The mid-range market has never been short on options, but every so often, a phone comes along that makes you do a double take — and the new Honor X9d is exactly that kind of device. From the moment I picked it up, it felt far more premium than its price suggests. Honor seems to have found the sweet spot once again, blending sleek design, reliable performance, and a few thoughtful touches that make the X9d feel genuinely special in everyday use.
The first thing that stands out about the Honor X9d is its unique circular camera design — a signature look that instantly catches the eye and gives the phone its own unique identity. The Reddish Brown model I have for review takes things up a notch with its soft vegan leather back, which not only looks stylish but also feels great to hold, adding a dash of warmth and luxury that’s rare at this price point.
For those who prefer something a little different, the X9d also comes in Midnight Black, Sunrise Gold, and Forest Green, each with its own distinct personality. Beyond aesthetics, Honor has also built this phone to last. It’s SGS Triple Resistant certified, meaning it’s tough enough to handle drops, dust, and even water splashes with its IP69K rating — a reassuring touch that shows practicality can go hand in hand with design.
Flip the phone around, and the Honor X9d’s front is just as impressive. It features a 6.79-inch OLED display with a sharp 1.5K resolution and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling, gaming, and video playback feel effortlessly fluid. What really surprised me, though, is just how bright this screen gets — with up to 6,000 nits of peak brightness, outdoor visibility is excellent even under direct sunlight.
Likewise, colours are also vivid and punchy thanks to DCI-P3 color gamut support, while the Honor Eye Comfort Display takes care of your eyes during long use with features like Dynamic Dimming and Hardware-level Low Blue Light reduction. Whether you’re binge-watching your favourite shows or simply catching up on messages, the display on the X9d feels like it belongs on a much pricier device.
@playfuldroid HONOR X9d in Reddish Brown Colourway ? What a stunning looking device! #HonorX9d #Honor #Smartphone ? All Designer – HEDEGAARD & CANCUN?
Performance-wise, the Honor X9d is powered by a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, which delivers a reliable blend of efficiency and everyday performance. Apps launch quickly, multitasking feels smooth, and even casual gaming runs without a hitch. It’s not a flagship processor, but in day-to-day use, it certainly punches above its weight.
Keeping things cool is Honor’s VC Ice Cooling System, which does a remarkable job at managing heat even during long gaming or video sessions in order to ensure the phone stays comfortable in hand. Paired with 12GB of physical RAM and another 12GB virtually expanded through HONOR RAM Turbo, the X9d handles multiple apps in the background with ease.
All that power under the hood is complemented by an equally impressive battery setup. The massive 8,300mAh cell easily keeps the Honor X9d running for up to three days, making it a dependable companion for long days out. And when it’s time to recharge, the 66W fast charging gets it back up to speed in no time — with reverse charging support adding a nice touch of versatility.
Continuing on a strong note, the Honor X9d also impresses in the camera department. Its 108MP main camera with OIS isn’t something you’d typically expect to find on a budget-friendly device, yet it delivers crisp, detail-rich shots even in challenging lighting conditions. Complementing it is a 5MP ultra-wide camera that’s handy for capturing landscapes or group photos, rounding off a capable setup that performs well for its class.
To sum things up, the HONOR X9d proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a feature-packed smartphone. For just S$449, it delivers a premium-looking design, a vibrant OLED display, dependable performance, and a massive battery that last for days. Add to that a surprisingly capable 108MP camera, the X9d stands out as one of the best value-for-money options in its price range.
For those who’re interested, the Honor X9d is available for purchase via the HONOR official website, Honor Experience Stores (Causeway Point, NEX, Tiong Bahru Plaza, and Plaza Singapura), as well as online platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop. It can also be found at authorised retailers including Harvey Norman, Gain City, Best Denki, Courts, Challenger, KrisShop, and Popular.
