The Honor X9b boasts a reputation for toughness, but is it all just hype? We’ve been using the phone for 3 months now, and here’s our in-depth user review to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Built to Last: Durability on Point
The first thing that strikes you about the Honor X9b is its design. We opted for the classic Midnight Black, which features a sleek matte finish back. Don’t be fooled by its smooth looks – this phone is built to withstand a beating. The back and frame are plastic, but that doesn’t mean it feels cheap. It’s surprisingly lightweight for a phone with a massive 5800mAh battery, and the curved display seamlessly blends into the back for a comfortable grip.
Three months in, we’ve noticed some minor scratches on the shiny frame, but they’re barely noticeable. Plus, the phone boasts an IP53 rating, offering some protection against dust and splashes. However, there’s one minor design gripe – the lack of dual speakers. While the single speaker delivers decent sound, a stereo setup would have been the icing on the cake.
Color Options to Suit Every Style
The Honor X9b comes in three enticing color options – Orange, Black, and Green. Whether you prefer something bold, classic, or vibrant, there’s a choice for everyone. This not only complements your style but also adds a touch of personalization to your smartphone.
Honor X9b: Display
The Honor X9b showcases a stunning 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It’s an SGC-certified “Ultra Bounce Anti-Drop” display, giving you peace of mind knowing it can handle accidental tumbles. The colors are vibrant and accurate, thanks to 10-bit color depth and 100% DCI-P3 coverage. Bezels are minimal, further enhancing the immersive viewing experience.
One minor downside is the lack of HDR support, but for most users, the display quality won’t be a deal-breaker. An in-display fingerprint sensor adds a touch of convenience, and outdoor visibility is excellent with a peak brightness of 1200 nits.
Powerhouse Performance: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
Under the hood, the Honor X9b packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor built on a 4nm process. This, coupled with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, translates to smooth performance for everyday tasks. When the phone launched at around ₹23k, it offered a decent deal. However, with the current price drop to under ₹20k, it becomes an even more compelling proposition.
The phone handles most tasks with ease, offering a smooth and lag-free experience. Whether you’re browsing social media, streaming videos, or even playing some casual games, the X9b delivers. The “Smooth Extreme” option further enhances the phone’s responsiveness, and there’s a “High” mode for better gaming performance.
Long-lasting battery with Rapid Charging
One of the standout features of the Honor X9b is its 5800mAh battery. This powerhouse will keep you going throughout the day and beyond. Plus, with 35W charging support via the USB-C port, you won’t have to wait long to get back in action. Say goodbye to the constant hunt for power outlets.
Capturing Memories, One Click at a Time
The camera department on the X9b is a mixed bag. The main sensor boasts a hefty 108MP resolution, accompanied by a 5MP ultrawide sensor and a 2MP macro lens. However, there’s no OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main lens, which can be a drawback in low-light situations. The 16MP selfie camera delivers decent results with good dynamic range and vibrant colors.
Overall, the main camera captures good photos, albeit with slightly boosted colors – perfect for sharing on social media. The night mode performs decently, preserving details well. The 5MP ultrawide sensor gets the job done in daylight,
but avoid zooming in as details take a hit. Portrait mode offers decent edge detection and delivers good-looking photos in both 1x and 2x zoom options.
Honor X9b: Low Light Photography
The video recording capabilities are a bit limited, with only 4K resolution at 30fps and no EIS. While the camera system isn’t the phone’s strongest suit, it delivers acceptable results for everyday use.
Compact and Lightweight
Measuring 163.6 x 75.5 x 7.98 mm and weighing just 185 grams, the Honor X9b is designed to be comfortably held in your hand and fit in your pocket with ease. Its compact and lightweight design ensures it’s not a burden to carry around.
The Final Verdict: A Tough Contender Under ₹20k
The Honor X9b has proven itself to be a reliable companion over the past 3 months. It’s a phone built to last, with a stunning display, smooth performance, and a long-lasting battery. The camera system delivers decent results for everyday use, and the software experience is clean and up-to-date.
