HONOR Philippines recently made a big smartphone announcement, with the new HONOR X7c officially joining the company’s local offerings. The X7c arrives on our shores with a bold claim: “all-angle water resistant.”

In a country known for its tropical showers and humidity, this added protection could be a game-changer. But with a price tag of P8,999 (around $153) for the lone configuration with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, and considering how tight the competition is on the market especially these days, does the HONOR X7c have a place under the warm Philippine sun? Read our review to find out.

Making a splash — literally

HONOR’s latest budget contender, the X7c, is making a splash — literally. The brand’s been hyping up the phone’s durability on social media, and it’s not just marketing fluff. Like its predecessors, the HONOR X9a 5G and HONOR X9b 5G, which we also reviewed, the X7c boasts impressive drop protection, earning a five-star rating from industry testing and certification giant SGS.

HONOR’s not stopping there, though. This time, the company has gone the extra mile with an IP64 rating, meaning the X7c can handle dust and water splashes with ease. HONOR even put it through a three-minute washing test, albeit in “controlled laboratory conditions,” of course, to prove its point.

@revuphilippines Tossed and dipped but still working! 😉 Check out our #HONORX7c review at www.revu.com.ph / #RevuDotComDotPH. #AllAngleWaterResistant #HONOR #HONORPH #HONORPhilippines @HONOR Philippines @monch @Alora Uy Guerrero ♬ original sound – Revu Philippines

Tossed and dipped! Clips captured on the HONOR X7c during the smartphone’s launch at Ocean Park. For a sample picture taken with the X7c underwater, go to the ‘sample shots’ section of this article

But don’t get too excited. While it proudly proclaims the HONOR X7c as “all-angle water resistant,” it’s not ready for a deep dive. Think rain showers and accidental spills, not pool parties or a swim in the ocean. And remember, that IP64 rating isn’t forever. Everyday wear and tear can take a toll, so don’t expect your device to survive a dunk after months of use.

Still, it’s always nice to see when a handset offers extra peace of mind for the clumsy among us. It speaks to a growing demand for devices that can keep up with our busy lives, whether we’re commuting, traveling, or just prone to the occasional fumble or mishap. Any smartphone that can take a beating gets brownie points from us — and so far, the HONOR X7c has survived our gauntlet of everyday abuse. Just remember to keep it away from deep waters, and maybe skip recreating those dramatic water-splash tests from those viral ads.

As for the hardware itself, HONOR sent us the Forest Green variant of the X7c with a textured faux-leather backplate that adds a touch of sophistication and grip. If you’re not a huge fan of the whole leather thing, this handset is also available in more traditional Midnight Black and Moonlight White colorways, with the latter sporting a gorgeous, pearl-like glossy finish that’s sure to attract eyeballs (and maybe fingerprints).

But honestly, this green unit is pretty sweet. The texture is smooth and subtle, and the gold accent around the iPhone-inspired camera module complements the overall aesthetic. Even the matte-green plastic frame adds to the phone’s understated charm. In any case, it’s great to see the brand taking some chances with the HONOR X7c. The faux-leather back might not be for everyone, but it’s a welcome departure from the usual glass and metal slabs. And hey, if green isn’t your color, there are always “safer” options available.

Conveniently, the HONOR X7c includes a standard headphone jack, located at the bottom, next to the USB-C port. That’s right, this budget-friendly smartphone still lets you plug in your favorite wired headphones without needing an adapter. It also packs a dual-speaker stereo setup that can crank out some serious volume.

The X7c offers a high-volume mode that boosts the loudness by a whopping 300% compared to regular levels, making it a viable option for those who want their unit to double as a portable boombox. But while this can push the decibels, the sound quality takes a hit at higher volumes, becoming tinny and distorted.

A bright LCD panel that somehow offers AOD, too

The HONOR X7c boasts a spacious 6.77-inch TFT screen that’s decent for consuming media, browsing the web, and gaming. While the HD+ resolution isn’t ideal, it’s still adequate for everyday use, especially at this price point. On a more positive note, the display can crank all the way up to 120Hz, delivering smooth scrolling and animations. This is a feature we typically see on more expensive handsets, so it’s a welcome addition to a budget-friendly device like the X7c.

HONOR hasn’t forgotten about outdoor visibility either. The panel boasts a peak brightness of 850 nits, which should be bright enough for sunny days. We’ve had a chance to test it outdoors, and we can confirm that the screen remains fairly readable even under direct sunlight.

Perhaps more impressively, the display can dim down to a mere 2 nits, making it incredibly easy on the eyes in dark environments. And with a range of eye-care options and blue-light filters, including dedicated eye-comfort and ebook modes, you can customize the display to your liking while minimizing eye strain at the same time.

An even more notable inclusion is always-on display or AOD — a feature we typically see on AMOLED panels. Yes, you read that right. A budget phone with an LCD screen rocking a feature typically reserved for pricier AMOLED models. And it’s not some watered-down version either. The HONOR X7c’s AOD implementation is just as full-featured as what you’d find on a modern flagship. You get a variety of clock styles, notification previews, and even the option to download more from the company’s theme store.

We’re big fans of AOD, and we enable it on every device that supports it. So, seeing it on a budget-friendly smartphone like the X7c is a welcome sight. It adds a touch of convenience and sophistication, allowing you to quickly glance at the time, date, and notifications without having to wake up the phone.

HONOR’s decision to include AOD on the X7c raises an interesting question: Why aren’t other manufacturers doing the same? If HONOR can offer this feature on an LCD-equipped budget smartphone, there’s no reason why others can’t follow suit. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in the overall user experience. Hopefully, this development inspires other OEMs to rethink their approach in the bargain segment. After all, everyone deserves a little AOD in their lives, regardless of their budget.

The HONOR X7c ships with the latest Android 14, but don’t expect a stock Android experience. The brand has layered its MagicOS 8.0 skin on top, bringing a host of visual tweaks and optimizations to the table. One of the most notable additions is Magic Capsule. This interactive notification system hovers near the top of the display, providing quick access to alerts, music controls, and other information.

HONOR’s custom overlay also offers a range of other enhancements, including improved performance, enhanced privacy features, and a refreshed visual design. While it doesn’t deliver a stock Android experience, MagicOS 8.0 is a well-designed skin that adds value without feeling overly intrusive.

Above-average rear optics

The HONOR X7c sports a dual-camera setup on the back, but don’t let that fool you. It’s really a one-trick pony with a 108-megapixel main sensor doing all the heavy lifting. The secondary 2-megapixel depth sensor is mostly there for show, adding little to the overall photography experience. This means you’re essentially left with a single camera for photos and videos, both on the rear and front. While it’s a bit disappointing, it’s a common cost-cutting measure we see from many brands, especially in the budget segment. Don’t expect any ultrawide or telephoto capabilities here.

The HONOR X7c’s 8-megapixel front-facing camera is adequate. It will get the job done for casual selfies and video calls, particularly in well-lit environments. But don’t expect it to blow you away with stunning detail or low-light prowess.

In our testing, we found the selfie camera to be a bit soft, lacking the sharpness and clarity we’ve seen from competitors. And as expected, image quality takes a hit in dimly lit situations. However, there’s one redeeming feature: facial recognition. The X7c’s front camera does a solid job of identifying faces and optimizing exposure accordingly. This helps ensure that your selfies are at least bright and in focus, even in challenging lighting conditions. Both front and rear cameras can record up to 1080p footage at 30 FPS.

Night mode vs Auto mode

Okay, let’s talk about that 108-megapixel main camera. It’s the star of the show on the HONOR X7c, and thankfully, it doesn’t disappoint. In our testing, we found the sensor to be capable. It captures a good amount of detail, produces pleasing colors, and handles dynamic range well, thanks to a surprisingly effective HDR mode. Even in low-light situations, the X7c manages to hold its own. The tap-to-focus function works reliably, and you can easily switch between 1x and 2x zoom even when shooting in Night mode.

That 108-megapixel sensor on the X7c isn’t just about high resolution, too; it also enables lossless zoom, allowing you to digitally zoom in up to 2x and get closer to the action without sacrificing detail. In our tests, the 2x zoom proved sharp and usable, good enough for capturing those far-off shots.

While it’s not going to replace a dedicated camera, the HONOR X7c’s lone rear sensor is a solid performer that can capture genuinely impressive shots. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a triple- or quad-camera setup to take amazing pictures. Sometimes, one good sensor is all you need.

Sample shots. The last one is an underwater shot we took during the HONOR X7c launch. Please don’t try this just for the sake of trying it

Goodbye, battery anxiety

Under the hood, the HONOR X7c is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685, an entry-level 4G chipset that prioritizes efficiency over raw performance and gaming chops. Built on a 6nm process, this chip delivers enough oomph for everyday tasks while keeping battery drain in check.

The Snapdragon 685 packs four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at up to 2.8GHz for demanding tasks and four power-efficient Cortex-A53 cores humming along at 1.9GHz for lighter workloads. In our testing, the X7c handled multitasking reasonably well most of the time, thanks in part to the 120Hz refresh rate. We didn’t experience any major lag or stuttering, even with two or three apps running in the background.

The HONOR X7c isn’t a gaming powerhouse, but it can handle demanding games like Genshin Impact if you crank those graphics settings down to the lowest levels for smooth gameplay. Don’t expect to be blown away by high-octane visuals or buttery-smooth frame rates. This is a budget phone, after all. If you’re a serious mobile gamer, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere. But for the average user who enjoys the occasional mobile game, the X7c delivers a decent enough experience.

The Philippine variant packs a generous 256GB of internal storage, which is double what we typically see in this price range. That’s enough space for all your apps, photos, videos, and games, with plenty left over for future downloads.

One of the standout features of the HONOR X7c is its massive 6,000mAh battery. Combined with the modest specifications, this thing is a marathon performer, and it delivers on the promise of long-lasting battery life on a single charge. In our testing, the X7c easily lasted for two full days with moderate usage. That included web browsing, social media scrolling, video streaming, music playback, casual gaming, and the occasional photo session. With lighter use, we’re confident you could stretch it to three days or even more before needing a top-up.

This kind of battery life is a rarity these days — regardless of the category. With the HONOR X7c, we’re pleased to report that you can leave the house without worrying about constantly checking your battery percentage or scrambling for a charger or portable battery pack. Simply put, it is a battery-life champ, allowing you to confidently navigate unfamiliar cities, stream movies on long flights, or stay connected with friends and family for extended periods. It’s a phone that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, no matter how demanding it may be.

The HONOR X7c supports 35-watt wired charging over USB-C, which is respectably fast these days. However, given the handset’s massive 6,000mAh cell, it usually takes a little over two hours to go from zero to 100%. Sure, that might seem like a long time in the age of super-fast charging, but it’s a reasonable tradeoff for the extended battery life you get in return. And let’s be honest, how often are you really going from completely empty to fully charged?

Final thoughts

The HONOR X7c is a compelling budget smartphone that checks a lot of the right boxes. It is durable, has a long-lasting battery, and offers a decent 120Hz screen with the surprising addition of an always-on display feature.

The performance is certainly respectable for the price. If you’re looking for a reliable daily driver that can handle your everyday needs without breaking the bank, the HONOR X7c is well worth considering. It’s a solid, dependable device that gets the job done — and sometimes, that’s all you really need.

HONOR X7c specs

• 6.77-inch TFT LCD display, HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
• 6nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 4G processor
• Adreno 610 GPU
• 8GB RAM + 8GB dynamic RAM
• 256GB expandable storage
• Dual 108-megapixel main, 2-megapixel depth rear cameras
• 8-megapixel front camera
• Side fingerprint reader
• 6,000mAh battery with 35-watt fast wired charging
• IP64 rating
• MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14
• Colors: Forest Green, Midnight Black, and Moonlight White

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