Honor Magic8 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: Honor is gearing up for a major launch with its Magic8 and Magic8 Pro smartphones, set to debut on October 15, 2025. Ahead of this, the company has made headlines by appointing Nicholas Tse as its Future Technology Experience Officer, highlighting the brand’s focus on innovation, AI integration, and lifestyle-centric technology. Tse, a Hong Kong-based actor, singer, entrepreneur, and martial artist, is known for reinventing himself across multiple fields, which perfectly aligns with Honor’s AI-powered “self-evolution” concept showcased in the Magic8 series.
The Magic8 Pro has also been thrust into the spotlight thanks to Honor’s daring night photography comparison with Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro. In a promo video, both devices were tested at high altitude, capturing city nightscapes from a helicopter. According to Honor, the Magic8 Pro outperformed the iPhone 17 Pro, reinforcing the brand’s confidence in its photography technology. This campaign is part of a broader marketing push emphasizing the Magic8 Pro’s AI-enhanced cameras, hardware optimization, and intelligent learning capabilities, designed to anticipate users’ needs and deliver consistently excellent results.
Apart from celebrity endorsements and marketing stunts, leaks suggest that the Magic8 Pro is set to impress in terms of raw specifications as well. Featuring a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, the device aims to stand out in the crowded flagship segment, particularly for photography enthusiasts. The periscope lens boasts an 85mm focal length, f/2.6 aperture, and a 1/1.4-inch type sensor, promising superior detail and low-light performance.
Honor Magic8 Pro Specifications (Leaked)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Likely Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 200MP periscope telephoto (85mm, f/2.6, 1/1.4″) |
| Front Camera | 50MP selfie camera |
| Battery | Estimated 4,800–5,000mAh with fast charging support |
| Operating System | Android 16 with Magic UI 8 |
| RAM & Storage | Likely up to 16GB RAM, 512GB storage |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
| Special Features | AI self-evolution, advanced night photography, periscope zoom |
| Launch Date | October 15, 2025 |
| Colors | Phantom Black, Frost White, and premium gradient options |
| Expected Price | ₹79,999 – ₹89,999 (India, rumored) |
Display and Design
The Honor Magic8 Pro is expected to feature a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling, high contrast, and immersive visuals. Early leaks suggest a sleek design with slim bezels, a premium glass back, and possibly an under-display selfie camera to maintain a full-screen aesthetic. The design emphasizes both elegance and usability, catering to users who appreciate high-end aesthetics combined with flagship functionality.
Performance
Rumors indicate that the Magic8 Pro may run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, coupled with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. This setup should enable seamless multitasking, high-end gaming, and AI-powered optimizations, particularly for photography and system performance. Honor’s Magic UI 8, layered on Android 16, is expected to enhance AI-assisted tasks, optimize battery usage, and improve device responsiveness.
Camera Capabilities
The camera system is the highlight of the Magic8 Pro. It includes:
- 50MP main sensor for detailed and natural images
- 50MP ultrawide camera for expansive landscape shots
- 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 85mm focal length, f/2.6 aperture, and 1/1.4-inch sensor, ideal for high-quality zoom and low-light photography
The device’s AI algorithms are expected to enhance night photography, as highlighted in Honor’s promotional comparison with the iPhone 17 Pro. Users can expect features such as AI scene recognition, night mode optimization, and cinematic zoom effects. The 50MP front camera will ensure high-resolution selfies and video calls.
Battery Life and Charging
The Magic8 Pro is rumored to feature a 4,800–5,000mAh battery, supporting fast charging. While exact charging speeds are unconfirmed, the device is expected to include wired and possibly wireless fast-charging options, ensuring minimal downtime for users who rely on their smartphones for productivity and entertainment.
AI and Smart Features
Honor emphasizes the AI “self-evolution” concept, which allows the device to learn user habits over time, optimize its performance, and anticipate user needs. This intelligent approach extends to camera performance, battery optimization, and system responsiveness, creating a device that adapts to the user rather than requiring manual adjustments.
Price and Availability
The Honor Magic8 Pro is set to launch officially on October 15, 2025. Early reports suggest an expected price range of ₹79,999 – ₹89,999 in India, though global prices may vary. The device will likely be available in Phantom Black, Frost White, and premium gradient finishes.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
- AI Self-Evolution: Device learns and adapts to user habits over time
- Advanced Camera System: 200MP periscope telephoto, 50MP main & ultrawide lenses
- High-Quality Night Photography: Outperforms leading competitors like iPhone 17 Pro in tests
- Premium Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Flagship Performance: Likely Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with up to 16GB RAM
Also read: Nubia Z80 Ultra: Power Meets Elegance with a 7,200mAh Battery Inside a 7.8mm Slim Frame
Conclusion
The Honor Magic8 Pro positions itself as a photography-focused flagship that also excels in performance and AI-driven smart features. With the introduction of Nicholas Tse as Future Technology Experience Officer, Honor is not just emphasizing the hardware but also its lifestyle-centric AI ecosystem.
From night photography comparisons with the iPhone 17 Pro to an elegant design and powerful hardware, the Magic8 Pro appears ready to compete in the premium smartphone segment of 2025. Its combination of a 200MP telephoto camera, AI self-evolution capabilities, and flagship-level performance makes it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts and tech-savvy users alike.
As the October 15 launch date approaches, anticipation is building. If Honor delivers on the leaked specifications, the Magic8 Pro could emerge as a top contender in the global flagship smartphone market, particularly for users who prioritize camera performance and AI-powered customization.
FAQs of Honor Magic8 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro
1. What are the main cameras on the Honor Magic8 Pro?
The device features a 50MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 85mm focal length, f/2.6 aperture, and 1/1.4-inch sensor for high-detail zoom photography.
2. How does the Magic8 Pro compare to the iPhone 17 Pro for night photography?
According to Honor’s promotional tests, the Magic8 Pro captures brighter, more detailed night shots from high-altitude scenarios, outperforming the iPhone 17 Pro in low-light conditions.
3. When will the Honor Magic8 Pro launch?
The official launch is set for October 15, 2025, with global availability likely shortly after the China debut.
4. What is the AI self-evolution feature?
This AI-driven system learns user behavior, optimizes performance, and anticipates needs over time, enhancing camera functionality, battery efficiency, and overall device responsiveness.
5. What display and performance specifications does the Magic8 Pro offer?
The phone is rumored to have a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, up to 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage, running on Android 16 with Magic UI 8.
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