HONOR X9b 5G: Review Stylish powerful and efficient
HONOR X9b 5G Summary
Still, the HONOR X9b 5G adds a dose of style along with next-gen connectivity to a super-budget smartphone. Colourful displays make this perfect for streaming or viewing in full 1080p view, top end processors keep your multi-tasking silky smooth and 5G capable support means this device is fast whenever required. The long-lasting battery keeps your day connected while the X9b 5g takes great images with an intelligent and capable camera setup.
Key Specifications
- PROCESSOR:-Qualcomm Snapdragon® 4 Gen 2
- Display: -6. 78″FULL HD+AMOLED 120Hz refresh rate 431 ppi
- Battery: 5800mAh Lithium battery + 32W Charger
- Camera:-50MP Sony Portrait, Night•16MP Front
- RAM/Storage: 8GB/256GB,12GB/512GB Expendable Upto 1TB
- OS:-Funtouch OS 14/Android 14
- media: audio aac, wav, mp3, midi, vorbis, ape, flac video (mp4,3gp,avi,flv,mkv,webm, ts,asf)
- Colors:-Emerald Green/Phantom Purple/ Titanium Silver
Unboxing-
The Honor X9b 5G is unboxed and the following items are included:
- Device: The Honor X9b 5G smartphone.
- Intro Bag: A protective carrying case to safeguard the device during transport.
- USB: Type-A to Type-C Cable – Used for charging and data transfer
- Headphones: Wired headphones for all your audio needs.
- USB Type-C to 3.5mm Converter: The device has no dedicated 3.5mm audio jack, and this adapter allows the use of conventional wired headphones.
- SIM Ejector Tool: For inserting or taking out SIM card.
- User: guide and warranty information.
Importantly, there is no charger included in the package. The benefit for the company is that it is offering an introductory offer with a free 30W charger (priced at Rs. 699) with the phone.
In terms of specifications, the Honor X9b 5G is equipped with a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display featuring 3D curved corners and a 120Hz refresh rate for a vibrant viewing experience. The device features slim bezels and a small punch-hole that accommodates a 16-megapixel front-facing camera. While the Midnight Black version features a matte finish, the Sunrise Orange version adds leather touches. Under the hood, the phone packs the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It boots Android 13 with MagicOS 7.2 and packs a 5,800mAh battery with 35W fast charging.
Design, Build Quality and Handling
Design
Honor X9b 5G has an ultra-glam design, featuring a graphically looking 3D camera module and curved edges along with a slim body. It looks premium enough, available in colors such as Midnight Black and Sunrise Orange. It is shrouded in a circular camera module on the back panel, which sets it apart.
Build Quality
The X9b 5G features a polycarbonate back with an aluminum frame that helps it remain lightweight while providing added durability. The device has received positive reviews for its durability, with reports of it faring well when dropped or taken out of most tasks. You can rest assured that the 6.78-inch AMOLED display is engineered to withstand drops and impacts.
Handling
The smartphone weighs around 185 grams and comfortably sits in the palm. With curved edges and a slim profile, it feels more grippable and you can comfortably hold it in a single hand. Button placement is ergonomic, and the power and volume buttons are accessible on the right-hand side.
Display, Battery Life and Charging Speed
The Honor X9b 5G is an interesting smartphone that is designed to cater to those who want a vibrant display, strong battery life, and fast charging.
Display
It has a curved AMOLED display of 6.78-inch 1220 x 2652 pixels(431 ppi) resolution. This high resolution setting allows it’s perfect for media consumption and gaming with sharp and vibrant color reproduction. There is a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. It also has up to 1200 nits of peak brightness for visibility in direct sunlight. With a high ~91.2% screen-to-body ratio, it provides you with a seamless viewing experience with minimal bezels.
Battery Life
Honor X9b 5G comes with a massive 5,800mAh battery that ensures long-lasting performance with minimal recharges. On the PCMark Work 3.0 battery test (which measures performance using both 1160 and 1310 versions across typical tasks), the device scored 14 hours and 8 minutes, which is impressive. It ran for about 23 hours and 47 minutes in our continuous video playback test, proving its worthiness for marathon media eating.
And user anecdotes confirm as much, with the battery reportedly surviving between 6-7 hours of continuous onscreen time with heavy use, such as streaming video or gaming. With more moderate use — browsing, social media and the such — the thing easily gets through a day.
Charging Speed
The Honor X9b 5G also includes 35W fast charging support to quickly replenish its battery. Do note that this device doesn’t come with a charger in the box, however. A 30W charger is also available for the company separately, however, it is a limited availability purchasable.
In practice, it would take an annoyingly long time with a power adapter, but for daily use, users can charge or top-up as appropriate.
So, essentially, while the Honor X9b 5G which features a decent battery and reasonable fast charging capabilities, it ultimately actually shines when it comes to display quality. The combination of these features offers users focused primarily on consuming media and longevity in their smartphones a very competitive option.
Software and Performance
Overall, the Honor X9b 5G combines a wholesome software experience with solid performance, making it suited for anyone looking for a trusted mid-range smartphone.
Software
It’s built to Android 13, layered with Honor’s own MagicOS 7.2. These two complement each other to offer an easy user interface with various customizations. MagicOS 7.2 is a little old, although the company says an update is on the way, but it does offer an experience that’s a little more personal. The handset is likely to get two years of major software updates and three years of security updates.
This also includes pre-installed applications such as the Honor App Market, Game Center, and Honor’s Email app, in addition to the usual suite of Google apps. It is very heavily customized, and that may be marketed toward users who like customization.
Performance
At the core of the Honor X9b 5G as far as the processing capabilities go is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC with a 4nm manufacturing node. With a combination of that processor and 8GB of RAM, it’ll handle multitasking and everyday tasks with ease. The device is powered by Adreno 710 GPU, which offers smooth performance for graphics intensive applications and games.
In day-to-day use, the device can perform things like browsing, social media, and media consumption quite smoothly. Still, some users have pointed out that while the phone is sturdy, useful, and works perfectly for day-to-day tasks, performance-wise, people looking for something more powerful might get a better bang for their buck, as there were other devices with better processors in the same price category.
Connectivity options are abundant as it covers GSM to 5G networks, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, and GPS. Audio quality is decent — there were no major problems with voice communications.
To sum it up, the Honor X9b 5G offers a comprehensive software and performance package, appealing to users looking for a capable yet customizable mid-range smartphone experience.
Camera, Photo and Video Quality:
On the camera front, there is a triple rear camera setup on the Honor X9b 5G for different types of photography. It has a 108-megapixel primary camera, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. It has a 16-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies.
Rear Camera Performance
108MP Main Sensor: The primary shooter captures images with exceptional detail and lively colors in bright lighting scenarios. Photos captured in natural lighting are sharp and engaging, with complex details retained even when zoomed in. Low light, however, can find the image suffering with softer, less detailed images. On top of that, while the phone does not include Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which is capable of reducing noticeable shutter lag, this could cause issues with background if the phone isn’t held right.
5MP Ultra-Wide Lens: for wide-angle and group shots. But, do note the lower resolution, which can result in less sharp images and faded colors. The edge of the frame is also noticeably distorted, and its 110-degree field of view is narrower than its competitors.
2MP Macro Sensor: Used for shooting close-up subjects. Well-lit macro shots can, however, prove difficult — the close-up distance required means the device tends to cast shadows on the subject. The limited resolution impacts the detail and clarity of macro images as well.
Front Camera Performance
There is a 16-megapixel front-facing camera too that is decent for capturing selfies and video calls in proper lighting. Images are usually clear, and color representation is accurate. In low light though, the quality drops, resulting in noisier and less detailed shots.
Video Recording
The rear main camera can record video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, and the front camera is limited to recording in 1080p at 30 frames per second. Without Optical Image Stabilization, videos can be shaky, especially when shooting in motion. To get smoother footage, you should probably use a tripod or stabilize the device as you record.
User Feedback
This has resulted in mixed experiences for those using the Honor X9b 5G camera system. While those with good sense and experience praise the ability of the high-resolution main sensor in good lighting, there are worries about its low-light performance, as well as that of its auxiliary lenses. If you make a lot of video calls, however, you may not find the same sort of quality with those calls as you would by (generally; same price range) competition.
Conclusion
The camera setup on the Honor X9b 5G gets the job done well, especially in daylight, with the 108MP main assisting in producing some great shots. But for photography enthusiasts, it might not be enough, especially if you usually rely on the ultra-wide or macro lenses, especially with its poor low-light performance. For casual users who shoot mostly in good lighting, the phone provides an acceptable experience. If you’re trying to get the best possible performance from a camera in different situations, you may want to look elsewhere from those two phones.
Pros and Cons:
Honor X9b 5G: pros and cons Here’s a concise overview:
Pros:
- Strong Design: Equipped with ultra-bounce 360-degree anti-drop resistant screen, five-star average drop resistance certification.
- Vibrant Display: Comes with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,200 nits peak brightness for sharp, smooth visuals.
- Long Lasting Battery: 5,800mAh battery enables prolonged use, possibly up to 36 hours on a single charge.
- Pure UI: This is based on Magic OS 7.2, so fun to use.
Cons:
- No Fast Charging: While it has 35W charging support, it takes around 2 and a half hours to charge from zero to a hundred.
- Also Average Secondary Cameras: 5MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro do not impress
- Mono Speaker Setup: Missing stereo speakers may impact the audio quality.
- Processor Limits: Its Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset can manage day-to-day processes fine, yet tends to choke with demanding gaming or heavy multitasking.
To sum it up, the Honor X9b 5G is for users who are looking for build quality, display and battery. But those who value fast charging, better camera performance, richer audio, or top-tier processing power may want to look elsewhere.
Price and availability
Honor has made its X9b 5G official in India, bringing to use a well-designed yet reasonably priced durable smartphone. Here’s what you need to know about its pricing and availability:
Pricing
- Amazon India: The price of Honor X9b 5G is ¥19,998.
- Realme India Official Store: The device is based on Rs. 14,999.00.
- JioMart: ₹77,000.00 (XL)
Availability
Honor X9b 5G is now available for purchase via various online platforms in India — Amazon India, the official Honor online store, and JioMart. Some of the colour options for the device include Midnight Black and Sunrise Orange, while some available configurations include the option for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
Promotions
Back in May, the Honor X9b 5G was available with discounts up to ₹7,000 under Amazon’s ‘Great Summer Sale’. While this particular promo is over, you’ll want to take a look at Amazon and other sites for current offers, as there may be something new available.
Considerations
The important time was, but buyers must be aware of the wide pricing differences between platforms. For example, just look at how much more JioMart is charging for the device compared to Amazon and the official Honor store. It is important to check the seller’s credibility and authenticity of the product before buying.
In a nutshell, Honor website and several online retailer in India, lists the X9b 5G starting from ₹14,999. New buyers should be shopping around on different platforms and be sure to check for current promotions to get other deals.
Is it available in india?
Yes, the Honor X9b 5G can be found online at multiple retailers in India. But there are major price variations between the platforms. For example, the official Honor store in India sells the device at ₹19,998, whereas it is listed for Rs. 14,999.00 on Amazon India. The smartphone is available for a much higher price on JioMart for ₹77,000.00 . It is recommended to check prices and confirm seller conditions before buying.
Final Verdict
Honor X9b 5G is a mid-range smartphone that is focused on durability features, battery life and display. And for users who find themselves making accidental face when phones fall, the Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display with 360° protection just assures you have peace of mind in your day-to-day activities.
With a 120Hz refresh rate, the 6.78-inch AMOLED curved display offers high-resolution and smooth interaction. Pair this with a gigantic 5,800mAh battery to keep you going for longer. The charging speed is on the slower side, and it still takes around two and a half hours to go from 0% to 100% with the official 30W charger.
On the performance front, you get the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip with 8GB of RAM. However, for those in pursuit of performance, there are other competitors with better specification in the same price range.
As for the camera, the device features a 108MP primary sensor, alongside a 5MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro sensor. The primary camera is certainly decent enough when the light is plentiful, but when ambient conditions drop low, the results are less than impressive, with soft, fuzzy details.
To sum up, the Honor X9b 5G is a good option for those looking for a rugged, long-battery life and good display device. But if you’re looking for faster charging, better low-light camera performance or just more processing power, there are other things available for a similar price.
Why should buy?
Some of the features that make the Honor X9b 5G a formidable mid-range smartphone are:
Durable Design
The Honor X9b 5G is not only a solid device but is also built solid. It features the Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display and the same 360° Anti-Drop Protection as the ROC. It is designed to survive drops of up to 1.5 meters. It also makes it an ideal option for those looking to use a smartphone that can handle the hardships of daily use.
Vibrant Display
It comes with a 6.78-inch AMOLED curved display with a 120Hz refresh rate for sharp visuals and smooth scrolling. Thus providing the ultimate streaming, web surfing, and gaming experiences.
Long-Lasting Battery
The Honor X9b 5G is loaded with a 5,800mAh battery that keeps the device powered up for a long time without needing to be recharged often. On a single charge, users have reported using the phone for one to one and a half days, making it reliable to be used daily and on the go.
High-Resolution Main Camera
In daylight, the kit works well, thanks to the 108MP primary cam being used that produces fleshed out and colorful images. Users who prioritize smartphone photography will find this to be a net positive.
Balanced Performance
Honor X9b 5G: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset76 8GB RAMThe Honor X9b 5G runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor and 8GB of RAM, which makes it ideal for simple tasks. This provides seamless user experience for operations like browsing, social, and media consumption.
In short, The Honor X9b 5G is an ideal pick for users looking for a durable smartphone with a bright display, long-lasting battery and decent performance for day-to-day tasks.
Why should not buy it?
The Honor X9b 5G does have a few notable drawbacks, which should be taken into account by prospective buyers.
Camera Limitations
Ultra-Wide and Macro Lenses: In our experience, the 5MP ultra-wide camera produces images that both looks soft and color looks washed out Its 110-degree field of view is also not as wide as competitors. The 2MP macro sensor is quite tricky to use as well, since it is hard to light up a close-up object without yourself casting a shadow.
Low Light Performance: In low-light scenarios, the primary 108MP sensor fails to perform well, resulting in grainier images with more noise.
Video Stabilization: Recording stable 4K videos is difficult without the use of a gimbal owing to OIS or EIS.
Software Concerns
Old OS: Running Android 13 over Magic OS 7.2 out of the box feels a bit outdated as well.
Audio and Multimedia
Absence of 3.5mm Audio Jack: For music lovers who rely on wired headphones, the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack can be inconvenient, requiring the use of wireless audio devices or adapters.
Single Speaker: Only one built-in speaker here instead of two, so it may not sound as nice as stereo speakers.
Charging and Accessories
No Charger: Honor X9b 5G features 35W fast charge support, yet there is no charger in the box which makes users buy separately.
Performance Considerations
Processor Drawbacks: Although the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor has the power to deal with basic functions, users who want to use gaming or demanding applications may be let down compared to competing devices in the same weight category.
In a nutshell, prospective buyers should balance these factors against their own needs and desires. But if cutting-edge camera functionalities, newer software, in-depth audio features and bundled accessories are more of a priority then it might be worth looking at alternatives at this price.
