Cover image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYS
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When HONOR sent me the Magic8 Pro, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. After all, the 2025 smartphone scene is crowded with big names boasting big cameras and bigger specs.
But after a week of daily use — commuting, scrolling, snapping photos, and binge-watching — I came away impressed in most places and lukewarm in a couple.
Starting at RM4,599 for the 12GB + 512GB version and RM5,199 for the 16GB+1TB, the HONOR Magic8 Pro comes in three colourways: Sunrise Gold, Black and Sky Cyan. The 1TB version, however, is only available in Sunrise Gold and Black.
I had the opportunity to test out the 12GB + 512GB Black version.
Battery life on the Magic8 Pro is genuinely impressive, with HONOR claiming a 7,100mAh pack for global units.
In my use — messaging, Spotify, scrolling social feeds, occasional gaming, and taking lots of photos — it comfortably lasted a full day with plenty to spare.
On heavy-use days, I still had 25% to 30% by nighttime, and the 100W wired charging tops it up in a flash. With 80W wireless charging and even reverse wireless, it's especially convenient if you like topping up earbuds or a smartwatch without cables.
In terms of design, the HONOR Magic8 Pro is a nice surprise. At 219g and with a slightly smaller 6.71-inch screen, it feels more compact and manageable than many flagship phones.
The frosted glass black finish doesn't scream 'look at me', but it does handle fingerprints far better than glossy rivals. The curved edges and smooth frame make it comfortable to hold, with no sharp corners digging into your palm after prolonged use.
I also appreciated the tactile physical button on the side (branded as an 'AI button'), which you can customise. It's a simple but thoughtful touch.
Where the Honor Magic8 Pro truly flexes is night photography, and not just in the usual "brighten everything and hope for the best" way
The HONOR Magic8 Pro features a 50mp main camera, 50mp ultra wide camera. Its 200mp telephoto camera has a large 1/1.4 inch sensor and wide f/2.6 aperture that improves light intake, delivering clearer photos. With the Night Engine the Magic8 Pro can produce amazing low light photos especially during golden hour and blue hour. Colours stay natural rather than overly warm, and highlights — street lamps, signage, reflections — don't blow out as easily as they do on many phones. It's the kind of camera you can trust to capture the mood of a night scene without having to tweak settings or retake the shot.
But the real star here is the 200MP Ultra Night Telephoto camera. Shooting at 3.7x and even pushing to 10x at night, the Magic8 Pro manages something that still feels rare on smartphones: usable, sharp zoom shots after dark.
I was genuinely surprised by how much detail it retained in distant buildings and landmarks, with stabilisation keeping things steady even when handheld. HONOR's Night Engine and Stability Engine work quietly in the background, meaning you don't need a tripod or ultra-steady hands to get clear telephoto night shots — something that usually falls apart on competing phones.
What makes this camera setup especially appealing for everyday users is how effortless it feels. You don't need to understand sensors or megapixels to get good results.
Whether you're snapping Kuala Lumpur's skyline, shooting a night market from across the street, or zooming in on architectural details after dark, the Magic8 Pro consistently delivers photos that look clean, balanced and social-media-ready.
For anyone who loves taking photos at night — especially zoom shots — this is easily one of the Magic8 Pro's strongest selling points and a key reason it stands out from the flagship crowd.
The HONOR Magic8Pro also fares well under low-lighting conditions.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSSound quality stands out too. The stereo speakers deliver a rich, loud and spacious audio experience whether I was watching YouTube in a café or streaming dramas in bed.
It's easily one of the better audio setups I've experienced on a smartphone in this price bracket, thanks to its balanced, clear vocals and solid bass for earbuds-free listening.
That said, there is one small area I hope can be improved in future models.
The absence of built-in Qi2 magnets (like MagSafe) felt like a missed opportunity
In a world where magnetic accessories are becoming more seamless, the lack of proper alignment tech made my magnetic wireless charger quirky at best.
Overall, the HONOR Magic8 Pro does most things very well, especially if battery life, comfy handling, and excellent sound matter to you most
If you're someone who cares a lot about lasting battery, all-day comfort, and great sound without needing to decode technical specs every minute, the HONOR Magic8 Pro is a compelling flagship that punches above its price tag.
It's not perfect, but it's polished in the places that count.
