With every new mobile phone release, brands claim their screens are the toughest yet, boasting resistance to scratches and other damage. But let’s be honest, how many of us actually believe them? Would you dare to go without a screen protector? If phone screens were truly that durable, wouldn’t the screen protector and casing industries be obsolete by now?
Every time these claims are made, reviewers put them to the test—and yet, we still see cracked screens all too often.
For this reason, I always handle my phone with the utmost care, covering it with a screen protector and casing to avoid cracks and scratches. Do you know how expensive screen replacements are? I dream of the day when I won’t need a screen protector or casing anymore. I’d love to use a phone as it was designed—slim and sleek—without the added bulk of a case.
It seems like that day may be closer than I thought. Recently, I was introduced to the HONOR X9C, known as the “King of Durability.” This mid-range smartphone is a game-changer. Unlike the HONOR 200 Pro, which targets photography enthusiasts, the HONOR X9C is designed for clumsy users who frequently drop their phones or work in rugged environments where their devices are constantly at risk.
First Impressions
The HONOR X9C looks remarkably similar to the HONOR 200 Pro in terms of design and slimness. Despite being so tough, it still feels sleek and lightweight. It’s like going for a Thai traditional massage, seeing a petite therapist, and doubting their strength—only to be proven wrong!
I’m not complaining; it’s impressive that the HONOR X9C manages to look this good while being so durable.
Inside the Box
Unboxing the HONOR X9C (Singapore set) reveals:
- HONOR X9C phone
- A 66W fast-charging adapter
- USB-C charging cable
- Back transparent cover
- SIM ejector tool
Key Highlights of HONOR X9C
- HONOR Anti-Drop Display: Drop-resistant and scratch-resistant, withstanding drops from up to 2 meters.
- 360° Water Resistance Protection: Fully functional even after submersion in water.
- Enduring Power with Enhanced Safety: A massive 6,600mAh battery that lasts up to three days, paired with 66W fast charging.
- Sleek Design with HONOR Magic AI Features.
Colour Options
The ultra-slim design with a titanium finish is available in Titanium Purple, Titanium Black, and Jade Cyan.
Design and Display
The HONOR X9C features a 6.78-inch curved OLED display, giving it a slim and elegant look. It boasts HONOR’s Anti-Drop Display with the industry-first SGS Five Star Comprehensive Certification.
Additional display highlights include:
- 120Hz Refresh Rate
- 4000 nits Peak Brightness
- Eye Protection Features: 3840Hz PWM Dimming and Circadian Night Display Technology reduce eye strain during extended use or in low light.
Performance and Cameras
The phone is powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 6 Gen 1 processor and features a 108MP (f/1.75) Ultra Sensing Camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
While the specs aren’t cutting-edge for performance or photography, they’re sufficient for most tasks. Plus, HONOR includes its signature AI features such as:
- AI Eraser
- AI Motion Sensing
- Magic Capsule
- Magic Portal
- Parallel Space
- AI Privacy
Battery and Charging
The 6,600mAh Ultra-Large Battery is the largest I’ve seen in a smartphone. HONOR is truly pushing boundaries. The 66W HONOR SuperCharge technology ensures quick and efficient charging.
Verdict
I won’t be conducting any extreme durability tests myself, as these have already been well-documented. However, HONOR’s expertise and technology in creating a phone this durable are undeniable.
With HONOR’s trend of combining its best features into a single device, I can’t help but wonder: will the next HONOR Magic7 or HONOR Magic V4 be just as tough?
I’m eagerly waiting for that day.
