The Honor X9b, launched in February 2024, positions itself as a mid-range contender with features that might make you do a double take. Let’s delve into its specs, strengths, and potential drawbacks to see if it lives up to its aspirations.
A Display Built to Last (and Look Good):
The X9b boasts a large, 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. Its 1.5K resolution falls short of flagship territory, but its 100% DCI-P3 color gamut ensures vibrant picture quality. More importantly, the phone earns the world’s first 5-star drop resistance certification from SGS and comes with a 365-day front and back crack replacement warranty, offering impressive peace of mind.
Powering Through Your Day:
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset sits at the heart of the X9b, offering decent performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. While it won’t blow away power users, it’s supported by up to 20GB of RAM (with HONOR RAM Turbo technology) and 256GB of storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for your files.
Camera Ready for Most Occasions:
The quad-camera system features a 108MP main sensor, flanked by an ultrawide and macro lens. While it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, the main sensor boasts 3x lossless zoom for capturing decent close-ups. Video recording maxes out at 2160p, offering good quality for everyday videography.
Long-Lasting Battery Life:
The X9b’s 5800mAh battery is a true highlight. It consistently delivers multi-day use on a single charge, earning a DXOMARK Gold Battery Label. Coupled with 35W fast charging, you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
Software and Other Considerations:
The phone runs on MagicOS 7.2, Honor’s custom Android skin, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. However, it still lacks access to Google Mobile Services in some regions, which might be a dealbreaker for some users. Additionally, the plastic back and lack of an IP rating might raise concerns about durability for some.
The Verdict: A Solid Mid-Ranger with Caveats
The Honor X9b offers a compelling package for the price. Its impressive display, long-lasting battery, and capable camera system make it a strong contender in the mid-range segment. However, the lack of a telephoto lens, plastic build, and potential software limitations depending on your region, are factors to consider.
Ultimately, whether the X9b is the right choice for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize a durable display, long battery life, and a good camera at a competitive price, it’s definitely worth considering. However, if you crave top-tier performance, the latest camera tech, or access to Google Mobile Services, you might want to look elsewhere.
