Honor X6c Review: Affordable Entry-Level Smartphone

Introduction

The Honor X6c has emerged as the latest entry-level smartphone from the Chinese manufacturer Honor, catering to budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable performance and innovative features. Known for its durability and unique “AI Button,” this smartphone aims to capture the attention of those looking for a cost-effective device without compromising on quality.

Design and Display

Designed with a sleek rectangular shape and curved edges, the Honor X6c impresses with its SGS Premium Performance Certificate, which guarantees drop resistance from heights of up to 1.5 meters. Additionally, it boasts an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand everyday challenges without worry.

The phone features a 6.61-inch TFT LCD display with a peak brightness of 1010 nits, ensuring good visibility even in direct sunlight. It also integrates eye comfort features like natural light settings, flicker-free dimming, a blue light filter, and an eBook mode, all designed to minimize eye strain during prolonged use. However, the resolution of 1604 x 720 might be a limitation for media enthusiasts and gamers who seek a more vibrant visual experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the Honor X6c is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra CPU coupled with an ARM Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. This setup is adequate for daily smartphone tasks and can manage basic AI applications. However, users may find it struggles with more demanding applications and heavy multitasking.

Equipped with a robust 5,300mAh battery, the device supports 35W Honor SuperCharge technology, allowing users to quickly recharge their device. Benchmark tests reveal a single-core score of 399 and a multi-core score of 1,402 on GeekBench 6, indicating it’s more than capable of handling simple smartphone operations with ease.

Camera

The camera setup on the Honor X6c includes a 50MP rear camera that supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second, alongside a 5MP front camera with similar capabilities. Honor has equipped the device with a suite of AI editing tools including AI Eraser, AI Upscale, and AI Outpainting. While these features enhance photography, users should be cautious, as shaky hands can result in blurred images due to the lack of image stabilization.

Gaming and AI Features

A standout feature of the Honor X6c is its dedicated AI Mobile Assistant, accessible through a convenient side button. This allows users to create a customizable quick-access menu for frequently used apps like screen recorder, notes, and planners. The phone runs on MagicOS 9.0 based on Android 15, further enriching the user experience with additional proprietary Honor AI tools.

When put to the test, the device performed smoothly with popular games such as “League of Legends” at 60 FPS, although some lag was evident when switching between high graphics settings in titles like “PUBG Mobile” and “CarX Street.” This highlights the device’s limitations with graphics-intensive gaming.

Quick Specs

Processor: MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra, Octa-core, 12nm
Dimensions: 163.95mm × 75.6mm × 8.39mm
Weight: 199g
Display: 6.61″ TFT LCD
Resolution: 1604 x 720
Camera: 50MP main, 5MP selfie
Battery: 5,300mAh with 35W Honor SuperCharge
Operating System: MagicOS 9.0 (based on Android 15)
IP Rating: IP64
RAM: 6GB (expandable to 12GB)
Storage: 128GB or 256GB
Color Options: Ocean Cyan, Midnight Black, Moonlight White

Verdict

Priced at P6,099 for the 12GB+128GB variant and P6,499 for the 12GB+256GB model, the Honor X6c provides solid performance and practical AI tools within the entry-level segment. While it offers impressive durability and useful features, potential buyers may want to compare it with cheaper alternatives or consider investing slightly more for better performance capabilities.