HONOR X7e Plus 5G Review

Budget smartphones usually involve a series of compromises. You may get a good display but a smaller battery, decent performance but limited durability, or a capable camera system at the expense of other features. The HONOR X7e Plus 5G takes a different approach.

Instead of trying to compete with more expensive phones in every category, it focuses on two areas that matter to many everyday users: battery life and durability. The phone combines an enormous 8,100mAh battery with IP68, IP69 and IP69K protection, claimed 2.5-metre drop resistance, 5G connectivity and a 120Hz display.

Starting at AED 899 in the UAE, it is an interesting proposition for anyone looking for a dependable smartphone without spending heavily. However, the compromises are equally clear, particularly with the LCD display, camera performance and processing power. We spent time using the HONOR X7e Plus 5G to see how it performs as an everyday smartphone.

HONOR X7e Plus 5G: Design and Build

Our Meteor Silver review unit has a clean rear panel, flat sides and a large camera module that gives it a more premium appearance than its price suggests. The phone is also available in Velvet Black and Desert Gold. The body is made from plastic, which is understandable given the phone’s focus on durability. At 8.3mm thick and around 216.5g, it is neither particularly slim nor lightweight, but the weight is reasonable considering the enormous battery inside.

The flat edges make the phone comfortable to hold, although its large 6.87-inch display means one-handed operation can be difficult. The camera module is visually prominent, although buyers should not mistake it for a multi-camera flagship setup. The phone effectively relies on its 50MP primary camera, accompanied by an auxiliary sensor.

Build quality feels solid during normal use, with no obvious flex or creaking. More importantly, HONOR has put considerable emphasis on physical protection.

Built for Drops and Water

Durability is arguably the strongest aspect of the X7e Plus 5G. HONOR claims the phone can withstand drops from up to 2.5 metres under controlled testing conditions. It also carries SGS certification for drop and crush resistance.

The phone has IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings. These provide different levels of protection against dust, water immersion and high-pressure water jets. These ratings should not be interpreted as an invitation to deliberately abuse the phone. Water resistance can also diminish over time through normal wear and damage. Nevertheless, having this level of protection on a phone starting at AED 899 is unusual.

For users who work outdoors, travel frequently, have children around the house or simply tend to drop their phones, this additional protection can be more valuable than a higher-end camera.

6.87-inch 120Hz Display

The X7e Plus 5G features a large 6.87-inch LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate and HD+ resolution. The 120Hz refresh rate is useful for everyday navigation. Scrolling through websites, social media feeds and menus feels smoother than it would on a conventional 60Hz panel.

The screen is also sufficiently large for watching YouTube, browsing websites and using social media. Brightness is adequate for general outdoor use, although direct UAE sunlight can still make visibility more challenging. The main compromise is the LCD panel itself. Black levels and contrast are not comparable with AMOLED displays, and darker scenes can look somewhat grey. The HD+ resolution is also modest for a screen this size.

This is clearly one of the areas where HONOR has kept costs under control. For everyday use, the display is perfectly functional, but users who prioritise screen quality may find competing phones with AMOLED panels more appealing.

Performance and MagicOS 10

Powering the phone is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 processor, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. For everyday tasks such as messaging, web browsing, social media, video streaming and switching between common applications, the phone is generally capable. Apps open quickly enough and basic tasks do not feel excessively slow.

However, the processor has obvious limitations. The 120Hz panel can make the phone look smooth, but there are occasions when animations and scrolling stutter. More demanding applications and games also expose the limited performance headroom.Casual gaming is fine, but this is not a device aimed at users who want high frame rates in demanding 3D titles.

Our 8GB/256GB configuration also makes more sense for long-term use than the entry-level 6GB/128GB model. With modern applications, photographs and messaging media consuming storage quickly, 128GB can become restrictive. The phone runs MagicOS 10 based on Android 16. The interface provides many of the features found on HONOR’s more expensive smartphones, including several AI-powered tools.

There is, however, a noticeable amount of preinstalled third-party software. Most of these applications can be removed, but the amount of bloatware is still more than we would prefer on a new phone.

Useful AI Features

AI functionality is becoming increasingly common on affordable smartphones, and HONOR has brought several of its tools to the X7e Plus 5G. The dedicated AI button on the side provides quick access to selected functions. It can be customised for shortcuts such as Google Gemini, Google Lens, the flashlight and other tools.

HONOR also includes features such as AI Eraser, AI image editing, AI Notes, transcription and other software-based tools. Some features can vary depending on the market and software version. We found these features more useful as additions rather than reasons on their own to purchase the phone. Still, it is good to see HONOR making some of its AI functionality available at this price.

The physical AI button is a useful idea, although its recessed design and relatively soft feedback make it less satisfying to press than the main volume controls.

50MP Camera: Good Enough in Daylight

The rear camera setup is centred around a 50MP main sensor.In good daylight, the camera produces reasonably sharp images with pleasant and generally accurate colours. For photographs intended for WhatsApp, Instagram or casual sharing, the results are adequate.

However, the 50MP specification should not be confused with flagship-level photography. Fine detail becomes less convincing when images are heavily cropped, while digital zoom quickly reduces image quality. Low-light photography also exposes the limitations of the sensor and processing.

Night mode can improve exposure, but capturing an image takes longer and requires the phone to remain steady. Noise and loss of fine detail are visible when photographs are examined closely. The 5MP front camera is similarly functional. It works well enough for video calls, casual selfies and social media, particularly in good lighting, but it does not offer much room for cropping or detailed editing.

Photography is therefore not the reason to buy the X7e Plus 5G. The main camera does the basics, but buyers looking for a more versatile camera system should consider spending more.

8,100mAh Battery Is the Star

The 8,100mAh battery is the feature that makes the X7e Plus 5G particularly interesting. During our usage, battery endurance was excellent. With regular activities such as messaging, browsing, video streaming, photography and social media, getting through two days without reaching for the charger is realistic.

Overnight battery drain was also impressively low during our testing. The large capacity is particularly useful for people who spend long periods away from a charger. Travelling, navigation, 5G usage and extended media consumption are much less stressful when there is such a large battery reserve available.

Charging is handled by 45W HONOR SuperCharge. It is reasonably quick, although it does not rank among the fastest charging systems available today. The phone also supports 7.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to provide power to compatible accessories such as earbuds.

The trade-off is sensible. HONOR has prioritised having a huge battery rather than extremely fast charging.

HONOR X7e Plus 5G: Value and Verdict

The HONOR X7e Plus 5G is not designed to be the best phone in every category. Its strengths are much more specific. The combination of an 8,100mAh battery, rugged construction, high-level water and dust protection, 5G connectivity and a 120Hz display makes it particularly appealing to buyers who prioritise reliability and endurance.

At AED 899 for the 6GB/128GB version, it offers strong value. The AED 1,099 8GB/256GB version is arguably the better long-term option if the budget allows.

There are compromises. The LCD display is less impressive than AMOLED alternatives, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 is not designed for demanding gaming, and the 50MP camera is best described as adequate. MagicOS also arrives with more preinstalled software than we would like. But those compromises make more sense when viewed alongside what HONOR has prioritised.

The X7e Plus 5G is a good choice for users who want a phone that can comfortably last through two days of regular use and provide additional protection against drops, dust and water. It is also a compelling secondary phone for travel or outdoor use.

If camera quality, gaming performance or a premium AMOLED display are the main priorities, there are better options available. For battery life, durability and everyday practicality under AED 1,000, however, the HONOR X7e Plus 5G is one of the more interesting budget smartphones we have tested.

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