Honor Play9C Review

Honor Play9C Review
1 week ago

The Honor Play9C is a budget-friendly phone that offers a good balance of performance and essential features to meet the needs of everyday users. With a modern design, large screen, and strong battery, it is an ideal option for those looking for an affordable phone in the low-price category. In this review, we will explore the phone's key features in terms of design, performance, camera, battery, and system performance, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages you may encounter when using it.

Honor Play9C Full Specifications Review

Design

The Honor Play9C comes with a sleek and simple design suitable for everyday use.

  • Materials: The body is made of high-quality glossy plastic, making it lightweight and easy to hold.

  • Dimensions: The phone features comfortable dimensions (159.8mm length × 76.1mm width × 8.1mm thickness) and weighs around 176 grams.

  • Details: The front has slim bezels with a small water-drop notch housing the front camera. The back features a square camera unit with a traditional fingerprint sensor.

Display

  • Type: An IPS LCD screen that offers natural colors and acceptable viewing angles.

  • Size: The display measures 6.39 inches, making it ideal for reading and media consumption.

  • Resolution: HD+ resolution of 1560 × 720 pixels with a pixel density of 269 pixels per inch.

  • Performance: The screen offers good clarity under indoor lighting but may struggle in direct sunlight.

Battery

  • Capacity: Equipped with a large 4000mAh battery, providing long-lasting use for a full day of work or entertainment.

  • Charging: Supports 10W charging via a MicroUSB port, which may fall short compared to modern charging ports.

  • Endurance: The battery performs well for normal usage such as browsing the internet and running basic apps.

Camera

  • Rear Camera:

    • Triple lens setup:

      • Main camera with 13 MP resolution and an f/1.8 aperture for bright photos.

      • Second lens with 5 MP for wide-angle shots.

      • Third lens with 2 MP for portrait effect and background blur.

    • The rear camera supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second.

  • Front Camera:

    • 8 MP with an f/2.0 aperture, providing average selfie performance.

Sound

  • The phone comes with a mono speaker that delivers clear sound.

  • Supports a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing the use of traditional wired headphones.

  • Sound performance is good during calls but average when playing media.

Processor

  • Type: Kirin 710A processor by Huawei, an octa-core chipset (4 Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0 GHz and 4 Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz).

  • Gaming Performance: Provides average performance when running games like PUBG on low settings.

  • Graphics: The Mali-G51 MP4 GPU is sufficient for daily apps and light gaming.

Operating System

  • Runs on Android 10 with Magic UI 3.1, offering a smooth user experience with several customization features.

  • Does not support Google Services directly, but comes with Huawei’s AppGallery for app downloads.

Memory

  • Internal Storage: Comes with 64GB of storage, sufficient for basic apps and files.

  • RAM: 4GB, providing good performance for everyday tasks.

  • Expandable: Supports a microSD card up to 512GB.

Connectivity

  • Supports Nano-SIM dual SIM.

  • Provides Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 5.0.

  • Includes GPS and FM radio support.

Networks

  • Supports 4G LTE networks.

  • Provides good and stable signal reception.

Sensors

  • Built-in sensors:

    • Fast and accurate rear fingerprint sensor.

    • Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, and Digital compass.

Colors

The phone is available in attractive colors:

  1. Glossy Black.

  2. Sky Blue.

  3. Olive Green.

The Honor Play9C is a good option for users who seek a smartphone with decent specifications at an affordable price. It features an elegant design, long-lasting battery, and satisfactory performance for daily tasks. However, some drawbacks like the limited screen resolution and lack of Google services should be considered.

Pros of Honor Play9C

  • Elegant and lightweight design.
  • A suitably sized screen with good colors under indoor lighting.
  • A large 4000mAh battery that provides long usage.
  • A triple rear camera that delivers good photos in normal conditions.
  • A processor suitable for daily tasks and light gaming.
  • Dual SIM support with 4G connectivity.
  • Magic UI operating system with good customization features.
  • Support for microSD external storage up to 512GB.

Cons of Honor Play9C

  • Low screen resolution (HD+), and it doesn't provide the best experience under direct sunlight.
  • Slow charging with 10W power.
  • Does not officially support Google services.
  • Average performance of the front camera.
  • No support for fast charging or a USB-C port.

What's New in the Honor Play9C

The Honor Play9C, launched in September 2024, brings a range of improvements and new features compared to the previous models in the Play series. Here are the key highlights of the phone:

  1. MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ Processor:
    The phone comes with an octa-core processor built on 6nm technology, offering enhanced performance for daily tasks and light gaming compared to previous processors like the Kirin 710A.

  2. 6.56-inch TFT LCD Display:
    The display has been upgraded to a larger 6.56-inch size with a resolution of 720 × 1612 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother visual experience compared to older screens with lower refresh rates.

  3. 5200mAh Battery:
    The new battery provides more power with a capacity of 5200mAh, ensuring longer usage throughout the day compared to the previous 4000mAh battery.

  4. MagicOS 8 Operating System:
    The phone runs on MagicOS 8, based on Android 14, offering a modern user interface with advanced features such as dual app management and floating windows.

  5. Smart Capsule Feature:
    Similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island, this feature provides interactive notifications and contextual information that appear at the top of the screen, adding a smart touch to the device.

  6. Modern Design and New Colors:
    The phone now has a more stylish design with new color options like black and blue, giving it a more aesthetic look.

These improvements and new features represent a significant upgrade compared to its predecessors, making the Honor Play9C an attractive option for users looking for an affordable phone with strong specifications.

Honor Play9C Box Contents

When purchasing the Honor Play9C, you will find the following items inside the box:

  1. The phone itself

  2. 10W charger

  3. MicroUSB charging cable

  4. SIM card ejector tool

  5. Instruction manual and warranty card

  6. Transparent protective case (may vary by country)

  7. Screen protector (pre-applied on some versions)

Approximate Price of the Honor Play9C

Country Currency Approximate Price
Egypt Egyptian Pound 5100 EGP
Saudi Arabia Saudi Riyal 500 SAR
UAE Emirati Dirham 480 AED
Kuwait Kuwaiti Dinar 40 KWD
Qatar Qatari Riyal 480 QAR
Bahrain Bahraini Dinar 49 BHD
Oman Omani Rial 50 OMR
Jordan Jordanian Dinar 95 JOD
Iraq Iraqi Dinar 125000 IQD
Syria Syrian Pound 3300000 SYP
Lebanon Lebanese Pound 4950000 LBP
Algeria Algerian Dinar 27000 DZD
Morocco Moroccan Dirham 1300 MAD
Tunisia Tunisian Dinar 430 TND
Sudan Sudanese Pound 315000 SDG
Turkey Turkish Lira 3400 TRY
Iran Iranian Rial 19500000 IRR
India Indian Rupee 10700 INR
Pakistan Pakistani Rupee 34500 PKR
Bangladesh Bangladeshi Taka 12400 BDT
Nigeria Nigerian Naira 160000 NGN
South Africa South African Rand 1750 ZAR
Germany Euro 110 EUR
France Euro 110 EUR
Italy Euro 110 EUR
Spain Euro 110 EUR
United States US Dollar 120 USD
Canada Canadian Dollar 165 CAD
Australia Australian Dollar 180 AUD
United Kingdom British Pound  

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on taxes, local promotions, and phone availability in different markets.

Warranty, Warranty Terms, and After-Sales Service for the Honor Play9C

Warranty

The Honor Play9C comes with an official warranty from the manufacturer for 12 months (one year) from the date of purchase. This warranty covers free repairs for manufacturing defects at authorized service centers.

Warranty Terms

  1. The purchase invoice or original warranty card must be kept to verify the purchase date.

  2. The warranty only covers technical and manufacturing defects and does not include damage caused by misuse.

  3. The warranty does not cover:

    • Cracks, scratches, or damage caused by liquids.

    • Malfunctions caused by disassembling or repairing the device in unauthorized locations.

    • Battery, cable, or charger damage caused by improper use.

  4. The device must be in its original condition with no modifications or changes to the serial number.

After-Sales Service

  • Honor and authorized service centers provide:

    • Certified repairs by specialized technicians.

    • Genuine spare parts.

    • Operating system updates and software support according to policies.

  • Some countries also offer door-to-door delivery and repair services or online booking for appointments.

  • You can contact customer service via the local number or the official website for support or to schedule a repair appointment.

Note: Warranty terms and after-sales services may slightly vary by country, so it is recommended to check the local warranty provided with the device.

Performance of the Honor Play9C

The Honor Play9C offers decent performance within the budget segment, targeting users seeking a stable daily usage experience without high costs. Here are the performance details of the phone:

1. Processor and Overall Performance

  • The phone is powered by the HiSilicon Kirin 710A octa-core processor with a 14nm manufacturing technology.

  • The processor provides good performance for browsing, using social media apps, watching videos, and switching between apps.

  • The phone is suitable for daily tasks such as calls, messages, video playback, and light apps.

2. Gaming Performance

  • The phone runs light games like Subway Surfers and Candy Crush efficiently.

  • When playing medium games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile, the phone operates at low to medium graphic settings, with slight stuttering during long sessions.

  • The Mali-G51 MP4 GPU is decent for this price range but not designed for heavy gaming.

3. Memory and Storage

  • The 4GB RAM provides good multitasking performance when using multiple apps in the background.

  • The 64GB internal storage is sufficient for storing apps, photos, and videos, with the option to expand via a microSD card up to 512GB.

4. Operating System and Smoothness

  • The phone runs Android 10 with the Magic UI 3.1 interface, which is relatively lightweight and suitable for mid-range devices.

  • Although it lacks Google services, the system provides alternatives via AppGallery and some third-party apps.

5. Device Temperature

  • The device's performance in terms of temperature is stable, and it doesn't experience noticeable heating during normal use or light gaming sessions.

The Honor Play9C offers stable and very acceptable performance within its price range, making it suitable for daily use, communication apps, and light gaming. If you're an average user who doesn't require high performance or heavy gaming, this phone meets your needs quite well.

Gaming Performance of the Honor Play9C

The Honor Play9C is classified as a budget phone, so its gaming performance aligns with its relatively limited capabilities. Here’s a detailed assessment of gaming performance on this phone:

1. Graphics Processor

  • The phone is equipped with a Mali-G51 MP4 graphics processor, which offers acceptable performance for light to medium games.

  • The processor is not dedicated to heavy gaming, but it does its job reasonably well within its limits.

2. Light Gaming Performance

  • Games like Subway Surfers, Temple Run, and Clash of Clans run smoothly without any performance issues or stuttering.

  • These games can be played for extended periods without noticeable heating.

3. Medium Gaming Performance

  • Games like Free Fire and Asphalt 8 run well on medium graphic settings, with stable performance and minimal stuttering in heavy scenes.

  • The gaming experience remains good with acceptable touch response.

4. Heavy Gaming Performance

  • PUBG Mobile: The game runs on "Low – Balanced" settings and provides acceptable performance, but with some lag and stuttering in combat scenes or when many players are in the same area.

  • Call of Duty: Mobile: The game runs on low graphic settings and can be played, but with some delays in response at times.

  • Genshin Impact: The game runs with difficulty, showing slow load times and smoothness issues even at the lowest settings.

5. Temperature During Gaming

  • The phone shows good temperature stability during gaming, with a slight increase in heat after long sessions, but it doesn't reach uncomfortable levels.

The Honor Play9C is suitable for light to medium gaming, offering acceptable performance in heavy games only when graphic settings are reduced. If you're a casual gamer looking for basic gaming or limited entertainment time, the phone will meet your needs. However, if you're a fan of heavy gaming and high graphics, it may not be the best choice.

System Performance of the Honor Play9C

1. Operating System

  • The phone runs on Android 10 with Magic UI 3.1 from Honor.

  • The system is light and smooth, providing a stable experience for daily tasks.

  • The phone does not officially support Google services and relies on AppGallery for app downloads, with the option to install some Google apps through alternative methods.

2. Interface and Customization

  • The Magic UI interface offers good customization tools such as:

    • Night mode

    • Eye comfort mode

    • Phone manager to optimize performance

    • App and wallpaper management

  • Navigation within the system is fast and comfortable, with smooth transitions between menus and apps.

3. Responsiveness and Overall Performance

  • With 4GB of RAM, the phone performs well when switching between light apps.

  • There are no noticeable issues during daily tasks like browsing, video playback, or messaging.

  • When running heavy apps or opening many apps in the background, there may be some temporary lag or delay.

4. Updates and Support

  • The phone comes with Android 10 and may not receive major future updates.

  • It receives limited periodic security updates from Honor, depending on the company's policy and country.

The system performance of the Honor Play9C is very good for its budget category. The system is stable, the interface is easy to use, and it offers suitable customization options. Although Google services are absent, this can be compensated with alternative apps or external solutions. If you're a casual user looking for a simple and smooth Android experience, the system meets your needs comfortably.

Battery Performance of the Honor Play9C

1. Battery Capacity

  • The phone comes with a large 4000mAh battery, which is a very good capacity for the budget category.

  • The battery allows for long usage without the need for frequent charging.

2. Usage Duration

  • The battery can last from 10 to 13 hours of continuous usage (browsing, video, calls, and social apps).

  • With moderate to light usage, it can easily last a full day or more.

  • When gaming or watching videos for long periods, the duration will decrease slightly but remains good.

3. Charging

  • The phone supports only 10W charging via a MicroUSB port, which is slow compared to modern smartphones.

  • Charging the battery from 0% to 100% takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

  • The phone does not support fast charging or wireless charging.

4. Power Management

  • The Magic UI interface offers several power-saving modes such as:

    • "Power saving" mode

    • "Super power saving" mode

  • These modes help extend battery life in emergencies or when the charge is low.

The Honor Play9C battery offers excellent endurance, lasting easily a full day even with active use. The main downside is the slow charging speed and the lack of fast charging, but the battery life compensates for that. If you're looking for a phone that can handle long hours of work or daily use without needing a recharge, this phone is a very good option in this regard.

Global Reviews and User Ratings of the Honor Play9C

1. Global Reviews

The Honor Play9C received average to good ratings from global tech review sites specializing in smartphones. It was praised for several features, especially for its position in the budget category:

  • GSMArena:

    • The phone received a rating of 6.5/10, praising its good design and large battery, but criticizing its performance in heavy gaming and slow charging.

    • It was considered suitable for users needing a device for basic daily tasks such as browsing and social media.

  • TechRadar:

    • The site gave the phone a medium rating due to the lack of Google services support and the processor's performance in heavy gaming. However, it mentioned that the battery and screen are acceptable for this price range.

  • Android Authority:

    • The overall rating was 3.5 out of 5, with the long battery life and smooth interface being appreciated, but it was noted that the phone is not the best choice for gamers or intensive users.

2. User Ratings

User reviews on sales and review platforms vary significantly based on personal usage, but generally, there were some recurring praises and criticisms:

  • Positives:

    • Battery: Many users praised the long battery life, stating that the phone easily lasts a full day or more with moderate usage.

    • Design: The phone received positive feedback for its modern appearance and build quality, which fits well within its price range.

    • Daily Performance: Most users found that the phone provided good performance for everyday tasks like browsing, calling, and social media apps.

  • Negatives:

    • Slow Charging: Many reviews showed dissatisfaction with the slow charging speed (10W), which was considered a major downside of the phone.

    • Gaming Performance: Users who expected good performance in heavy games expressed disappointment with slowness in large games like PUBG and Call of Duty.

    • Lack of Google Services: This was a barrier for some users, especially those heavily reliant on Google services such as Play Store and Gmail.

3. Overall Conclusion

In general, the Honor Play9C received positive reviews for its price range, being considered a good choice for those seeking a budget phone with a strong battery and decent performance for basic daily use. However, the phone does have limited performance issues with gaming and slow charging, which may make it less suitable for users who require these features more heavily.

The general reviews for the Honor Play9C suggest that it is a suitable device for users seeking good performance for basic daily tasks like internet browsing, chatting, and social media. If you're looking for a device for heavy gaming or fast charging, there may be better options available on the market.

Competing Phones for the Honor Play9C

In the budget phone category, there are many phones that compete with the Honor Play9C in the market, offering similar or even superior features in some aspects. Here's an overview of the main competing phones in this category:

1. Xiaomi Redmi 10C

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, offering better gaming performance compared to the Honor Play9C.

  • Display: 6.71-inch LCD display with FHD+ resolution, providing a better visual experience than the HD+ screen in the Honor Play9C.

  • Battery: 5000mAh battery, larger than the Honor Play9C's battery, resulting in a longer battery life.

  • Camera: 50MP rear camera that delivers clearer and more detailed images compared to the Honor Play9C's camera.

  • Charging: Supports 18W fast charging, offering quicker charging times.

  • Rating: The Redmi 10C is a strong competitor with its powerful processor and higher-resolution display.

2. Realme C21Y

  • Processor: Unisoc T610, a good processor for everyday use but less powerful than the Kirin 710A in the Honor Play9C.

  • Display: 6.5-inch display with HD+ resolution, almost identical to the Honor Play9C.

  • Battery: 5000mAh battery, offering similar performance to the Honor Play9C's battery in terms of usage longevity.

  • Camera: Dual 13MP rear camera, providing good photos in well-lit conditions.

  • Charging: 10W charging, similar to the Honor Play9C, meaning the charging speed is comparable between the two.

  • Rating: Realme C21Y is a strong competitor in the budget phone category with its large battery and decent camera resolution.

3. Samsung Galaxy A12

  • Processor: Exynos 850, offering performance similar to the Honor Play9C for daily tasks but weaker in gaming.

  • Display: 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with FHD+ resolution, offering better performance than the HD+ screen in the Honor Play9C.

  • Battery: 5000mAh battery, delivering similar excellent performance in daily use as the Honor Play9C.

  • Camera: Quad 48MP camera, providing an advantage in photography compared to the Honor Play9C's camera.

  • Charging: Supports 15W fast charging, offering faster charging speeds.

  • Rating: The Samsung Galaxy A12 is an excellent option in the budget category due to its higher-resolution display and advanced camera.

4. Vivo Y20s

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, a good processor for the budget category that performs well in daily apps but is less powerful than the Kirin 710A.

  • Display: 6.51-inch HD+ display, similar to the Honor Play9C.

  • Battery: 5000mAh battery, providing long battery life similar to other competing phones.

  • Camera: Triple 13MP rear camera, delivering good performance for daily photography.

  • Charging: 18W charging, offering faster charging compared to the Honor Play9C.

  • Rating: Vivo Y20s is a solid choice in this category, thanks to its strong battery and good daily performance.

5. Infinix Hot 10

  • Processor: MediaTek Helio G70, offering better gaming performance than the Kirin 710A in the Honor Play9C.

  • Display: 6.78-inch FHD+ display, providing a better visual experience than the HD+ screen in the Honor Play9C.

  • Battery: 5200mAh battery, offering longer battery life compared to the Honor Play9C.

  • Camera: 16MP rear camera, delivering good photos for users focused on photography.

  • Charging: Supports 18W fast charging, allowing faster charging than the Honor Play9C.

  • Rating: Infinix Hot 10 provides good gaming performance and long battery life compared to the Honor Play9C.

Competing phones like the Redmi 10C, Realme C21Y, and Samsung Galaxy A12 offer many similar or superior features compared to the Honor Play9C, such as better processors, higher-resolution cameras, and fast charging.
If you are looking for a budget phone with good gaming performance and a long battery life, these phones offer strong competitive options. However, if your focus is on design and excellent battery life for basic daily use, the Honor Play9C might still be a suitable choice.

Buying Tips for the Honor Play9C

If you're considering purchasing the Honor Play9C, here are some tips that can help you make the right decision:

1. Identify Your Needs

  • The Honor Play9C is a good option if you need a budget phone for daily tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media.

  • If you're a fan of heavy gaming or need strong performance for intensive tasks, you may want to consider another option with higher capabilities.

2. Evaluate the Battery Life

  • The phone comes with a 4000mAh battery, which makes it suitable for regular daily use. If you rely on your phone for extended periods of intensive use like gaming or video watching, you might want to consider phones with a larger battery.

3. Study Gaming Performance

  • If you're into light or medium games like Subway Surfers or Clash of Clans, the Honor Play9C provides decent performance. However, if you're interested in heavy games like PUBG or Call of Duty, you may experience some lag or delays, so choose carefully based on your needs.

4. Check for Google Services

  • The Honor Play9C does not come with official Google services. If you rely on apps like Google Play Store or other services like Gmail, you should consider this as you may need to use alternatives like AppGallery or download apps from external sources.

5. Slow Charging

  • The phone supports 10W charging only, meaning that charging will be slower compared to phones that support fast charging. If fast charging is important to you, you may need to look for another phone.

6. Set a Budget

  • If you're looking for a reasonably priced phone that offers good specifications for daily use without needing high performance or advanced features, the Honor Play9C is a solid choice in this price range.

7. Compare with Other Phones

  • Make sure to compare the Honor Play9C with competitors in the same category, such as the Redmi 10C, Realme C21Y, and Samsung Galaxy A12. You might find other phones offering extra features like faster charging or better cameras.

8. Take Advantage of Offers and Discounts

  • Be sure to look for discount offers or sale campaigns that may be available when purchasing the phone. Sometimes, you can get better prices or even free gifts when buying the phone during seasonal promotions.

If you're looking for a budget phone for basic daily tasks like browsing and calling, and especially care about battery life, the Honor Play9C can be a great option for you. However, if you need better gaming performance or faster charging, there may be other phones that better suit your needs.

Charging Tips for the Honor Play9C

Here are some tips to help you charge your Honor Play9C effectively and maintain the battery health for as long as possible:

1. Use the Original Charger

  • Always try to use the original charger provided with the phone or a charger approved by Honor to ensure safe charging. Non-original chargers may lead to battery risks or even damage to the phone over time.

2. Avoid Charging to 0%

  • Do not let the battery reach 0% regularly. It is recommended to charge the phone when the battery is around 20% to 30%. Charging from very low levels frequently may negatively affect the battery's long-term lifespan.

3. Avoid Overcharging

  • Do not leave the phone plugged into the charger for long periods after reaching 100%. If you have a habit of charging the phone overnight, try to unplug the charger once it reaches 100% to reduce the strain on the battery.

4. Use Slow Charging or Charge When the Phone is Idle

  • Since the Honor Play9C supports only 10W charging, it’s best to avoid using the phone during charging, especially if you need fast charging. Using the phone while charging can lead to higher temperatures and slower charging speeds. Try leaving the phone in standby or unused mode while charging to improve charging speed and battery performance.

5. Charge in Moderate Temperatures

  • Try to avoid charging the phone in excessively hot or cold environments. Extreme temperatures negatively affect battery performance. Ensure the phone is charged in moderate temperature settings, ideally between 10°C and 30°C.

6. Enable Power Saving Mode While Charging

  • If you need to save power, you can activate Power Saving Mode or Super Power Saving Mode while charging. This helps reduce power consumption and gives the battery more time to charge.

7. Avoid Charging in High-Temperature Conditions

  • If the phone becomes too hot due to usage while charging or using an incompatible charger, it may not charge effectively. In this case, it’s better to let the phone cool down before charging again.

Paying attention to proper charging techniques will help extend the battery life of your Honor Play9C. Use the original charger, avoid overcharging or excessive charging, and try to charge the phone in moderate temperature environments for the best battery performance.

Conclusion

In the end, the Honor Play9C is a good phone for users who are looking for an affordable device with a long battery life and suitable performance for everyday tasks. However, if you are a fan of heavy gaming or need fast charging or support for Google services, you may find some limitations. Overall, the phone is a suitable option for users who prefer balanced performance and reasonable pricing in the budget smartphone category.