The Honor Magic 8 Pro is making its mark on the global smartphone market after its initial release in China back in October 2025. Following a well-timed staggered launch, the device has officially reached Europe and the UK as of January 2026, offering fans of the brand a promising alternative to leading competitors like the OnePlus 15 and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series.
Although the Magic 8 Pro bears a resemblance to its predecessor, the Magic 7 Pro, a closer look reveals significant upgrades and enhancements that elevate this smartphone to the status of a 2026 flagship. With a focus on addressing previous shortcomings, Honor aims to satisfy users with a well-rounded experience that combines impressive performance with user-friendly design.
The Magic 8 Pro was first launched in China on October 15, 2025, and began its global rollout in late November, reaching the UAE in mid-December. The European and UK markets welcomed the device starting on January 8, 2026, where it is available in a single RAM/storage variant priced at £1,099 or €1,299. A special discount for UK buyers offers a £200 reduction if purchased directly from Honor before the end of January, bringing the cost down to £899.
Featuring a 6.71-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1256 x 2808 pixels and a peak brightness of 6,000 nits, the Magic 8 Pro boasts remarkable visuals that enhance user experience, particularly for HDR content. The smartphone is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, providing a significant performance boost over the previous generation. Additionally, users can expect improvements in battery capacity and longevity, with the global version featuring a 7,100mAh battery, up from 5,270mAh in the 7 Pro.
In terms of design, the Magic 8 Pro presents a smaller and lighter profile, making it more comfortable to handle. Its distinct “squircular” camera module enhances aesthetic appeal while also accommodating upgraded camera technology including a new 200MP telephoto sensor that aims to improve low-light performance. The device’s durability has not been overlooked, featuring a ‘NanoCrystal Shield’ that significantly increases drop resistance and enhanced water and dust protection rated at IP69K.
On the software side, the Magic 8 Pro runs on MagicOS 10, based on Android 16, and highlights Honor’s commitment to provide seven years of OS and security updates — matching industry leaders like Google and Samsung.
In photography, the triple rear camera setup, which includes a 50MP main sensor and a telephoto option, promises versatility and impressive results in various conditions. The phone’s new AI-backed editing features further enhance its photographic capabilities, making capturing stunning images a more user-friendly experience. However, some users may find issues with video quality discrepancies compared to competing models.
Overall, the Honor Magic 8 Pro positions itself strongly in the smartphone arena, delivering a blend of power, functionality, and advancements that reflect Honor’s commitment to serving its audience. With an ongoing focus on improvement and innovation, the Magic 8 Pro offers hope for users seeking a robust alternative in a highly competitive market.