HONOR X9d 5G Faces the Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge. Can It Survive?
HONOR Philippines kicks off the new year with one of its boldest durability demonstrations yet as it subjects the all-new HONOR X9d 5G to an extreme high-altitude plane drop test, with no case, no protection, and no mercy.
Positioned as the toughest mid-range smartphone of 2026, the HONOR X9d 5G was dropped from an ultralight plane traveling at approximately 60 km/h, pushing smartphone durability testing to an unprecedented level.
A Legacy of Extreme Smartphone Durability
HONOR has become widely recognized for redefining durability standards in the mid-range smartphone category. Since the launch of the HONOR X9a 5G in 2023, the brand has consistently raised the bar through headline-making durability tests.
- HONOR X9a 5G – viral smash tests and controlled drop challenges
- HONOR X9b 5G – survived a dramatic 50-foot drop test
- HONOR X9c 5G (2025) – featured a helicopter drop test and earned a Guinness World Record for the most people performing a mobile phone drop test simultaneously
Now, with the HONOR X9d 5G, the brand takes durability testing even further, straight into the skies.
Gian Viterbo Takes on the Ultimate Phone Drop Test
To ensure transparency and credibility, HONOR Philippines invited Gadget Pilipinas Editor-in-Chief Gian Viterbo to personally take part in the challenge. The test involved releasing the HONOR X9d 5G from an ultralight aircraft, an experience Viterbo described as both exhilarating and historic for the tech industry.
“I said yes to the ultimate phone drop test as a consumer because I was genuinely curious about the result,” Viterbo shared. “I honestly expected the phone to be unusable. What surprised me most was that durability, for HONOR, also meant protecting my files and data even after extreme impact.”
According to Viterbo, the challenge proved that true durability isn’t just about surviving physical damage, it’s also about maintaining functionality and data integrity under extreme conditions.
Designed for Real-Life Challenges
Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines, emphasized that the HONOR X9d 5G was built with Filipino users in mind.
“Our consumers continue to push us to go beyond expectations. The HONOR X9d 5G reflects our commitment to toughness, innovation, and value. These extreme tests show our confidence that this device can keep up with real-life challenges,” Cheng said.
The plane drop challenge reinforces HONOR’s belief that durability should go beyond lab testing, mirroring the unpredictability of everyday use.
Watch the Full Plane Drop Challenge
Curious to see the results for yourself?
🎥 Watch the full ultimate durability test here:
👉 https://bit.ly/HONORX9d5G_PlaneChallenge
Grand Launch & Special Giveaways
The HONOR X9d 5G will officially launch January 9, 2026 (Friday) at 6:00 PM, streaming live on HONOR Philippines’ Facebook page. Viewers will get the chance to win exciting prizes, including the latest HONOR X9d 5G.
And yes, HONOR has teased something even bigger. Is the brand really giving away a Tesla Cybertruck? Stay tuned.
For updates, visit www.hihonor.com or follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Where to Buy HONOR Devices
HONOR smartphones, tablets, and laptops are available at:
- HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide
- Online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop