HONOR is starting 2026 with a clear message: durability matters. With the launch of the HONOR X9d 5G, the brand is doubling down on real-world toughness, positioning the device as a smartphone built to survive everyday mishaps—and then some.
Instead of relying on spec sheets alone, HONOR chose to demonstrate durability in the most visual way possible, quickly grabbing the attention of both tech enthusiasts and casual users online.
HONOR X9d 5G Quickly Trends Online
Shortly after its release, the HONOR X9d 5G began circulating across social media platforms. Popular local creators such as Malupiton, Ser Geybin, Jomar Yee, and KaMangyan Vlogs shared their initial reactions and hands-on content, helping push the phone into trending status within days.
The steady flow of organic reactions showed strong curiosity around one core question: How tough is the HONOR X9d 5G, really?
A Bold Start for HONOR Philippines in 2026
For HONOR Philippines, the X9d 5G launch signals a strategic shift. Rather than leading with raw performance numbers, the brand chose to highlight durability—an often overlooked but highly practical feature for everyday users.
This approach resonates strongly with consumers who want a phone that can keep up with daily life, whether that means accidental drops, rough handling, or unexpected impacts.
The Ultra Defense Challenge at WBS Studios
To back up its claims, HONOR hosted the HONOR X9d 5G Ultra Defense Challenge at WBS Studios in Pasig. This was not a controlled lab test, but a live, high-impact showcase designed to push the device far beyond normal use scenarios.
HONOR Brand Ambassadors Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto led the challenge, personally witnessing how the phone responded after each test. Their real-time reactions added authenticity, making the experience feel less scripted and more grounded in actual results.
Taking Smartphone Durability to the Extreme
The Ultra Defense Challenge featured a series of aggressive trials, each targeting a different form of stress. These included:
- A slingshot impact test
- A 3-meter throw
- A cornhole-style toss
- A high-decibel pressure test
While inspired by real-life accidents, each scenario was intentionally intensified to highlight the phone’s structural resilience.
HONOR X9d 5G vs Tesla Cybertruck: The Ultimate Runover Test
The most talked-about moment of the event was the car-pull runover test, featuring an all-steel Tesla Cybertruck passing over the HONOR X9d 5G. It was a dramatic and unforgettable demonstration—one clearly designed to underline HONOR’s confidence in the device’s build quality.
Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto’s unscripted reactions during the test made the moment even more impactful, shifting the focus away from marketing hype and toward visible, real-world results.
HONOR X9d 5G Unboxing video
Why This Challenge Matters
The HONOR X9d 5G Ultra Defense Challenge is not just about spectacle. It reflects a growing trend in the smartphone market where durability is becoming a key buying factor, especially for users who want peace of mind in daily use.
For consumers tired of fragile devices, HONOR’s message is clear: the X9d 5G is built for people who live actively—and sometimes accidentally.

