Has the smartphone industry conditioned South Africans to believe that premium tech must come with a mega-rand price tag? Until recently, the shinier the brand and image, the more the multi-digit price was accepted as an unavoidable norm.

Mzansi mindsets are however changing. South Africans are becoming more practical about their tech choices, questioning whether paying a mega-Rand price for a device is truly necessary. A 2024 Statista study showed that 25% of South Africans are ‘very likely’ to change their smartphone brand, indicating a move away from the status quo.

Why it’s time for consumers to prioritise value over image. Picture: Suuplied

In a market where high-end flagship phones continue to climb into five-digit price ranges, the HONOR X9c AI smartphone enters as a quiet disruptor. Priced at R10,999 it challenges the idea that innovative technology is for the Joneses. It’s not because it’s a budget phone but because it refuses to play the status game altogether.

Why Pay More for the Same Experience?

Not too long ago, a high price meant a noticeable leap in performance. Today, the gap between flagship and mid-range devices has narrowed significantly, making value-for-money smartphones a smarter investment. The HONOR X9c is proof of that:

A curved AMOLED display that feels premium? Check.

A battery that comfortably lasts over the day/night? Sorted.

Durability that won’t make you panic every time you drop it? Covered.

At nearly half the price of some flagship models, the HONOR X9c delivers practical innovation without the luxury markup. It’s not trying to be the most expensive phone in the room – just the one that lasts and delivers - a Mzansi survival necessity

Built for Life, Not Just for Show

In South Africa, a phone isn’t just a device. It’s a daily companion, an assistant that needs to handle real life with you. Between the unpredictable weather, hectic commutes and the occasional accidental drop, durability matters.

Many premium phones still crack at the first sign of a floor but the HONOR X9c takes a tougher approach. With drop-resistant technology, IP-rated water resistance, and scratch protection, it’s built to survive Mzansi’s everyday chaos. Whether it’s a drop as you get out of your car or a spill at beach, this phone isn’t just about looking good it’s about lasting longer than your patience (and budget) for replacement screens.

A Shift to Smart Spending

South Africans are becoming more intentional with their purchases. With rising costs across the board, more consumers are asking: Do I really need to spend more for the same experience? The HONOR X9c is for those who believe that technology should work for them, not just their status.

For those tired of overpaying for their smartphone, this mid-rage smartphone offers a compelling alternative; it is a device that delivers more of what matters for South Africans. While people discuss whether flagships are overpriced and which mid-range smartphone offers more value, the HONOR X9c quietly asks a simple question: Why pay more for what you don’t need, when you can get exactly what you want? That’s a question worth considering.

The Star