MANILA - Smartphone maker HONOR formally launched on Friday what it dubbed as its toughest midrange phone yet, the X9c 5G which it says can survive multiple drops, and even dunking in very hot water.

No stranger to extreme demonstrations of gadget durability, HONOR last week showed videos by tech bloggers who were dunking the phone in hot water, and then fishing it out and showing that despite the harsh test, the phone was still working.

HONOR also scored an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most number of phones being dropped during a durability test.

The smartphone vendor said its latest phone is protected and can withstand drops from heights of up to 2 meters.

"The ultra-tempered glass and back resistance shield work together for comprehensive coverage. Additionally, the unique bézier curve design offers 3D protection around the corners, effectively protecting the device from impacts from any direction," the company said.

It has survived more than 10 drop tests on surfaces such as marble, cobblestone, gravel and asphalt, HONOR said. It also carries an IP65M dust and water resistance rating which means it can survive being submerged in 25 centimeters of water for up to 5 minutes.

"Under controlled laboratory conditions, it passed the 3-minute washing test," HONOR said.

The X9c 5G has a three-layer waterproof structure that provides 360° protection against water exposure, according to the company. The first layer protects the outer ring, with the second layer enhances sealing for the device's sensitive internal parts, and the third layer seals the core components, HONOR said.

HONOR has lent a review unit to ABS-CBN for a more thorough testing of the phone's features and capabilities.

The X9c 5G will retail for P16,999.