Like the older iterations of the brand’s midrange X series, the HONOR X9d is designed to be extra tough and sturdy. Of course, if you aren’t already familiar with this lineup, it’s not something that’s immediately apparent. This is especially true for this particular model, which bears a passing resemblance to some of the company’s more premium devices.
The back of the phone is a shade of reddish brown. It’s a rich, almost luxurious looking hue, and gold accents further contribute to the chic vibe. This colour combination is certainly a favourite of the brand, given that the last two generations of its foldables feature models with the same palette. And while the X9d is not meant to be as sophisticated as the flagships, this design certainly evokes a fancy feeling.
The company has ditched the curves for the completely flat aesthetic that’s currently in vogue. It does make the phone look a bit bulkier compared to its older siblings, but I imagine it’s an inconsequential matter as flat sides are preferable to curved ones. Unfortunately, said flat sides are very smooth and shiny. I don’t have to tell you that they accumulate fingerprints like there’s no tomorrow. You’re going to get smudges by simply existing in proximity to the phone.
Meanwhile, the brown back panel is textured. According to HONOR, this panel is made of vegan leather, and I suspect that it will require quite a bit of upkeep. A somewhat small price to pay for appearances, I suppose. That said, I do like the texture; it feels nice to the touch and adds a nice contrast to the smooth sides.
Given its reputation for being durable, the X9d feels somewhat light, which gives the impression that it may not be as sturdy as it looks. However, we did spend a good part of a work day repeatedly throwing the phone onto the office floor, and it emerged no worse for wear. So, at the very least, we know it can take quite a bit of abuse, though such shenanigans do pale in comparison to the company’s own demonstrations. But, while the device would likely survive being used as a frisbee, that’s not really its main purpose.
As far as casual swiping and scrolling goes, I have yet to find reason to complain. Apps are quick to open, and switching between them is just as snappy. Aside from that, the display is really bright, making the phone usable outdoors on a sunny day. The bezels are also quite thin, which one can certainly appreciate.
Another highlight of the device is the huge 8,300mAh battery, which is a considerable upgrade from the X9c. So far, it has lasted a day of activities like casual gaming, chronic doomscrolling, and some video streaming thrown into the mix. Oh, and taking copious amounts of cat pictures, of course. There is still some juice left in the tank, so I could probably squeeze a few more hours of use before charging becomes necessary.
Overall, the HONOR X9d is a deceptively durable device. It looks almost too pretty to last, but it’s got an undeniably tough exterior. And of course, the battery life isn’t half bad either.
