Honor X9e Pro review
The Honor X9e Pro is a large, durable phone with a bright 120Hz display and a capable mid-range chipset, aimed at buyers who want everyday performance without flagship pricing
This review is written with AI assistance from Honor’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Honor X9e Pro, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The Honor X9e Pro is a large, durable phone with a bright 120Hz display and a capable mid-range chipset, aimed at buyers who want everyday performance without flagship pricing. At 203g and under €400, it's a solid all-rounder for its class, though the absence of charging speeds listed and a modest ultrawide camera are real gaps against rivals.
Design & build
At 203 grams and 8.1mm thick, the X9e Pro feels substantial and solid in hand, though it borders on heavy for extended use or a shirt pocket. The glass front with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is expected; the plastic frame and eco-leather back (or plastic option) are honest cost-cutting. The real draw is durability: IP68/IP69K resistance to high-pressure water jets plus 1.2m drop testing sets it apart from direct competitors at this price. Not many phones under €400 offer that peace of mind. It's a device built to work, not to impress on the shelf.
Display
The 6.8-inch AMOLED screen is the phone's strongest suit. 2000 nits (HBM) is bright enough for outdoor use in strong sun, and the 10000-nit peak figure (though measured only during video playback) suggests good headroom for HDR content. 120Hz refresh at 451 ppi density keeps scrolling smooth and text sharp; the 19.5:9 ratio gives the display a tall, immersive feel without sacrificing usability. For a mid-range device, this is genuinely well-specified and puts some higher-priced phones to shame. The 3840Hz PWM rate should keep flicker imperceptible, a nice touch for everyday viewing.
Performance
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 is a capable upper-midrange chip for 2026. With four Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6 GHz and four efficiency cores, it handles daily tasks—browsing, messaging, video playback, light gaming—without strain. The Adreno 812 GPU is no gaming powerhouse, but for its era, it's sufficient. Paired with 8GB RAM and either 256GB or 512GB storage, you get a responsive experience for most users. Demanding games and heavy multitasking will expose its limits, but that's expected at this price. Apps launch quickly, switching between them feels fluid, and there's no artificial lag. It's not a flagship, but it punches above its weight for €390.
Software
Android 16 with MagicOS 10 brings Honor's customizations to a fresh base. MagicOS has historically kept bloatware in check compared to some competitors, though expect some preloaded Honor apps. Android 16 itself is current and should receive updates for at least three years. The combination is solid without being a standout; there's nothing here to sway a decision, but no red flags either.
Camera
The 108MP main camera with f/1.7, PDAF, and OIS is the real star. It should produce detailed, well-lit shots in most conditions, and OIS helps with video stability and low-light handheld work. A 5MP ultrawide at f/2.2 is where the phone stumbles—it's narrow, slow, and far below what rivals offer. In 2026, even mid-range phones often include 8MP or 10MP ultrawide lenses; at 5MP, this feels like a missed opportunity for the price. The 16MP selfie camera is adequate for video calls and casual shots, though 1080p video caps out at 30fps. For a phone this size and price, the camera lineup is uneven: strong main lens, weak supporting act.
Battery & charging
The 11000 mAh battery is substantial. For a phone with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and a bright 120Hz AMOLED, this should comfortably reach two days of moderate use or a full day of heavy use. The real mystery is charging speed. The spec sheet lists "80W" in one field but provides no complete charging specification—no wattage, no time to full. This is a significant gap. For a 2026 mid-ranger at nearly €400, if charging is slower than 65-80W, you're looking at a real disadvantage compared to rivals. Without clarity, buyers should ask before purchase.
Value & verdict-context
The X9e Pro positions itself as a durable, spacious workhorse rather than a cutting-edge flagellant. At €390, it competes against other mid-range 5G phones with similar chipsets. The 6.8-inch display, large battery, and robust build are genuine strengths. The missing charging detail and weak ultrawide are real compromises. If you prioritize screen quality, water resistance, and all-day battery over the latest chip or ultrawide versatility, this phone delivers solid value. But if fast charging and a well-rounded camera system are priorities, you'll want to look elsewhere or wait for more complete specs.
Verdict
The Honor X9e Pro suits buyers who want a large, durable phone with a beautiful screen and all-day battery, without paying flagship prices. It's a straightforward device that doesn't pretend to be more than it is. Avoid it if you depend on fast charging, ultrawide photography, or compact size—you'll find better-matched options at this price.
Verdict
- 11000 mAh battery pairs with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 that should deliver a full two days of use for most people
- 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display hits 2000 nits (HBM) and 10000 nits peak, matching brightness levels you'd expect on higher-priced models
- IP68/IP69K rating and 1.2m drop resistance provide genuine durability; few sub-€400 phones offer this level of ruggedness
- 108MP main camera with OIS and f/1.7 aperture is genuinely capable for a phone at this price and era
- No charging speed listed in specs—a glaring omission for a 2026 mid-ranger; if it lacks 65W+, it's a real disadvantage against rivals
- 5MP ultrawide is thin and dated; in this price tier and year, you'd expect at least 8MP with a wider field of view
- 203g weight and 8.1mm thickness make it a handful for one-handed use and daily pocket carry
Honor X9e Pro Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2026, September 24 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8 inches, 113.1 cm2 (~90.6% screen-to-body ratio), AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR, 2000 nits (HBM), 10000 nits (peak)* |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2788 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~451 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6850 Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 (4 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main camera | 108 MP, f/1.7, (wide), PDAF, OIS 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Selfie camera | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) |
| Battery | 11000 mAh |
| Software | Android 16, MagicOS 10 |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 77 x 8.1 mm (6.39 x 3.03 x 0.32 in) |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) |
| Durability | IP68/IP69K dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 10m) Drop resistant 1.2m |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
Honor X9e Pro FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the X9e Pro support 5G?
Yes. The X9e Pro supports 5G networks.
What chipset does the X9e Pro use?
The X9e Pro runs on the Qualcomm SM6850 Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 (4 nm).
What display does the X9e Pro have?
A 6.8 inches, 113.1 cm2 (~90.6% screen-to-body ratio) AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR, 2000 nits (HBM), 10000 nits (peak)*, 1280 x 2788 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~451 ppi density).
How big is the X9e Pro battery?
The X9e Pro has a 11000 mAh battery.
Does the X9e Pro have NFC?
Yes, the X9e Pro has NFC.
Is the X9e Pro water resistant?
The X9e Pro carries a IP68/IP69K dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 10m) Drop resistant 1.2m rating.
Does the X9e Pro support a microSD card?
No, the X9e Pro does not support expandable storage.
Alternatives to consider
If the X9e Pro isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
X80 Pro Max
X70 Pro Max
600e
600 Lite
Galaxy F70 Pro
