Today’s Honor X9d 5G Challenge turned the launch into Mzansi’s toughest pop-up
Today at Levelthree in Kramerville, Honor gave the already-on-sale Honor X9d 5G its biggest “seen it for real” moment yet, blending celebrity presence, culture and live challenge energy around the next evolution of the Unbreakable Series. It was an occasion that highlighted how durability can meet premium with effortless style.
The guest mix reflected a star-studded Mzansi moment, with entertainment personalities and creators including Ashley Ogle, Penny Ntuli, Thembi Seete, DJ Tira, Naledi Aphiwe and Lindough. Sporting names also brought their own weight to the room, including the World’s Strongest Man Ryno Nel, Blue Bulls rugby players Mpilo Gumede, Nizaam Carr and Sergeal Petersen, and soccer players Vincent Pule, Grant Margerman, Lyle Lakay.
Style mattered too. The Honor X9d 5G is built like a contender, but it is designed to look like one as well, a device that feels clean, modern and confident in hand, while still being ready for the messy parts of real life.
Honor’s Unbreakable Challenges put the device through a set of durability demonstrations designed to be easily understood and visually engaging. These included Kahoot, the Wrecking Ball challenge, Sandpit challenge, Paint Ball challenge, Fish Tank challenge and a Last Two Players Ice Challenge, keeping the focus on real-life toughness rather than technical jargon.
On spec, the Honor X9d 5G is backed by SGS Triple-resistant Premium Performance Certification and leads with 2.5m drop resistance, IP69K water resistance and a IP66 dust-resistance. A multilayer cushioning design with 6 cushioning layers helps absorb impact, while rainproof touch control and glove-friendly touch control keep the screen usable when real life is not “phone-ready”.
A major focus of the challenge was water resistance, with the Honor X9d 5G engineered to withstand high-pressure water exposure, a critical feature for African conditions where devices are frequently exposed to rain, splashes and outdoor use. This is complemented by a massive 8300mAh battery, the largest battery capacity currently available in a smartphone in South Africa, with reverse charging reinforcing the device’s positioning around long-term value and peace of mind.
With an ultra-bright display rated up to 6000 nits, the Honor X9d 5G keeps the screen readable outdoors, while still feeling like a proper upgrade when it lights up.
Fred Zhou, CEO of Honor South Africa, said: “Today was about meeting people where they are and showing, in a way you can see and feel, why the Honor X9d 5G is built for everyday Mzansi. With the Honor X9d, the already Unbreakable Series is a level up in all the ways that matter to Mzansi.”
The Honor X9d is now available in two colours; Sunrise Gold and Midnight Black for a recommended retail price of R9 999, with redeemable gifts worth R4 998.
- R1 999 (Honor Choice Earbuds Clip or Honor Choice Airfryer) *Valid from today until 8 March 2026.
- Honor Care Service Benefit Valued up to R2 999. 12 Month Free Accidental Damage Protection *Service promotional offer limited to Honor X9d valid from today until 31 July 2026
Available promotions in retail:
- MTN: R439 x 36 months,
- Cell C: R549 x 36 months, R669 x 24 months
- Telkom: R499 x 36 months, R599 x 24 months
- Vodacom: R449x36 months, R569 x 24 months.
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