Honor has officially introduced the X9e Pro in Malaysia, marking the first international release of the smartphone that gained attention in China for its massive 11,000mAh battery. While the device brings several camera improvements compared to the Chinese-market Honor X80 Pro Max, it also arrives with a noticeably higher price tag, raising questions about whether the upgrades justify the extra cost.
The Honor X9e Pro is available in Malaysia at MYR 1,899 for the 8GB/256GB version and MYR 2,399 for the 8GB/512GB model. When compared with the Chinese pricing of the Honor X80 Pro Max, buyers in Malaysia are paying significantly more for what is otherwise a very similar smartphone.
A Familiar Formula With Some Upgrades
At its core, the X9e Pro shares many of the same specifications as the X80 Pro Max. Both devices are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 processor and feature a huge 11,000mAh silicon-carbon battery designed for extended battery life.
The phone comes with 8GB of physical RAM, which can be expanded through Honor’s RAM Turbo technology, along with storage options of 256GB and 512GB.
On the front, users get a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2788 × 1280 pixels. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the phone also carries multiple durability certifications, including IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for resistance against dust and water.
Massive Battery Remains the Main Attraction
The standout feature of the X9e Pro is undoubtedly its 11,000mAh battery, one of the largest batteries currently available in a mainstream smartphone.
Honor says the battery can deliver exceptionally long usage times, including extended video playback and music streaming sessions. The device supports 80W wired fast charging and can also charge other devices through 27W reverse wired charging.
However, one notable difference is that the Chinese X80 Pro Max supports faster 90W charging, meaning the international model actually loses a feature despite costing more.
Better Cameras Than the Chinese Model
One area where the X9e Pro improves on the X80 Pro Max is photography.
The Malaysian version features a 108MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), accompanied by a 5MP ultrawide camera. On the front, Honor has upgraded the selfie camera to 16MP.
By comparison, the Chinese model uses a 50MP main camera, lacks an ultrawide sensor, and includes an 8MP front-facing camera.
For users who prioritize photography, these additions make the X9e Pro a more complete smartphone experience.
Comparing Prices
The Honor X80 Pro Max launched in China earlier this year with much lower starting prices. The 8GB/256GB variant was priced at around CNY 2,199, while the 8GB/512GB version carried a price of approximately CNY 2,499.
When those figures are compared with Malaysian pricing, the difference becomes clear. The X9e Pro costs roughly 43% more for the 256GB version and around 59% more for the 512GB model.
Why Is the Malaysian Version More Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the higher international pricing.
Unlike the Chinese model, the X9e Pro includes upgraded camera hardware and starts with higher storage than the base Chinese version. Additional costs related to international distribution, marketing, retail operations, taxes, and currency fluctuations also play a role.
Furthermore, the Malaysian launch comes months after the Chinese release, during a period when memory component prices have increased globally.
Is the Price Difference Worth It?
The answer depends largely on what buyers value most.
Those looking for outstanding battery life will find the X9e Pro highly appealing. The enormous battery capacity, large display, and improved camera setup make it one of the most feature-packed devices in its category.
However, the higher price becomes harder to justify when considering that the processor, battery technology, and overall performance remain largely unchanged from the Chinese model. The reduction in charging speed from 90W to 80W also weakens the value proposition.
For many buyers, the 256GB version appears to offer the better balance between price and features, while the 512GB model may be more difficult to recommend due to its much larger premium.
Final Thoughts
The Honor X9e Pro brings one of the biggest smartphone batteries available today to international markets and adds meaningful camera improvements over its Chinese counterpart. While those upgrades make it a more versatile device, Malaysian buyers are paying considerably more for the experience.
For users who prioritize battery life above all else, the X9e Pro remains an attractive option. However, those focused on value may find the price difference difficult to overlook, especially at the higher storage tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Honor X9e Pro cost in Malaysia?
The phone starts at MYR 1,899 for the 8GB/256GB model and MYR 2,399 for the 8GB/512GB version.
What is the battery capacity of the Honor X9e Pro?
The device features an 11,000mAh battery, making it one of the largest batteries available in a mainstream smartphone.
What processor powers the Honor X9e Pro?
The smartphone is equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chipset.
How fast does the Honor X9e Pro charge?
It supports 80W wired charging and 27W reverse wired charging.
Has Honor announced pricing for other countries?
Honor has confirmed wider availability, but pricing for additional markets has not yet been revealed.
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