Honor just launched its latest mid-range smartphone in Malaysia, the Honor 9X. Featuring an all screen-design (thanks to the motorised pop-up selfie camera) and affordable price tag, the 9X is quite an interesting option for those looking to get a sleek Android smartphone that won’t break the bank.

Given Huawei’s ongoing debacle with the US government – which also affects Honor, given the relationship between the two brands – many were wondering if the Honor 9X will still come with Google’s suite of services and apps. Well, you don’t have to worry about that: essential apps like the Google Play Store and YouTube are available on the 9X.

So why is the Honor 9X unaffected by the US government’s sanction? Well, it’s actually…based on an existing smartphone. That’s right, it’s really a slightly upgraded Huawei Y9 Prime 2019. Both devices share the design and hardware – and model number – though the 9X does bring one notable upgrade in the camera department.

Instead of the Y9 Prime 2019’s 16MP f/1.8 main sensor in the triple camera system, the Honor 9X swapped out that camera for a more sophisticated 48MP f/1.8 shooter. The other two sensors, on the other hand, are still the same 8MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle shooter and 2MP f/2.4 depth sensor to simulate bokeh effects.

The selfie camera, on the other hand (which is hidden behind the display), is a 16MP f/2.2 unit.

Powering the Honor 9X is a 12nm Kirin 710F chipset that should be able to offer reasonably good performance. It’s also a relatively power-efficient 12nm chip, and paired with the 9X’s generous 4,000mAh battery, expect to get above average battery life with this mid-ranger.

Other specifications of the Honor 9X include a 6.59-inch 2340 x 1080 IPS display with an all-screen design, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a rear fingerprint sensor, as well as a USB-C port.

The Honor 9X will be available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM999 from tomorrow onwards on 22 November; it will then be sold online on Shopee, Lazada, and Hihonor on 28 November. Interestingly, Honor is offering a number of deals if you pre-order the 9X online.

Those who pre-order the Honor 9X on Hihonor and Lazada from 22 to 27 November will be able to purchase the Honor Sport Pro Bluetooth earphones (worth RM299) for only RM0.99. Alternatively, you can also opt to get the Honor Band 5 Sport instead with a gift box at no additional cost.

If you miss the pre-order period, you can still get the Honor 9X with a complimentary Band 5 Sport and gift box or add RM199 to get the Honor Sport Pro earphones. The latter offer is only valid until 1 December 2019.