Survival Test: Gian Viterbo Drops the HONOR X9d 5G From the Sky

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

HONOR Philippines kicks off the year with a resounding statement, unveiling its boldest and toughest smartphone yet—the HONOR X9d 5G. Positioned as the most durable mid-range smartphone of 2026, the newest addition to the X Series is engineered to withstand extreme conditions while delivering reliable, everyday performance for modern users.

Since the introduction of the HONOR X9 Series in the Philippines in 2023, the brand has built a reputation for pushing smartphone durability to unprecedented limits. From the viral five-foot drop test of the HONOR X9a 5G to the ultra-rugged HONOR X9b 5G, which survived an astonishing 50-foot drop, each release has redefined expectations in the mid-range category.

That legacy reached new heights in January 2025 with the launch of the HONOR X9c 5G. Equipped with a Triple-Defense mechanism, the device captured public attention through its dramatic helicopter drop test and earned a Guinness World Records title for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously.”

Now, HONOR raises the bar once again.

To demonstrate the next evolution of toughness, the all-new HONOR X9d 5G was subjected to its most extreme test yet—an ultra-intense, high-altitude drop challenge designed to push durability beyond conventional limits.

“Year after year, HONOR fans challenge us to go further, and that inspires everything we do,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “The HONOR X9d 5G was created with Filipino users in mind—combining toughness, innovation, and exceptional value. Our extreme durability tests reflect our confidence that this device can handle real-life challenges.”

The Ultimate Phone Drop Challenge: Gian Viterbo vs. HONOR X9d 5G

To ensure transparency and credibility, HONOR Philippines partnered with Gadget Pilipinas Editor-in-Chief Gian Viterbo, who took part in the brand’s most daring durability test to date. The HONOR X9d 5G was released from an ultralight plane traveling at approximately 60 km/h, marking one of the most extreme smartphone drop tests ever conducted.

“I said yes to the challenge as a consumer,” Viterbo shared. “I was genuinely curious about the outcome, knowing all the risks involved. I wanted to see if the HONOR X9d could truly survive.”

Describing the experience as exhilarating and unprecedented in tech testing, Viterbo admitted his expectations were modest. “I honestly thought the phone would be unusable. I was more concerned about whether my files could still be recovered. What surprised me was that durability meant two things for the HONOR X9d—it can survive extreme conditions, and even if scratched or damaged, it keeps your data safe. That’s real durability.”

Watch the full plane drop test here:
https://bit.ly/HONORX9d5G_PlaneChallenge

Watch the Launch and Win an HONOR X9d 5G

Curious to learn more about the toughest smartphone yet? Catch the grand launch of the HONOR X9d 5G, streaming live on Facebook on January 9 (Friday) at 6:00 PM, and get a chance to win the latest HONOR X9d 5G.
Live stream link: https://www.facebook.com/share/17fq2PZZUZ/

And yes—rumors are swirling. Is HONOR really giving away a Tesla Cybertruck? Stay tuned for the big reveal.

Join the conversation and follow HONOR Philippines for exclusive teasers and updates:

• Website: www.hihonor.com
• Facebook: Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines
• Instagram: Instagram.com/honorph/
• TikTok: Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines

The toughest challenge has been set. The question now is—can the HONOR X9d 5G survive?

Check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).