Honor X9b 5G - the Right Budget Phone for Bikers?
The Honor X9b could be a potential contender for bikers seeking a reliable yet affordable smartphone companion for their commutes and road trips. The phone has a robust build quality and impressive durability features, including its five-star rated 'drop-resistance,' ensuring that accidental drops and bumps during outdoor excursions won't lead to costly damages. Certified by SGS Switzerland, this smartphone boasts a shatter-resistant design that can withstand falls from heights of up to 1.5 meters. We did put it to the test by dropping it from the handlebar of a R1250GS and the phone took the fall with just a minor scuff of its metal bezel. Our test unit came in the midnight black colour which resists dust, grime and fingerprints quite well, though for use with a motorcycle mount, I would certainly recommend using a grippy cover.
Furthermore, the device's IP53-level dust-proof and water-spray-resistant capabilities make it well-suited for outdoor usage, and it should stay protected against environmental elements that it will often encounter when used with a handlebar mount. What it may not withstand is rain, needing a waterproof casing.
In terms of design, the sleek and lightweight profile of the Honor X9b enhances its suitability for bikers, allowing for easy handling and one-handed operation when needed. The curved edges add to the device's ergonomic appeal and palm rejection around the edges is excellent.
What I also liked is the black-and-white mode for the display (eBook mode) which makes the display very easy to read in dark environments. It especially came in handy while using the navigation at night, reducing any distraction caused by the otherwise colourful display. The black and white mode also saves a ton of battery, which is another benefit and you don't have to keep the phone plugged on those long trips.
The smartphone's impressive battery life further solidifies its position as an ideal companion for those long rides. Its 5800mAh battery gave me two days of moderate use and around six hours of navigation in the black-and-white mode.
The 108MP camera sounds great on the brochure but it isn't its strongest suit. The photos look over-saturated and the highlights in bright light are often blown out. The videos turn out decent and can record 4K 60fps, which is decent for moto-vlogging and shooting short-form content. The heat levels while recording the videos in bright daylight were pretty much in control.
The software on the Honor X9b delivers a smooth and responsive user experience, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and MagicOS 7.2 operating system. Multimedia and casual gaming are pretty smooth for a budget phone. Additionally, the Honor X9b boasts an expansive 6.78-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED display, offering vibrant visuals with a peak brightness of 1200 nits and a variable refresh rate of 120Hz.
In the audio department, the device features a mono speaker system which sounds quite average and has satisfactory volume levels, although bass reproduction will leave you wanting. Pairing with most common motorcycle headsets is easy though and the JBL speakers on our BluArmour test unit produced far nicer audio. Off the bike, a good set of headphones would be a good investment to go with the phone.
Overall, the Honor X9b presents itself as a compelling option for bikers in search of a budget-friendly smartphone that combines durability, reliability, and essential features tailored to the adventurous lifestyle. With its rugged design, long-lasting battery, and smooth performance, this device proves to be a worthy companion for bikers hitting the road often and it comes in at a great price too!
Price:
Rs 25,999
Where to buy:
Amazon