The HONOR X9d 5G continues a tradition that Filipino fans have come to expect from the X9 series: bold durability claims backed by real-world demonstrations. Released in the Philippines at ₱18,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, the X9d arrives with noticeable upgrades in battery capacity, processing power, and water resistance. The catch? A ₱2,000 price increase over its predecessor.
That price bump immediately raises a fair question—are the improvements meaningful, or is this simply inflation at work? After weeks of daily use, the answer feels more layered than a simple yes or no.
What Exactly Is the HONOR X9d 5G Offering This Year?
At its core, the HONOR X9d 5G focuses on three pillars: toughness, longevity, and smoother performance. It runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, paired with 12GB of RAM plus virtual RAM expansion and 256GB of storage. That combination already positions it strongly within the midrange category.
The phone ships with MagicOS 9 based on Android 15. While some may have hoped for a newer MagicOS version out of the box, the current setup remains fluid and responsive. Day-to-day navigation feels snappy, and multitasking is handled comfortably.
But beyond specs, the standout story this year is durability.
Built to Survive More Than Everyday Accidents
HONOR continues to push its rugged reputation by giving the X9d an IP69K dust and water resistance rating. That’s rare in this price range. The phone is also rated for drops of up to 2.5 meters. While no smartphone is invincible, the X9d clearly leans into real-world resilience.
Flat sides replace the curved design of previous generations, giving the device a more modern profile. The slight curve at the back helps maintain comfort in hand. Available in Reddish Brown, Midnight Black, and Sunrise Gold, the design doesn’t scream luxury, but it does feel purposeful and sturdy.
The added water features like underwater camera mode and one-tap water ejection are practical bonuses. They may sound like marketing tricks at first, but they reduce anxiety when using the phone near pools or during sudden rain.
AMOLED Display and Surprisingly Loud Audio
The 6.79-inch AMOLED panel delivers a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2640 x 1200. HONOR claims peak brightness of 6000 nits, though that only applies to a small portion of the screen. In real usage, the high brightness mode reaches up to 1800 nits, which is more than enough for outdoor visibility.
Colors are vibrant, scrolling feels smooth, and eye comfort features help reduce strain during long sessions. Dual speakers provide strong audio output, though the 400% volume mode can sound harsh at close range. For casual media consumption, however, the experience is satisfying.
Performance That Feels Like a Real Upgrade
Compared to older X9 models, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 brings noticeable gains. Gaming stability improves, apps open faster, and background processes feel better managed. Titles like Pokémon UNITE run smoothly, and everyday tasks never feel sluggish.
While benchmark scores tell part of the story, the bigger win is consistency. The phone doesn’t overheat easily, and performance remains stable even during extended usage.
Massive 8300mAh Battery Changes the Conversation
The headline feature is the enormous 8300mAh battery. On paper, it promises more than a day of usage, and in real-world conditions, it often delivers nearly two full days with mixed activities such as streaming, browsing, photography, and light gaming.
Charging is handled by 66W HONOR SuperCharge. A full charge takes roughly an hour, which feels reasonable given the battery size. For users who dislike frequent charging cycles, this phone offers genuine peace of mind.
Cameras: Good, But Not Revolutionary
The rear setup includes a 108MP main sensor and a 5MP ultrawide camera, along with a 16MP front camera. Daylight photography from the main camera is sharp and social-media ready. The 3x zoom shots are surprisingly usable, maintaining decent clarity.
However, there are no major hardware upgrades compared to the previous generation. The ultrawide sensor remains serviceable but limited, especially in low light. Night mode helps in challenging conditions, though it’s best used selectively.
Video recording goes up to 4K at 30fps on the rear camera and 1080p at 30fps on the front. For everyday creators, that should be sufficient, but it doesn’t push boundaries.
Final Verdict
The HONOR X9d 5G may cost ₱18,999, but its upgrades feel purposeful rather than cosmetic. The 8300mAh battery alone sets it apart, and the addition of IP69K resistance strengthens its durability-focused identity. Performance improvements from the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 make daily use smoother, even if the camera hardware remains largely unchanged. It may not dominate every value comparison, but as an all-around durable midrange phone built for longevity, the HONOR X9d 5G is harder to ignore than ever.
