The HONOR X8d brings together practical elements like strong durability, a capable 108MP main camera, and a large 7,000mAh battery into a slim package priced at PHP 15,999. It targets users in the Philippines who need a reliable device for daily tasks for a reasonable price.
Design and Build Quality
At 188g and just 7.5mm thick, the HONOR X8d sits comfortably in the hand and proves easy to hold during extended use. Its metal-textured finish provides a smooth touch that resists fingerprints better than glossy alternatives, and the camera island draws subtle inspiration from higher-end models like the HONOR 400. It has its own share of durability features, which include a 2m drop resistance and an IP65 rating for dust and water protection, making it suitable for active lifestyles in urban settings.
That said, the absence of a headphone jack and expandable storage limits its versatility for users reliant on wired audio or extra space. A dedicated AI button on the left side adds a unique touch for quick access to features like Google Lens, though its full utility depends on software integration discussed later. The build feels sturdy for its price, but those omissions could be a dealbreaker to some potential buyers.
Performance
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2, the HONOR X8d is a step up from the Snapdragon 685 in the X7d, handling benchmarks on par with phones from the past couple of years. As expected, everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light editing run smoothly without hitches.
Gaming holds up decently too: Honor of Kings runs at high FPS in performance mode, Call of Duty Mobile performs well on medium settings, and even Genshin Impact manages the lowest preset with 60fps feeling acceptable. In general, with the exception of graphics intensive titles, you should be able to game on this phone, but keep your expectations tamed.
The HONOR X8d’s 4G-only chipset feels dated in a 5G-heavy market. For casual gamers and multitaskers, it’s reliable, but definitely not for power users.
Camera
The HONOR X8d’s rear camera setup includes a 108MP main sensor along with a 5MP ultrawide unit, delivering detail-rich images even in low light for a low-midrange phone. Sharpness strikes a natural balance, and colors render accurately, with bokeh effects from both rear and 16MP front camera looking convincing without too much processing. Selfies capture good texture and detail, making it a solid pick for social media portraits.
While daylight performance shines, the ultrawide lacks the resolution for fine details in complex scenes, and video capabilities aren’t highlighted as exceptional. It handles portraits and low-light shots competently for the segment, though enthusiasts may feel the need for refinements found in more premium models.
Audio and Multimedia
The HONOR X8d has a dual-speaker system, one bottom-firing and the earpiece, which produces balanced sound with noticeable low-end, clear vocals, and highs that stay non-piercing. A volume boost feature ensures it’s ample for personal listening. The 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate enhances media, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors for streaming on YouTube or Spotify.
Software
Running MagicOS 10 on top of Android 16, the HONOR X8d comes pre-installed with several apps and a folder of shortcuts, which can feel cluttered initially. AI integrations are present, including the customizable button that supports single, double, or long presses but restricts options to AI tools or Google Lens. I wish there was a way to assign actions like camera launch or quick toggles like silent mode.
Features like AI Memories (saving screenshots with video timestamps), AI Settings Agent (chatbot for basics like hotspot or volume), and standards such as AI Eraser, Upscale, Cutout, and Outpainting still offer handy utilities when needed.
The HONOR X8d’s AI Settings agent is limited to system adjustments, which means you can’t use it to for setting alarms or app launches.
Battery
The HONOR X8d‘s 7,000mAh battery excels in PCMark Work 3.0 tests with a score of 18 hours and 18 minutes. Real-world use with Spotify, YouTube, social apps, photos, and light gaming stretches to one or two days, though your mileage may of course, vary.
The device supports 45W HONOR SuperCharge refills from zero to full in just under 1.5 hours, which is a decent result.
Verdict
The HONOR X8d offers an appealing design, surprisingly good cameras, and excellent battery stamina. And while all of that is good, a PHP 3,000 addition to its PHP 15,999 price tag gets you an HONOR X9d, which is the brand’s high-selling device, and offers better value in many ways.
This phone isn’t without its share of downsides. There’s no expandable storage, no headphone jack, and no 5G (which is a bit of a letdown especially in this price range). I also feel like they could pick a better chipset, but hey, there’s a crisis going on, so that might jack up the price to a territory they don’t like.
If you can’t stretch your budget, depending on priorities, some alternatives may provide stronger all-round packages as well. Overall, if you’re not heavily focused on performance, and you’re okay with 5G.
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.
