Gadgets
HONOR X9b 5G Review: A Budget-Friendly 5G Contender with Toughness and Surprising Features

In the ever-evolving smartphone market, HONOR has consistently aimed to strike a balance between affordability and cutting-edge technology. The HONOR X9b 5G is the latest addition to their lineup, promising to deliver a seamless 5G experience without breaking the bank. It also comes packed with some eye-catching features, all of which are detailed in the following review.
Design and Build Quality
The HONOR X9b 5G follows the modern trend of sleek and stylish design. The device boasts a slim profile with gently curved edges, making it comfortable to hold. However, compared to its predecessor – the X9a – the HONOR X9b displays a marginal increment in dimensions, with a height of 163.3mm, a width of 75.5mm, a depth of 7.98mm, and a weight of 185g.
On the rear, the phone comes packed with the Matrix Star Ring, which includes the triple camera system. While the phone is available in three colours such as Sunrise Orange, Midnight Black, and Emerald Green, the variant we received for this review was the Sunrise Orange edition, featuring a Vegan Leather finish.
While the phone is comfortable to hold and carry, it lacks any sort of weather sealing. So it is not dustproof or water-resistant, which could be a concern for users who require such features. On the right edge, you get the volume controls and the power button. On the bottom edge, you get the dual SIM tray, a noise-cancelling microphone, the USB-C port and the speaker grille.
Display
The HONOR X9b 5G also boasts a large 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1220-by-2652 pixels. The screen boasts a 19.9:9 aspect ratio and an extensive palette of 1.07 billion colours. This provides a clear and vibrant display, enhancing the user experience whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games. The pixel density of 431ppi is quite high, which helps in delivering sharper and more detailed visuals.
The phone’s responsive display supports multi-touch gestures, recognising up to 10 touch points for enhanced interactivity. With a peak brightness of 1200 nits, the screen ensures exceptional readability even in direct sunlight. The display’s 1.5K resolution produces sharp and detailed visuals, contributing to a seamless and visually pleasing viewing experience.
The HONOR X9b also comes packed with one of the most durable screens I’ve come across in any smartphone. The phone’s frame features robustness and reliability. It can endure being tossed around and subjected to impact, yet it remains unharmed. The HONOR Ultra-Bounce offers durability through its three-level protection system. This safeguard guarantees drop resistance, reinforcing the screen, frame, and internal compartments for maximum protection.
Camera
In terms of camera capabilities, the HONOR X9b 5G is equipped with a 108MP main camera that offers an aperture of f/1.75. You also get a 5MP Ultra Wide and Depth Camera that offers an aperture of f/2.2, and a 2MP Macro Camera that offers an aperture of f/2.4. This allows you to capture high-quality photos and videos. The camera system supports 4K video recording, offers up to 8x digital zoom, and comes with camera modes such as Aperture, Night, Portrait (including beauty mode), Pro, Panorama, HDR, Filter, time-lapse photography, Super macro, High-res, Capture smile, and Slow-motion.
On the front, you get a 16MP camera with an aperture of f/2.45. This camera supports 1080P video recording and comes with camera modes such as Portrait (including beauty mode), Capture Smile, Mirror reflection, Timer, and Gesture control. In addition, this camera also supports 2D Face Recognition.
In well-lit conditions, the primary camera captures vibrant and sharp images with good dynamic range. The ultra-wide-angle lens is a valuable addition for capturing expansive scenes. The depth sensor contributes to accurate background blur in portrait mode, creating visually appealing photos.
Low-light performance is also pretty good, with the camera system capturing some very good shots when using the NJight more. The front-facing camera also delivers decent selfies with natural colours and sufficient detail.
Performance
Under the hood, the HONOR X9b 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient performance. The integration of 5G connectivity is a significant selling point, future-proofing the device and enabling faster data speeds for those in regions with 5G infrastructure.
In everyday use, the device handles common applications with ease, and the transition between apps is seamless. Gaming performance is good, too, handling moderately graphics-intensive games without significant lag or frame drops. The inclusion of 12GB RAM ensures that the device can handle multiple applications running simultaneously. The phone also comes with 256GB of onboard storage for all your apps, data, and media.
Software
The HONOR X9b 5G runs on the latest version of Magic UI – the MagicOS 7.2 – which is based on Android 13 OS. The user interface is clean and user-friendly, with a customisable home screen and a host of pre-installed themes. HONOR has a reputation for delivering timely software updates, ensuring that users receive the latest security patches and features.
The device also comes with a range of pre-installed applications, some of which may be considered bloatware by users who prefer a more minimalist experience. However, many of these can be uninstalled or disabled, providing you with the flexibility to tailor your device to your preferences.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the HONOR X9b 5G is its battery. With a capacity of 5800mAh, the device easily lasts for more than two days on a single charge, thanks in part to the efficient processor and well-optimised software. This means users can expect longer usage times between charges, which is a significant advantage for those who use their phones heavily for days.
Verdict
The HONOR X9b 5G stands out in the crowded mid-range smartphone market by offering a compelling combination of 5G connectivity, durability, a versatile camera system, and a reliable overall performance. While it may not boast the flagship features found in premium devices, it excels in delivering a well-rounded experience at an affordable price point.
Price: AED 1299
Photography by Ryan Chris
HONOR X9b 5G AED 1299
Summary
The HONOR X9b 5G also boasts a large 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1220-by-2652 pixels. The screen boasts a 19.9:9 aspect ratio and an extensive palette of 1.07 billion colours. This provides a clear and vibrant display, enhancing the user experience whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games.
User Review
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Gadgets
Toshiba Canvio Flex: A Multi-Device Hard Drive for Storing and Sharing Special Memories

On 14 February we celebrate Valentine’s Day and Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH proposes to surprise your partner with a practical and stylish gift: the Canvio Flex, a multi-device hard drive for storing and sharing special memories. Coinciding with the release of 2025, this portable external storage drive in 2.5-inch form factor has a new design and comes in a simple and elegant silver finish, making it a functional and beautiful gift.
Flexibility and compatibility are the distinguishing features of the Canvio Flex. Even if you and your partner use different devices (Android or iOS smartphones, Mac, PC or different tablets) – with the Canvio Flex you can use just one hard drive to save and share your special moments. The drive can connect directly to these different devices via the included USB Type-C or Type-A cable without reformatting.
This also makes the Canvio Flex a long-term companion because even if you change your devices, the Canvio Flex will continue to connect to any of them. Especially the direct connectivity to your smartphone and the ability to make backups make the Canvio Flex quite handy, as many photos and videos are nowadays taken with your mobile phone, as shown in this video.
Instead of expanding the capacity of your cloud storage service, you can take the Canvio Flex with you for quick and easy backups directly from your smartphone, desktop, laptop or tablet, wherever you are, without an internet connection, so you’ll always have all your special memories – whether they’re text files, music, photos or videos – safe and secure for quick and easy sharing. With its plug-and-play philosophy and USB3.2 Gen 1 interface, the Canvio Flex offers fast data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps.
More information on the Canvio Flex can be accessed by visiting: https://www.toshiba-storage.com/products/canvio-flex/
– Partner Content
Gadgets
HONOR Intros PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR

HONOR announced the launch of their latest ultra-premium flagship smartphone in the UAE. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR marks the third collaboration between the global technology brand HONOR and the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design. The new device merges premium sports car inspired design with state-of-the-art technology, again showcasing a powerful collaboration meticulously crafting a groundbreaking product. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR represents a leap forward in AI-enabled smartphone technology, seamlessly integrating AI into the user experience by enhancing imaging, display, performance, and system interactions, creating a personalized smart platform that adapts and improves with use. The official unveiling took place at LEAP 2025 (Riyadh, KSA), where HONOR made a remarkable impact under the theme “LEAP into HONOR AI World” by unveiling – the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR, setting a new standard in the premium smartphone market in the GCC.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR seamlessly blends Porsche Design’s iconic sporty aesthetics with exceptional quality, functionality, and usability. Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the creator of the legendary sports car 911 and founder of Porsche Design once described his design approach in the following way: “As little design as possible, as much design as necessary.” Drawing from F. A. Porsche’s philosophy of simplicity and sophistication, the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR incorporates the HONOR Magic7’s symmetrical camera module while integrating the latest sports car design, a celebration of superior dynamics and elegance. This fusion of innovation and heritage creates a unique appeal, with a powerful design highlighted by a distinctive central ridge reminiscent of sleek hood lines featured on many Porsche sports cars. This feature enhances both visual appeal and ergonomics, providing a comfortable and secure grip.
The phone incorporates Porsche’s signature design elements with a hexagonal camera module inspired by high-performance components. The aerodynamic aesthetics of the Taycan Turbo S are seamlessly integrated, and the symmetrical arrangement of four imaging units (3 cameras and 1 graphic element) resemble sports car headlights, protected by 3D glass echoing Porsche’s windshield curves. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR replicates the smooth, refined surface of a sports car, offering a sensory feast of visual and tactile delight.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR features the new cutting-edge MagicOS 9.0. This industry-first, personalized all-scenario AI operating system is equipped with intelligent features that are thoughtfully engineered to meet the varied needs of users, spanning from everyday smartphone operation, entertainment, communication, photo editing, and professional tasks. Introducing Magic Portal, users can conveniently access essential information and services through the upgraded circle and access capability, streamlining smartphone interactions with a simple circle and tap gesture. The MagicOS 9.0 also integrates AI-powered Real-time Transcript, AI Summary, AI Minutes and AI Format features into HONOR Notes, enhancing meeting efficiency for business users. Furthermore, it provides AI Eraser and AI Cutout for an enhanced photo-editing experience. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR now comes with the Google Gemini app pre-installed. This AI assistant from Google can help users enhance ideas, learn in new ways, write emails, plan events and more.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR boasts the pioneering AI HONOR Image Engine, the industry’s first on-device plus cloud large model empowered mobile imaging system. It delivers a transformative photography experience from image capture to editing. Leveraging the power of large models, the device elevates image precision across all photography needs including portraits, snapshots, or telephoto images. This device showcases a range of AI-driven photography tools, including All-scenario Harcourt Portrait, AI Enhanced Portrait, AI Super Zoom for Scenery Capture, Stage Mode, AI Motion Sensing Capture, and HD Super Burst. Users can take stunning photos through AI processing, capturing every moment with remarkable clarity and detail.
With a triple rear camera setup that includes a 50MP Super Dynamic Falcon Main Camera, a 200MP Ultra-sensitive Telephoto Camera, and a 50MP Wide Camera, the device is a perfect tool for photography enthusiasts seeking a professional-like shooting experience. Equipped with an advanced 1/1.4″ telephoto sensor and the industry’s largest f/1.88 telephoto aperture, the telephoto camera rivals the performance of professional telephoto lenses. The LiDAR Matrix Autofocus System, featuring 1200 Points LiDAR Matrix, enhances focusing accuracy, speed, and tracking range, ensuring sharp and clear shots of moving subjects. With a dual electromagnetic focus actuator, the focus capability is enhanced significantly.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR is equipped with the Natural Light HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display, which simulates natural light characteristics and is certified by TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display 4.0, TÜV Rheinland Circular Polarization, and TÜV Rheinland Flicker-Free, setting a new standard in user eye health protection. Providing ultimate protection to the device, the smartphone incorporates the HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield and is certified with IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance withstanding everyday scratches and shocks. The device also supports rapid charging options with 100W Wired and 80W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, by incorporating a 5850mAh Third-generation Silicon-carbon Battery that delivers reliable power even in low temperatures.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, Qualcomm’s most powerful mobile system-on-a-chip, the device ensures smooth gaming and multitasking with stunning graphics and efficient battery usage. The HONOR Surround Subwoofer, a stereo speaker with an integrated ultra-large sound cavity and spatial audio, offers deep bass and an immersive audio experience. The PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR features a unique user interface infused with elements inspired by sports cars. Enhancing the user experience, the smartphone includes a special premium phone case that provides enhanced durability. With its impressive features, the PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR is an ideal companion for everyday life, blending style, performance, and durability seamlessly.
The luxury flagship device is available in two distinct Original Porsche exterior colors: the classic Agate Grey, a sporty yet elegant hue, and the brand-new color Provence, a modern purple hue that adds a touch of flamboyance to the over-all clean and functional design. The UAE consumers can now subscribe online to be among the first to experience the all-new PORSCHE DESIGN HONOR Magic7 RSR.
Accessories
Apple’s Beats Unveils Powerbeats Pro 2 with Heart-Rate Monitoring

Apple Inc.’s Beats division has unveiled the long-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2, which features noise cancellation, a heart-rate monitor, and a revamped design aimed at athletes. This new model incorporates capabilities seen in Apple’s AirPods, such as transparency mode for better external noise awareness and the H2 chip for enhanced sound quality. Additionally, it offers improved spatial audio for a 3D listening experience and comes with a smaller, wireless charging case.
The heart-rate monitor is a notable first for Apple-designed earbuds, expanding the company’s health-related features, and utilizes technology found in the Apple Watch. Despite a slow holiday season for Apple’s wearables business—with sales in the division falling nearly 2% to about $11.8 billion—the introduction of these new earbuds is anticipated to drive interest and sales.
Priced at $250, the same as the previous model, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 will be available in black, orange, purple, and a color called quicksand. This price point matches the AirPods Pro 2, although the Powerbeats may be more appealing to athletes due to their secure ear hooks.
Apple Vice President Oliver Schusser, who oversees Beats as well as the company’s sports, TV+, and music initiatives, hailed the new Powerbeats as “the most impressive product in Beats’ history.” Acquired by Apple in 2014 for $3 billion, Beats remains the company’s largest acquisition to date.
The heart-rate monitor will be compatible with fitness apps like Peloton, Nike Run Club, Ladder, and Slopes, with data integration into the Apple Health app. The earbuds will also be compatible with Android devices. Apple is reportedly working on AirPods with heart-rate monitoring, though they are still many months away from release.
In terms of battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 holds an advantage over AirPods, with 10 hours of usage on their own and 45 hours with the charging case, compared to six hours for AirPods alone and up to 30 hours with the case. However, AirPods continue to offer unique features, such as a new hearing aid functionality.
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