The HONOR Magic7 Pro is a statement piece. It’s big, bold, and packed with the kind of specs that command attention — on paper, at least. But in an era where every flagship phone offers absurdly fast processors, ultra-high-resolution cameras, and day-long battery life, the real question isn’t whether it’s good (it is), but whether it does anything different. That’s where the Magic7 Pro struggles.
Design: Hefty and premium, but familiar
HONOR knows how to make a beautiful phone, and the Magic7 Pro is no exception. The Lunar Shadow Grey finish is sleek and understated, though the sheer size and weight (especially coming from an iPhone 16 Pro) might take some getting used to. It’s hefty in a way that feels premium, not cumbersome. The camera module is large but stops short of the extreme protrusions we’ve seen from brands like Vivo.
Display and performance: As fast as you’d expect
The 6.8-inch OLED panel is a stunner, offering vibrant colours, deep blacks, and a silky 120Hz refresh rate. HONOR’s software doesn’t get in the way, keeping things smooth and responsive. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Elite and 12GB of RAM deliver all the speed you’d expect. Whether gaming, multitasking, or pushing demanding apps, the Magic7 Pro doesn’t break a sweat.
Cameras: Capable but not a game-changer
The 50MP main camera captures sharp, well-balanced images, while the 200MP periscope zoom is surprisingly effective — when connected to the internet, that is. HONOR’s AI-enhanced zoom processing relies on cloud-based algorithms, which means you’ll need data for the best results. In still photography, it competes with – and often bests -the S25 Ultra and even the Vivo X200 Pro in some conditions. Video, however, is where things get less impressive. Apple and Samsung still reign supreme in motion capture, leaving HONOR playing catch-up. The Magic7 Pro does offer LOG video recording, but the setting is somewhat hidden within the camera app, making it less accessible for anyone wanting pro-level control.
Battery life: A clear strength
One area where the Magic7 Pro excels is endurance. With a 5,850mAh battery, it easily powers through a full day, even with heavy use. The 100W wired charging is blisteringly fast, and the 80W wireless charging is one of the best in the industry. This is a phone that refuses to die on you at the end of thevday, and that’s something even some of the best flagships can’t always promise.
AI features: Waiting for the good stuff
HONOR’s ambitious AI features, including Deepfake Detection and a voice assistant that can handle bookings, were showcased at MWC with plenty of hype. The problem? They’re not here yet. Right now, the AI feels more like a future software update than a selling point. However, one useful feature that is present is Magic Portal, which streamlines multitasking and sharing content between apps. The seven-year update promise is reassuring, but at launch, this is still a very conventional flagship.
A worthy flagship, but not a standout
The HONOR Magic7 Pro is easy to recommend — it’s fast, well-built, and delivers on battery life. But at R29,999.00, it’s competing against phones that have the benefit of being the default go-to for many consumers. Until the promised AI features arrive, this is a flagship that keeps pace rather than setting the pace. If you want a solid high-end phone, this is it. If you want something different, you may need to wait for HONOR’s AI ambitions to materialise.