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Sony A7 V launched in the Philippines

Sony’s flagship mirrorless camera, the Sony A7 V, is now official and has arrived in the Philippines right in time for Christmas. The Sony A7 V is great for both photos and videos, featuring the same 33-megapixel Exmor RS CMOS sensor as before, but now with a partially stacked design. This allows for a full-time electronic shutter so you can shoot quietly and blackout-free with 30fps continuous bursts. It comes with a fast BIONZ XR2 image processor that has an integrated AI chip. Apart from improved image and video recording and stable color reproduction, it offers AI-backed real-time recognition and subject tracking. The sensor is attached to a 5-axis optical image stabilizer. Plus, it has a lightweight RAW format that churns out smaller files for easier management. It can do 7K oversampled 4K/60p recording and 4K/120p for smooth and sharp slow-mo videos. Plus, it has a built-in Audio Noise Reduction. The body is made of magnesium alloy that’s both durable and lightweigh...

HONOR X7d Review

HONOR-X7d-Review

The HONOR X7d aims to continue the legacy its predecessors have been known for.

Durable design and big battery, these are the things the HONOR X7d continues to offer for under Php10,000. Sadly, a lot has remained the same since the X7c, apart from the bigger battery.

But nonetheless, in our HONOR X7d review, we’ll see if that same formula is still worth getting in Q4 2025. Let’s start.

HONOR X7d Specs

  • Android 15, MagicOS 9
  • Dual SIM, Dual Standby
  • 6.77-inch HD+ TFT LCD, 1610 x 720 pixel resolution, ~261ppi
  • 120Hz refresh rate
  • 2.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 octa-core processor
  • Adreno 610 GPU
  • 8GB RAM
  • 256GB/512GB internal storage, non-expandable
  • 8-megapixel front camera
  • 108-megapixel (f/1.8, PDAF) + 2-megapixel (depth sensor) rear cameras, LED flash
  • Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Face unlock
  • SGS 5-star certified, IP65 dust and water resistant
  • HSPA+, 4G LTE
  • WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
  • NFC
  • USB-C
  • Dimensions: 166.9 x 76.8 x 8.2mm
  • Weight: 208g
  • Colors: Desert Gold, Ocean Cyan, Velvet Black
  • 6,500mAh non-removable battery, 35W fast charging

Design and Build Quality

The HONOR X7d looks about the same as its predecessor. Apart from the new color options (Desert Gold, Velvet Black, and Ocean Cyan), everything is still very similar to the last generation.

HONOR-X7d-Review-5406

There’s still a large camera island on the back for the main camera on top, the LED flash next to it, the depth sensor below, and a placeholder that boasts its 108MP camera.

The camera island has a gold-painted bezel, an attempt to provide a premium feel. The rear panel has a plastic matte finish that keeps it clean from fingerprint marks and smudges.

HONOR-X7d-Review-5421

It has the standard flat edges for a comfortable and secure grip. It’s not the thinnest nor the lightest phone around, but it’s comfortable enough to carry around on a daily basis.

Most of the device’s marketing still heavily relies on its durability features, even though its IP certification is not that high. The device is IP65 water-resistant and received a 5-star SGS Premium Drop Resistance rating.

HONOR-X7d-Review-5409

According to HONOR’s website, the X7d was able to survive a 24-hour rain test and 10,000x steel plate drop tests.

Bottom line is, you shouldn’t do your own drop tests on the device. But you do get a bit of peace of mind that it can survive daily struggles like accidental water splashes. This is good enough whenever you’re outside in the rain or you’re a delivery rider traveling with the phone mounted and exposed.

HONOR-X7d-Case

For better protection, you should use the included clear case, which does a great job at protecting the display and the cameras.

As a whole, we do appreciate the extra durable features, which make up for the device’s rather boring design.

HONOR-X7d-Review-5396

Taking a tour, we have a 6.77-inch HD+ IPS display on the front, with a punch-hole for the 8-megapixel selfie camera. The bezels are thicker than most phones, but they aren’t that annoying to look at.

HONOR-X7d-Review-5402

The top has the IR blaster and noise-isolating microphone. We got the dedicated AI Button on the left side.

HONOR-X7d-Review-5400
HONOR-X7d-Review-5401

The right has the lock/power button that also works as a fingerprint scanner, below the volume controls. Its physical buttons are very clicky and don’t feel cheap.

HONOR-X7d-Review-5403

At the bottom, we have the loudspeaker, USB-C port, primary microphone, and a SIM tray for two nano SIM cards.

Unfortunately, HONOR has removed the microSD card slot for some reason. That shouldn’t be a problem for the 512GB model, but those getting the 256GB model might need it in the future. In any case, 256GB is plenty so hopefully that won’t be an issue.

Display and Audio

The HONOR X7d has a 6.77-inch IPS display with a 1610 x 720 resolution, with ~261ppi, and a 60Hz/120Hz refresh rate.

Display quality, as with everything on this device, is decent for the price. We got ample brightness for outdoor use, and colors are acceptable, but having an FHD resolution would’ve been better.

HONOR-X7d-Display-Review

Having stereo speakers is great for giving a competitive advantage in shooter games. The 400% volume booster is also handy.

There’s a bit of sound imbalance, as the top speaker is noticeably weaker. Still, forgivable for the price.

Hardware and Performance

The HONOR X7d is powered by a 6nm 2.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor, which is sadly a hand-me-down from its predecessor. It is paired with an Adreno 810 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB or 512GB of expandable storage.

HONOR X7d Benchmark Scores

You get a decent amount of power for what you’re paying. It definitely feels laggy at times, but it’s very usable for the price.

What it isn’t for is gaming. You can still play, obviously, but you have to settle for the lowest graphics settings in most of the games.

HONOR-X7d-Gaming-Review

Genshin Impact, a demanding game, was still playable, but only under the Lowest preset. PUBG Mobile was fine under Ultra frames, but only with Smooth graphics settings. Call of Duty Mobile was butter smooth under High frame rates, but again, only at Low graphics.

Farlight84 also ran well at 50 frames, but only at Minimal graphics.

Lighter games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang had no problems under HD resolution and Super frame rates. Asphalt Legends Unite was fairly smooth with High Quality at 60fps.

While it’s definitely not made for gaming, you can still play with the HONOR X7d as long as you’re okay settling for low graphics settings.

Game Graphics Settings
Genshin Impact • Render Resolution: Lowest
• Visual Effects: Low
• SFX Quality: Lowest
• FPS: 30
PUBG Mobile • Graphics Quality: Smooth
• Frame Rate: Ultra
Call of Duty: Mobile • Graphics Quality: Low
• Frame Rate: High
Farlight84 • Graphics Quality: Minimal
• Frame Rate: 50
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang • Resolution: HD
• Frame Rate: Super
Asphalt Legends Unite • Visual Quality: High Quality
• Frame Rate: 60

Software and User Interface

The HONOR X7d runs on Android 15-based MagicOS 9. Sadly, HONOR hasn’t specified how many years it will support this device.

A big feature here is the dedicated AI button. Pressing it reveals a customizable list of actions, commands, and features you can quickly get access to, even with the screen off.

HONOR Magic Portal allows you to drag and drop media and texts from one app to another for efficiency.

Other AI features like AI Writing, AI Translate, and AI Subtitles are also here. Google Gemini also serves as the standard assistant.

We also have the usual AI features found on the gallery: AI Eraser, AI Upscale, AI Cutout, and AI Outpainting.

The HONOR Wallet feature works with the built-in NFC and lets you copy access cards so you can unlock doors with just your phone.

For security, both the fingerprint scanner and face unlock worked fine in our tests, no problems there.

Cameras

The HONOR X7d inherited its predecessor’s 108-megapixel main camera, 2-megapixel depth sensor, and 8-megapixel selfie shooter. No ultra-wide or macro lens.

HONOR-X7d-Review-5418

It can only record videos in 720p and 1080p resolution at 30fps for both front and rear cameras, but you can do 120fps slow-motion videos at 720p for the rear.

You also get a Portrait Mode, Pro Mode, Night, Dual-View, Time-lapse, Document Scanner, and Story presets.

Daylight photos are usable, but nothing to brag about. They have realistic colors, decent contrast, but the details are disappointing.

Surprisingly, you do get decent 2x and 3x shots — the only benefit of having a sharp sensor on this device.

Low-light shots are surprisingly decent for the price. We got good dynamic range, with ample details, and fine colors.

The 8-megapixel front camera actually takes good selfies, even in low light. Sharpness is obviously lacking, but skin tones are fairly accurate and low-light photos are passable.

While it does have a decent set of camera hardware, better post-processing could make the final photos look better.

Battery and Charging

The HONOR X7d now has a 6,500mAh battery, its big update over its predecessor. However, it still ships with a 35W charger.

It offers incredible battery life and has one of the top three scores in our tests. Although, it’s important to note that the difference with its predecessor — at least in our synthetic tests — is negligible.

HONOR-X7d-Charging

And since it now has a bigger battery but still has the same charger, charging speeds are a little slower. A full charge took about an hour and a half. See the full test below:

  • 15mins: 0-18%
  • 30mins: 39%
  • 45mins: 56%
  • 1hr: 73%
  • 1hr 15mins: 90%
  • 1hr 28mins: FULL

Verdict

The HONOR X7d feels really dated for 2025. Still, it has strengths that aim to appeal to a certain type of consumer.

HONOR-X7d-Unboxing

Its long battery life, splash-resistant build, and wet-hand touch display make it appealing to those in the delivery and transport industry — or anyone who wants a reliable smartphone on their daily grind, whether it’s day or night, rain or shine.

Moreover, it has one of the biggest storage capacities for under Php10,000 and a handy AI button for convenience.

HONOR-X7d-Review-5391

But if gaming and photography are a top priority, there are better alternatives out there.

HONOR X7d pricing and availability in the Philippines

The HONOR X7d 8GB/256GB has an SRP of Php8,999 and is an online-exclusive. You can get it at Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. The 8GB/512GB model retails for Php9,999 is available on both online and offline stores.

Pros

  • Durable build, wet display touch support
  • Generous 512GB of storage
  • Stereo speakers
  • Handy AI button
  • Decent cameras
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Same chipset as before, no 5G
  • Boring design
  • microSD card slot gone
  • Uncertain software support duration

This article, HONOR X7d Review, was originally published at NoypiGeeks | Philippines Technology News, Reviews and How to's.


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