Honor X9c Smart: A Reliable Mid-Range Contender

Honor

The Honor X9c Smart, scheduled for release in December 2024, offers a strong blend of practicality and performance. Designed to meet everyday needs without breaking the bank, it comes equipped with essential features and a stylish design.


Design and Build

  • Dimensions: 165.98mm x 75.8mm x 7.88mm, weighing 193 grams.
  • Water Resistance: Included for added durability.
  • Available in White and Blue, it features a sleek frameless design.
  • Fingerprint Reader: Positioned on the side for easy access.

Display

The 6.8-inch TFT LCD display delivers vibrant visuals:

  • FHD+ resolution (1080×2412) with 389 PPI pixel density.
  • 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth navigation.
  • Max brightness of 850 nits, suitable for outdoor use.
  • Touchscreen with wet finger detection and multi-touch support.

While it’s not AMOLED, the display quality is commendable for its price range.


Performance and Hardware

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 chipset, the device provides reliable performance:

  • 8-core CPU (2x 2.5GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x 2.0GHz Cortex-A55).
  • Built with 6nm technology, ensuring efficient power consumption.
  • 8GB RAM with support for an additional 8GB virtual RAM for smoother multitasking.
  • 256GB internal storage (no expandable storage).

The IMG BXM-8-256 GPU supports moderate gaming and multimedia tasks.


Battery and Charging

The 5800mAh battery ensures long-lasting use:

  • Up to 19.8 hours of gaming and 41.9 hours of music playback.
  • Supports 35W fast charging, delivering quick recharges.

However, it lacks wireless charging, common at this price point.


Camera Capabilities

The Honor X9c Smart is equipped with a capable camera system:

  • Rear Camera:
    • 108 MP main sensor with f/1.75 aperture for detailed shots.
    • 3x lossless zoom enhances clarity for distant subjects.
    • A 5 MP ultra-wide lens with f/2.2 aperture.
    • Video recording at 1080p@30fps with EIS for stabilization.
  • Front Camera:
    • 16 MP selfie camera with AI enhancements.
    • Portrait mode and features like gesture shot and smile detection.

The camera setup, while versatile, does not include optical image stabilization (OIS), which may affect low-light performance.


Connectivity and Features

  • 5G ready, along with support for 4G VoLTE and dual-SIM functionality.
  • Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3 for stable wireless connections.
  • NFC for contactless payments.
  • Navigation systems include GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and Galileo.
  • Stereo speakers provide decent audio quality for media playback.

Software

Running on Android 14 (U) with MagicOS 8.0, the user interface is intuitive and feature-rich.

  • Features like screen mirroring, face recognition, and an easy interface mode enhance usability.

Verdict

The Honor X9c Smart offers a robust package for mid-range users, excelling in battery life, camera capabilities, and display performance.

Pros:

  • Large, high-refresh-rate display.
  • Long-lasting 5800mAh battery.
  • High-resolution 108 MP main camera with 3x lossless zoom.
  • Competitive pricing for its specifications.

Cons:

  • No AMOLED screen, limiting contrast and color richness.
  • Lacks OIS for enhanced photo and video stability.
  • USB 2.0 port feels dated for data transfer speeds.

The Honor X9c Smart is ideal for users seeking a reliable mid-tier device with a focus on display, battery life, and camera performance.