Is Honor X7c best phone under budget category

Introduction of Honor X7c

In India’s ever-competitive budget smartphone market, consumers have more choices than ever. Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, and Motorola consistently battle it out under the ₹15,000–₹20,000(approx.) price bracket. Amid this crowded landscape, HONOR has entered with a promising contender — the HONOR X7c 5G. But the big question remains: Is the HONOR X7c the best phone under the budget category in India? In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore everything from performance and display to camera, battery life, real-world usage, pros, cons, and how it stacks up against its competition.

Overview: HONOR X7c Positioning in India

The HONOR X7c 5G launched in India with standout features for a budget segment device. It is designed to target young users, students, and everyday smartphone buyers who want reliable performance, solid battery life, and 5G connectivity — all without breaking the bank. The phone debuted around ₹14,999(approx.) as part of a limited launch offer and typically sits comfortably under ₹18,000(approx.) in the Indian market. 

Build, Design & Display — Big Screen Appeal

Bold and Immersive Display

One of the first things you notice about the HONOR X7c is its large 6.8-inch Full HD+ display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which is impressive for this price bracket. The vibrant screen size and refresh rate make scrolling, social media browsing, and video playback feel fluid and responsive — ideal for binge sessions on OTT platforms and fast social feeds. 

Durable Build with Practical Protection

The phone also comes with an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance — a rare feature in budget phones — and even boasts SGS certified drop and crush resistance, making it one of the sturdier options for everyday life in India’s varied conditions. 

Considering hardware quality and design, the HONOR X7c punches above its weight in this price segment — although the display is LCD rather than AMOLED, it still performs impressively under bright daylight.

Performance: Everyday Usability & Real-World Power

Under the hood, the HONOR X7c runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, paired with up to 8GB RAM + virtual RAM expansion and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. 

Daily Tasks & Smooth Experience

For everyday tasks like messaging, social media, video streaming, and light multitasking, the performance feels responsive and reliable. The chipset is built on a modern 4nm process, meaning it’s both efficient and capable of handling daily demands without noticeable lag.

Gaming & Heavy Use

However, in 2026, this processor isn’t designed for high-end gaming. Users can enjoy popular casual or moderately demanding games, but heavy-graphics titles at max settings may not deliver a perfectly smooth experience. Multimedia and everyday usage are where the X7c truly shines.

Camera: Solid Shots for the Price

HONOR has equipped the X7c with a 50MP primary camera + 2MP depth sensor on the rear and a 5MP selfie camera. 

Rear Camera Performance

• Daylight Photos: The main 50MP shooter captures detailed images with good color reproduction for social media and everyday shots.

• Portraits: Depth sensor helps achieve background blur in decent lighting.

• Low Light: As expected in the budget segment, night shots can show noise and grain — but they’re still acceptable for casual usage.

Selfies

The 5MP front camera is basic but functional for selfies and video calls. It won’t rival mid-range flagships, but for the price, it’s perfectly adequate.

Overall, the HONOR X7c camera setup performs well for casual photography and routine use — not a standout camera phone, but solid given the price.

Battery Life & Charging — True All-Day Use

Another strong suit of the HONOR X7c is its 5,200mAh battery paired with 35W fast charging support. 

Battery Experience

• All-day battery life is easily achievable with mixed usage — including browsing, streaming, and calls.

• Light users may even stretch usage into the next day without recharging.

• Fast charging is a welcome addition, though keep in mind that in many regions the charger may not be included in the box.

For budget phone standards in India, this battery performance is a standout aspect that pushes productivity and keeps users unplugged longer.

Software & Connectivity — Practical and Comprehensive

The X7c runs MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14. 

Software Experience

MagicOS brings practical additions like quick gestures, multitasking tools, and AI-based optimizations. That said, some real-world user discussions suggest occasional UI issues and slower update support compared to more mainstream brands — a common budget smartphone concern. 

Connectivity Features

• 5G Support for future-ready connectivity

• Dual SIM, Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS

• 3.5mm headphone jack (big plus for wired audio users)

• Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlock

This comprehensive mix of connectivity features solidifies its practical appeal for daily Indian usage.

Comparison with Other Budget Phones in India

In the budget segment (typically ₹15,000–₹18,000(approx.)), the HONOR X7c competes with phones like the Poco X6, Redmi Note series, and Realme counterparts. What sets the X7c apart is its:

• Rugged build with IP64 protection

• Large 120Hz display

• Stereo speakers and headphone jack

• Very good battery life with fast charging support

However:

• Some rivals may offer AMOLED panels at a similar price.

• Software update frequency and long-term support can be less predictable.

In essence, the HONOR X7c isn’t perfect — but it delivers excellent value for what it offers.

Pros & Highlights

• Budget-friendly price under ₹18,000(approx.) — excellent value in India. 
  
• Large 6.8″ 120Hz display — smooth visuals for media and gaming. 
  
• 5G connectivity — future-proofed for network advancements. 
  
• Strong battery life & fast charging — ideal for all-day usage. 
  
• IP64 splash resistance & rugged design — rare in this segment. 
  
• Stereo speakers + headphone jack — enhanced audio experience.

Cons & Areas for Improvement

• Camera performance is average in low light — standard for budget models. 
  
• Software support and updates may lag behind competitors — reported by some users. 
• LCD instead of AMOLED — some rivals offer richer visuals. 
  
• Charger may not always be included — add extra cost.

Final Verdict — Is HONOR X7c the Best Budget Phone?

So, is the HONOR X7c the best phone under the budget category in India? The short answer: Yes — but with context.

The X7c is an excellent all-rounder that delivers 5G connectivity, a large 120Hz display, dependable battery, practical durability, and solid performance for everyday usage — all at a price point most buyers find affordable. It’s arguably among the best choices for value-conscious buyers in 2026 India.

However, if your priorities lean heavily toward top-tier cameras, flagship-level displays, or guaranteed long-term software updates, some competitors might edge ahead. For most users, though, the HONOR X7c is a highly compelling option that ticks nearly all the right boxes in the budget segment.

FAQs of Honor X7c

Q.1. Is the HONOR X7c 5G available in India?

Yes, it is officially available in India, often priced around ₹14,999–₹18,000(approx.) depending on offers. 

Q.2. What are the key specs of HONOR X7c?

It features a 6.8″ 120Hz display, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, 8GB RAM + 256GB storage, 5G support, and 5,200mAh battery with 35W fast charging.

Q.3. How is the camera quality?

The 50MP main camera captures good daytime shots; low-light performance is average — acceptable for social photos.

Q.4. Does HONOR X7c get regular software updates?

Software updates and Android version upgrades may be slower than some competitors. 

Q.5. Is it worth buying as a budget smartphone?

Yes — it’s one of the better value options under ₹18,000 if you want balanced performance, battery life, and durability.