The HONOR X8d just landed in the Philippines, and on paper, it already sounds like a contradiction—a massive 7,000mAh battery inside an ultra-slim 7.5mm body. We spent some time checking it out, and here’s our initial review—what impressed us, what raised questions, and whether this could be your next daily driver.
First Impressions: Surprisingly Slim for a Battery Beast
The moment we picked up the HONOR X8d, the first thing that stood out was how thin and light it feels.
Honestly, we didn’t expect this level of comfort from a phone carrying a 7,000mAh battery. It doesn’t feel bulky at all, which is a huge win for daily usability.
HONOR also ditched the faux leather and went for a clean polycarbonate finish this time. It looks simpler, but still premium enough—especially in Desert Gold and Meteor Silver.
Display Experience: Bright, Smooth, and Eye-Friendly
The 6.77-inch AMOLED display is one of the highlights. With up to 3,000 nits brightness, we had no issues using it outdoors—even under harsh sunlight. What we appreciate more is the focus on eye comfort. The 3840Hz PWM dimming and TÜV Rheinland certification make long scrolling sessions easier on the eyes, especially at night.
Battery Life: The Real Star of the Show
Let’s be real—this phone is all about the battery. That 7,000mAh capacity is massive, and based on early use, it’s shaping up to be a legit multi-day device. For students, commuters, or content consumers, this means less charging anxiety and more uninterrupted usage. Charging is handled by 45W fast charging, which isn’t the fastest in the segment, but still practical given the battery size.
Performance: Efficient, But Not Built for Power Users
The Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 focuses more on efficiency than raw power. In our initial experience, it feels smooth for everyday tasks like social media, messaging, and video streaming. But if you’re expecting heavy gaming performance or future-proofing, this might not be the strongest option—especially since there’s no 5G support.
Durability: Built for Real-Life Situations
HONOR continues to push durability, and we like what we’re seeing here. You get an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance and 2-meter drop resistance (SGS-certified). This isn’t just marketing—it’s clearly designed for real-life use, especially for users who are always on the go.
Cameras: Still Good, But With Trade-Offs
The 108MP main camera remains capable, delivering detailed shots in good lighting. Zoom is decent with 3x crop zoom and usable up to 8x digital. However, there are compromises: the 5MP ultra-wide feels a bit underwhelming, and the 16MP selfie camera is a noticeable downgrade from before. For casual users, it’s fine—but camera-focused users may want more.
AI Button: Small Feature, Big Convenience
One feature we didn’t expect to like this much is the dedicated AI button. Having quick access to tools like AI Eraser, real-time translation, and smart shortcuts actually makes the experience more efficient. It’s a simple addition, but it works.
HONOR X8d Specs (Quick Look)
- Display: 6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, FHD+ resolution.
- Processor: Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2.
- RAM/Storage: 8GB + 512GB.
- Rear Camera: 108MP main + 5MP ultra-wide.
- Front Camera: 16MP.
- Battery: 7,000mAh with 45W fast charging.
- OS: Android 16 with MagicOS 10.
- Durability: IP65 rating and 2-meter drop resistance.
- Price: PHP 15,999.
Initial Verdict: Strong Battery King, With Some Compromises
After our initial time with the HONOR X8d, it’s clear what this phone is trying to be. This is a battery-first smartphone that doesn’t sacrifice design and durability. We like the ultra-slim build, the massive battery, and the practical durability features. But we’re cautious about the lack of 5G, midrange performance, and camera compromises. If your priority is long battery life and reliability, this could be one of the most practical phones in its price range. But if you want power and camera versatility, you may want to explore other options.
