Honor, a sub-brand of Huawei, has made its comeback in the Indian market under its parent company Htech. They are now manufacturing Honor smartphones locally in India, and these devices come with all the essential Google apps. Their first launch in 2023, the Honor 90, was a premium model.
This year, Honor introduced the Honor X9b, a mid-range smartphone that stands out with its sleek design, strong battery, and impressive camera. As many are considering purchasing this phone, they are eager to read an Honor X9b 5G review to determine if it’s the right choice for them.
Honor X9b 5G Review
The Honor X9b has made its debut in the Indian smartphone market, and while its name might take a moment to sink in, its design and standout features catch your eye right away. Positioned as one of the most durable and reliable phones in its category, it offers great value.
If you’re in the market for a stylish, long-lasting smartphone with a large battery under ₹30,000, the Honor X9b could be a solid choice. It also delivers an enjoyable viewing experience. However, when it comes to performance, camera quality, and charging speed, it may not quite meet all of your expectations.
Honor X9b 5G Specifications and Features
The Honor X9b comes equipped with “Ultra-Bounce 360-degree anti-drop resistance” and advanced cushioning technology, earning it the distinction of being the first smartphone to receive a five-star overall drop resistance certification.
Additionally, the Honor X9b features a stunning 1.5K AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a powerful 108MP primary camera, and a large 5,800mAh battery for extended usage.
Features | Specifications |
Display | 6.7-inch curved OLED, 2652×1200 (1.5K resolution) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset |
RAM | 8GB RAM |
Storage | 256GB internal storage |
Rear Camera | 108MP main camera (f/1.75), 5MP ultra-wide camera, 2MP macro camera |
Front Camera | 16MP selfie camera |
Battery | 5800mAh, fast charging support |
Operating System | Magic UI based on Android 13 |
Design | Unibody construction with matte finish, circular camera module |
Colour Options | Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black |
Special Features | Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display, 5-star drop resistance (SGS certified) |
Connectivity | 5G, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C |
Weight | About 185 grams |
Price | ₹25,999 |
Design and Display
The Honor X9b boasts an attractive design that gives off a premium vibe. Its unibody construction and matte finish back panel offer a sleek and elegant look, while the circular camera module with a golden ring adds a distinctive touch.
One of the phone’s standout features is its “Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display,” designed to protect the device from damage even if dropped. The 6.7-inch curved display with a 1.5K resolution provides a great viewing experience, perfect for watching movies, shows, or scrolling through social media.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, the Honor X9b offers smooth day-to-day performance. However, gaming might cause occasional interruptions or slowdowns. Despite having 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the device sometimes feels sluggish.
The Honor X9b runs on Android with Honor’s Magic UI, providing a clean and intuitive interface. However, some pre-installed apps give the phone a somewhat typical feel, resembling other Chinese smartphones in the market.
Camera
The Honor X9b features a 108MP main camera, though the quality is only average. While its AI features don’t add significant improvements to photography, it still captures decent shots for social media sharing.
The ultra-wide and macro shots are also average, but the phone does include useful features like Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Pro Mode. For selfies, the 16MP front camera takes good pictures, but it doesn’t stand out in terms of quality.
Battery
Equipped with a large 5,800mAh battery, the Honor X9b delivers impressive battery life, easily lasting a day and a half on a single charge.
Honor X9b Price in India and Availability
The Honor X9b is priced at ₹25,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. It is available in two colors: Midnight Black and Sunrise Orange.
The Midnight Black model features a simple polycarbonate rear panel, while the Sunrise Orange variant has a striking orange vegan leather rear panel. For this review, we have the Midnight Black version.
In the box, you’ll find a clear TPU case, documentation, a Type-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter, wired earphones, and a Type-A to Type-C charging cable. Note that the charger is not included in the box, but a 30W charger is available separately for ₹699.
Conclusion
The Honor X9b is a solid choice for those seeking a stylish, durable, and budget-friendly smartphone under ₹30,000. With its impressive design, large 5,800mAh battery, and good display, it offers great value for everyday use.
However, its performance, camera quality, and slow charging speed may not meet the expectations of power users or those who prioritize high-end photography. If you’re looking for a reliable device for casual use, social media browsing, and media consumption, the Honor X9b is definitely worth considering.