GADGETS | HONOR X9d 5G launches in PH, expands availability through retail, telco plans, fan events
The device officially became available in late January following a short pre-order period that coincided with live commerce events, an on-ground fan festival, and a postpaid plan rollout with a major telecom operator.
A new midrange smartphone positioned around durability and mass-market accessibility has entered the Philippine market as HONOR rolls out the X9d 5G nationwide through a mix of retail channels, telco partnerships, and consumer-facing launch activities.
The device officially became available in late January following a short pre-order period that coincided with live commerce events, an on-ground fan festival, and a postpaid plan rollout with a major telecom operator. The launch strategy reflects an effort to reach buyers across online platforms, physical stores, and bundled subscription plans, particularly younger users and first-time 5G adopters.
The HONOR X9d 5G carries a suggested retail price of P17,999 and is positioned by the company as its most durable smartphone to date in the local market.
Durability-focused positioning
The HONOR X9d 5G is marketed around structural durability, water resistance, and everyday usability rather than flagship-level performance. The device carries SGS Triple Resistant Premium Performance Certification, covering drop, water, and dust resistance, alongside an SGS 5-Star Comprehensive Reliability Certification.
According to the company, the phone is designed to withstand drops of up to 2.5 meters onto certain surfaces, supported by what it calls Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology, a reinforced frame, and toughened glass. The handset also features a three-layer water resistance structure rated up to IP69K, allowing it to handle splashes, rinsing, and brief exposure to high-pressure water.
Additional software features such as AI Heavy Rain Touch and AI Glove Touch are intended to maintain screen responsiveness in wet conditions or when users are wearing gloves, features aimed at commuters, outdoor users, and gig workers.
Launch events and live commerce push
Ahead of its nationwide availability, the HONOR X9d 5G was introduced through a series of promotional activities, including a partnership with Shopee Philippines for Shopee Live on Wheels at Market! Market! in Taguig. The live selling event ran from January 20 to 24 and featured demonstrations highlighting the phone’s durability.
As part of the campaign, Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma participated in live sessions showcasing the device during Shopee streams, with daily giveaways of the HONOR X9d 5G and limited-time pre-order incentives. Pre-order customers were also offered installment options and bundled accessories.
HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng said the early access events were designed to allow consumers to experience the device before its formal retail rollout, particularly through online-first channels that continue to drive smartphone sales in the country.
Fan Fest and offline engagement
The company followed up the live commerce campaign with its first-ever HONOR X9d 5G Fan Fest, held on January 24 at SM Megamall Fashion Hall. The event combined product showcases with live performances by local OPM acts, including Sponge Cola and emerging artists, as part of a broader effort to position the device within youth and pop culture spaces.
Aside from entertainment, the Fan Fest featured on-site raffles, device giveaways, and exclusive merchandise, reinforcing HONOR’s push to build community engagement around the X-series lineup.
Telco availability via Globe
Beyond open-market retail, the HONOR X9d 5G is now available through Globe Telecom’s postpaid lineup, starting with G-Plan Plus 999. Under the plan, subscribers receive 20GB of data, unlimited all-net calls and texts, and a bundled accessory, with a monthly device cost starting at P571 depending on the plan configuration.
Cheng said the Globe partnership is aimed at lowering the upfront cost barrier for consumers while expanding the phone’s reach beyond online platforms and HONOR-branded stores.
Market context
The HONOR X9d 5G enters a crowded midrange segment where durability, installment pricing, and bundled offers increasingly matter as much as processor benchmarks or camera specifications. With 5G now widely available in urban centers and telco plans becoming a primary purchase route, the device is positioned to appeal to users prioritizing longevity and predictable monthly costs over premium features.
The smartphone is available in Reddish Brown, Sunrise Gold, and Midnight Black, and can be purchased through HONOR Experience Stores, partner retailers, e-commerce platforms, and participating Globe stores nationwide.
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