; IP69K, IP68, and IP66 water and dust resistance
Reviewed by Phia Manuell Layoso
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 6