TL;DR
Honor has released the Magic 8 Pro in Europe after an earlier China launch, positioning the phone as a camera-focused flagship. Review testing highlights a standout camera, two-day battery life, and flagship performance, with criticisms for design and an inflexible AI button.
What happened
Honor's Magic 8 Pro, introduced in China in October, has reached European markets with a price of £1,099.99 (about $1,500) from Honor UK. Reviewer Dominic Preston spent a month evaluating the handset and awarded it a Verge score of 7, noting that the phone narrows the gap between Honor and top-tier rivals on camera quality. The device centers on a triple rear camera system that includes a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.6 aperture and is described as the company’s best camera effort to date. Other highlights in the review include two-day battery life and flagship-level performance, while drawbacks cited are an underwhelming design and an AI button that lacks customization. Honor is pitching the Magic 8 Pro against major premium models such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Why it matters
- Marks Honor’s strongest camera push yet and positions the brand closer to established premium competitors.
- European availability broadens reach beyond the phone’s initial China launch, affecting regional flagship market dynamics.
- Two-day battery life and flagship performance are features that could sway buyers weighing camera and endurance.
- Price places it alongside high-end models from Apple and Samsung, making value and camera quality key differentiators.
Key facts
- European release follows an October launch in China.
- Listed price at Honor UK is £1,099.99 (approximately $1,500).
- Reviewer: Dominic Preston; Verge score reported as 7.
- Core camera: triple rear setup featuring a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.6 aperture.
- Review highlights: strong camera system, two-day battery life, and flagship performance.
- Primary criticisms: middling industrial design and a non-customizable AI button.
- Honor positions the Magic 8 Pro to compete with iPhone 17 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and rivals from Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo.
- Reviewer compared it favorably to the Vivo X300 Pro, saying they rarely felt the need for an alternative handset while testing.
What to watch next
- Long-term camera and battery durability under regular use: not confirmed in the source.
- Availability and official pricing in additional markets (for example, the US): not confirmed in the source.
- Details on software update cadence and support windows: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Flagship: A manufacturer's highest-end product line, typically featuring the latest hardware, software, and premium pricing.
- Megapixel (MP): A unit equal to one million pixels; higher megapixel counts can allow for more detail but are not the sole determinant of image quality.
- Aperture (f-number): The size of a camera lens opening, expressed as an f-number; lower f-numbers (e.g., f/1.6) indicate a wider aperture that lets in more light.
- AI button: A hardware or software control intended to trigger artificial intelligence features; behavior and customization vary by device.
Reader FAQ
Is the Honor Magic 8 Pro available in Europe now?
Yes. The review states the phone is out in Europe following its earlier China launch.
How much does the Magic 8 Pro cost?
Honor UK lists the phone at £1,099.99, which the review notes is around $1,500.
Does the Magic 8 Pro have a notable camera?
Yes. The reviewer calls it Honor’s best camera effort to date and highlights a triple rear setup that includes a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.6 aperture.
Will it be sold in the US and what are the full specs?
Not confirmed in the source.
GADGETS TECH MOBILE Honor steps up to the big leagues with the Magic 8 Pro The company’s best phone camera yet can compete with anything around. by Dominic Preston Jan…
Sources
- Honor steps up to the big leagues with the Magic 8 Pro
- HONOR Magic8 Pro – Introduction, features, Performance
- HONOR Magic8 Pro Review: Exceptional Photography …
- Honor Magic8 Pro European Price and Specs Leaked …
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