The new year has barely begun, but HONOR Philippines has already set the internet ablaze. If your social media feed has been dominated by the likes of Malupiton, Ser Geybin, and KaMangyan Vlogs lately, you’ve likely seen the buzz surrounding the brand-new HONOR X9d 5G.
But on New Year’s Day, the hype transcended the digital space and turned into a high-octane physical showdown. We headed to WBS Studios in Pasig for the HONOR X9d 5G Ultra Defense Challenge, and let’s just say, “tough” is an understatement.
The Reunion We All Wanted: JoshLia Takes the Lead
Before we get into the literal car crashes, we have to talk about the star power in the room. Leading the charge were none other than HONOR Brand Ambassadors Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto.
The “JoshLia” tandem has always had a magnetic chemistry that fans can’t get enough of. From their early days as a breakout loveteam to their growth into mature, solo powerhouses, seeing them back together for this challenge added a layer of excitement to the event. Much like the phone they were testing, their partnership has proven to be resilient and enduring—making them the perfect duo to put the “toughest phone yet” through its paces.
When Unstoppable Force Meets Immovable Object
The centerpiece of the event was a clash of titans: the HONOR X9d 5G vs. the Tesla Cybertruck.
The Cybertruck is famous for its “Exoskeleton” and ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless-steel skin, designed for ultimate durability. It’s the gold standard of vehicular toughness. So, how does a slim, sleek smartphone survive a run-in with a steel beast?
Joshua and Julia didn’t hold back. They participated in a series of extreme torture tests that would make any gadget lover cringe:
- The Slingshot & The 3-Meter Throw: The phone was launched and hurled against hard surfaces, emerging without a scratch.
- The Cornhole Shot: A test of precision and impact resistance.
- The Ultimate Car-Pull Runover: In the most heart-stopping moment of the day, the Tesla Cybertruck—all several thousand pounds of it—ran directly over the HONOR X9d 5G.
The result? The HONOR X9d 5G remained fully functional. Its “Ultra Defense” technology isn’t just a marketing buzzword; it’s a literal shield.
Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation
According to HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng, this is only the beginning. “The past three years gave us a strong foundation… what we did with the HONOR X9d 5G and the Tesla Cybertruck is just a preview of what’s to come,” Cheng shared.
The brand is clearly positioning itself as the leader in “rugged-chic” technology—devices that look premium enough for a gala but are tough enough for a construction site (or a run-in with an electric truck).
Don’t Miss the Grand Launch
If the viral videos of Malupiton and the sight of JoshLia cheering on a phone being crushed by a Tesla haven’t convinced you yet, the official specs surely will.
Mark your calendars for the Grand Launch on January 9. You can follow the countdown and catch exclusive teasers on HONOR’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Ready to upgrade to a phone that’s virtually indestructible? Check out the HONOR X9d 5G at HONOR Experience Stores nationwide or grab yours online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
Trust us—this is one drop you won’t want to miss.
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