Honor’s latest budget 5G contender arrives with a large 6.8-inch 120Hz display, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, and a 5200mAh battery starting at ₹14,999 for a limited time.

By Muzamil Ahad – Founder of DoorDasherHelpCentral.com

Key Specs (at a glance)

What’s new vs Honor X7b?

Upgraded to 5G connectivity — The biggest improvement is the addition of 5G support with SA/NSA compatibility, making it future-ready for India’s expanding 5G networks.

Higher refresh rate display — The 120Hz refresh rate is a step up from the X7b’s 90Hz, providing smoother scrolling and better gaming experience.

Improved build quality — The new IP64 rating offers better protection against dust and water splashes compared to the previous generation’s basic build.

Rivals to consider

Real-World Performance & First Impressions

Display & Design

The Honor X7c 5G features a large 6.8-inch Full HD+ TFT LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 850 nits peak brightness. While not AMOLED, the display offers decent color reproduction and outdoor visibility. The 389 ppi density ensures sharp text and images for daily use. The phone measures 166.9 x 76.8 x 8.2mm and weighs 193g, making it manageable despite the large screen. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is conveniently placed and responsive. Both Moonlight White and Forest Green color options feature a clean, modern design with the dual camera module positioned vertically on the back.

Performance & Thermals

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset built on a 4nm process, the Honor X7c 5G delivers solid performance for its price range. The octa-core CPU with 2×2.2GHz Cortex-A78 and 6×1.95GHz Cortex-A55 cores, paired with Adreno 613 GPU, handles daily tasks smoothly. With 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, multitasking is comfortable for most users. While not a gaming powerhouse, it can handle casual games and moderate usage without significant thermal issues. The phone runs Android 14 with MagicOS 8.0, providing a clean interface with minimal bloatware.

Camera Quality (Photos & Video)

The dual camera setup features a 50MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting conditions, the main camera captures detailed photos with natural colors. However, low-light performance is average for this price segment, with some noise visible in challenging conditions. The Portrait mode works adequately for basic depth effects. The 5MP front camera handles selfies reasonably well in daylight but struggles in dim environments. Video recording is limited to 1080p@30fps on both front and rear cameras, which is standard for budget devices.

Battery Life & Charging

The 5200mAh battery is one of the Honor X7c 5G’s strong points, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy usage. Honor claims up to 24 hours of online streaming and 18 hours of online video playback. The 35W fast charging support fills the battery from 0-50% in approximately 30 minutes and reaches full charge in about 65 minutes. The Ultra Power-Saving Mode extends usage significantly, allowing basic calling and messaging on minimal battery levels.

Software & Updates

The phone ships with Android 14 and MagicOS 8.0, offering a relatively clean Android experience. While Honor hasn’t explicitly detailed the update policy for the X7c 5G in India, the company typically provides at least two years of security updates. The interface includes useful features like dual stereo speakers with 300% High-Volume Mode for outdoor use, and 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res audio support through the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Price & Availability

• Starting price: ₹14,999 for the 8GB/256GB variant (special launch offer valid till August 22)

• Availability: Goes on sale August 20, 2025 exclusively via Amazon India with up to 6-month no-cost EMI options

Should You Upgrade?

From Honor X7b: If you own the previous X7b, the upgrade makes sense primarily for 5G connectivity and the higher 120Hz refresh rate. The improved IP64 rating and slightly better performance justify the upgrade if you’re planning to keep the phone for 2-3 years.

From a 2-year-old phone: Users coming from older 4G devices will appreciate the 5G readiness, larger battery, and modern Android 14 experience. The significant storage upgrade (256GB) and 8GB RAM make it a worthwhile jump from phones with 4GB/64GB configurations.

For budget-conscious buyers: At ₹14,999, it offers good value with generous RAM/storage combination and solid battery life. However, consider waiting for potential price drops after the launch offer period ends if you’re not immediately upgrading.

FAQs

Does Honor X7c 5G include a charger in the box? Yes, it includes a 35W fast charger in the box along with a USB-C cable.

Is there an IP rating for water resistance? Yes, it carries an IP64 rating, providing protection against dust and water splashes but not full submersion.

Does it support microSD expansion? No, there’s no microSD card slot. However, the 256GB internal storage should be sufficient for most users.

What 5G bands does it support in India? It supports both SA and NSA 5G networks compatible with Indian telecom operators.

Pros

• Large 6.8-inch 120Hz display ideal for media consumption and gaming • Excellent battery life with fast 35W charging support
• Generous 8GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration • IP64 rating provides basic water and dust resistance • Clean Android 14 experience with minimal bloatware

Cons

• TFT LCD display instead of AMOLED affects contrast and viewing angles • Camera performance lags behind competitors in low-light conditions • No wireless charging support despite the large battery • Limited to 1080p video recording, no 4K capability

Verdict

The Honor X7c 5G positions itself as a solid mid-range option for users prioritizing battery life, storage, and 5G readiness. While it excels in providing all-day battery performance and adequate daily performance, it’s held back by an average camera system and LCD display technology. The phone makes most sense for users who consume lots of media, need reliable battery life, and want a clean Android experience without paying premium prices. At the launch price of ₹14,999, it offers competitive value, though direct camera comparisons with Redmi and Realme alternatives might favor the competition. If you’re upgrading from a 3-4 year old device, the Honor X7c 5G provides a substantial improvement in every area that matters for daily use.