The HONOR X8c arrives as a fashionable yet durable smartphone, targeting students, fresh graduates, and young professionals. With a sleek design, large 512GB storage, and a 108MP main camera with OIS, it aims to be the go-to device for those who need both style and function.
But does it deliver in real-world use? We tested the HONOR X8c extensively to see how it holds up in daily tasks, gaming, photography, and battery life. Here’s our full review.
HONOR X8c Specifications
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak)
- Processor: Snapdragon 685 (6 nm)
- RAM: 16GB (8GB + 8GB virtual)
- Storage: Up to 512GB
- Rear Cameras: 108MP main camera with OIS + 50MP secondary camera
- Selfie Camera: 50 MP, f/2.1, (wide)
- Connectivity: 4G support, standard connectivity features
- Other Features: HONOR AI Eraser, Life-grade water resistance, SGS drop and crush resistance
- OS: MagicOS 9 (Android 15)
- Battery and Fast Charge Tech: 5000mAh battery, 35W HONOR SuperCharge
- Colors: Marrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White
Unboxing Experience
Opening the box, the HONOR X8c greets us with its vibrant Marrs Green finish, which immediately stands out. The color shifts subtly under the light, giving it a premium look without being too flashy. Inside the box, you get:
- The HONOR X8c unit
- 35W charger
- USB-C cable
- SIM ejector tool
- Documentation
- Clear TPU Case
HONOR keeps the packaging simple and practical.
Design and Construction
The HONOR X8c impresses at first glance, especially in the Marrs Green variant. The glossy finish adds a touch of elegance, while the subtle color shifts under different lighting conditions make it visually appealing. The phone feels light yet sturdy, striking a balance between portability and durability.
The back panel houses the camera module, slightly raised but not bulky. The 108MP and 50MP cameras sit within a square layout, giving it a modern aesthetic. While the glossy surface looks premium, it tends to attract fingerprints, so a case might be a good idea.
HONOR markets the X8c as durable, with SGS-certified drop and crush resistance and life-grade water resistance. While it’s not officially IP-rated, the added protection is reassuring for daily use.
The button and port placement is practical and user-friendly:
- Right side: Power button (also a fingerprint scanner) and volume rocker
- Left side: SIM tray (supports dual nano SIMs only)
- Top: Secondary microphone for noise cancellation
- Bottom: USB-C charging port, speaker grille, and a main microphone
For a mid-range phone, the HONOR X8c feels well-built. It doesn’t creak under pressure, and the curved edges make it comfortable to hold for long periods. Whether you’re using it casually or for extended gaming sessions, it remains ergonomic.
Display and Audio
The HONOR X8c features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth animations and scrolling. The peak brightness of 2800 nits makes it one of the brightest displays in its segment, allowing for excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. With deep blacks and vibrant colors, the viewing experience is immersive, making it ideal for watching videos, gaming, or browsing.
Audio-wise, the bottom-firing speaker is loud enough for casual listening, but it lacks depth. Bass is minimal, so if you enjoy rich sound quality, wired or Bluetooth headphones will be a better choice. There’s no 3.5mm audio jack here, so you’re left with buying USB-C wired audio, or use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to enjoy wired listening.
Cameras
The HONOR X8c’s 108MP main camera with OIS is its biggest highlight, promising high-resolution shots with better stability. The secondary 50MP lens supports various shooting modes, though its exact function isn’t specified.
Daylight Photography
- Images are sharp and detailed, capturing fine textures in buildings, clothing, and skin.
- Colors are natural, avoiding oversaturation.
- The dynamic range is good, ensuring that shadows and highlights remain balanced.
Low-Light and Night Photography
- The OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) helps in reducing blur, making handheld night shots clearer.
- Night Mode brightens darker areas, but sometimes introduces minor noise.
- Artificial lighting, such as street lamps, can cause slight glare, though it’s not a dealbreaker.
Selfie Camera
- The 50MP selfie camera captures high-resolution selfies, with excellent color accuracy and skin tone reproduction.
- Portrait mode does a decent job, but edge detection could be improved.
Here are some sample shots taken with the device:
AI Features – HONOR AI Eraser
A unique addition is the HONOR AI Eraser, which helps remove unwanted objects from photos. It works well for simple distractions, like a passerby in the background, but struggles with complex removals.
Overall, the HONOR X8c’s cameras perform well in most conditions, making it a solid choice for casual photographers.
Performance (Software, Hardware, and Connectivity)
The HONOR X8c comes with 8GB of RAM and an additional 8GB virtual RAM, as well as 512GB storage, making it a powerhouse for multitasking and media storage.
Even if the Snapdragon 685 is a bit dated given more devices in its price range providing a more powerful experience, our experience suggests a smooth user experience for daily tasks like social media, web browsing, and video streaming.
Gaming Performance
- Casual games like Mobile Legends run smoothly on high settings.
- More demanding titles like Genshin Impact work on medium settings but may experience frame drops on high.
- Thermal performance is decent, with minimal heating during extended gameplay.
Software and UI
- The UI is clean and intuitive, with no major bloatware slowing things down.
- App switching and multitasking are fluid, thanks to the large RAM capacity.
Connectivity
- 4G connectivity remains stable with good data speeds.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections perform reliably, with no sudden dropouts.
- Call quality is clear, even in noisy environments.
While 5G is missing, 4G speeds are sufficient for most users, making it a non-issue for many.
Battery and Charging
The HONOR X8c packs a 5000mAh battery, delivering long-lasting performance for most users.
Battery Life
- Light users (social media, calls, browsing): Up to 2 days per charge.
- Moderate users (gaming, video streaming): Lasts a full day comfortably.
- Heavy users (high brightness, gaming, video recording): Around 6-7 hours of screen-on time.
Charging Speed
With 35W HONOR SuperCharge, the device charges from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes, and fully charged in just over an hour.
The battery life is excellent, making it reliable for users who don’t want to charge frequently.
The Rundown
The HONOR X8c balances style, durability, and functionality. With a high storage capacity, capable cameras, and long battery life, it’s a great choice for students and professionals who need a trendy yet practical smartphone.
The HONOR X8c will be available for PHP 13,999 offline at HONOR stores and authorized dealers, and online at HONOR stores on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop, as well as authorized dealers.
