From the Pitch to the Crowd, the new HONOR X9d 5G Challenge Was Built to be Tested Like a Champion.
Today at Levelthree in Kramerville, HONOR’s Unbreakable Challenge format delivered a sports-flavoured reminder that performance is not only about speed, but also about staying power.
With the HONOR X9d 5G already on sale and already on the radar in Mzansi, the event leaned into what athletes understand instinctively: pressure reveals build quality. It also reflected HONOR’s ongoing support of football and high performance, where resilience is not a slogan, it is the difference between showing up and showing off.
The guest line-up included World’s Strongest Man Ryno Nel, Blue Bulls rugby players Mpilo Gumede, Nizaam Carr and Sergeal Petersen, soccer players Vincent Pule, Grant Margeman, and Lyle Lakay. The event also drew lifestyle and entertainment favourites, including Penny Ntuli and DJ Tira, Lindough, Boohle and Naledi Aphiwe
The HONOR X9d 5G was put through a series of Unbreakable Challenges designed to reward resilience, control and endurance under pressure. These included Kahoot, the Wrecking Ball challenge, Sandpit challenge, Paint Ball challenge, Fish Tank challenge and a Last Two Players Ice Challenge, each reflecting the physical and mental demands athletes face both on and off the field.
On spec, the HONOR X9d 5G is backed by SGS Triple-resistant Premium Performance Certification and leads with 2.5m drop resistance, IP69K water resistance and a IP6X dust-resistance. A multilayer cushioning design with 6 cushioning layers helps absorb impact, while rainproof touch control and glove-friendly touch control keep the screen usable when real life is not “phone-ready”.
A major focus of the challenge was water resistance, with the HONOR X9d 5G engineered to withstand high-pressure water exposure, a critical feature for African conditions where devices are frequently exposed to rain, splashes and outdoor use. This is complemented by a massive 8300mAh battery, the largest battery capacity currently available in a smartphone in South Africa, with a reverse charging reinforcing the device’s positioning around long-term value and peace of mind.
Sport does not pause for perfect conditions. With an ultra-bright display rated up to 6000 nits, plus rainproof touch control and glove-friendly touch control, the HONOR X9d 5G is built to stay responsive when hands and weather are not playing nice.
Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR South Africa, said: “Sport is a language Mzansi shares. HONOR is proud to continue its support of football and performance. This latest Unbreakable Challenge showed that the HONOR X9d 5G is built to push you forward while still retaining a strong defence.”
The HONOR X9d is now available in two Colours; Sunrise Gold and Midnight Black for a recommended retail price of R9 999, with redeemable gifts worth R4 998.
- – R1999 (HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip or HONOR Choice Airfryer) *Valid from today until 8 March 2026.
- – HONOR Care Service Benefit Valued up to R2 999. 12 Month Free Accidental Damage Protection *Service promotional offer limited to HONOR X9d valid from today until 31 July 2026
Available promotions in retail:
- MTN: R439 x 36 months,
- Cell C: R549 x 36 months, R669 x 24 months
- Telkom: R499 x 36 months, R599 x 24 months
- Vodacom: R449x36 months, R569 x 24 months.