The HONOR X9 Series has completed a notable multi-year run in the Philippines, highlighted by aggressive durability campaigns, viral drop tests, and a growing presence in the local mid-range smartphone segment. From the HONOR X9a 5G in 2023 to the helicopter drop test of HONOR X9c 5G, the series has evolved into one of the brand’s flagship campaigns every January.
HONOR X9 Series Journey in the Philippines
HONOR Philippines began its X9 push with the HONOR X9a 5G in 2023, entering the mid-range segment with what was then a relatively low-expectation launch internally. According to HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng, the device exceeded projections and encouraged the team to further refine the formula for subsequent models.
The momentum continued with the HONOR X9b 5G, which followed the X9a 5G and again achieved strong traction in the local market. This set the tone for the HONOR X9c 5G, described by the brand as its biggest feat yet and a result of lessons learned from the 2023 and 2024 campaigns.
Focus on Durability and Extreme Drop Tests
The HONOR X9 Series has always had its emphasis on durability-focused marketing, with early campaigns revolving around 5-foot drop tests, and later escalating into more intense activities to showcase resilience.
The evolution of these activities peaked with the HONOR X9c 5G, which was dropped from a helicopter hundreds of feet above the ground. These efforts positioned durability as a central message for the series and helped differentiate the phones in a crowded mid-range category.
Guinness World Records Achievement
A key highlight in the HONOR X9c 5G story was a record-setting event featuring 264 participants. During this activation, all participants dropped their HONOR X9c 5G units simultaneously in a coordinated test.
This stunt earned HONOR a place in the Guinness World Records for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously,” a distinction the brand cites as validation of both its durability claims and its large-scale marketing approach. The recognition reinforced HONOR Philippines’ push to be associated with credible, high-impact messaging for Filipino consumers.
Internal Perspective and Future Challenges
Within HONOR Philippines, the success of three consecutive X9 generations has created both momentum and pressure. Stephen Cheng acknowledged that topping the performance and buzz of HONOR X9a 5G, X9b 5G, and X9c 5G has become an internal challenge for the team.
He also emphasized that the company views this as a positive test of its technology and talent, hinting that preparations for future campaigns are already underway. While details of the next iteration are still under wraps, the brand has framed upcoming plans as the next step in an established January tradition for the X9 line.
Brand Presence and Product Ecosystem
Beyond the X9 Series itself, HONOR continues to present a broader ecosystem of devices in the Philippines, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables. The company positions these products around themes of innovation, reliability, and accessibility across different budgets.
HONOR’s Philippine footprint is supported by a mix of physical Experience and Partner Stores nationwide and online channels through major e-commerce platforms and social media. The brand’s long-term stated goal is to contribute to a “new intelligent world” by offering smart devices that empower users to do more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the HONOR X9 Series?
A: The HONOR X9 Series is a line of mid-range smartphones from HONOR Philippines, which includes the HONOR X9a 5G, HONOR X9b 5G, and HONOR X9c 5G, launched across 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Q: Why is the HONOR X9 Series known for durability?
A: The series became known for its durability-focused campaigns, starting with 5-foot drop tests and escalating to extreme stunts such as a helicopter drop for the HONOR X9c 5G.
Q: What record did HONOR achieve with the HONOR X9c 5G?
A: HONOR earned a Guinness World Records title for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously,” involving 264 participants dropping their HONOR X9c 5G units at the same time.
Q: How often does HONOR launch new X9 models in the Philippines?
A: HONOR has turned the X9 Series into a recurring early-year campaign in the Philippines, with major launches typically happening around January.
Q: What is HONOR’s broader product lineup beyond the X9 Series?
A: In addition to the X9 smartphones, HONOR offers a portfolio that includes other smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables aimed at different user segments and budgets.
For more information, you may visit HONOR’s website or social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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.
