Honor Magic7 Lite

The Honor Magic 7 Lite stands out in terms of its durability and battery life but struggles to match competitors in terms of design and performance. At 7.98mm thick and weighing 189g, it is slim and relatively lightweight. However, its curved-edge glass feels outdated, especially when compared to more modern flat-edged designs seen in phones like the Samsung Galaxy A54. The device features a striking Titanium Purple finish that is eye-catching at first glance but can appear gimmicky, like faux marble. While the design may not be universally loved, the phone’s build quality is impressive, surviving 2-meter drops thanks to enhanced corner protection and rugged materials. It also holds an IP64 rating, ensuring dust resistance and protection against water splashes, making it a solid choice for those prone to accidents. The 6.78-inch AMOLED display is a key highlight of the Magic 7 Lite. With a resolution of 2700 x 1224, the screen delivers vibrant colours and crisp visuals, making it ideal for video streaming and browsing. Its dynamic 120Hz refresh rate adapts based on the content, offering smooth scrolling during regular use and gaming. While the display is bright enough for most situations, it falls short compared to pricier models like the Google Pixel 8a in terms of colour accuracy and maximum brightness.

Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and paired with 8GB of RAM, the Magic 7 Lite performs adequately for everyday tasks like messaging, web browsing, and media consumption. However, it struggles under more demanding loads. Apps take longer to load compared to rivals, and heavy multitasking or gaming can cause noticeable slowdowns. The Adreno GPU handles casual games well but struggles with more graphic-intensive titles. For those looking for a top-tier gaming or multitasking experience, the Magic 7 Lite falls behind options like the Galaxy A54 and Pixel 8a. The Magic 7 Lite features a 108MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), producing detailed shots in good lighting conditions. The OIS is particularly useful for low-light photography, ensuring sharper images at night. However, the images lack the vibrancy and sharpness found in more premium devices, often appearing flat with muted colours and cool tones. The 5MP ultrawide lens delivers subpar results, with soft details and inconsistent colour reproduction. The portrait mode also falls short due to the absence of a dedicated depth sensor. On the front, the 16MP selfie camera performs well for social media, though it can struggle in challenging lighting conditions.

The Magic 7 Lite’s 6600mAh battery is one of its standout features, providing excellent longevity. In everyday use, the device can easily last 2-3 days on a single charge, making it ideal for heavy users or those who need a reliable phone for long stretches without access to a charger. Even with intensive usage, it rarely dips below 10%. The 66W wired charging is impressively fast, charging the phone to 50% in just 30 minutes, though the absence of wireless charging is a notable omission. Overall, the Honor Magic 7 Lite offers great durability and battery life at a budget-friendly price. However, its outdated design, mid-tier performance, and lackluster camera quality prevent it from standing out in a crowded market. While the device excels in durability and longevity, it may not be the best choice for users seeking cutting-edge features or high-end performance.

Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam