In the world of budget-friendly smartphones, Honor and Redmi have emerged as key players offering solid options in the under Php18,000 price range. Today, we’re diving deep into two of their latest releases: the HONOR X9c 5G and the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G. Both of these devices pack impressive features, but which one stands out as the superior choice? Let’s take a closer look.
Design & Durability
At first glance, both the HONOR X9c and Redmi Note 14 Pro share similar design elements, including centered camera islands on the back. However, the HONOR X9c features a circular camera array, while the Redmi Note 14 Pro opts for a more angular, square design.
When it comes to materials, the Redmi Note 14 Pro uses a polycarbonate body, which mimics frosted glass, coupled with an aluminum frame. On the other hand, the HONOR X9c has a plastic back with a unique marble-like texture, particularly in the Jade Cyan color.
In terms of durability, both phones have notable features. The HONOR X9c boasts a five-star drop resistance certification from SGS, Switzerland, as well as an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. However, the Redmi Note 14 Pro takes the lead with an IP68 rating, which means it can withstand submersion in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters.
For those prioritizing durability, the Redmi Note 14 Pro gets the edge due to its superior water resistance, although both devices are well-built.
Display & Multimedia
Flip these devices over, and you’re greeted with curved AMOLED displays. The Redmi Note 14 Pro has a 6.67-inch curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3000 nits peak brightness, while the HONOR X9c sports a slightly larger 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 4000 nits peak brightness and the same 120Hz refresh rate.
Both displays deliver excellent color reproduction and vibrant visuals, but the HONOR X9c has an advantage in terms of brightness. It also has Asahi double-tempered glass, while the Redmi Note 14 Pro uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, known for its superior scratch and drop resistance.
When it comes to multimedia, the Redmi Note 14 Pro takes it up a notch with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, along with dual stereo speakers that offer an immersive sound experience. The HONOR X9c also has dual stereo speakers but lacks the Dolby enhancements.
For the display and multimedia round, both phones are strong contenders, but the Redmi Note 14 Pro edges ahead due to its added audio and visual features.
Performance & Benchmarks
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra, a 4nm chip clocked at 2.5GHz, while the HONOR X9c 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, also built on a 4nm process but clocked at 2.2GHz.
In benchmark tests, the Redmi Note 14 Pro consistently outperformed the HONOR X9c across most metrics, including 3DMark and Geekbench GPU scores. However, the HONOR X9c showed better storage speeds in the AnTuTu Storage test, and its battery life was notably longer.
In everyday usage, both phones deliver smooth performance, handling casual tasks, MOBA games, and even some graphically demanding titles with ease.
Despite the Redmi Note 14 Pro’s superior raw power, both devices perform excellently for the price range, so this round ends in a tie.
Camera Comparison
For the camera setup, the Redmi Note 14 Pro leads with a 200MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens, while the HONOR X9c comes with a 108MP main sensor paired with a 5MP ultrawide camera.
Despite the Redmi Note 14 Pro boasting a higher megapixel count, both phones deliver good camera performance in terms of detail and contrast. However, the Redmi Note 14 Pro’s photos occasionally appear washed out, and the details aren’t as sharp as expected. Both phones also support 4K video recording with OIS for stable footage.
In the camera department, the Redmi Note 14 Pro has more options, but the HONOR X9c holds its ground well, offering comparable quality. Thus, this round is another tie.
Battery & Charging
Battery life is another area where the HONOR X9c shines. With its 6600mAh battery, it outlasts the Redmi Note 14 Pro’s 5110mAh battery, lasting over two hours longer in our PCMark battery test (15 hours and 34 minutes vs. 13 hours and 14 minutes).
Additionally, the HONOR X9c supports 66W fast charging, while the Redmi Note 14 Pro tops out at 45W. This gives the HONOR X9c a significant advantage in both battery capacity and charging speed.
For this round, the HONOR X9c takes the win with its superior battery life and faster charging capabilities.
Connectivity & Software
Both phones run on Android 14, with the Redmi Note 14 Pro skinned with Xiaomi HyperOS and the HONOR X9c featuring MagicOS 8.0. Both UIs are packed with features, though the Redmi Note 14 Pro stands out with Wi-Fi 6 support, eSIM functionality, and an IR blaster.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro also has a clearer advantage in terms of software support, offering up to three major OS updates and four years of security patches.
With these added features and extended software support, the Redmi Note 14 Pro takes this round.
Price & Verdict
Pricing plays a big role in deciding between these two devices. The HONOR X9c 5G starts at ₹27,990, while the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is priced at ₹24,499 for the base 256GB variant and ₹23,835 for the 512GB model.
While both phones offer solid features, the Redmi Note 14 Pro stands out with its IP68 water resistance, extra features, and long-term software support. However, the HONOR X9c presents a compelling case with its unique design, larger battery, and faster charging.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for water resistance, more connectivity options, and longer software updates, the Redmi Note 14 Pro is a solid choice. But, if battery life and design are your priorities, the HONOR X9c offers a great balance at a lower price.
Which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments below!
