REVIEW: HONOR Magic7 Pro

The HONOR Magic7 Pro has arrived with the ambition to stake its claim as one of the leading smartphones of 2025. Armed with top-of-the-line hardware, AI-enhanced features, and a camera system that pushes the envelope in terms of innovation, the Magic7 Pro is packed with specs that should turn heads. But does it live up to the hype, or does it struggle under its own ambitions? After spending a few weeks with the device, here’s an honest look at its design, software, performance, camera quality, battery life, and more.

Design & Build Quality

The design of the Magic7 Pro doesn’t stray far from its predecessor, with familiar elements such as the rounded corners and ‘squircle’ camera surround. However, HONOR has fine-tuned the ergonomics for better handling and subtlety. The phone feels premium in hand, and the build quality is solid, with the company claiming the screen is ten times more drop-resistant thanks to its NanoCrystal Shield. I didn’t test its durability by dropping it, but I did knock it around a bit in my day-to-day routine, and it still looks pristine.

Another notable design improvement is the IP69 water resistance. This is an upgrade from the previous model’s IP68 rating, meaning it’s not just resistant to water but also high-pressure jets of hot water. The phone can handle the occasional splash or steam-filled shower without any issues.

As for the display, HONOR has taken a step forward with the AMOLED screen, which delivers a peak brightness of 5000 nits, making it incredibly vivid and easy to view even in direct sunlight. The 1600 nit peak output is particularly impressive for outdoor visibility, ensuring you’ll have no trouble with HDR content.

One area where the Magic7 Pro truly excels is the stereo speakers. These aren’t just any speakers—they’re some of the loudest and ‘bassiest’ I’ve heard in a smartphone. The sound quality is rich, and there’s very little distortion even at high volumes, making this phone a worthy portable Bluetooth speaker replacement.

Software Features

The Magic7 Pro runs on MagicOS 9.0, based on Android 15, and it’s clear that AI is at the heart of the software experience. One standout feature is Magic Portal 2.0, which is an upgraded version of the universal sharing menu. With this, HONOR has incorporated AI to make sharing smarter, more dynamic, and contextually relevant, allowing you to easily share images and text with just a few taps. This AI-driven approach brings a more streamlined experience, though it’s still evolving.

Another key software upgrade is HONOR’s eye-tracking technology, which feels like a glimpse into the future. After a quick calibration, the phone tracks your gaze, allowing you to interact with your phone simply by looking at it. This technology is still in its early stages, but it has potential to change the way we interact with devices.

One of the more controversial software elements is the Magic Capsule, HONOR’s take on Apple’s Dynamic Island. It houses the front-facing camera and a 3D ToF depth sensor, enabling facial recognition, which works reliably even in low light. The implementation of eye-tracking and the Magic Capsule is a bit jarring for those used to the more standard Android setup, but it works well enough.

In terms of longevity, HONOR promises five years of OS and security updates, which makes the high price tag slightly more palatable, especially given the phone’s advanced AI capabilities.

Performance

Under the hood, the Magic7 Pro is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the same found in the OnePlus 13. This is one of the best chipsets available right now, ensuring fast, smooth performance across the board. Whether you’re gaming or multitasking, the phone handles everything without breaking a sweat.

During testing, I played demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero, and the phone maintained high frame rates throughout, with only a slight increase in temperature after extended play. The performance is future-proof, with plenty of headroom for years to come.

Cameras

The Magic7 Pro’s camera system is where things get really interesting. The phone features a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide, and a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor that offers 3x optical zoom, with AI enhancements kicking in above 30x zoom.

The AI-driven zoom, known as AI Super Zoom, promises to deliver incredible detail even at extreme zoom levels, but there are some caveats. While AI Super Zoom does a decent job with natural landscapes, like mountains or forests, it struggles with more structured objects, such as buildings or cityscapes.

The AI tends to “invent” details, creating images that are a bit too artistic and less accurate. Thankfully, HONOR lets users choose between the AI-enhanced version of an image and the unedited version, which is a helpful feature for those who prefer a more natural look.

One thing I loved was the phone’s ability to freeze motion using the 50MP main sensor’s variable aperture, which adjusts depending on lighting conditions to capture crisp, detailed shots. Action Mode is a handy feature, though it sometimes triggers too easily when the phone itself is moved.

Portrait mode is also a highlight, with multiple zoom levels (1x, 2x, 3x, and 6x) and various filters, making it a versatile option for capturing stunning portrait shots.

Battery Life

HONOR has incorporated its third-generation Si-C battery tech in the Magic7 Pro, offering a larger 5850mAh battery, although the European model comes with a slightly smaller 5270mAh version. Despite this reduction, the phone still performs well, easily lasting a full day of regular use, with some energy left over for the next day if you’re a more moderate user.

The phone also supports blazing-fast charging speeds. It can charge at up to 100W wired and 80W wireless, which is an impressive feat, ensuring that even if you run low on power, you can get a substantial charge in a very short time.

Conclusion

The HONOR Magic7 Pro is a flagship device that brings a lot of exciting features to the table, especially with its AI-driven camera system, impressive display, and high-performance specs. While the camera system is capable of some truly stunning shots, it still has some teething problems, particularly with the AI zoom features. However, the option to choose between edited and unedited images is a welcome touch.

The design and build quality are top-notch, with a durable and comfortable feel, and the stereo speakers are among the best I’ve heard on a smartphone. Performance is excellent across the board, and the battery life should comfortably last through a day of heavy use.

Overall, the Magic7 Pro is a well-rounded flagship that offers a lot of value, but it’s not without its quirks. If you’re looking for a phone that pushes the envelope with AI and camera technology, this is a solid choice.

HONOR Magic7 Pro Pricing & Availability

The HONOR Magic7 Pro will be available in Ireland from February 3rd via Harvey Norman, with an RRP of €1299. Considering the phone’s impressive performance, AI features, and camera innovations, it’s certainly a high-end option worth considering for those looking to stay ahead of the curve in 2025.