Philippines

HONOR X9c Smart: Steady performer, intriguing package

Budget? Lower mid-range? A mix of both

Published

March 6, 2025

Manila Connoisseur

The HONOR X9c Smart 5G was announced with relatively much less fanfare, compared to its bigger brother, the HONOR X9c 5G. It’s just meant to be the more affordable counterpart to the X9c 5G, for those who have a smaller spending capacity.

HONOR made it available exclusively on Shopee initially. At a glance, this particular handset combines features we usually see on budget phones, as well as some usually reserved for lower mid-rangers.

The smartphone has since had a rousing opening day during the 3.3 sale. HONOR offered it for as low as PhP 10,799 with discounts, a generous reduction from its PhP 13,999 original asking price.

Before we scroll down further, here’s our review of the HONOR X9c 5G: HONOR X9c 5G review: Tough and steady

It’s not required reading, however, having experienced the X9c 5G prior, it’s hard to make a take about the Smart counterpart without considering all my a posteriori knowledge.

Having put all of that out of the way, this article will focus on some of the similarities and differences between the two models, and if the HONOR X9c Smart is worthy of consideration as a BudgetMatch.

HONOR X9c Smart overview

Here’s a quick rundown of the HONOR X9c Smart’s main specs:

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra
Platform: MagicOS 8.0 (Android 14)
RAM: 12GB (plus up to 12GB virtual RAM)
Storage: 256GB
Cameras: 108MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, 16MP selfie
Display: 6.8-inch 120Hz TFT LCD, 2412 x 1080, 850nits HBM brightness
Battery: 5,800mAh Li-ion Polymer, up to 35W fast charging

It’s not specified what the X9c Smart’s actual waterproof or durability ratings are, but it can withstand accidental splashes or a couple of knee-level accidental drops.

The 5G connectivity is a great selling point, since most budget-level offerings selling for about PhP 10,000 and below usually do not have that.

Appearance, feel

The review unit we got came in Jade Cyan; Midnight Black is its only other color option. The two phones virtually have the same width, with the X9c 5G just thicker by 0.01 inches.

But since the X9c sports a curved display and the X9c Smart doesn’t, it kind of feels that the latter is significantly wider. At least, that’s how felt during actual usage. I also mentioned before that I am generally not a fan of curved displays.

Funny enough, the X9c Smart is also slightly taller than its “bigger brother”. That makes this more affordable release ideal for content consumption and gaming, as there is more real estate in front.

At the back, the X9c Smart’s donut-style camera island reminds of the HONOR X9b. It’s also a little larger than that of the X9c 5G’s.

The X9c Smart has a smooth back cover that kind of just lets your fingers glide past it. The same goes for its frame. There’s a little slipperiness to it, so just have the right amount of care. There’s a clear case for extra friction, if needed.

Display and audio: Obvious differences

One of the obvious differences between the two handsets is their displays. The X9c 5G uses AMOLED material. The X9c Smart, meanwhile, utilizes a TFT LCD panel.

Naturally, the X9c Smart’s display looks inferior when compared to other midrange devices. But LCD screens are usually cheaper, and it’s definitely a factor for the Smart’s cheaper price tag.

In my experience, having an LCD display on the HONOR X9c Smart makes it difficult for browsing at night. That’s because the light feels more intense on the eyes.

I have this usual habit of browsing until the minute I decide to sleep — with the room’s lights already turned off. It’s just something more difficult to do on an LCD screen, compared to more expensive devices. That’s even when brightness is set to its lowest setting, or eye comfort turned on.

Moreover, the X9c also has a higher pixel density at 437ppi compared to just 389ppi for the X9c Smart. That may not seem like a lot, but if you’re big into graphics or watching 1920 x 1080 videos, there will be an “eye test” difference.

Another glaring difference is the maximum brightness. It’s challenging to see what’s on your screen on the X9c Smart, especially when outdoors. It’s a sucker for reflection too.

If we are to isolate this department, the HONOR X9c Smart feels more of a “budget” device than a “mid-ranger”.

Furthermore, the X9c Smart also has just one speaker, located on the bottom of the phone. It blasts sound that kind of feels a bit more dull compared to the rich and high-quality audio you’d hear from the X9c 5G.

The X9c 5G has dual speakers, one on each edge, to give users a more immersive soundscape whether at home or outdoors. It’s also a lot louder when set at about 50% or 60%.

Same operating system

If anything, it’s good of the Smart variant to have the same MagicOS 8.0 platform. There was no bloatware whatsoever upon setup.

Although again, I had to download Google Keyboard, as the X9c Smart had Microsoft SwiftKey by default. Still not a fan having to swipe left for notifications and right for the settings drawer either.

On the positive end, there’s still Magic Portal for quick noting down or saving bits of information and other media. HONOR Share allows you to send files in just a matter of seconds.

I also happen to own an HONOR Magicbook Pro 16, so it took me just a breeze to transfer files for this very article.

Also, AI Eraser performs decently. It’s something you can use to just take off unwanted elements on your photos.

Here are a few instances:

Performance: Just about right

When it comes to performance, the X9c operates on the 4nm process, while the X9c Smart operates “only” on the 6nm process. Although, the latter has two 2.5GHz cores compared to the X9c’s four 2.2GHz cores, which allows for more multitasking.

Understanding how all of this works is key to utilizing your daily driver. Users can still harness capable performance from the X9c Smart given the maximum clock speed on those two main cores to power tasks like gaming or browsing. The key here is to limit the apps opened at a time.

It helps that the X9c Smart also has 12GB of base RAM, which sets it apart from budget phones. Keeping a few social media, music streaming, and navigation apps open doesn’t slow it down too much.

Naturally, notifications or messages may still show up a bit delayed when you reconnect it to the internet after hours offline. But swiping on the display, switching from one app to the other, and more executing more tasks feel smoother compared to cheaper offerings.

Steady for gaming

Onto gaming, the X9c Smart likewise has a dedicated Gaming Manager when you open mobile gaming titles. You can switch from Balanced and Game modes.

But again, you was still able to swipe and trigger the currently opened apps view on Do Not Disturb mode, which shouldn’t be happening.

In any case, the phone holds up well for usual titles like Honor of Kings or Need For Speed: No Limits. You can set the graphics settings to high, and it won’t bulge. I don’t recall the phone heating up too much, either.

Cameras: A deal-breaker?

When it comes to the X9c Smart’s cameras, it actually has the same hardware as those of the X9c’s. There’s a 108MP main camera and a 16MP selfie counterpart. But obviously, hardware is just one half of the equation.

The imaging engine on the X9c Smart leads to captures that lean on the more high-contrast side. It’s not dull, but I am not a fan of how it’s processed. The color science is a bit off, too.

Quality wise, as the camera allows for a large pixel count and has a decently-sized lens opening, you can still get some sharpness, clarity, and detail on some snaps.

It’s just how they look overall that isn’t 100% appealing to the eye. Still, you can pull off above par captures with the appropriate framing, lighting, and other factors. It doesn’t hurt to edit them too afterwards.

Here are a few samples:

With the proper tinkering, you can retain some detail against the light:

You can retain detail at up to about 3X zoom, before subjects get smudgy-looking.

Portraits are tough to execute. The camera cannot tell the main subject apart from what you intend to blur. But that’s asking too much. Nevertheless, if you manage to pull off some portraits, they look decent too.

The selfie camera produces generally good results. There’s plenty of detail. Although sometimes, the tone looks warmer than it is in real life.

Where it gets tough is during nighttime or under low-light conditions. You have to be incredibly still to retain detail or clarity.

The X9c Smart also lacks stabilization for filming, unlike its X9c 5G counterpart. You have to either use a gimbal or do your best to be still while shooting videos. If it’s a factor, the Smart also supports up to a 30fps frame rate.

As expected, photography and videography are both just better on the HONOR X9c 5G.

Your BudgetMatch?

There’s no doubt the HONOR X9c Smart has a good mix of features from both lower and upper segments. I don’t see why it isn’t a Swipe Right, especially if you’re coming from 4G-capable-only devices, or previous generation handsets with lower memory and storage and more inferior displays.

It’s a decent upgrade, especially for students or entry-level workers. It can provide steady performance and long-lasting battery life for everyday use.

With 5G connectivity, this can serve as a hotspot for others who have a lot on their plate. It’s great to have useful functions like AI Eraser, Magic Portal, and Magic Capsule, too.

However, if you’re asking PhP 13,999 from me, I’d say it’s a Swipe Left. But if it’s for the introductory price of PhP 10,799, or even about PhP 12,000, I’d consider the X9c Smart.

Likewise, if you’re big on camera performance, Swipe Left. There are other devices that can give you better captures, for just about the same asking price.

Related Topics:HONOR X9c Smart HONOR X9c Smart 5G

News

Shokz OpenFit Pro launches at Power Mac Center, brings open-ear noise reduction

Open-ear, now quieter

Published

March 23, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

There’s a certain kind of listener this is built for. The kind who wants music on, but not the world off.

That’s exactly where the new Shokz OpenFit Pro steps in. Now officially available at Power Mac Center, the latest from Shokz pushes open-ear audio further with a feature that feels almost contradictory at first: noise reduction—without shutting you out.

It’s a balancing act. And from what we’ve seen at the launch, it’s one Shokz is leaning into hard.

Open-ear, but with focus when you need it

The headline feature here is Open-Ear Noise Reduction—a first for Shokz.

Instead of sealing your ears like traditional ANC earbuds, the OpenFit Pro keeps its signature open design. You still hear your surroundings, but now you can dial in a “focus mode” when things get too noisy.

It works through a triple-mic system paired with an ear-adaptive algorithm, which predicts in-ear noise and counters it with reverse sound waves. The result isn’t total silence, but a cleaner listening experience in places like offices, gyms, or busy streets.

It’s not about isolation. It’s about control.

Bigger sound, richer detail

Shokz is also going after better sound this time.

The OpenFit Pro uses a new Shokz SuperBoost™ dual-diaphragm driver, designed to deliver deeper bass and more detailed highs while keeping distortion low. The 11 × 20 mm driver performs like a larger speaker, giving it more room to breathe compared to typical open-ear buds.

There’s also Dolby Atmos support with head tracking, adding a more immersive layer—especially for supported content.

Built to stay on, all day

Comfort is still a big part of the pitch.

The earbuds use Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0 and a flexible nickel-titanium ear hook that adapts to different ear shapes. They’re designed to stay secure whether you’re working out, walking, or just going through your day.

The build leans premium too, with an ultra-slim aluminum unibody design that keeps things lightweight and clean.

Calls, battery, and everyday extras

On the practical side, the OpenFit Pro checks a lot of boxes:

AI-powered triple-mic system for clearer calls (with wind resistance up to 25 km/h)
Up to 50 hours total battery with the case
Up to 12 hours listening time (6 hours with noise reduction on)
10-minute quick charge = up to 4 hours playback
Qi wireless charging support
Multipoint pairing, smart wear detection, and Bluetooth 6.1

It’s also IP55-rated, making it suitable for workouts and light rain.

A different take on listening

Open-ear audio has always been about awareness and comfort.

With the OpenFit Pro, Shokz is trying to add a third layer: focus on demand.

It doesn’t replace traditional noise-cancelling earbuds. It doesn’t try to. Instead, it gives you the option to stay present—while still tuning the noise down when it matters. And for a lot of people, that might be the better everyday choice.

Price and availability

The Shokz OpenFit Pro retails for Php 14,990 or PhP 2498.33/mo for six months with select credit cards. It’s available in Power Mac Center locations nationwide.

Gaming

God of War: Sons of Sparta takes a more contained approach to Kratos

Filipino devs were part of it.

Published

March 23, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

There’s a version of God of War that lives in most people’s heads. It’s loud. Cinematic. Heavy with consequence. The kind of game that feels bigger than you.

God of War: Sons of Sparta isn’t that. At least, not in the way you expect.

It’s more contained. 2D. Pixel art. But spend a little time with it, and you start to see what it’s trying to do. Not replace the modern games. Not outdo them.

Just… revisit something familiar from a different angle.

A different take on Kratos

Instead of gods and world-ending stakes, Sons of Sparta focuses on Kratos earlier in his life, training as a Spartan alongside Deimos. It’s more contained. More personal.

You’re still fighting through brutal encounters. But the framing feels different. Less about destiny, more about who Kratos was before everything spiraled. And somehow, even in pixel form, it still feels like God of War.

Where Filipino developers come in

One of the more interesting parts of this project is how it came together.

Mega Cat Studios worked closely with Santa Monica Studio to build the game. That includes a strong presence from their Philippine team.

But it’s not framed as a separate unit.

“There is no separation between Mega Cat Pittsburgh and Mega Cat Philippines,” says Art Director Janley Clavio.
“We operate as one phalanx, and were part of the game from the beginning.”

That last part shifts the narrative from “support work” to actual collaboration.

The kind of work you feel more than you see

The team contributed to environment art, asset production, and overall polish across different areas of the game. Not the flashy headline stuff. But the kind that shapes how the game feels moment to moment.

“Our work supports the player experience without pulling attention away from the story,” Clavio explains.

Think temple interiors and ruined battlefields. Small details that hint at what happened in a place before you got there. It’s subtle. But it adds up.

Staying true to God of War—even in 2D

Working on God of War comes with a certain weight. Fans know how this world is supposed to look and feel. So, even if Sons of Sparta shifts genres, the expectation doesn’t really change.

“We had to make sure it wasn’t just any retro pixel art game—it had to be a God of War pixel art game,” Clavio says.

That meant studying the details. How materials look. How lighting behaves. How environments guide you. And then translating all of that into something simpler—but still recognizable.

A team that knows when to hold back

One thing that stands out from the conversation is restraint. There’s an understanding that when you’re working on something like God of War, you don’t need to reinvent everything. You just need to get it right.

“When you’re working on something fans already love, your job is to enhance it—not reinvent it.”

That mindset shows up across the game. It respects what came before, but still finds space to do its own thing.

Small details, personal touches

There are also a few quiet nods tucked into the game. Nothing too obvious. Nothing that breaks immersion. But enough for the team to leave their mark.

“For our Filipino artists, it’s a point of pride knowing that a little piece of our culture helped shape a world millions of players will explore.”

It’s not something the game calls attention to. But it’s there.

Not just another spin-off

Sons of Sparta is easy to label as a side project. And sure, it kind of is.

But it’s also a good example of what happens when different teams come together with a clear understanding of what they’re building.

A more contained God of War game that still feels like it belongs. A different perspective on a familiar story. And a project where Filipino developers weren’t just involved. They were part of the process from the start.

It doesn’t try to be the biggest entry in the series. And honestly, it doesn’t need to be.

Accessories

Jackery SolarSaga series: Free power for small devices

Portable solar panels can charge small gadgets directly

Published

March 22, 2026

GadgetMatch

As fuel prices continue to surge as of late, one of the ways to make up for the additional expenses is to turn to alternative power sources. That’s including solar power.

And Jackery is here to help Philippine consumers, with the availability of their portable SolarSaga panels.

These solar panels are an alternative to traditional and permanently installed rooftop solar panels. They are engineered for modern and mobile life with portable, lightweight, and sleek designs. They are built primarily to be set up and put away easily, and charge small devices directly.

Simply put the Jackery SolarSaga panels where sunlight is available, and it will convert up to 25% of sunlight into usable energy.

To charge small gadgets like phones and portable fans, or even smartwatches, the SolarSaga panels come with a USB-C and USB-A port.

Another way is connecting the SolarSaga to Jackery’s Explorer power stations like the Explorer 300 Plus or 1000 Plus.

From there, users can power up devices, essentially for free. On its own, the Jackery SolarSaga panels are available in 100W and 200W variants.

The panels are also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. This makes them usable outdoors when brought to adventures like camping, picnics, or beach trips.

The panels are already available through Jackery’s Lazada and Shopee platforms, as well as Techroom’s Lazada and Shopee accounts.