The HONOR X6b has become the star of countless durability tests, surviving drops, enduring slams, withstanding run-overs, and more. But the real question is, does its performance extend beyond its remarkable toughness? I didn’t perform the durability tests myself because, like other HONOR devices, I trusted it could handle those challenges. Instead, I used it as my everyday phone to see if it could pass my own usability tests.

As someone who typically leans towards top-of-the-line devices because of my job, I approached the HONOR X6b with skepticism when I first learned that it is just around six thousand pesos. However, after spending a week with this device, I can confidently say that it’s an entry-level smartphone that defies expectations, so much so that I often need to remember it’s not a flagship model.

Design and Display
The first thing that struck me about the HONOR X6b is its sleek and ergonomic design. Despite housing a relatively substantial 5200mAh battery, the device feels surprisingly light at 192g and fits comfortably in my hand. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed and responsive, adding a layer of security without compromising on ease of use.

Another highlight is the 6.56-inch TFT-LCD display, which delivers vibrant colors and sharp images. With an 85% NTSC color gamut and a 90Hz refresh rate, scrolling through apps and watching videos is smooth and enjoyable. Even under direct sunlight, the 780nit high-brightness mode ensures that the screen remains easily readable, which is a big plus for outdoor use. The dynamic dimming feature is also useful as it reduces eye strain after a long period of use. It also has the magic capsule feature that allows me to see what’s happening on my device at a glance, and with the always-on display, I can check the time without having to press any button.

Performance
Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G85 processor provides a snappy and efficient performance, paired with up to 6+6GB or 12GB of HONOR RAM equivalence and 256GB of storage. Whether I’m multitasking between apps, playing games, or browsing social media, the device handles everything with ease. The HONOR RAM Turbo technology, which boosts virtual RAM, ensures I can switch between apps without noticeable lag.

What truly surprised me is how this entry-level device handles itself against high-end competition. The performance is so smooth and reliable that I often forget I was using an entry-level phone. The fluidity and responsiveness are on par with many of the flagship devices I’ve used, which speaks volumes about the quality of the HONOR X6b.

Camera
The camera setup on the HONOR X6b is simple yet effective. The 50MP primary camera captures detailed and vibrant photos, especially in well-lit conditions. The AI-enhanced shooting modes are a nice touch, allowing me to take high-resolution photos with minimal effort. The 2MP depth camera adds a decent bokeh effect for portrait shots, though it’s nothing groundbreaking. The 5MP front camera, while not as impressive as the rear setup, is sufficient for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life
One of the standout features of the HONOR X6b is its impressive battery life. The 5200mAh battery easily lasts two days with moderate use. I could use my phone heavily all day, including video streaming, social media, and gaming, and still have plenty of battery power by evening. Even when I was down to 10% battery, the Super Power-Saving mode extended the standby time to over 19 hours, which is incredibly reassuring when charging isn’t immediately available.

Durability
Durability is another area where the HONOR X6b shines. The phone is SGS-certified for 5-star drop resistance and can withstand drops from up to 1.5 meters. You can see many durability tests online, and the device came out unscathed—no cracks or dents. Watching these tests gave me a slight increase in my heart rate!

My first impression
The HONOR X6b is a versatile smartphone that provides great value for its price. Its long-lasting battery, reliable performance, and sturdy design make it ideal for users who need a dependable device for everyday use. While the camera may not rival flagship models, it’s more than adequate for casual photography. Additionally, features like adjustable folders and app shortcuts enhance its convenience. If you’re looking for a phone that covers the essentials without stretching your budget, the HONOR X6b is a solid choice.

Even as someone who regularly uses top-tier devices, I found the HONOR X6b to be a device I could easily use without feeling like I was making any significant compromises. I am satisfied with its performance, and based on my experience, it rivals many mid-range phones, making it an entry-level device in price only—not in experience.