After using the HONOR X9d for two full weeks, one thing became very clear: this is not just another mid-range smartphone. It is a device built for real life, especially in places where power cuts, network struggles, and heavy daily use are normal.
Here is my full experience, covering everything from performance to camera, battery, sound, and the small features that quietly make a big difference.
Design, build and comfort in the hand
The X9d has a large 6.79-inch display, yet it feels surprisingly comfortable to hold. Many big phones become painful after extended use, but this one balances size and grip very well.
The curved edges and slim 7.8 mm body make it easy to use with one hand despite its size. At 193 g, it feels solid without being heavy.
I also like the front design and notch. It gives the phone a modern look without getting in the way of content.
Durability is another highlight. The phone is rated IP68/IP69K for dust and water resistance and is designed to survive drops of up to 2.5 metres. That level of toughness gives real confidence in everyday use.
Display: Big, bright and easy on the eyes
The AMOLED display is excellent. Colours are rich, blacks are deep, and the 120 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel smooth and fluid.
Outdoor visibility is strong thanks to high brightness levels, and watching videos or browsing social media feels immersive.
HONOR’s Eye Comfort Display is particularly useful. It reduces blue light and adjusts brightness intelligently, making the screen gentler during late-night use. If you spend hours on your phone, your eyes will appreciate this feature.
Performance and Magic OS experience
Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor and Magic OS based on Android 15, the X9d performs smoothly in daily use.
Apps open quickly, switching between tasks is effortless, and the phone handles multitasking without lag. Whether browsing, streaming, messaging, or gaming casually, performance remains stable.
Magic OS itself feels clean, modern, and responsive. The system animations are smooth, and the interface is easy to navigate.
Storage: Plenty of space for everything
The 256 GB internal storage is generous. After installing many apps, downloading media, and taking photos, there was still lots of space remaining.
For most users, this eliminates the need for cloud storage or constant file management.
Battery life: The true star of the show
If there is one feature that defines the X9d, it is the battery. With its massive 8300 mAh capacity, this phone feels almost unstoppable.
A single charge easily lasts a full day of heavy use. During the past two weeks, we experienced several power cuts, sometimes going more than a full day without electricity. Even then, the phone still had enough power to keep me connected.
This kind of reliability is incredibly valuable, especially in areas with load-shedding or unreliable power. The phone also supports fast charging and reverse charging, meaning it can even act as a power bank for other devices.
Camera performance
Main camera (108 MP)
The primary camera produces sharp, detailed photos with good colour accuracy. In daylight, images look vibrant without appearing overly processed.
Optical image stabilisation helps reduce blur, especially when shooting handheld or in lower light.
The ultra-wide camera is useful for landscapes and group shots, though it is less detailed than the main sensor.
Selfie camera (16 MP)
Selfies come out clear and flattering. Skin tones look natural, and the beauty mode enhances features subtly rather than excessively.
This makes the front camera ideal for social media, video calls, and everyday photos.
Video calls and AI communication features
One surprisingly useful feature is the beauty filter for video calls. It smooths skin tones in real time, which is great for meetings, online classes, or long conversations.
The AI noise-cancelling technology also improves call clarity. Even in noisy environments, voices remain clear and easy to understand.
Network reception is excellent as well. Despite signal challenges in our area, the phone consistently maintained a stable connection for calls and data.
Sound quality: Loud without distortion
The stereo speakers are extremely loud, up to 400% volume boost, yet sound quality remains clear with minimal distortion.
Music, videos, and ringtones sound full and immersive, making external speakers almost unnecessary for casual listening.
Security and smart controls
Unlocking the phone using the in-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable. It recognises your fingerprint almost instantly.
A fun and practical feature is the knuckle gesture screenshot. Simply tapping the screen twice with your knuckles captures the screen immediately. It feels unusual at first but quickly becomes second nature.
AI writing tools: Surprisingly powerful
The built-in AI writing feature is one of the most useful modern additions. This feature came in handy when I produced an article. By highlighting text, you can compose new content, summarise long text, rewrite sentences, adjust length and proofread grammar.
It is extremely helpful for emails, messages, schoolwork, and professional communication.
HONOR wallet and connectivity features
The HONOR Wallet allows you to store cards and make payments using NFC, adding convenience for everyday transactions.
Connectivity options are strong, including 5G support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and accurate GPS positioning.
The HONOR X9d is available in two Colours; Sunrise Gold and Midnight Black for a recommended retail price of R9 999.
What’s in the box
Unlike many brands that remove accessories, HONOR includes useful items:
- Protective phone cover
- Charging cable
- Power adapter
- SIM ejector pin
This makes the phone ready to use immediately without extra purchases.
Missing features to consider
While the X9d excels in many areas, there are a few omissions:
No 3.5 mm headphone jack
No FM radio
No built-in call recorder
No microSD card slot for expandable storage
These may matter depending on your needs.
Final verdict: Built for real-world reliability
After two weeks of heavy use, the HONOR X9d stands out as a dependable, long-lasting smartphone designed for everyday challenges. If you want a smartphone that keeps going when everything else stops, this one delivers.
