Can It Survive? Gadget Pilipinas’ Gian Viterbo Takes on the HONOR X9d 5G Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge 

No case. No mercy. HONOR X9d 5G faced yet another extreme durability test—an actual high altitude drop test from an ultralight plane.  

Manila, Philippines, January 3, 2026 — Starting the year with a bang, HONOR Philippines unveils its latest innovation, the HONOR X9d 5G, positioning it as the toughest mid-range smartphone of the year. Designed to endure extreme challenges while delivering high-performance for everyday use, the new X Series addition continues HONOR’s legacy of pushing smartphone durability to the next level.

Since the X9 Series debut in the Philippines in 2023, HONOR has made a name for itself as a brand that truly tests the limits of its devices. From the HONOR X9a 5G, famously dropped from five feet in viral test videos, to the HONOR X9b 5G, which survived a staggering 50-foot drop, each generation has set new benchmarks for mid-range smartphone resilience. The HONOR X9c 5G, launched in January 2025, gained massive attention thanks to its Triple-Defense mechanism, a helicopter drop test, and a Guinness World Record for the “Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously.”

Building on this legacy, the HONOR X9d 5G underwent its most extreme durability test yet: an ultra-high-altitude drop from an ultralight plane at 60 km/hr. To ensure transparency and credibility, Gadget Pilipinas’ Editor-in-Chief Gian Viterbo participated in the daring test. “I knew the risks and wanted to see if the HONOR X9d could truly survive. I was shocked—not only did the phone withstand the drop, but all my files remained intact. That’s the real durability,” Viterbo shared.

Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines, explained, “Year after year, our fans push us to go beyond expectations. The HONOR X9d 5G was designed with Filipino users in mind—combining toughness, innovation, and value. Our extreme durability tests reflect our confidence in delivering a device that keeps up with real-life challenges.”

Interested users can watch the full ultimate phone drop test here: HONOR X9d 5G Plane Challenge.

The official launch event is scheduled for January 9, 2026, at 6 PM on Facebook, offering fans a chance to win the HONOR X9d 5G. Rumors of a Tesla Cybertruck giveaway are also adding excitement to the launch.

Stay updated with the latest news and product releases by visiting HONOR Philippines, or following them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The HONOR X9d 5G is also available nationwide at HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, and online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.