The Honor Magic 8 Pro, launched in October 2025, is challenging established smartphone brands with a focus on camera technology and battery life. Priced at €1,299, the device is being touted for its telephoto zoom capabilities, setting it apart in a competitive market.
Reviewers highlight the Magic 8 Pro’s telephoto camera as a key differentiator. While video capture quality doesn’t quite match the iPhone 17 Pro, the zoom functionality is described as the best currently available. This emphasis on photographic capabilities is a core selling point for the new device.
The Honor Magic 8 Pro boasts a substantial 7200 mAh battery, significantly larger than the 5088 mAh battery found in the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This translates to extended usage times and positions the Magic 8 Pro as a strong contender for users prioritizing battery performance. The phone also features a 200 MP main camera alongside two 50 MP sensors, contrasting with the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s triple 48 MP setup.
Beyond camera and battery specifications, the Honor Magic 8 Pro incorporates features such as a fingerprint scanner and a higher Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP69, compared to the iPhone 17 Pro’s IP68. It also utilizes branded, damage-resistant glass. However, the user interface is noted as being less refined than those offered by rival manufacturers.
In terms of processing power, the Honor Magic 8 Pro features a CPU configuration of 2 x 4.6 GHz and 6 x 3.62 GHz, slightly faster than the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s 2 x 4.26 GHz and 4 x 2.51 GHz. The AnTuTu benchmark score for the Honor Magic 8 Pro is 4,027,702, exceeding the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s score of 2,885,786. The front camera also offers a higher resolution at 50MP compared to the iPhone 17 Pro’s 18MP.
Network compatibility is a key area of specification. The Honor Magic 8 Pro supports a wide range of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G bands, including SA/NSA options and millimeter wave technology in some configurations. The iPhone 17 Pro also supports a comprehensive range of network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G.
Both devices were released in late 2025, with the Honor Magic 8 Pro becoming available on October 23rd and the iPhone 17 Pro on September 19th. The Honor Magic 8 Pro is available with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers 1TB and 2TB configurations.
