This review explores a mid-range smartphone, focusing on the HONOR X9b, a model built for stronger screen durability and a large 5800 mAh battery that keeps you going through the day.
Characteristics
- Chipset Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen1 with eight cores (4×Cortex-A78 @2.2 GHz + 4×Cortex-A55 @1.8 GHz);
- Adreno 710 graphics processor;
- AMOLED 6.78″ display with peak brightness up to 1200 nits, resolution 1220×2652, 120 Hz;
- RAM options 8/12 GB, internal storage 256 GB;
- 5800 mAh battery with 35 W charging;
- Main camera 108 MP, additional 5 MP and 2 MP modules, 4K video recording; front camera 16 MP;
- Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1;
- NFC, fingerprint scanner;
- Dimensions: 164 x 76 x 7.98 mm;
- Weight: 179 g.
Appearance
HONOR X9b is packaged in a sturdy cardboard box. Inside lies the orange smartphone, with green and black color options available, along with a charger, SIM ejector, and documentation.
At the bottom, headphones can be connected via USB Type-C, as there is no 3.5 mm jack. The device also features a speaker, microphone, and a SIM card tray for two Nano SIMs. microSD expansion is not supported, while the phone ships with 256 GB of internal storage, ample for everyday use.
There is a single small hole on top for an additional microphone.
The left edge is bare, with all controls on the right side.
The orange back panel is finished in eco-leather. The slightly textured surface sits comfortably in the hand and resists slipping, appealing to users who prefer not to use a case.
The camera block stands out: three lenses arranged around a large illuminated ring with a gold-edged finish.
The chassis features curved edges that blend into the rounded screen. Narrow bezels frame the display, which covers about 91% of the front surface.
The X9b weighs 178 g and feels light in hand. It is 8 mm thick, and its camera bump is modest, helping the device to sit stably on flat surfaces. It carries IP53 protection against dust and light splashes.
A 35 W charger from the manufacturer is included, along with a USB-A to USB-C cable.
Display and functionality
The display supports a maximum 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth animations, videos, and games. Peak brightness up to 1200 nits makes outdoor use comfortable, with minimal glare and natural color rendition in standard modes. The refresh rate stabilizes at 120 Hz for fluid interaction.
The curved edges do not hinder usability—the in-panel fingerprint sensor is responsive, though users with shorter fingers might prefer the face unlock option, available in settings.
The battery’s 5800 mAh capacity is the dominant factor in the interior layout, contributing to long standby and usage periods. A full recharge takes about 1.5–2 hours.
Auditory performance is practical but not exceptional: a single speaker provides adequate loudness and clarity, without surprising the listener.
HONOR also highlights Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop 360, a cushioning layer around the screen designed to absorb impact. The device earned high marks from SGS for protective design, suggesting strong resilience in day-to-day mishaps.
Camera hardware centers on a 108 MP main sensor with an f/1.8 lens, complemented by a 5 MP wide-angle and a 2 MP macro module.
In standard mode, the main sensor captures sharp images with strong detail, and high-definition 108 MP mode exists but may not yield noticeably better results due to intelligent processing. The wide-angle camera struggles in bright light, producing softer results with some edge darkening and noise, while the macro module performs as a basic close-up option.
Video recording tops out at 4K 30 fps; other resolutions run at 60 fps, with no explicit stabilization, so smoothness is limited to static recording scenarios. The 16 MP front camera with an f/2.5 lens yields solid social-media ready shots. A multi-video mode in the camera app enables recording from multiple cameras simultaneously and arranging the feeds in the frame as desired.
Productivity and gaming
HONOR X9b showcases the Snapdragon 6 Gen1 platform, confirming capable performance for mobile gaming and everyday multitasking.
In gaming tests, titles like Call of Duty Mobile, PUBG, and Genshin Impact run smoothly on high settings, with some projects capable of ultra settings. Synthetic benchmarks (Geekbench 6 and AnTuTu) indicate solid results, reflecting a well-balanced mid-range chipset.
Battery life during gaming spans roughly 4–5 hours of play, with surface temperatures peaking around 45–50 degrees Celsius. Throttling exists but is modest, resulting in around a 14–18% performance drop over half an hour of sustained gameplay. This balance allows extended play without dramatic frame drops.
Results and impressions
The X9b earns praise for its solid hardware integration. The Snapdragon 6 Gen1 platform enables enjoyable mobile gaming, while improved screen protection mitigates concerns about drops. The device also anticipates future networks with 5G support and offers a visually striking back panel in orange.
The construction shows thoughtful design: the curved display, vibrant color, and distinctive camera block help the phone stand out in a crowded market.
In summary, the HONOR X9b delivers a well-rounded experience: capable performance, long battery life, and a focus on durability, all wrapped in a design that catches the eye.