HONOR Magic8 Pro Review: The Most Advanced AI Camera System in a Smartphone Today

Every year, smartphone brands talk about big leaps in performance and major breakthroughs in imaging. Most of the time, what we get are small upgrades that feel more like refinements. This is why the HONOR Magic8 Pro stands out so quickly. From the first moment you look at its spec sheet, it becomes clear that HONOR is setting a different tone with this flagship.

The Magic8 Pro is not simply trying to compete with the iPhone 17 Pro Max or the top Android flagships. It is trying to redefine what a powerful, modern smartphone should look like in areas that matter to real users. That means stronger low light photography, real AI features that serve a purpose, better battery endurance, reliable connectivity, and display technology that considers long term eye comfort. Instead of leaning on one highlight, HONOR has spread improvements across almost every aspect of the device.

Running on MagicOS 10 with Android 16 at its core, the HONOR Magic8 Pro feels polished and ready for the type of tasks people rely on daily. It performs well, looks premium, and brings a suite of AI tools that go far beyond simple filters or automatic adjustments. The engineering inside the phone shows that HONOR built this device with intention.

This review breaks down the phone in a way that matches how users actually experience their devices. We start with the physical design, then look at the hardware foundation, daily use, performance, camera quality, AI features, and the bigger picture of where this phone fits among competitors. By the end, you should have a clear idea of whether the HONOR Magic8 Pro is the right upgrade for you.

First Look and Design

The first thing you notice about the HONOR Magic8 Pro is how well it balances modern looks with durability. Many premium devices go for sleek designs that feel fragile, but HONOR found a way to offer both style and strength.

At 161.15 mm tall, 75 mm wide, and just 8.32 mm thin, the phone holds comfortably in the hand. The weight of 219 grams provides a steady grip without feeling heavy. Anyone who switches from a bulkier flagship will appreciate how well the HONOR Magic8 Pro manages its profile.

The phone comes in three color choices that cater to different personality types. Sunrise Gold is the bold option for users who enjoy a bright, energetic aesthetic. Sky Cyan is calm and modern, giving the phone a cooler visual tone. Black offers a quiet, classic look that fits both casual and professional settings. All three colors feel premium and thoughtfully finished.

What sets the HONOR Magic8 Pro apart in design is its durability rating. This is the first flagship smartphone to carry an IP69K rating in addition to IP68 and IP69. IP69K is typically a standard used for industrial equipment. It means the phone can handle high pressure water, high temperatures, dust, salt mist, and other harsh environmental conditions. If you use your phone outdoors, near pools, in kitchens, or while traveling, this durability brings real peace of mind.

The front of the phone is protected by HONOR NanoCrystal Shield glass. According to HONOR, it offers ten times the drop resistance of conventional smartphone glass. It also carries the SGS 5 Star certification for drop resistance across multiple scenarios. This is especially helpful for people who do not want to rely solely on a case to keep their phone safe.

HONOR backs up the hardware with strong after sales support. The HONOR Magic8 Pro includes a 365 day Front and Back Crack Protection plan, a one year extended warranty, and a one year liquid damage protection warranty. This reduces the fear that you might damage an expensive device only months after buying it.

In terms of overall feel, the HONOR Magic8 Pro presents itself as a premium phone made for users with active lifestyles. It looks refined enough for office environments but strong enough for outdoor adventures.

Hardware Specifications and Features

HONOR did not hold back on the internal hardware. At the heart of the HONOR Magic8 Pro is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, which is currently the fastest mobile chipset available. It brings improvements in processing power, graphics performance, and on device AI computation.

What makes this chipset even more impressive is that HONOR and Qualcomm collaborated through a joint chipset lab to optimize the performance using two exclusive tuning technologies. These optimizations are not small adjustments. They significantly improve the processing capabilities while reducing power consumption.

CPU single core performance increases by twenty percent, allowing apps and system operations to move smoothly. GPU performance jumps by twenty three percent, which helps with gaming, rendering, and anything graphically intensive. The biggest leap is in NPU performance, which gets a thirty seven percent improvement. This matters because the HONOR Magic8 Pro uses AI engines heavily in camera processing, editing features, and smart system functions.

Despite these gains, the phone uses less power. CPU power consumption drops by thirty five percent and GPU power consumption drops by twenty percent. This is rare. Most flagship phones get more powerful but also require more battery. HONOR managed to push performance forward without creating a device that drains energy faster.

Connectivity also receives serious upgrades. The RF Enhanced Chip HONOR C1+ strengthens signal processing and improves Wi-Fi performance by fifteen percent. The new HONOR Signal Antenna Structure expands reception capability by up to one hundred eight percent and boosts signal transmission by up to ninety percent. In real life, this means fewer dropped connections during video calls and more consistent mobile data performance in crowded or weak signal areas.

Storage and RAM details for all retail variants will be revealed during the official launch, but the review unit I tested comes with 512 GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM, along with an additional 12 GB of HONOR RAM Turbo for improved multitasking. This setup feels more than capable for heavy workloads, and even without full confirmation of every configuration, the existing hardware already shows that the HONOR Magic8 Pro is built to perform at a flagship level for years to come.

Daily Usage and Software Features

MagicOS 10 serves as the operating system, and it is built on top of Android 16. HONOR designed the interface to look clean, move fast, and avoid unnecessary clutter. Everything feels accessible without being oversimplified.

Daily use highlights several thoughtful touches. Magic Sidebar lets you slide out a panel filled with your most used apps. It is a small convenience, but it reduces the number of steps needed for multitasking. Magic Portal helps you move content from one app to another with simple drag actions. For example, you can drag an address from a message into a map app without switching screens multiple times.

The OS feels responsive thanks to the hardware optimizations. App transitions are smooth, animations stay fluid, and the combined CPU and NPU improvements help the system run multiple tasks without slowing down.

Google Gemini is integrated into the phone. This gives you system level AI support that can help with things like drafting messages, summarizing content, answering questions, or identifying information from your screen. The integration feels natural and secure, since many tasks run on device rather than relying solely on cloud processing.

One of the more practical upgrades is the new HONOR Share system. You can now transfer files instantly to another HONOR device or even an iPhone using NFC. Cross platform transfers have always been a pain point for Android users, so this feature plays a major role in simplifying everyday interactions between different phones.

Security during daily usage gets a strong boost from the dual 3D recognition system. The HONOR Magic8 Pro is the only smartphone that features both 3D ToF Facial Recognition and 3D Ultrasonic Fingerprint Recognition. This gives you more flexibility and faster unlocking speed. The ultrasonic sensor also performs better with damp or dirty fingers.

MagicOS 10 makes the phone feel stable and adaptable. It supports a wide range of features without overwhelming the user, and the presence of system level AI tools gives it a modern feel.

Hardware Performance

Performance is one of the strongest aspects of the HONOR Magic8 Pro. The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and HONOR’s exclusive tuning creates a device capable of handling demanding workloads. Whether you are gaming, streaming high resolution video, editing content, or running multiple background apps, the phone maintains smooth performance.

Thermal management is well executed. The device stays comfortable to hold even during extended gaming sessions or continuous video capture. The reduced power consumption of the CPU and GPU contributes to better heat control.

Connectivity performance is also excellent. The HONOR C1+ RF Enhanced Chip improves Wi-Fi speed and stability, which you will notice when streaming, downloading large files, or joining video calls. The upgraded antenna structure gives the phone a strong advantage in locations where other devices usually struggle.

In benchmark tests, the HONOR Magic8 Pro delivers strong numbers that reflect its powerful hardware. On Antutu, the device achieved a score of 2,936,098, which is already in the top tier for current flagships. What is interesting is that based on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the aggressive tuning HONOR applies, the phone should easily break the 3 million mark.

Other devices running similar hardware have crossed that line without trouble, so the HONOR Magic8 Pro’s result suggests there may be some system behavior or thermal management at play during the test. It still performs extremely well in real world use, but the score could potentially be higher under different conditions.

For graphics performance, the HONOR Magic8 Pro recorded a 3DMark Wild Life Extreme score of 7,943, with an average frame rate of 47.57 FPS. This is a strong showing for a mobile device running one of the most demanding GPU benchmarks available. During extended testing, the phone remained stable and avoided aggressive throttling, which is more important than the raw score itself.

These results support what you feel in everyday use. The HONOR Magic8 Pro handles high end games smoothly and keeps performance consistent, even when pushed for long periods.

Battery life takes things to another level. The 7,100 mAh HONOR Silicone Carbon battery is significantly larger than what most flagships offer, yet HONOR managed to keep the device slim and manageable. According to HONOR, the HONOR Magic8 Pro lasts up to ten hours longer than the iPhone 17 Pro. This means you can realistically go through a full day of heavy usage without reaching for your charger.

Charging speeds are equally impressive. With 100W wired HONOR FastCharging, the phone can reach a full charge in about 48 minutes. A five minute quick charge offers around three hours of YouTube video playback. The 80W wireless charging is also notable because it completes a full charge in about an hour, something the iPhone models cannot match with their wireless chargers.

In summary, the HONOR Magic8 Pro is built for people who want a phone that performs reliably without worrying about battery percentage or connection stability.

Camera System

The camera system is the highlight of this smartphone and the core reason HONOR positions it as a top tier flagship. HONOR built the AiMAGE Camera System to elevate photography from every angle, especially in low light and long zoom situations.

The main camera is a 50 MP Ultra Night shooter with a large 1/1.3 inch sensor and an f/1.6 aperture. These specifications allow it to capture more light, resulting in brighter and cleaner night shots. The sensor outputs large 2.4 μm pixels using 4 in 1 technology. This gives the camera an advantage in dark scenes where many phones struggle with noise and detail.

The optical image stabilization is one of the most advanced on any smartphone. It carries a CIPA 5.5 rating, the highest in the industry. This rating is typically found in DSLR cameras that cost thousands of dollars. As a result, the HONOR Magic8 Pro stabilizes both photos and videos extremely well, even when you shoot handheld at night.

The telephoto camera is a 200 MP Ultra Night lens with a large 1/1.4 inch sensor. This is one of the biggest sensors ever used in a telephoto module. Most smartphones use much smaller sensors for zoom lenses, which limits clarity. With the HONOR Magic8 Pro, the 3.7x optical zoom retains sharpness even in low light. The CIPA 5.5 stabilization also applies here, giving you steady results at long focal lengths.

The 50 MP ultra wide camera supports a 122 degree field of view and macro photography at a close 2.5 cm distance. This means you can capture detailed close ups without needing a dedicated macro lens.

The front camera is a 50 MP shooter with a 90 degree wide angle and a 3D depth camera. This ensures accurate background separation in portrait mode and clear selfies in various lighting conditions. Both the front and rear cameras support 4K video recording.

HONOR also built the IMAGINE Engine to improve image quality. The Night Engine enhances low light performance during golden hour and blue hour. The Stability Engine improves steadiness across photo and video modes. The Portrait Engine enhances facial detail, lighting, and depth effects while offering more focal length options.

Taken together, the HONOR Magic8 Pro camera system feels ready for both casual users and mobile creators who want professional level results.

Another handy addition is the AI Button, which doubles as a smart shutter control. You can lightly press it to focus, press it fully to capture a shot, press and hold it for shooting multiple photos, or swipe the button left or right to adjust zoom without shifting your grip. It feels intuitive, especially when you need to change framing quickly while shooting with one hand. The button can also be customized for different AI functions, but its fluid zoom control makes it especially valuable for photography and video work on the HONOR Magic8 Pro.

Photo Gallery

Zoom Test 1

Zoom Test 2

Portraits

Sefie Camera

Others

More photos available on my HONOR Magic8 Pro Camera Review.

AI Features

AI is deeply integrated into the HONOR Magic8 Pro. HONOR has focused on making these tools helpful rather than flashy.

Magic Colour stands out immediately. It can recreate cinematic visual styles, apply professional film tones, or generate personalized color templates from any image. It also replicates looks inspired by Leica, Zeiss, Hasselblad, and Harcourt Studio. For people who value color grading, this feature feels both powerful and accessible.

Magic Pose, launching in December 2025, will suggest poses for your photos. This helps users who feel awkward or unsure how to position themselves for better looking shots.

AI Photo Agent, also coming in December, allows you to speak commands or give instructions and have the AI edit the image for you. This is ideal for users who want strong edits without navigating complex editing tools.

AI Eraser receives new tools that can remove wrinkles or moire patterns from clothing. These might seem like small details, but they significantly improve portrait photos. Additional AI editing tools include AI Upscale, AI Outpainting, AI Cutout, and AI Color.

The upgraded AI Moving Photo feature adds Slow Motion, Motion Trail, and Motion Clone effects. Motion Sensing Capture and AI Super Zoom support action photography, helping users capture moving subjects more easily.

The AI Camera Button is customizable for single tap, double tap, or long press shortcuts. This provides direct access to your favorite camera or AI features.

On the safety side, AI Deepfake Detection 2.0 identifies manipulated faces during video calls. AI Voice Cloning Detection, arriving later in the year, detects synthetic or cloned voices during calls. As digital manipulation becomes more common, these tools help protect users from impersonation or fraudulent communication.

General AI features powered by Google Gemini add convenience to everyday tasks such as text suggestions, translations, content organization, and more.

Conclusion

The HONOR Magic8 Pro delivers one of the most well rounded flagship experiences available today. It demonstrates that a modern smartphone should not only be powerful, but also helpful, durable, long lasting, and adaptable to the needs of its users.

Its camera system stands out as one of the most advanced and thoughtfully engineered setups on any smartphone. The low light performance, telephoto clarity, and AI powered imaging engines make it a strong choice for anyone who values photography or video creation.

Battery life is exceptional. The 7,100 mAh battery outperforms many competitors, and the fast wired and wireless charging speeds reduce downtime. The display is bright, comfortable to the eyes, and supported by advanced technology to reduce strain.

The phone’s durability, connectivity upgrades, and dual 3D security features all contribute to a device that feels reliable and reassuring to carry every day. MagicOS 10 ties everything together with helpful software tools and smooth performance.

Overall, the HONOR Magic8 Pro is a flagship that blends the right amount of innovation with real world practicality. It is a phone built for people who want stronger cameras, smarter AI, better battery life, and a dependable device that can keep up with everything they do.

• More info: https://www.honor.com/my/shop/new-launch/
• Launch article: https://ohsem.me/2025/11/honor-magic8-pro-debuts-in-malaysia/