Honor X9c: The Ultimate Midrange Robust Smartphone With Stunning Display And Battery Power

Body: A Tough Exterior for Extreme Environments

With dimensions of 162.8×75.5×7.98 mm and weighing 189 grams, the Honor X9c feels robust yet surprisingly manageable. Its slim 7.98 mm profile complements the tough design while maintaining a sleek look. Available in three colors - Jade Cyan, Titanium Black, and Titanium Purple - the Honor X9c combines durability with a dash of style, appealing to users who don't want to sacrifice aesthetics for toughness. Here are the relevant specs:

With those dimensions, the Honor X9c sits at a comfortable size for most users. It's a tall, narrow design, which feels natural in-hand for longer sessions like reading, scrolling, or gaming. The 7.98 mm thickness keeps it slim enough to slip into pockets without feeling bulky. At 189 grams, the weight hits that sweet spot between feeling substantial (so you know it's there) without becoming tiring to hold for long periods.

For anyone who's experienced the clunkier feel of ultra-rugged phones, the X9c brings a welcome refinement. It's durable without looking or feeling like a mini-brick. This balance makes it comfortable to carry around in a bag, jacket pocket, or even pants pocket without weighing you down.

Honor has gone with a sleek, yet versatile color palette for the X9c. Here's a breakdown of each color option and the kind of vibe it might suit:

• Jade Cyan: This color gives off a lively, refreshing vibe - perfect for users who like to make a statement without being overly flashy. Jade Cyan has a bold but elegant feel that's ideal for those who appreciate unique colorways in their gadgets, and it's also pretty distinctive in the world of rugged phones.
• Titanium Black: This classic color is all about understated sophistication. Titanium Black fits well with users who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, something that exudes professionalism or suits the office environment just as well as the outdoors. It's a timeless color choice for users who don't want to worry about trends.
• Titanium Purple: This one's a head-turner, offering a blend of playfulness and style. Titanium Purple brings a little more personality than the typical rugged phone colors, making it perfect for users who want to stand out. It's a great choice for creatives or anyone who appreciates a subtle dash of color that isn't too flashy.

Each of these colors keeps things subtle yet stylish, giving you the flexibility to choose a model that matches your personality and lifestyle. Whether you're after a modern, eye-catching vibe or a more classic look, the X9c's colors are as thoughtfully selected as its rugged features.

If we compare the X9c with the predecessor Honor X9b, there's not a substantial change in dimensions and weight. The X9b was 163.6×75.5×8 mm and 185 g.

Durability and IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

Built with scratch-resistant materials, the X9c stands out for its resilience. Tested against 3000 steel wool rubs, this device is made to survive rough handling. Additionally, it can handle drops from up to 2 meters onto concrete, giving you peace of mind in rough environments.

Another standout feature is its ability to operate between -30 °C and 55 °C. This wide operating range makes it ideal for those working or exploring in extreme climates - whether you're hiking in freezing conditions or enduring a desert's heat.

The Honor X9c is IP65M-rated, meaning it can withstand dust and low-pressure water exposure, though submersion isn't recommended.

Let's decode the digits 6 and 5 and the letter M in the X9c's IP65M rating. The digit 6 indicates the highest level of protection against dust. Your device is practically impervious to the finest dust particles, ensuring its internal components remain free from unwanted guests.

The digit 5 denotes protection against water jets. This means your Honor X9c can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction, making it resistant to rain, splashes, and the occasional clumsy beverage spill. However, submersion in water is not recommended.

The letter "M" stands for motion, which means the Honor X9c was subjected to dust or water tests while its components (such as buttons or mechanical parts) were moving. It tells us that this device can handle a fair amount of rough, active usage without compromising its dust and water resistance - a big plus for an ultra-durable smartphone!

While an IP65M rating is robust, it's always wise to add an extra layer of defense, especially if you're planning an adventure or you're just accident-prone. Here are some practical tips:

• Protective Case: Invest in a reliable protective case. Not only does it add an extra buffer against accidental drops, but it also guards against environmental elements that might challenge the IP65M rating.
• Screen Protector: A durable screen protector is a wise choice. It not only shields your display from scratches but can also act as an additional barrier against water ingress. It's the guardian angel for your touchscreen.
• Common-Sense Caution: Despite the IP65M rating, avoid unnecessary exposure to extreme conditions. If you're headed to the beach or a dusty construction site, consider keeping your phone in a secure pocket or pouch when not in use.

Remember, while the IP65M rating offers a commendable level of protection, it's not a blank check for reckless behavior. Adding a case and a screen protector is like giving your Honor X9c a suit of armor - extra insurance for your tech investment. After all, a little extra care goes a long way in preserving your tech marvel!

For comparison, the predecessor X9b came with an IP53 rating in some markets.

Display: AMOLED Brilliance with Ultra-Bright Output

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The Honor X9c's display is a major highlight. With a 6.78-inch curved AMOLED panel, it provides immersive visuals with vibrant colors and deep contrasts. At 1224×2700 pixels, the display achieves a sharp 437 PPI, ensuring everything from text to high-res photos appears crisp. The screen goes up to an astounding 4000 nits, making it one of the brightest displays available. Paired with a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, you get fluid visuals that are especially noticeable when gaming or scrolling.

Image credit: Honor

Here are the relevant specs:

The Honor X9c's display is packed with impressive features that set it apart from typical rugged phones. It is a huge selling point, especially for a phone focused on durability. AMOLED, or Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode, offers a vibrant color palette with deep blacks and excellent contrast ratios. Unlike LCDs, which rely on backlighting, each pixel in an AMOLED display emits its own light. This means that dark areas of the screen can actually turn off individual pixels, resulting in richer blacks and much higher contrast ratios.

This kind of display tech not only makes visuals more immersive but also has power-saving benefits. When displaying darker content, an AMOLED screen consumes less power, as fewer pixels are active. This is especially helpful for users who might be using the phone in rugged, power-sensitive environments where charging opportunities may be limited.

The curved display of the Honor X9c, while primarily an aesthetic feature, adds a premium touch. It gives the device a sleek look and provides a more immersive viewing experience by minimizing the visible edges around the screen.

Curved edges also improve touch navigation, allowing for easy gesture control from the sides, which can be handy when using the phone single-handedly.

The 120 Hz refresh rate makes the Honor X9c's display feel ultra-smooth and responsive. This higher refresh rate means the screen refreshes 120 times per second, which is twice as fast as the standard 60 Hz found on many devices. This feature is especially appreciated in fast-paced tasks like gaming, where smoother visuals can enhance gameplay, or even in everyday scrolling, where it makes transitions feel fluid and reduces eye strain.

For a rugged phone, which is often used outdoors or in high-motion scenarios, a 120 Hz refresh rate is a luxury feature that adds to the phone's premium feel.

With a 1224×2700 pixel resolution at approximately 437 pixels per inch (PPI), the Honor X9c's display is quite sharp. This higher pixel density means finer details, clearer text, and an overall crisper image, which is especially noticeable in high-resolution photos, videos, and games.

Whether you're reviewing field documents, watching HD video, or capturing and viewing photos, this high-resolution display ensures everything looks pin-sharp.

Perhaps one of the most jaw-dropping features of the Honor X9c's display is its 4000 nits peak brightness. For context, many flagship smartphones peak at around 1500 to 2000 nits, so 4000 nits is exceptionally bright. This makes it easy to view the screen even in direct sunlight - an invaluable feature for rugged phone users who might be using the device outdoors, in bright environments, or in extreme conditions.

This level of brightness also improves HDR content, making highlights brighter and providing a more dynamic range, which contributes to a highly immersive viewing experience.

The Honor X9c's support for 1 billion colors is another premium feature that enhances visual quality. With 1 billion colors, this display can render far more shades and subtleties than a typical 16.7-million color display.

For users, this translates into more lifelike color gradation, smoother transitions between hues, and an overall richer visual experience, especially when viewing high-quality media or engaging in creative tasks that require accurate color representation.

PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) dimming at 3840 Hz helps minimize eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. PWM dimming is a method used to control brightness by switching the backlight on and off at high frequencies. In low-frequency PWM displays, this can create a visible flicker, which can lead to eye fatigue and strain, particularly for those sensitive to it.

The X9c's 3840 Hz high-frequency PWM dimming effectively eliminates visible flicker, providing a more comfortable viewing experience for extended periods. This feature is beneficial for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts who may use the device for long stretches, as it reduces eye strain and allows for longer, more comfortable screen time.

In conclusion, the Honor X9c's display combines premium AMOLED technology, high brightness, 1 billion colors, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and high-frequency PWM dimming - all impressive in a rugged phone. This screen is built not only to survive in extreme conditions but to thrive, making the Honor X9c a powerful choice for users who demand both durability and high-end visuals. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, a fieldworker, or simply someone who values top-tier display quality in a rugged package, this phone has you covered.

For comparison, the predecessor Honor X9b featured a 6.78-inch, 1220×2652 px AMOLED display, with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits peak brightness. It too supported 1 billion colors.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

On the cellular connectivity front, the Honor X9c supports GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks, offering seamless connectivity and faster data speeds.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

SIM

The Honor X9c supports dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by). This capability adds a layer of convenience for those juggling work and personal life on a single device.

Chipset - Performance

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) chip powers this device, using an octa-core setup (comprising two types of cores) for efficient multitasking and reliable performance. While this chip isn't the latest flagship processor, it's more than capable of handling everyday tasks, gaming, and media consumption smoothly. The Adreno 710 GPU complements the CPU, allowing for decent gaming performance and smooth graphics rendering in high-resolution content.

For midrange users, this setup delivers an ideal balance of power efficiency and performance, though those looking for the absolute best gaming experience might find the chipset slightly limited.

Here are the relevant specs:

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (built on an efficient 4-nm process) makes the X9c a solid mid-range performer. This chipset balances power and efficiency, providing an impressive performance for everyday tasks while also keeping power consumption in check. It is a well-rounded mid-range chipset designed to handle a variety of mobile tasks with solid efficiency.

The 4-nm process technology enhances the chipset's performance-to-power ratio, meaning it can execute tasks smoothly without draining the battery too quickly. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is designed for users who want a reliable and smooth experience across multiple apps, moderate gaming, and daily productivity tasks.

The CPU in the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is divided into two types of cores:

• Four High-Performance Cores (Cortex-A78 at 2.2 GHz): These Cortex-A78 cores are the "heavy lifters" of the CPU, clocked at 2.2 GHz. They're designed to handle demanding tasks such as running complex apps, multitasking, and moderate gaming. The Cortex-A78 cores kick in when you need more processing power, ensuring that apps load quickly and graphics-rendering tasks, like light gaming or editing photos, don't lag.
• Four Power-Efficient Cores (Cortex-A55 at 1.8 GHz): The Cortex-A55 cores are built for efficiency, clocked at a lower speed of 1.8 GHz. These cores manage less-intensive tasks, such as background app processes, browsing, and basic system functions. By offloading lighter tasks to these efficient cores, the X9c can conserve power, extending battery life and ensuring smoother multitasking by letting the A78 cores "rest" when full power isn't required.

This balance between high-performance and power-efficient cores is known as big.LITTLE architecture. It provides the phone with a balanced power curve, where intensive and simple tasks can run concurrently without placing unnecessary strain on the battery.

The Adreno 710 GPU is integrated into the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, handling all the graphical tasks of the Honor X9c. It's capable of delivering decent performance for graphic-intensive tasks, such as HD video playback, light gaming, and even some augmented reality (AR) applications.

Although it isn't a flagship-grade GPU, the Adreno 710 supports OpenGL and Vulkan, which are essential for rendering graphics in modern games and 3D applications.

With this configuration, the Honor X9c is well-suited for a variety of casual tasks, including:

• Everyday Use: Web browsing, social media, streaming, and typical productivity apps are handled smoothly by this chipset and CPU combination.
• Multitasking: The balance between the high-performance A78 cores and the efficient A55 cores means that the Honor X9c can handle multiple apps open in the background without slowing down significantly.
• Gaming (Moderate): The phone can manage light to moderate games well, especially those that aren't graphically demanding. Casual games and even some popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile are playable at moderate settings, though intensive gaming at high settings might stretch the GPU and cause some frame drops or overheating over long sessions.

However, this setup does have some limitations, such as:

• High-End Gaming: For users interested in graphically demanding games, especially at high frame rates or settings, the Adreno 710 may struggle to keep up. Advanced effects, like realistic shadows and high-detail textures, could lead to lag or reduced performance.
• Heavy Productivity and Creative Workloads: Tasks such as high-resolution video editing, 3D rendering, or working with large design files would benefit from a more powerful CPU and GPU configuration. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is capable but not optimized for such intensive productivity tasks, which typically require flagship-level processing power, like the Snapdragon 8 series.

In essence, the Honor X9c's processing setup is ideal for the everyday to moderate user: it's efficient for standard tasks, dependable for casual gaming, and powerful enough to multitask without lag. While it won't fully satisfy power users or those seeking to use demanding creative apps, it offers an excellent experience for anyone needing a durable device that performs well across the board.

For comparison, the predecessor Honor X9b featured the same chipset, CPU, and GPU combination.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

The Honor X9c's memory configurations cater to different types of users, whether they need basic storage or a bit more room for media files, games, and apps. However, with no microSD card slot, you won't be able to expand storage further - so choosing the right storage variant upfront is essential.

For comparison, the predecessor X9b came in the same three memory and storage variants.

Cameras

The Honor X9c sports a dual camera setup featuring a 108 MP wide camera with OIS for delivering sharp, detailed photos; and a 5 MP ultrawide camera for capturing wider scenes and group shots. The camera can record in 4K at 30 fps, a significant feature in this price range, offering cinematic quality for videos.

The 16 MP front-facing camera is well-suited for social media-ready selfies, though it doesn't match flagship-level quality. Video recording at 1080p at 30 fps is more than adequate for video calls and vlogs.

Rear Camera

Image credit: Honor

The Honor X9c's main camera setup is designed to deliver a versatile photography experience with a dual-lens configuration. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Honor X9c
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	108 MP (wide), 5 MP (ultrawide)
Aperture	f/1.75, f/2.2
Sensor Size	1/1.67″, N/A
Pixel Size	0.64 μm, N/A
Autofocus	PDAF, N/A
Image Stabilization	OIS, N/A
Video Recording	4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR

The 108 MP wide lens is the powerhouse of the camera system, offering high-resolution shots with rich detail and depth. With an f/1.75 aperture, the main lens allows a significant amount of light to enter, making it well-suited for low-light conditions and enabling softer backgrounds in portrait shots.

The sensor size (1/1.67″) combined with a pixel size of 0.64 μm ensures sharper images in bright environments. Honor uses pixel-binning technology, which combines pixels to create a higher-quality image in challenging lighting, effectively making the sensor more versatile across different scenarios.

The 5 MP ultrawide sensor (f/2.2 aperture) adds a wider field of view, perfect for capturing landscapes, group shots, and wide-angle perspectives. With this secondary lens, you can fit more into a single frame without compromising too much on quality.

While the resolution is lower than the primary sensor, it gives the camera system added flexibility for creative framing and capturing a larger scene.

Together, these two lenses make the Honor X9c a well-rounded choice for most day-to-day photography needs, from vibrant landscapes to crisp, close-up shots.

Among the camera features, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) is an advanced autofocus technology, which ensures that the Honor X9c's camera quickly and accurately focuses on subjects, even in motion. PDAF uses dedicated pixels on the sensor to measure the phase difference between light rays and adjust focus almost instantaneously.

This is especially useful for taking sharp images of moving subjects, like pets or kids, and for focusing in low-light environments, where accurate focus is essential.

OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is a crucial feature for reducing blur from hand movements or slight vibrations while taking photos and recording videos. By physically moving the camera lens to counteract any shakiness, OIS ensures clearer and more stable shots, especially in low-light conditions where longer exposures are needed.

This makes the 108 MP sensor even more powerful by enhancing its low-light capabilities.

The LED flash provides extra illumination in dark settings, helping improve image brightness and clarity when natural lighting is insufficient.

The flash is especially useful for capturing finer details in low-light environments, as it provides direct, bright light to balance the scene and reduce shadows.

The panorama mode on the Honor X9c allows you to capture wide, sweeping shots of landscapes, cityscapes, or large group gatherings. By combining multiple images into a single, wide-angle photo, this mode captures scenes that wouldn't typically fit into a single frame, delivering high-resolution images with a broad perspective.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances photos by balancing exposure in high-contrast scenes. When HDR is enabled, the camera takes multiple photos at varying exposures and combines them, capturing details in both the bright and dark areas of the scene.

This feature is ideal for scenes where both shadows and highlights are present, such as a sunset or a backlit subject, as it brings out detail in each part of the photo.

The main camera also supports 4K video recording at 30 fps and 1080p recording at 30 fps, which ensures high-definition video quality with detailed textures and vibrant colors.

In conclusion, the Honor X9c's camera setup, anchored by a 108 MP main sensor, offers a robust photography experience that excels in a wide variety of shooting conditions. The inclusion of PDAF and OIS enhances usability by improving focus speed and reducing blur, while the ultrawide sensor opens up creative possibilities for wider shots.

Combined with features like HDR, panorama, and LED flash, this camera setup is well-equipped to handle diverse shooting environments, from low-light to high-contrast scenarios. Overall, it's a strong offering for a mid-range phone, ensuring that you can capture clear, vibrant, and well-composed shots, whether for social media or personal keepsakes.

For comparison, the older Honor X9b featured a triple camera setup, consisting of 108 MP wide and 5 MP ultrawide lenses similar to those in the X9c (but sans the OIS), plus a 2 MP (f/2.4) macro lens. Its video recording capabilities and feature set matched those of the X9c.

Battery and Charging: Big Power and Fast Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

One of the X9c's best attributes is its 6600 mAh Si-C battery, which should comfortably last over a day even with heavy use. For outdoor adventurers or professionals who can't always be near a charger, this is a huge plus.

The 66 W wired charging is reasonably fast, allowing for a quick top-up when you need it. Additionally, reverse wired charging means it can share power with other devices - handy if you need to charge a friend's phone or a secondary device in a pinch.

For comparison, the older X9b came with a 5800 mAh Li-Po battery, with 35 W wired charging. It too supported reverse wired charging.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The Honor X9c includes stereo speakers for a more immersive sound experience, which is great for media consumption and gaming. However, it lacks a 3.5 mm headphone jack, meaning you will need Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter for wired listening.

For comparison, the predecessor X9b came with a single loudspeaker. It too lacked the 3.5 mm jack.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Honor X9c leaves little to be desired. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks. Also, there's Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows direct device-to-device connections without the need for a router. It's perfect for fast file transfers and seamless collaboration.

The X9c boasts Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

With GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS support, you can navigate with confidence, whether exploring new cities or embarking on outdoor adventures.

Depending upon the market where you get your X9c, it may have NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

The Honor X9c also sports infrared port.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The Honor X9c comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is the in-display, optical type in the X9c.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Honor X9c release date?

  The Honor X9c has been announced on the 5th November, 2024. It is expected to release on the 15th November, 2024.

• What is Honor X9c price?

  The Honor X9c is priced at MYR 1499 (about USD 340) for the 12 GB / 256 GB variant, and goes up to MYR 1699 (about USD 386) for the 12 GB / 512 GB variant.