{"id":585621,"date":"2025-03-06T07:28:38","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T05:28:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/?p=585621"},"modified":"2025-03-07T08:28:23","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T06:28:23","slug":"putting-the-toughest-smartphone-of-2025-to-the-test-honor-x9c-5g-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/industrynews\/585621-putting-the-toughest-smartphone-of-2025-to-the-test-honor-x9c-5g-review.html","title":{"rendered":"Putting the toughest smartphone of 2025 to the test \u2013 HONOR X9c 5G review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>I drop my smartphone a lot. Whether it slips out of my pocket or takes a dive off my kitchen counter, it goes through extensive trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every time it happens, I wince, worried I will have to pay a fortune for a new display &#8211; or even a whole new device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For people like me, the HONOR X9c \u2013 which promises next-level durability \u2013 is a total game-changer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.takealot.com\/honor-x9c-5g-dual-sim-256gb-blue\/PLID96626514?utm_source=MyBroadband&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_term=March+2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Click here to get the HONOR X9c 5G.<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>HONOR gave us the opportunity to push this smartphone to its limits, and when I say \u2018limits\u2019, I mean it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We tested this phone in ways no sane person would dare, using challenges set out by HONOR to showcase the X9c\u2019s incredibly robust build quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our tests included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Using the phone to drive nails into wood and smash ice cubes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dropping a steel ball onto the display from 50cm high.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Having an 80kg person step on it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dropping the X9c from shoulder height<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submerging it in flowing water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Through all these tests, the HONOR X9c emerged unscathed \u2013 as you can see in our review video, below.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5iOWNwLE3r4?si=MM9LBbcDlJPmu-ZA\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-585627\" style=\"width:1200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-1-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tougher than the rest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The HONOR X9c\u2019s impressive durability is thanks to several key features, including HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0, its titanium finish, and a triple-layer seal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Setting a new benchmark, the Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 2.0 ensures the X9c can survive a two-metre fall onto a hard granite floor and up to 3,000 cycles of steel wool abrasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The X9c\u2019s three-layer ultra-sealed chassis then provides it with an IP65m rating, meaning it can withstand water spray from 360 degrees, while the industry-leading battery coating and HONOR Power Management System let the smartphone function in temperatures ranging from -30 degrees Celsius up to 55 degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to all these durability features, it is clear that the HONOR X9c can quite literally handle almost anything you throw at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-585650\" style=\"width:1200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-10.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-10-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-10-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beyond durability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The HONOR X9c stands out for its durability without sacrificing performance or style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It houses a powerful Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor paired with 12GB of RAM, which provides exceptional performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also enjoyed the smooth scrolling on its 120Hz 6.78-inch AMOLED display, and rugged outdoor users will appreciate the screen\u2019s 4,000nit brightness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-585629\" style=\"width:1200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-3-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-3-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>HONOR also fitted the X9c with a large 6,600mAh battery that can be powered up using 66W SuperCharge and delivers an outstanding three days of battery life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This powerful hardware is packed into a slim 7.98mm-thick chassis that weighs a mere 189g, ensuring the HONOR X9c is incredibly comfortable to hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curved edges complement the slim form factor, while the Jade Cyan and Titanium Black finishes looked great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Camera and AI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re in the outdoors or working in an unforgiving environment, it\u2019s great to know that you can capture photos and videos in high quality with the HONOR X9c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-PIc-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-585630\" style=\"width:1200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-PIc-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-PIc-4-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-PIc-4-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Its 108MP primary sensor lets you do this with ease, thanks to its optical image stabilisation (OIS) that ensures crisp shots every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The camera also offers several AI-powered features, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AI Eraser<\/strong> \u2013 To remove unwanted obstacles in your shots.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI OIS Motion Sensing Capture<\/strong> \u2013 Takes a photo when you jump in the air.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>AI-enhanced photography<\/strong> \u2013 Automatically adjusts settings to optimise the colours of every scene.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-585631\" style=\"width:1200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-5.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-5-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-5-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The HONOR X9c isn&#8217;t just another smartphone \u2013 it&#8217;s a powerhouse built to handle life&#8217;s unexpected moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you need performance, durability, or style, this smartphone does it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.takealot.com\/honor-x9c-5g-dual-sim-256gb-blue\/PLID96626514?utm_source=MyBroadband&amp;utm_medium=Article&amp;utm_term=March+2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Click here to get the HONOR X9c 5G.<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The specs of the HONOR X9c 5G are listed in the table below.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"mybb_table\">\n<div class=\"table-responsive\"><table class=\"table\" style=\"width: 100%;\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"7\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #c3c3c3; font-weight: bold; color: #fff;\">\n<th style=\"width: 44.2593%; text-align: center;\" colspan=\"2\">\u00a0\u00a0<strong>HONOR X9c 5G<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>OS<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">MagicOS 8.0 (based on Android 14)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Display<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">6.78-inch (2,700 x 1,224) AMOLED<br \/>120Hz refresh rate, 4,000nits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>CPU<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">12GB + 12GB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Storage<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">256GB<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Rear camera<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">108 + 5MP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Front camera<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">16MP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Cellular<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">5G<br \/>Dual SIM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Connectivity<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">Wi-Fi 5<br \/>Bluetooth 5.1<br \/>NFC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Ports\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">USB-C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Security<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">Fingerprint sensor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Durability <\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">IP65M<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Dimensions and weight<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">162.8mm x 75.5mm x 7.98mm (189g)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 44.2593%;\"><strong>Colour<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 48.19%;\">Jade Cyan and Titanium Black<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-585632\" style=\"width:1200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-6.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-6-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-6-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-PIc-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-585633\" style=\"width:1200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-PIc-7.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-PIc-7-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-PIc-7-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-585634\" style=\"width:1200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-8.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-8-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HONOR-Pic-8-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The HONOR X9c is a powerhouse built to handle life&#8217;s unexpected moments with unrivalled durability. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":341030,"featured_media":585635,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28937],"tags":[49537,98584],"class_list":["post-585621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industrynews","tag-honor","tag-x9c"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585621"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/341030"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=585621"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585621\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":585931,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/585621\/revisions\/585931"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/585635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=585621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=585621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=585621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}