Verdict - Honor Magic8 Pro
In our tests, the Honor Magic8 Pro proved itself to be a nearly complete flagship device, impressing us with its premium build quality, IP69K certification, and a vibrant LTPO OLED display boasting brightness of over 6,000 cd/m². The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers excellent performance, though it throttles noticeably under sustained load. Other highlights include the seven-year update guarantee, versatile AI features (including an AI button), and comprehensive security options that include an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and 3D facial recognition.
The camera impressed us with detailed photos, a powerful periscope zoom, and good image stabilization, even if its predecessor's variable aperture is missing and the default settings tend towards bright, vibrant images. Despite the EU downsizing, the 6,270 mAh battery offers excellent battery life and recharges quickly at up to 100 watts. Weaknesses such as the currently slow Wi-Fi 7 and the lack of a UWB chip detract slightly from the overall impression, but don't diminish the Magic8 Pro's status as a very attractive Android flagship.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Magic8 Pro can be purchased directly on Amazon (UK).
Table of Contents
- Verdict - Honor Magic8 Pro
- Specifications - Honor Magic8 Pro
- Case - The Honor smartphone gets lighter
- Features - Now with Auracast
- Software - Seven-year updates for the Magic8 Pro
- Communication and GNSS - Surprisingly slow Wi-Fi
- Telephone functions and voice quality
- Cameras - The variable aperture is history
- Accessories and warranty - Slim pickings
- Input devices and operation - The Magic8 Pro possesses an AI button
- Display - Eye-friendly and over 6,000 cd/m²
- Performance - The Magic8 Pro houses a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Emissions - Performance limitations under load
- Battery life - A smaller battery for Europe
- Notebookcheck overall rating
- Possible alternatives compared
The Magic8 Pro has been available in Asia for some time (as we previously reported), and now it makes its appearance as the worldwide successor to the Magic7 Pro. Unfortunately, the European version comes with a significantly smaller battery and is also limited in terms of its storage options.
Nevertheless, the battery is comparatively large and promises long battery life. In the UK, the smartphone is only available in the storage configuration reviewed here, and has a suggested retail price of around £1,049.
Specifications - Honor Magic8 Pro
Case - The Honor smartphone gets lighter
The Honor Magic8 Pro is available in black, Sunrise Gold, and Sky Cyan and has a nominal thickness of 8.3 mm (we measured 8.45 mm), or 14.4 mm including the camera. This makes it slightly slimmer than the previous model, the Magic7 Pro, when the camera is excluded, or up to 13.35 mm including the camera.
The matte frame gives the Magic8 Pro a more premium look and makes it less prone to fingerprints. The build quality is impressive, with consistent and tight gaps between the components. When twisted, the smartphone only creaks slightly.
The Magic8 Pro is IP69K certified, meaning it is dustproof and protected against immersion in water, steam, and high-pressure cleaning.
Features - Now with Auracast
The Magic8 Pro's technical specifications are very similar to its predecessor: USB 3.2 with video output, an IR blaster, and Wi-Fi 7. Bluetooth has been updated to version 6.0 and now supports Auracast, which is something Honor refers to as "audio sharing" in the settings.
However, UWB is still not on board.
Software - Seven-year updates for the Magic8 Pro
The Magic8 Pro ships with Google Android 16 and the MagicOS 10 user interface. Numerous AI features are also included, such as deepfake detection, and new for this year: AI agents.
The security patches are up to date, and based on past experience, updates are usually distributed monthly during the first year, and quarterly thereafter. At times, the Magic7 Pro experienced even longer delays, but it also received the MagicOS 10 update shortly thereafter.
Sustainability
The Honor smartphone comes in a slim, plastic-free outer box. However, the company has provided no information regarding its sustainability. In Europe, the Magic8 Pro will receive both security and version updates for seven years.
User repair is not supported in case of damage.
Communication and GNSS - Surprisingly slow Wi-Fi
With Wi-Fi 7, the Magic8 Pro supports the most advanced Wi-Fi standard currently available, covering all three frequency bands. Paired with our reference router, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000, data transfer speeds are stable but comparatively slow. Honor will likely address this issue with an update. If this is the case, we will provide updated measurements.
The smartphone supports all of the modern mobile network standards with a wide range of frequencies.
| Networking | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| Average 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Average of class Smartphone | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
Outdoors, the GPS fix is quick and accurate. Indoors, however, the performance can be quite inaccurate and fluctuating.
On a bike tour, we compared the Magic8 Pro with the Garmin Venu 2, with the smartphone tracking the route quite accurately, but not as precisely as the fitness smartwatch. For navigation purposes, however, this was perfectly adequate.
Telephone functions and voice quality
The Honor Magic8 Pro can accommodate two nano-SIM cards or up to two eSIMs. The device supports standards such as Wi-Fi calling, VoLTE, and Vo5G.
When held to the ear, the call quality is very natural, and even loud background noise is reliably eliminated. The speakerphone delivers good sound quality, but the microphone range could be somewhat better.
Cameras - The variable aperture is history
The Honor Magic8 Pro's front camera delivers high-resolution images, utilizes pixel binning, and employs a 3D depth sensor for focus assistance. This results in attractive selfies that boast a high level of detail and sharpness. Videos can be recorded at a maximum of 4K/60fps, but then appear somewhat over-processed. A reduced frame rate of 30fps allows for more detailed recordings.
With the main camera, Honor has removed the variable aperture from the Magic7 Pro (f/1.4 - f/2.0), with the Magic8 Pro using a fixed aperture of f/1.6. What is new, however, is the optical image stabilization with CIPA 5.5, which we are already familiar with from Vivo X300 Pro. We have also conducted a photo comparison with both smartphones.
Our tests revealed impressive image quality, delivering attractive shots with a pleasing level of detail. However, the default settings result in images that are significantly brightened, and colors are oversaturated. Users who prefer a different look can adjust this in the settings.
The ultra-wide-angle lens delivers acceptable results and also functions as a macro lens. However, the depth of field and detail towards the edges are somewhat soft.
The optimized periscope zoom produces good photos that are sufficient for most needs, even in low light. A maximum magnification of 100x is achievable, which can be optionally enhanced by AI. This often works quite well with objects, but less so with people or more complex subjects.
Videos are recorded in Ultra HD at up to 120fps and benefit from good image stabilization. We were also impressed with the recorded audio.
Image comparison
Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.
Main cameraMain cameraUltra-wide angle5x zoomLow light
Accessories and warranty - Slim pickings
The Honor Magic8 Pro only comes with a USB-C cable and a SIM card tool. Power adapters and protective cases must be purchased separately and can be found on various online stores such as Amazon.
The warranty in Germany covers 24 months.
Input devices and operation - The Magic8 Pro possesses an AI button
The Magic8 Pro's capacitive touchscreen is smooth to the touch and offers precise input. An ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is integrated into the display, and it unlocks the smartphone quickly, boasting a high recognition rate. Additionally, the Honor smartphone remains the only one of its kind running Android to offer 3D face recognition, which is also speedy, accurate, and secure.
The new AI button visually resembles the iPhone's camera button, but its functionality also includes the iPhone's action button, allowing it to distinguish between three different press gestures. Each of these can be assigned a different function. By default, a long press launches an AI overview, displaying the choice between AI reminders and Circle to Search. The latter can be accessed in a less cumbersome way, and it can be customized extensively in the settings.
The linear vibration motor delivers crisp and, if desired, very distinct feedback.
Display - Eye-friendly and over 6,000 cd/m²
The 6.71-inch (17.04 cm) OLED screen displays sharp images, supports all HDR standards, and can adjust the refresh rate between 1 and 120 Hz.
The peak brightness of just over 6,000 cd/m² is achieved exclusively with HDR content, but even when it comes to smaller white areas (APL18: 3,233 cd/m²), the Magic8 Pro maintains high levels of brightness.
High-frequency PWM dimming makes the panel a comparatively eye-friendly OLED among its peers. However, due to the 120 Hz base frequency, discomfort cannot be completely ruled out for users sensitive to such issues. Honor also includes numerous other features to protect the user's eyes and can even counteract motion sickness.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 95 %
Center on Battery: 1809 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE ColorChecker Calman: 1.2 | ∀{0.5-29.43 Ø4.77}
ΔE Greyscale Calman: 1.8 | ∀{0.09-98 Ø5}
98.8% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.22
CCT: 6446 K
| Honor Magic8 Pro OLED, 2808x1256, 6.7" | Apple iPhone 17 Pro OLED, 2622x1206, 6.3" | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120x1440, 6.9" | Vivo X300 Pro AMOLED, 2800x1260, 6.8" | Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra AMOLED, 2608x1200, 6.9" | Honor Magic7 Pro OLED, 2800x1280, 6.8" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | -21% | -49% | -7% | -4% | 8% | |
| Brightness middle (cd/m²) | 1809 | 1059 -41% | 1357 -25% | 1574 -13% | 1771 -2% | 1607 -11% |
| Brightness (cd/m²) | 1821 | 1060 -42% | 1350 -26% | 1562 -14% | 1773 -3% | 1609 -12% |
| Brightness Distribution (%) | 95 | 99 4% | 94 -1% | 93 -2% | 99 4% | 95 0% |
| Black Level * (cd/m²) | ||||||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 1.2 | 1.3 -8% | 3.1 -158% | 1.3 -8% | 1.3 -8% | 0.9 25% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 2.9 | 3.6 -24% | 4.7 -62% | 2.7 7% | 2.8 3% | 1.8 38% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.8 | 2.1 -17% | 2.2 -22% | 2 -11% | 2.1 -17% | 1.7 6% |
| Gamma | 2.22 99% | 2.2 100% | 2 110% | 2.26 97% | 2.25 98% | 2.24 98% |
| CCT | 6446 101% | 6542 99% | 6391 102% | 6709 97% | 6452 101% | 6346 102% |
* ... smaller is better
| Display / APL18 Peak Brightness | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic7 Pro | |
| Display / HDR Peak Brightness | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Honor Magic7 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 120 Hz Amplitude: 12.82 % Secondary Frequency: 4347 Hz |  | |
The display backlight flickers at 120 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 120 Hz is very low, so the flickering may cause eyestrain and headaches after extended use. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8081 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
A series of measurements with a fixed zoom level and different brightness settings (The amplitude curve at minimum brightness appears flat, but this is due to the scaling. The enlarged version of the amplitude at minimum brightness can be seen in the info box.)
In our tests, we achieved the most natural color reproduction when the Professional color mode was selected together with the Warm color temperature setting. Although the Calman measurements were then slightly worse than with the predecessor, this difference was imperceptible to the naked eye.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1.04 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 0.5055 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 0.536 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 4 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (20.2 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 0.63 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 0.324 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 0.306 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 1 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (31.6 ms). | ||
Outdoors, the Honor Magic8 Pro was very impressive and remained easily readable in all situations. The only thing missing is an anti-reflective screen.
The panel's viewing angle stability is excellent, and the brightness only dropped slightly at wide viewing angles.
Performance - The Magic8 Pro houses a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Das Honor Magic8 Pro is powered by the very up-to-date Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which is responsible for excellent performance. The smartphone also delivers very good results in benchmarks in terms of peak performance. However, it is unable to maintain this level over the long term (see temperature).
Die Adreno 840 liefert Grafikpower pur, unterstützt Raytracing und zeigt im Test Spitzenergebnisse.
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7: T-Rex Onscreen | 1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen
GFXBench 3.0: on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL | 1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen
GFXBench 3.1: on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen | 1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen
GFXBench: on screen Car Chase Onscreen | 1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen | on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen | 2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen | 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen | 3840x2160 4K Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen
| 3DMark / Wild Life Extreme Unlimited | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Extreme | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Unlimited Score | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| 3DMark / Solar Bay Score | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| 3DMark / Solar Bay Unlimited Score | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| 3DMark / Steel Nomad Light Unlimited Score | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| 3DMark / Steel Nomad Light Score | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 / T-Rex Onscreen | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 / T-Rex Offscreen | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| GFXBench 3.0 / Manhattan Onscreen OGL | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| GFXBench 3.0 / 1080p Manhattan Offscreen | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| GFXBench 3.1 / Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| GFXBench 3.1 / Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| GFXBench / Car Chase Onscreen | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| GFXBench / Car Chase Offscreen | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| GFXBench / 4K Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Jetstream 2 - 2.2 Total Score | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro (Chrome 143) | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro (Safari Mobile 26.0) | |
| Vivo X300 Pro (Chrome 142) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (2 - 480, n=5) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (2 - 480, n=52, last 2 years) | |
| WebXPRT 4 - Overall | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro (Safari Mobile 26.0) | |
| Vivo X300 Pro (Chrome 142) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Chrome 132) | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro (Chrome 143) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (102 - 278, n=7) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (27 - 306, n=144, last 2 years) | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra (Chrome 143) | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro (Chrome 143) | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro (Safari Mobile 26.0) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Chrome 132) | |
| Vivo X300 Pro (Chrome 142) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (50987 - 126661, n=7) | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra (Chrome 143) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (2228 - 126661, n=195, last 2 years) | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
| Average of class Smartphone (257 - 28190, n=155, last 2 years) | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra (Chrome 143) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (284 - 635, n=8) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Chrome 132) | |
| Vivo X300 Pro (Chrome 142) | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro (Chrome 143) | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro (Safari Mobile 26.0) | |
* ... smaller is better
| Honor Magic8 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Vivo X300 Pro | Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | Honor Magic7 Pro | Average 512 GB UFS 4.1 Flash | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AndroBench 3-5 | -25% | -32% | 6% | -21% | -16% | -43% | |
| Sequential Read 256KB (MB/s) | 3942.69 | 3823.28 -3% | 2041.82 -48% | 4064.33 3% | 3910.81 -1% | 3697 ? -6% | 2246 ? -43% |
| Sequential Write 256KB (MB/s) | 3732.81 | 3361.24 -10% | 1981.85 -47% | 3987.65 7% | 3683.81 -1% | 3205 ? -14% | 1882 ? -50% |
| Random Read 4KB (MB/s) | 488.67 | 287.85 -41% | 320.25 -34% | 575.86 18% | 282.34 -42% | 387 ? -21% | 298 ? -39% |
| Random Write 4KB (MB/s) | 587.11 | 331.61 -44% | 593.74 1% | 551.82 -6% | 357.04 -39% | 454 ? -23% | 346 ? -41% |
Emissions - Performance limitations under load
Temperature
The Magic8 Pro's surface temperatures remain safe at all times, even under sustained load, and don't even reach 44 °C in some areas.
The SoC's cooling system struggled to cope with the heat generated during stress tests, which resulted in a performance loss of approximately 50%.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 42.6 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 35.2 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 247 °C for the class Smartphone.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 43.2 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 34 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27.8 °C / 82 F, compared to the device average of 32.9 °C / 91 F.
3DMark Stress Tests
| 3DMark | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Honor Magic7 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Solar Bay Stress Test Stability | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Honor Magic7 Pro | |
| Steel Nomad Light Stress Test Stability | |
| Honor Magic7 Pro | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
Speakers
The Honor smartphone's two speakers' main aim is to deliver a spatial sound experience with plenty of depth using AI algorithms. At medium volume, they're quite successful in achieving this goal, and the result is an appealing sound stage. However, at full volume, the treble distorts quite noticeably at times.
Honor Magic8 Pro audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (93.1 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.9% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (3.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.7% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.3% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (2.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (15.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 4% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 92% worse
» The best had a delta of 11%, average was 35%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 23% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 72% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Apple iPhone 17 Pro audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (88.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 18.4% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5.4% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.4% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (13.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 1% of all tested devices in this class were better, 1% similar, 98% worse
» The best had a delta of 11%, average was 35%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 15% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 81% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Battery life - A smaller battery for Europe
Power consumption
The Magic8 Pro's power consumption is comparatively low, which, when paired with its 6,270 mAh battery, should promise excellent battery life. Unfortunately, the battery in the European version is smaller; the Chinese version boasts a 7,200 mAh battery and faster charging capabilities.
Wired charging in the reviewed version is possible at up to 100 watts, with a full charge taking 36 minutes (50%: 14 minutes).
| Off / Standby |   0.3 / 0.26 Watt |
| Idle |  0.58 / 0.74 / 0.75 Watt |
| Load |
11.35 / 11.87 Watt |
    
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro 6270 mAh | Apple iPhone 17 Pro 3988 mAh | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5000 mAh | Vivo X300 Pro 5440 mAh | Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra 6500 mAh | Honor Magic7 Pro 5270 mAh | Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | -70% | -17% | -84% | -31% | -54% | -34% | -43% | |
| Idle Minimum * (Watt) | 0.58 | 0.56 3% | 0.55 5% | 0.86 -48% | 0.87 -50% | 0.94 -62% | 0.798 ? -38% | 0.847 ? -46% |
| Idle Average * (Watt) | 0.74 | 1.78 -141% | 0.77 -4% | 1.8 -143% | 1.29 -74% | 1.5 -103% | 1.283 ? -73% | 1.446 ? -95% |
| Idle Maximum * (Watt) | 0.75 | 1.89 -152% | 0.91 -21% | 1.86 -148% | 1.33 -77% | 1.57 -109% | 1.52 ? -103% | 1.63 ? -117% |
| Load Average * (Watt) | 11.35 | 12.36 -9% | 13.81 -22% | 10.63 6% | 8.84 22% | 11.03 3% | 7.08 ? 38% | 6.95 ? 39% |
| Load Maximum * (Watt) | 11.87 | 17.69 -49% | 16.69 -41% | 21.99 -85% | 9.15 23% | 11.68 2% | 11.2 ? 6% | 11.3 ? 5% |
* ... smaller is better
Power consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)
Power consumption: GFXbench (150 cd/m²)
Battery runtimes
The Honor Magic 8 Pro achieved very good battery runtimes in the battery test.
| Battery runtime - WiFi v1.3 | |
| Honor Magic8 Pro | |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | |
| Vivo X300 Pro | |
| Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra | |
Notebookcheck overall rating
The Honor Magic8 Pro presents itself as a worthy successor with a brighter OLED display, strong performance and lengthy software support, but in Europe, you'll have to accept compromises in battery size and storage options.
Honor Magic8 Pro
- 01/13/2026 v8
Daniel Schmidt
Total Sustainability Score: Possible alternatives compared
Image | Model / Review | Price | Weight | Drive | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. 89.3%  | Honor Magic8 Pro Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 ⎘ Qualcomm Adreno 840 ⎘ 12 GB Memory, 512 GB | Amazon: 1. $8.99 Natbok 2 Pack 3D Compatible ... 2. $11.88 [5 Pack] Screen Protector fo... 3. $5.67 GUYAHANYER 2-Pack Screen Pro... List Price: 1300€ | 219 g | 512 GB UFS 4.1 Flash | 6.71" 2808x1256 458 PPI OLED |
2. 89.9%  | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Apple A19 Pro ⎘ Apple A19 Pro 6-Core GPU ⎘ 12 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $49.00 Apple iPhone 17 Pro Silicone... 2. $48.99 Apple iPhone 17 Pro Silicone... 3. $9.88 Ailun 3 Pack Screen Protecto... List Price: 1549€ | 206 g | Apple 512GB NVMe | 6.30" 2622x1206 458 PPI OLED |
3. 89.4%  | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy ⎘ Qualcomm Adreno 830 ⎘ 12 GB Memory, 256 GB | Amazon: 1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, 25... 2. $1,299.94 SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Ultra SM-... 3. $1,154.50 Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ... List Price: 1449€ | 218 g | 256 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | 6.90" 3120x1440 498 PPI Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
4. 88.1%  | Vivo X300 Pro MediaTek Dimensity 9500 ⎘ Arm Mali G1- Ultra MC12 ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 512 GB | Amazon: 1. $11.99 MAOUICI Tempered Glass for V... 2. $7.99 Lucyliy (3 Pack) Compatible ... 3. $9.91 MAOUICI Tempered Glass for V... List Price: 1399€ | 226 g | 512 GB UFS 4.1 Flash | 6.78" 2800x1260 453 PPI AMOLED |
5. 88.2%  | Xiaomi Poco F8 Ultra Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 ⎘ Qualcomm Adreno 840 ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 512 GB | Amazon: 1. $10.79 Ibywind for Xiaomi Poco F8 U... 2. $8.99 Suttkue for Xiaomi POCO F8 U... 3. $15.99 Suttkue for POCO F8 Ultra Sc... List Price: 900€ | 220 g | 512 GB UFS 4.1 Flash | 6.90" 2608x1200 416 PPI AMOLED |
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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