Honor X7c: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse With Impressive Specs For Everyday Users

Body

At first glance, the Honor X7c sports a sleek design that fits comfortably in hand. Measuring 166.9×76.8×8.1 mm and weighing around 194 g to 196 g, it offers a good balance between size and portability. What stands out here is the tempered glass display protection, which adds durability to the phone, especially for users prone to drops or scratches. Available in Forest Green, Midnight Black, and Moonlight White, the X7c caters to those who like a variety of aesthetic choices. Here are the relevant specs:

When it comes to the dimensions and weight of the Honor X7c, it strikes a solid balance between a large display and comfortable handling. At 6.57 inches tall and a little over 3 inches wide, it's definitely on the larger side, which means two-handed operation might be needed for some tasks. That said, the thickness of just 8.1 mm makes it slim enough to slip into pockets and bags without much hassle.

In terms of weight, while 194 g to 196 g isn't super heavy, it's noticeable enough that users who prefer ultra-light devices may find it slightly chunky for prolonged one-handed use. However, it does offer a reassuring feel in the hand, suggesting a certain sturdiness. If you're someone who enjoys watching videos or gaming for extended periods, the size works in your favor, though holding it up for long stretches could lead to some hand fatigue.

The inclusion of tempered glass for display protection is a big plus for the Honor X7c, especially at this price point. It's a nice upgrade from regular glass or plastic, offering better resistance to scratches and minor impacts. For those who tend to drop their phone more often than they'd like to admit (we've all been there), this extra layer of durability will give some peace of mind.

While tempered glass won't make the phone invincible against hard drops, it does provide enough protection to survive everyday wear and tear. It's particularly useful for those who prefer to skip screen protectors but still want some security for their display.

The Honor X7c comes in three distinct color options: Forest Green, Midnight Black, and Moonlight White, each with its own personality:

• Forest Green: A deep, earthy tone that appeals to nature lovers and those who prefer a subtle yet stylish phone. It's a great choice for users who want something different from the usual black or white, but not too flashy.
• Midnight Black: Sleek, professional, and classic, this is the go-to color for anyone who likes a minimalist aesthetic. It suits professionals, as well as users who want their phone to blend seamlessly into any situation, whether casual or formal.
• Moonlight White: This option exudes a clean, fresh vibe, perfect for users who like their devices to have a modern, almost futuristic look. It's a good fit for those who appreciate simplicity but still want their phone to stand out.

Each color option brings a different vibe, so whether you're a nature-inspired minimalist, a no-nonsense professional, or someone who likes a sleek, clean look, the Honor X7c has a color to suit your personality.

If we compare the Honor X7c with the predecessor X7b, it'a a bit larger but slimmer and lighter. The Honor X7b was 166.7×76.5×8.2 mm and 199 g.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

The Honor X7c is IP64-rated, offering protection against dust and light water exposure, so accidental splashes won't be much of an issue.

The "IP" in IP64 stands for Ingress Protection, and those two numbers are like the phone's superhero stats. The first digit is for solid particle protection. Its value 6 here means your X7c is a fortress against dust. It's like having a tiny shield that says, "No, dust, you shall not pass!"

The second digit is for liquid ingress protection. With a value of 4, it tells you that the phone can withstand splashes of water from any direction. So, rain or accidental spills won't turn your X7c into a paperweight. However, immersion in water is not recommended. So, if you're planning deep-sea adventures for your phone, you might want to reconsider.

Now, to the million-dollar question: How to keep your Honor X7c safe and sound?

• Get a Protective Case: A rugged case is like a suit of armor for your phone. It adds an extra layer of defense against accidental drops and bumps. Plus, it can shield your X7c from dust, keeping it in superhero mode.
• Embrace the Screen Protector: A tempered glass screen protector is the unsung hero of smartphone longevity. It guards your display against scratches and minor impacts, ensuring your viewing experience stays crystal clear.
• Water-Resistant Pouch for Adventures: If you're venturing into the great outdoors or anticipating encounters with water beyond splashes, consider a water-resistant pouch. It's like a spa day for your X7c - protected and pampered.

IP64 is your phone's way of saying, "I've got this, but a little extra care won't hurt." So, deck out your device with a sturdy case, a trusty screen protector, and maybe a waterproof pouch for those adventurous days. With a bit of TLC (tender loving care), your Honor X7c will be the superhero companion you can rely on, rain or shine!

For comparison, the predecessor Honor X7b lacked an IP rating.

Display: Smooth and Bright for the Price

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

The Honor X7c comes with a 6.77-inch TFT LCD display, offering a 120 Hz refresh rate - a fantastic feature for a phone in this price bracket. The display can hit a peak brightness of 850 nits, making it usable in bright outdoor environments, though it's not the brightest in its class. On the downside, the 720×1610 pixel resolution (at about 261 PPI) means you're not getting the sharpest display out there. At this size, a 1080p resolution would have been more desirable, but for most users who prioritize fluidity and brightness over pixel density, the X7c delivers well enough.

Image credit: Honor

Here are the relevant specs:

The display of the Honor X7c is definitely one of its more intriguing features, particularly because it blends some impressive specs like a 120 Hz refresh rate with more modest aspects like its 720×1610 pixel resolution. The phone uses a TFT LCD panel, a technology that's widely known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness. While it doesn't offer the vibrant colors or deep blacks of AMOLED displays, TFT LCD panels provide good color accuracy and brightness at a more affordable price.

TFT LCDs typically have decent color reproduction, though they might not be as vivid as OLED screens. For most users, this won't be a dealbreaker, as the colors are natural enough for watching videos, browsing, and even light gaming.

LCD panels generally perform well outdoors in bright light, and the Honor X7c's peak brightness of 850 nits ensures that you can comfortably use the phone under direct sunlight.

TFT LCDs traditionally suffer from narrower viewing angles compared to other display types, meaning the colors may shift slightly if viewed from the side. However, modern panels have mitigated this to a reasonable extent, so the Honor X7c holds up for day-to-day use.

One of the most standout features of the X7c's display is the 120 Hz refresh rate. A refresh rate this high is a huge plus, especially for a phone in this price range. It's a feature more often found in midrange and flagship devices, so it really makes the X7c feel premium in terms of display performance.

Whether you're browsing social media, scrolling through web pages, or switching between apps, the higher refresh rate ensures that everything feels buttery smooth. Once you've experienced 120 Hz, going back to 60 Hz can feel a bit sluggish.

If you're into mobile gaming, the 120 Hz refresh rate can make fast-paced games feel a lot more responsive and fluid. Casual gamers will appreciate the enhanced visual fluidity, though hardcore gamers might miss the added power of a higher-end GPU.

The display's 720×1610 pixel resolution translates to a 261 PPI (pixels per inch) density, which is acceptable but not the sharpest. For a 6.77-inch display, a higher resolution - like 1080p - would have been ideal for crisper images and text.

For everyday tasks such as browsing, texting, and watching videos, the resolution is serviceable. Standard-definition videos on streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix will still look decent, and most users won't notice any major pixelation unless they're looking for it.

However, for more detailed tasks, such as reading fine text or viewing high-res images, the 720p resolution could feel a bit lacking. Users who consume a lot of HD content, such as high-definition gaming, photo editing, and media with intricate visual detail, might find the lower resolution less satisfying. The lower pixel density also means that sharper 4K content won't fully shine on this display, though such content isn't often a priority for this price range.

The 850 nits peak brightness is a strong point, particularly for a TFT LCD display. This level of brightness allows the screen to remain easily viewable in bright outdoor conditions, whether you're texting, navigating, or browsing.

Many budget phones struggle when it comes to outdoor visibility, but the Honor X7c's screen brightness should perform admirably in direct sunlight or other bright environments. This is a big plus for users who spend a lot of time outdoors and need their phone to be visible at all times.

In conclusion, while the 720×1610 px resolution might feel a bit underwhelming for users who demand crisper visuals, the 120 Hz refresh rate and 850 nits of brightness do a lot to elevate the overall experience. The TFT LCD technology, while not as premium as OLED, still delivers solid brightness and color accuracy, making the display well-suited for general tasks like web browsing, social media, and streaming videos.

However, users who regularly engage in high-resolution content creation or high-end gaming might prefer a device with a sharper resolution for a more detailed visual experience. Overall, the Honor X7c's display, with its smooth refresh rate and bright panel, offers an enjoyable visual experience at a budget-friendly price point, making it a great option for everyday content consumption.

For comparison, the predecessor Honor X7b featured a 6.8-inch, 1080×2412 px IPS LCD display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and 850 nits peak brightness.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Navigating through the tech landscape, the Honor X7c supports the GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies.

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.

SIM

The Honor X7c's dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by) capability adds flexibility, catering to those who navigate between personal and professional domains.

Chipset - Performance: Snapdragon 685 for Solid Multitasking

Under the hood, the Honor X7c is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset, built on a 6-nm process. It's a good fit for the phone's price point, offering enough power for everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and social media. With an Octa-core CPU (comprising two types of cores), the phone handles multitasking efficiently without major slowdowns. The Adreno 610 GPU is serviceable for casual gaming, but don't expect high-end gaming performance. Graphics-heavy games will likely need to run at lower settings to avoid stutters or frame drops. Here are the relevant specs:

The chipset, CPU, and GPU of the Honor X7c work together to offer a balanced performance for everyday tasks, moderate gaming, and multitasking. The phone is equipped with the Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 chipset, which is a 6-nm SoC (System-on-Chip) designed to deliver decent efficiency and performance for midrange devices like this one.

The Snapdragon 685 is a solid mid-tier chipset, known for its balance between power efficiency and performance. Built on the 6-nm process, it ensures that the phone can handle most tasks smoothly without overheating or draining the battery too quickly. The 6-nm manufacturing process also means the chipset is more energy-efficient, translating into better battery life during daily use.

While not a flagship-level performer, the Snapdragon 685 is designed to handle everyday activities like browsing, social media, video playback, and light gaming without much lag.

The CPU in the Honor X7c is made up of eight cores, split into two types for a balance of performance and efficiency:

• Four Cortex-A73 cores (clocked at 2.8 GHz): These are the performance cores, designed to handle more demanding tasks. When you're gaming, using multiple apps at once, or performing heavier computations (like video editing), these cores kick into action. Their higher clock speed of 2.8 GHz allows for snappy performance in these scenarios.

  These cores are built for tasks that need more processing power, like rendering graphics, playing demanding games, and running multiple apps simultaneously. They make sure that the phone stays responsive when you're doing more than just light tasks.

• Four Cortex-A53 cores (clocked at 1.9 GHz): These are the efficiency cores, responsible for handling lighter tasks like background processes, texting, web browsing, and simple app usage. Since these tasks don't need as much processing power, the Cortex-A53 cores run at a lower speed (1.9 GHz) to conserve battery life.

  These are designed for everyday tasks like making calls, sending messages, and scrolling through social media. Their lower power consumption helps save battery when you're not using demanding apps, ensuring that the phone doesn't drain its battery unnecessarily when handling simpler tasks.

In practice, the big.LITTLE architecture of this octa-core CPU means that the phone can switch between the performance and efficiency cores depending on what you're doing. For everyday use, you won't notice this switching - everything just feels smooth - but it's happening in the background to optimize performance and battery life.

The Adreno 610 GPU handles graphics processing on the Honor X7c. It's not the most powerful GPU in Qualcomm's lineup, but for a phone at this price point, it's more than capable of delivering smooth graphics for general use and moderate gaming.

The Adreno 610 is well-suited for casual gaming, such as puzzle games, adventure titles, and other less graphically intensive games. Games like Asphalt 9 and PUBG Mobile can run reasonably well at lower settings, though you might notice some stuttering or lower frame rates in more demanding titles. The GPU also handles video playback and graphic rendering for apps. It's good enough for 1080p video streaming, light video editing, and smooth transitions within apps.

However, if you're a serious mobile gamer looking for ultra-smooth performance in high-end 3D games, the Adreno 610 might fall short compared to more powerful GPUs. Still, for most users, the GPU should handle everyday visual tasks and moderate gaming just fine.

Overall, the Snapdragon 685 chipset, along with its octa-core CPU and Adreno 610 GPU, provides a solid foundation for everyday performance. The Cortex-A73 performance cores ensure that the phone can handle more demanding tasks without lag, while the Cortex-A53 efficiency cores help extend battery life during light use. The Adreno 610 GPU is sufficient for casual gaming and smooth multimedia performance, though it's not designed for the most graphically intensive games.

In short, the Honor X7c's processing power is more than adequate for typical day-to-day tasks, light multitasking, and moderate gaming. While power users or serious gamers may want more muscle under the hood, the phone strikes a great balance for its price, especially considering its energy efficiency and ability to handle everyday demands.

For comparison, the predecessor X7b featured the Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (4×2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold + 4×1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) and the Adreno 610 GPU.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

The Honor X7c comes in two RAM and storage configurations. Either option should suffice for most users, though the 8 GB model will handle more intensive multitasking better. It's unclear whether the phone supports microSD expansion, which might be a concern for media-heavy users.

For comparison, the predecessor Honor X7b came in five variants, offering 6 GB to 12 GB of RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card.

Cameras: 108 MP Leads the Charge

In the camera department, the Honor X7c offers a dual-camera setup, headlined by a 108 MP main sensor. For a phone in this segment, a 108 MP sensor is a standout feature, providing detailed images with solid dynamic range. However, the small 0.64 µm pixel size suggests that low-light photography might not be its strength, as smaller pixels tend to struggle in darker environments.

The 2 MP depth sensor plays a supporting role, helping to create better portrait shots with bokeh effects.

Image credit: Honor

The front camera comes in at 8 MP with an f/2.0 aperture. While it won't win any awards for clarity, it's enough for standard selfies and video calls.

Battery Life: All-Day Power with Fast Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

One of the standout features of the Honor X7c is its battery life. Depending on the market, the phone is available with either a 5200 mAh (as listed on this Honor.com page) or 6000 mAh battery, which should easily last through a full day of regular use, and perhaps even two with lighter usage.

The inclusion of 35 W wired charging means you won't be waiting too long to top up your battery.

For comparison, the older X7b came with a 5330 mAh or 6000 mAh Li-Po battery, with 35 W wired charging support.

Sound

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

Here are the relevant specs:

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of stereo speakers and 24-bit, 192 kHz Hi-Res audio support. These features ensure you get a decent audio experience whether you're listening to music, watching videos, or playing games. The 3.5 mm headphone jack is also here, saving you the hassle of having to use an adapter for wired headphones.

For comparison, the predecessor Honor X7b sported a similar audio setup.

Connectivity

The Honor X7c covers the connectivity essentials, with the various options contributing to a well-rounded connectivity suite. 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 X7c boasts Bluetooth 5.0, 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 X7c, it may have NFC, which is a huge plus, enabling contactless payments - a feature not always available in budget phones. This technology also allows you to 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.

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 X7c 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 side-facing in the X7c.
• 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 X7c release date?

  The Honor X7c has been announced and released on the 18th October, 2024.

• What is Honor X7c price?

  The Honor X7c is priced at AZN 360 (about USD 212) for the 6 GB / 128 GB variant, and AZN 410 (about USD 241) for the 8 GB / 256 GB variant.