HONOR Philippines is starting 2026 with an extreme durability showcase for its new midrange contender, the HONOR X9d 5G, by staging an ultra-high-altitude plane drop test in partnership with Gadget Pilipinas and its Editor-in-Chief Gian Viterbo.
The stunt aims to position the device as a rugged mid-range 5G smartphone engineered to endure real-world punishment while still delivering everyday performance.
Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge
The durability showcase took place in Manila, Philippines, with HONOR Philippines introducing the HONOR X9d 5G as the newest and toughest entry in its X Series lineup. The brand framed the event as an “Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge,” where the device was released from an ultralight aircraft flying at approximately 60 km/h, without any protective case.
According to HONOR Philippines, the activation serves as the latest in a series of extreme tests designed to underline how its X Series smartphones can survive punishing scenarios that go beyond ordinary drops.
“Year after year, HONOR fans and consumers push us to go beyond expectations, and that inspires everything we do, the HONOR X9d 5G was designed with Filipino users in mind—combining toughness, innovation, especially value. Our extreme durability tests reflect our confidence in delivering a device that can keep up with real life challenges.”
– Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines
Legacy of HONOR X Series durability
Since launching the X9 Series in the Philippines in 2023, HONOR has consistently used dramatic tests to demonstrate device toughness, including smash tests, helicopter drop tests, and challenges that have earned recognition from Guinness World Records.
The HONOR X9d 5G continues this legacy by taking the concept to the sky, following previous campaigns that featured devices dropped from significant heights or subjected to intense impact. Every iteration of the X Series is performance-focused and resilient enough to withstand demanding use by active, on-the-go users.
Partnership with Gadget Pilipinas
To bolster credibility for the latest extreme test, HONOR Philippines tapped Gadget Pilipinas’ Editor-in-Chief, Gian Viterbo, as the key media partner and on-camera participant in the challenge. Viterbo, who is known for reviewing and testing consumer tech products, agreed to the plane drop test out of personal curiosity about whether the HONOR X9d 5G could genuinely survive such an ordeal.
Viterbo described the experience as highly exhilarating and emphasized that he approached the test from the perspective of a consumer who depends on a smartphone to keep important files and data safe.
“I said YES to the ultimate phone drop test challenge as a consumer, because I was genuinely curious about the result. I knew the risks and factors at hand, and I really wanted to know if the HONOR X9d would really survive,”
– Gian Viterbo, EIC of Gadget Pilipinas
Behind the Challenge
During the Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge, the HONOR X9d 5G was released from an ultralight aircraft in flight, exposing it to a high-altitude fall with significant impact velocity. Any safety net such as protective cases, were intentionally removed, which means the phone had to rely on it built-in structural protections and design.
After the drop, the device was evaluated for physical integrity and operational status, tying the test back to the brand’s message of toughness and everyday reliability.
HONOR describes the X9d 5G as durable enough to withstand harsh conditions and absorb shocks while still keeping its internal components and user data intact, even if the exterior experiences scratches or minor cosmetic damage.
HONOR X9d 5G positioning for Filipino consumers
HONOR Philippines frames the HONOR X9d 5G as a mid-range 5G smartphone tailored to Filipino users who need a dependable device for daily tasks, social media, content creation, and entertainment, but who also face unpredictable environments such as crowded commutes and outdoor activities. The extreme plane drop test is used as a symbolic demonstration of how the phone can handle sudden impacts and rough handling.
By pairing the launch with an unforgettable durability spectacle and a prominent local tech personality, HONOR aims to reinforce its image as a brand that blends toughness with innovation and value. The HONOR X9d 5G is positioned as a device that can keep pace with real-life scenarios while providing the performance expected from modern 5G smartphones.
All Set for Launch
The HONOR X9d 5G is set to debut in the Philippines on January 9, with pre-orders already available in stores until January 23. The brand is also rumored to be raffling off a Tesla Cybertruck for its pre-order promo.
For more information Visit HONOR’s website, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the HONOR X9d 5G plane drop challenge?
A: It is a high-altitude durability test where an HONOR X9d 5G smartphone is dropped from an ultralight plane at speed without a protective case, showcasing the device’s structural toughness and resilience.
Q: Who participated in the HONOR X9d 5G challenge?
A: HONOR Philippines partnered with Gadget Pilipinas, featuring its Editor-in-Chief Gian Viterbo as the key participant who helped oversee and document the Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge.
Q: What does HONOR aim to prove with this test?
A: The company aims to demonstrate that the HONOR X9d 5G can endure extreme physical stress while remaining functional, reinforcing its reputation for durable mid-range smartphones.
Q: When is the launch of the HONOR X9d 5G in the Philippines?
A: The HONOR X9d 5G is set to debut in the Philippines on January 9, 2026.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
