In the fiercely competitive Indian smartphone market, the battle for value has never been more intense. Brands are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entry-level devices, delivering features that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. The latest contender rewriting expectations is the HONOR X7d 5G — a smartphone priced around ₹10,000, yet offering an experience that feels like a ₹90,000 flagship.
At first glance, that statement seems hyperbolic. A ten-thousand‐rupee phone that can hold its own against premium devices? But once you dive deeper into what the X7d actually delivers — from its premium design cues to performance, 5G connectivity, and user-centric software — it becomes clear that this is more than just marketing hype. It’s a bold statement about how far smartphone technology has come.
In this article, we explore the HONOR X7d 5G in detail, unpacking why it feels so premium, what compromises it makes, and whether it genuinely reshapes expectations for budget smartphones.
Design That Belies Its Price
One of the first things you notice when unboxing the HONOR X7d 5G is its design. Although housed in plastic, the build quality feels solid and cohesive — far removed from the flimsy, cheap feel typical of many sub-₹10,000 devices.
The back panel showcases a thoughtful aesthetic with a subtle gradient finish that catches light in a way most premium phones do. The edges are gently curved, making the device comfortable to hold, and the front features reasonably slim bezels that maximize screen real estate. At this price point, such attention to design is rare.
There’s also an absence of glaring branding or gaudy accents, lending the phone a refined look. In hand, it doesn’t feel like a cost-cutting device — and that’s the first step in making it feel premium.
Display: More Than Just a Screen
For most users, the display is one of the most interacted-with features of any phone, and the HONOR X7d 5G delivers a surprisingly enjoyable visual experience.
The device sports a large 6.74-inch display with an LCD panel that punches above its weight class. While it’s not AMOLED, the quality of the panel is impressive: colors are vibrant, contrast is solid, and brightness levels are adequate for both indoor and outdoor use. It also supports a 90Hz refresh rate, which is a rare and delightful addition at this price.
This smoother display performance translates into noticeable improvements in scrolling, transitions, and everyday use — a quality normally associated with much more expensive phones. In essence, the HONOR X7d’s screen bridges the gap between budget practicality and near-midrange fluidity.
Performance That Surprises
Under the hood, the HONOR X7d 5G runs on a capable processor optimized for everyday tasks. While it doesn’t rival the powerful silicon in flagship devices, what makes it stand out is its optimized performance relative to its price.
Whether you’re browsing social media, playing light games, streaming videos, or multitasking between apps, the X7d delivers smooth and stable performance. It handles background tasks well thanks to efficient memory management, and the inclusion of 5G support ensures future-ready connectivity.
In real-world use, this isn’t a phone that feels sluggish or underpowered. Instead, it strikes a balance where performance comfortably exceeds expectations — creating an experience that feels far more premium than what you’d normally get in this segment.
5G Connectivity: Ahead of Its Class
Perhaps the most significant selling point of the HONOR X7d is its 5G capabilities. At around ₹10,000, few devices offer native support for next-generation networks. This alone elevates the X7d above most of its competitors.
With 5G, users in supported regions can enjoy faster downloads, improved streaming quality, and more stable connections in crowded areas — benefits typically reserved for higher-priced devices. For young users, students, and first-time smartphone buyers, this means future-proof connectivity without breaking the bank.
By democratizing 5G access at such an accessible price point, HONOR isn’t just selling hardware — it’s accelerating the transition to next-generation mobile technology across India.
Camera System: Practical and Capable
Camera performance is a crucial part of the smartphone experience, and while budget devices often compromise here, the HONOR X7d handles the challenge well.
The main camera captures detailed images in good lighting conditions, with accurate colors and acceptable dynamic range. Portrait shots are respectable, and while low-light performance isn’t flagship-level, it’s competent enough for casual photography.
The front selfie camera delivers clear daytime shots — perfect for social media, video calls, and everyday use. Considering this phone’s price, the camera setup delivers far more than what budget buyers would normally expect.
Of course, it won’t outperform premium devices or ultra-high-resolution flagship shooters. But in day-to-day scenarios, it performs reliably and consistently — reinforcing the overall value proposition.
Battery Life That Keeps You Going
On the battery front, the HONOR X7d takes no prisoners. With a large 5000mAh battery, it easily outlasts many midrange and even some flagship devices. Normal usage easily delivers more than a day of battery life, and even heavy use rarely leads to a drained device before evening.
This endurance, paired with energy-efficient hardware, ensures users spend less time tethered to the charger and more time enjoying the device. For students, professionals, and frequent travelers, this translates into peace of mind that the phone won’t die at the worst possible moment.
Software Experience: Clean and Functional
Running on HONOR’s custom UI layered on Android, the software experience is clean, intuitive, and free from excessive bloatware — another standout quality in this segment.
HONOR’s UI delivers customization features, smart optimization tools, and an interface that feels modern and responsive. Frequent software updates and security patches further enhance the experience, offering longevity and peace of mind.
This level of software polish reinforces the feeling that you’re using a much more expensive device — not a bare-bones budget phone that offers only the basics.
Where It Falls Short
No device at this price point is perfect, and the HONOR X7d 5G has its compromises. The LCD panel, while impressive, lacks the deep blacks and infinite contrast of AMOLED displays found on higher-end phones. Heavy gamers may find performance limiting with graphically demanding titles. And while the camera is capable, it simply doesn’t match the results of flagship devices with advanced sensors and computational photography engines.
However, these limitations feel more like reasonable trade-offs than deal breakers — especially considering the price and overall experience.
Why It Feels Like a Premium Device
So how does a ₹10,000 smartphone feel like a ₹90,000 flagship? The answer isn’t mere hardware specs — it’s the holistic user experience. When a phone is designed with thoughtful hardware, reliable performance, modern connectivity, enjoyable software, and long-lasting battery life, users feel the difference. It’s not just about raw power; it’s about balance, accessibility, and real-world usability.
The HONOR X7d 5G feels premium because it delivers what matters most to everyday users without forcing compromises on essential experiences. It doesn’t try to mimic flagship features it can’t support; instead, it focuses on executing core capabilities with excellence. In that sense, it doesn’t just feel like a budget phone — it feels like a device punching well above its weight.
The Bigger Picture: Redefining Expectations
In the broader smartphone landscape, the HONOR X7d 5G represents a shift in how we define value. It shows that the divide between entry-level and premium experiences is narrowing, and that users no longer have to choose between affordability and meaningful features.
For first-time buyers, students, or anyone looking for a reliable everyday smartphone without draining their wallet, the X7d is a compelling proposition. It delivers a blend of design, connectivity, performance, and battery life that most consumers will find more than sufficient — if not impressive — for everyday use.
More importantly, it challenges the notion that “premium feels expensive.” By delivering a polished experience at a fraction of the price, it democratizes quality and pushes other manufacturers to raise their game.
Final Verdict
The HONOR X7d 5G is more than just a budget smartphone — it’s a statement. At around ₹10,000, it redefines what users can realistically expect at this price point. With thoughtful design, 5G connectivity, solid performance, long battery life, and an enjoyable software experience, it delivers value that feels far more expensive.
While it may not replace your flagship device, it doesn’t need to. Instead, it offers an honest and compelling experience that’s accessible to millions. In a world where technology often feels out of reach, the HONOR X7d 5G reminds us that great user experiences aren’t just for the rich — they’re for everyone.