Xiaomi 18 Pro Max and Honor Magic 9 Pro Max target users who want premium displays, powerful performance, advanced cameras, and long battery life. Both feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, 200MP main cameras, and large silicon-carbon batteries. However, Xiaomi stands out with its secondary rear display and Leica camera system, while Honor counters with faster wireless charging, a versatile periscope camera, and extended software support. Their significant price difference also makes this comparison important for buyers choosing between premium features and overall value.

Major Features:

Design and Display

Build and Feel

The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max features Dragon Crystal Glass 3 on the front, an aluminum frame, and IP68 protection against dust and water. Its defining design feature is a secondary display on the back, offering additional functionality without opening the main screen. Honor uses a glass or aluminum back, an aluminum frame, and IP68/IP69K protection, providing stronger resistance to high-pressure water jets. Both deliver premium construction, but Honor offers more comprehensive water protection. Xiaomi’s rear screen, however, gives it a distinctive identity and additional everyday convenience.

Display Quality

Xiaomi features a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a claimed peak brightness of 4,000 nits. Honor’s 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel offers a sharper 1.5K-class resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and a claimed peak brightness of 10,000 nits under specific conditions. Honor also includes an anti-reflective coating and higher-frequency PWM dimming. Its sharper panel and reflection control make it attractive for outdoor viewing, while Xiaomi offers a larger primary screen and a useful secondary display.

Verdict

Honor wins on display sharpness, reflection control, and claimed peak brightness. Xiaomi remains compelling for its larger screen and rear display, which adds functionality beyond conventional flagship designs.

Specifications Including Battery

Performance

Both smartphones use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, built on a 2nm process, alongside the Adreno 850 GPU. Their listed configurations include up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, with no microSD expansion. This hardware should deliver comparable performance in demanding games, multitasking, and AI-assisted workloads. Xiaomi runs Android 17 with HyperOS 4, while Honor uses Android 17 with MagicOS 11 and promises up to seven major Android OS updates. Honor therefore offers a clearer long-term software commitment, making it the more reassuring choice for buyers who keep their phones for years.

Battery and Charging

Xiaomi packs an 8,500mAh silicon-carbon battery with 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 27W reverse wireless charging. Honor goes slightly further with an 8,800mAh silicon-carbon battery, 100W wired charging, and 80W wireless charging. It also supports 27W reverse wired charging and reverse wireless charging. Both batteries promise substantial capacity, although actual endurance depends on screen brightness, network conditions, and workload. Honor’s larger battery and faster wireless charging make it more versatile, while Xiaomi’s reverse wireless charging provides a convenient way to power compatible accessories.

Verdict

Honor takes the battery category with greater capacity, faster wireless charging, and longer promised software support. Xiaomi remains competitive, particularly for users who value its extensive connectivity and reverse wireless charging.

Camera

Main and Secondary Lenses

Xiaomi combines a 200MP main camera with a 200MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3.2x optical zoom and a 50MP ultrawide camera. Leica optics, laser autofocus, and advanced video recording features strengthen its appeal to photography enthusiasts. Honor also uses a 200MP main camera, but its brighter f/1.6 aperture is paired with a large 200MP periscope telephoto sensor offering 3.5x optical zoom. Its 50MP ultrawide camera captures a wider 122-degree field of view, while ARRI video features add creative options. Honor’s larger telephoto sensor and wider ultrawide lens look particularly promising for varied shooting conditions. Xiaomi, however, offers 8K video recording and Dolby Vision HDR recording, giving content creators additional flexibility.

Selfie Camera

Xiaomi includes a 50MP front camera with phase-detection autofocus, HDR, and 4K recording at up to 60fps. Honor counters with a 55MP multi-aspect selfie camera and a TOF 3D sensor for depth sensing and biometric applications. Its front camera also supports 4K recording at up to 60fps. Both should serve video calls, selfies, and social media content well. Honor’s additional depth hardware gives it a potential advantage for facial recognition and portrait-related applications, while Xiaomi’s autofocus and HDR video support provide a strong creator-friendly package.

Verdict

Honor has the stronger overall camera hardware on paper, particularly its telephoto sensor and wider ultrawide lens. Xiaomi remains the better fit for users prioritising Leica imaging and advanced 8K and Dolby Vision video recording.

Pricing

The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is priced around $1,200 / ₹1,50,000, placing it firmly in the ultra-premium segment. The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max is priced around $950 / ₹95,000, making it substantially more affordable while retaining the same flagship chipset, comparable memory options, and a 200MP triple-camera system. The listed prices suggest a significant saving with Honor, although actual retail prices can vary by market, storage configuration, taxes, and launch offers. Xiaomi’s premium asks buyers to pay extra for features such as the rear display, Leica branding, and advanced video capabilities. Honor delivers a more accessible entry into the same performance class, making its pricing easier to justify for most flagship buyers.

Is the price justified? 

Xiaomi’s higher price may make sense for enthusiasts who specifically want its secondary display, Leica camera experience, and extensive video features. However, those benefits may not justify the premium for everyday users. Honor offers a sharper display, a larger battery, faster wireless charging, a capable telephoto system, and a stated seven-generation Android update commitment. These advantages cover several areas that matter in daily use. Unless Xiaomi’s distinctive features are essential, Honor provides a more balanced package without demanding as much money. Its combination of premium hardware and lower pricing makes it the more practical purchase.

Verdict

Honor wins decisively on value for money. Its lower price, competitive performance, stronger charging specifications, and extended software support make it the smarter choice for most buyers.

Disclaimer:
Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max distinguishes itself with a rear secondary display, Leica camera tuning, 8K video recording, Dolby Vision capture, and a comprehensive connectivity package that includes UWB and an infrared port. These features appeal to users who enjoy experimenting with photography, video production, and additional display functions.

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max focuses on a different set of strengths: a high-resolution anti-reflective display, a large battery, 80W wireless charging, a versatile periscope camera, and up to seven major Android OS updates. Its IP68/IP69K protection adds another practical advantage. Both phones offer powerful hardware, so the choice comes down to specialised features versus a more balanced flagship experience.

Xiaomi is the more distinctive device, but Honor combines its premium specifications with a substantially lower listed price.

Verdict

Overall winner: Honor Magic 9 Pro Max. It delivers stronger display specifications, a larger battery, faster wireless charging, versatile camera hardware, and longer software support at a lower price. Xiaomi 18 Pro Max remains an appealing alternative for buyers who specifically want its rear display, Leica imaging, and advanced video tools. For most consumers, however, Honor offers the better combination of flagship performance, everyday practicality, and value.

FAQs: Xiaomi 18 Pro Max vs Honor Magic 9 Pro Max

1. Which phone has the better camera, Xiaomi 18 Pro Max or Honor Magic 9 Pro Max?

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max offers a larger telephoto sensor and wider ultrawide coverage, while Xiaomi supports 8K video recording.

2. Which phone is better for gaming?

Both feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset and Adreno 850 GPU, suggesting comparable gaming performance.

3. Which phone has better battery life?

Honor has a larger 8,800mAh battery, compared with Xiaomi’s 8,500mAh capacity. Actual battery life depends on usage.

4. Is the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max worth buying over Honor?

Xiaomi suits buyers who value its rear display, Leica imaging, and advanced video features. Honor is more affordable.

5. Which phone offers better value for money?

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max offers better value with competitive flagship hardware, faster wireless charging, and a lower listed price.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, and availability may vary by region and retailer. Recommendations in this article are based on editorial opinion, feature-based value, and market positioning at the time of writing. Readers are advised to do their own research before making a purchase.

Read More:

• Huawei Mate 90 Pro Max vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: Which Flagship Is Better?
• Xiaomi 18 Pro Max vs Honor Magic9 Pro Max: The $250 Price Gap Changes Everything
• OPPO Find X10 vs Xiaomi 18 Pro: Is Xiaomi Worth $200 More?

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The OnePlus 16 has arrived in China with flagship hardware, including a high-refresh-rate display, a massive battery, and upgraded cameras. However, its availability outside China remains a concern, particularly after OnePlus withdrew from the US and European markets, with no confirmed launch date for the new flagship in India.

Although OnePlus India has previously said its local operations continue as usual, buyers looking for a phone they can purchase through official channels may want to consider alternatives. Here are five flagship smartphones worth considering instead of the OnePlus 16.

iQOO 16

The iQOO 16 is a compelling alternative for users who prioritize performance and gaming, featuring a 6.85-inch Samsung M16 AMOLED display with a 2K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, built on a 2nm process, works alongside a dedicated Q4 gaming chip and an advanced vapor chamber cooling system to support demanding workloads.

The phone packs an 8,400mAh silicon-anode battery, which is larger than the capacity found in many conventional flagship smartphones, and supports 100W wired charging and 40W wireless charging. This combination should appeal to users who spend long hours gaming or streaming and want to minimize charging interruptions.

On the rear, the iQOO 16 features a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization, a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. A 32-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls, making the phone a well-rounded choice beyond its gaming credentials.

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max

The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max offers a different flagship experience, with a 6.9-inch AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and a reported peak brightness of 4,000 nits. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, placing it in the same high-performance category as the OnePlus 16 while emphasizing a more balanced flagship experience.

A large 8,500mAh silicon-carbon battery powers the device, with support for 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. What sets it apart from the other phones on this list is its 2.9-inch rear display, which can be used to view notifications, check the time, control music playback, and access select features without turning on the main screen.

The camera system comprises a 200-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera offering 3.2x optical zoom. A 50-megapixel front camera completes the setup, giving the phone considerable flexibility for landscape photography, portraits, and selfies.

Oppo Find X10 Pro Max

The Oppo Find X10 Pro Max is worth considering for users who place camera capabilities high on their list of priorities, with a reported 6.9-inch AMOLED display featuring a 165Hz refresh rate and a 2K resolution. Its MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, manufactured using a 2nm process, is designed to deliver flagship-level performance alongside improved power efficiency.

The phone is equipped with an 8,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, offering substantial capacity for extended daily use, while reported charging specifications include 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

The Find X10 Pro Max features a triple 200-megapixel rear camera system, bringing high-resolution sensors to the main, ultrawide, and telephoto cameras. On the front, it has an autofocus-enabled 50-megapixel selfie camera.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, making it suitable for gaming, streaming, and outdoor use. It is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery with support for 60W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, along with Wireless PowerShare for charging compatible accessories. Although its battery capacity is considerably lower than the OnePlus 16’s 9,000mAh unit, Samsung’s flagship offers a familiar premium experience with a focus on display quality, productivity, and software support.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. A 12-megapixel front camera handles selfies and video calls, while the rear camera system supports up to 100x digital zoom and 8K video recording at 30 frames per second.

OnePlus 15

The OnePlus 15 remains an alternative for buyers who want the OnePlus experience without depending on the newly launched OnePlus 16. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz gaming refresh rate and is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, offering strong performance for gaming and everyday tasks.

Its 7,300mAh battery supports 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, giving users a substantial power reserve and flexible charging options. While its battery is smaller than the OnePlus 16’s 9,000mAh unit, the OnePlus 15 remains a capable choice for those who do not necessarily need the latest generation.

The OnePlus 15 features a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. Its front camera handles selfies and video calls, while the familiar OxygenOS experience may appeal to existing OnePlus users; availability and warranty support should nevertheless be checked in the buyer’s market.

The Vivo X500 Pro Max and Honor Magic 9 Pro are also worthy mentions for buyers seeking photography-focused flagship phones with advanced camera systems and versatile shooting capabilities.

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Honor Magic 9 Pro Max is a high-end smartphone designed for users who want a large display, powerful performance, advanced cameras, and a very large battery. It features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 1.5K+ resolution and a 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The phone is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor and comes with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, giving users plenty of space for apps, photos, videos, and other files.

Display and Design

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max features a 6.8-inch ultra-narrow flat OLED display with a 1320 x 2868-pixel resolution. The panel supports 1.07 billion colors, 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, and a peak HDR brightness of 5000 nits. Its LTPO technology allows the refresh rate to adjust between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on the content, which can help balance smoothness and power efficiency. The phone also offers IP68, IP69, and IP69K protection for resistance against water and dust.

Performance and Storage

The smartphone uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset with an Adreno 850 GPU. It is available with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, making it suitable for demanding apps, multitasking, gaming, and everyday use. Internal storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Storage cannot be expanded, so choosing the right capacity at purchase is important.

Cameras and Battery

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max has a triple-camera setup on the rear. It includes a 200MP main camera with a large 1/1.28-inch sensor and OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 200MP 1/1.4-inch 3.5x periscope telephoto camera. A 55MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. The phone packs an 8800mAh battery with support for 100W wired charging and 80W wireless charging.

Price and Availability

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max is available with a starting price of $1,199 at Giztop. Global and express shipping options are also available, making the phone accessible to buyers outside its primary market. With its large battery, flagship processor, high-resolution cameras, and high-brightness LTPO display, the Magic 9 Pro Max targets users looking for a feature-rich premium smartphone.

Read More:

• Xiaomi 18 Pro Max Now Available at Giztop: 200MP Dual Cameras, 8500mAh Battery
• Vivo X500 Pro Max: 200MP Camera, 8000mAh Battery, Available at Giztop
• Lenovo Legion C700 Now Available at Giztop: Specs and Price

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Apple spent this year’s autumn event telling everyone that the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the best camera it has ever put in an iPhone — the usual. Three weeks later, Honor launched the Magic 9 Pro Max, its first phone with the “Pro Max” name, and a very different approach to cameras.

The two phones also have similar prices at higher storage levels, and both put their cameras at the center of the experience. But the hardware underneath is very different.

Apple has added a mechanical aperture to its main camera, while Honor has gone with two 200MP sensors and a partnership with cinema camera maker ARRI. Here’s how the two phones compare.

Aluminum design vs. a camera-inspired body

The iPhone 18 Pro Max still looks unmistakably iPhone. It has an aluminum unibody, Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, and a Ceramic Shield back with MagSafe. Apple says the new front glass is three times more scratch-resistant than the one used on the iPhone 16 Pro.

It comes in Black, Silver, Glacier, and Burgundy. The phone is IP68 rated, weighs around 240 grams, and is about 9mm thick. Apple also says 40% of the phone uses recycled materials, including 85% recycled aluminum in the frame.

As for Honor, instead of the round camera island used on previous Magic phones, it now has an asymmetric camera plateau inspired by ARRI cinema cameras. The lens ring also gets a precision-cut metal finish that gives the phone a camera-like appearance.

The Magic 9 Pro Max comes in Moss Green, Silver Halide, and Shadow Black. It has IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, giving it higher water and dust protection than the iPhone. Despite its larger camera module and much bigger battery, it is also lighter at around 233 grams and thinner at 8.6mm.

Apple gives fewer display numbers

The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz. Apple says the panel is brighter and has better anti-reflection compared with last year’s model, but it does not give a peak brightness number.

The redesigned Dynamic Island can also handle up to three Live Activities at the same time while continuing to support Face ID.

Honor is much more specific with its display specifications. The Magic 9 Pro Max uses a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel with a claimed peak brightness of 10,000 nits and 6,000 nits at a 20% window. It can go as low as 1 nit and uses a 5,600-layer silicon nitride coating that brings reflectivity down to 1.5%. 

The display also supports 4320Hz PWM dimming and has received TÜV Rheinland’s low-reflection certification. Honor says it is the first phone to receive the TÜV Rheinland Global Eye Protection 6.0 certification. 

Those numbers look very different on paper, but actual outdoor visibility will depend on more than peak brightness alone. The iPhone has also traditionally performed well in bright sunlight.

One variable aperture vs. two 200MP cameras

This is where the two phones take very different paths. The iPhone 18 Pro Max uses a 48MP Fusion Main camera with a physically adjustable aperture. It is the first iPhone to offer a mechanical variable aperture.

Inside the camera, you now have six laser-cut blades that can switch between four settings: ƒ/1.48 for more light, ƒ/1.8 as the default, ƒ/2.8 for more depth, and ƒ/4.0 for effects such as starbursts around bright lights.

The main camera covers 24mm and 48mm equivalents at 1x and 2x. It is joined by a 48MP Ultra Wide camera at 13mm and ƒ/2.2, along with a 48MP Telephoto camera covering 100mm and 200mm equivalents at ƒ/2.8. Apple says the system offers up to 8x optical-quality zoom and 16x total optical range.

Apple has also added new Pro controls that let users manually adjust aperture, shutter speed, and white balance in the Camera app. A histogram is available for checking exposure. Photographic Styles 3 adds texture and grain controls alongside the existing tone and color adjustments.

Another new feature is Apple Reference Image, which cryptographically signs what the camera captured so users can later verify whether a photo has been edited. However, it will not be available at launch in China, while capture will not be available in the EU.

The front camera is an 18MP Center Stage camera that can automatically widen its frame to include more people.

In the case of Honor, it doesn’t have an aperture ring, but two 200MP sensors. The main camera uses a 1/1.28-inch sensor with an f/1.57 aperture, 24mm equivalent focal length, 3-degree stabilization, and a CIPA 8.0 rating.

The 200MP telephoto camera uses a 1/1.4-inch sensor, f/2.6 aperture, and 85mm focal length. Both cameras were developed with ARRI and support ARRI’s LogC3 color curve.

There is also a 50MP ultra-wide camera and a 3D depth sensor on the back. For selfies, the phone borrows a page from Apple — it’s a 1:1 square camera, but higher in resolution: a 55MP.

The cameras are processed by Honor’s H1 imaging chip, which handles RAW-domain noise reduction. The phone also offers 87 official ARRI Looks for color grading.

Honor says its gun microphone improves noise reduction by 462% compared with a normal omnidirectional microphone. The company also sells a G200 teleconverter with a 200mm equivalent focal length, a G500 teleconverter with a 500mm equivalent focal length, and a SmallRig video cage for mounting accessories.

In simple terms, Apple is using fewer sensors but adding more physical camera controls, while Honor is using much higher-resolution sensors and ARRI’s cinema color processing. They are simply different approaches to smartphone photography.

Video: more control after shooting vs. in-camera processing

Apple’s video features give users more options after recording. Cinematic mode effects can now be applied to regular video recorded at up to 60fps. Time-lapse recording goes up to 4K with Dolby Vision HDR.

Audio Mix can also separate music from background noise, rather than only separating voices. For more advanced video work, the phone supports ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, genlock for multicamera setups, and 4K 120fps Dolby Vision.

Honor’s video system uses the ARRI LogC3 pipeline and downloadable Looks so users can get a particular color style during recording. Its 2.39:1 Movie Live mode records a three-second cinematic 4K live photo after the shutter is pressed. AI Color Tracking can also take the color grade from a reference photo and apply it while recording.

Honor does not provide video frame-rate details with the same level of detail as Apple, so a direct video comparison will have to wait for hands-on testing.

A20 Pro vs. Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro, built on a 2nm process. It has a six-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, along with 50% more memory bandwidth than the A19 Pro.

The seven-core GPU is rated up to 40% faster than the previous generation, while the new dual 16-core Neural Engine offers twice the AI performance of the A19 Pro.

Apple has also changed the chip packaging. The die now sits next to the memory instead of stacking them, keeping the memory away from the chip’s main thermal path. The A20 Pro can then sit directly against a new vapor chamber with three times the surface area of the previous model.

Apple says this design can deliver up to 40% better sustained performance. The phone also has Apple’s N1 wireless chip with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. The C2 modem is said to offer faster uploads than the C1X while using 15% less power. US models also support mmWave.

The Magic 9 Pro Max uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, which is also built on a 2nm process and reaches up to 5.01GHz. Honor cites Qualcomm’s benchmarks showing a 13% CPU improvement, 44% GPU improvement, and 35% NPU improvement over the previous generation. A pre-launch AnTuTu test also put the phone above 5.5 million points.

Battery

Apple does not reveal the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s battery capacity. Instead, it quotes up to 45 hours of video playback for eSIM-only models, which Apple describes as its biggest battery-life improvement on an iPhone.

General use is rated at up to 30 hours per charge. With the right adapter, wired charging can reach 50% in around 15 minutes, while five minutes of charging can provide roughly seven hours of video playback. Unofficial regulatory filings suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max has a battery capacity of around 5,567mAh for the US model, but Apple has not confirmed that figure.

Honor gives a much larger number: 8,800mAh. The Magic 9 Pro Max uses the company’s “Qinghai Lake blade battery” with 40% silicon content and 1000Wh/L energy density. It supports 100W wired charging and 80W wireless charging, along with 50W wireless charging in compatible cars.

Siri AI vs. Honor’s AI button

The iPhone 18 Pro Max ships with iOS 27, Apple Intelligence, and the new Siri AI. Siri can understand personal context, see what’s on the screen, and perform actions inside apps such as Messages and Reminders.

The new Siri features start with English, while French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish are scheduled for October. The feature will not be available in the EU at launch.

iOS 27 also introduces iPhone Handoff, which lets users move between two iPhones using the same number. For now, the feature works with T-Mobile in the US and Telekom in Germany.

Honor uses MagicOS with its YOYO assistant. The Magic 9 Pro Max has a dedicated hardware button for YOYO, which can be used for one-press video highlight capture, recurring reminders, and proactive tasks. Honor Connect also lets the phone connect with devices such as the iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac.

The Magic 9 Pro Max also uses 3D face recognition alongside a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The iPhone continues to rely on Face ID for biometric authentication.

Availability is another major difference

The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 for 256GB and is available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options as well. What’s more important here is that you can get the device in most countries around the world, including the US, the UK, most of the EU, China, Japan, and Australia. 

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max starts at 6,499 yuan (about $968) for the 12GB/256GB model in China. The 16GB/1TB version costs 8,499 yuan (about $1,266). Honor also sells a 10,999-yuan (about $1,639) Master Photographer Package that includes the teleconverter kit.

However, the phone is currently exclusive to the Chinese market. The phone is expected to reach Europe sometime in November or December, but a US launch is not in the cards, as Honor isn’t officially present there. 

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Honor launched the Magic 9 Pro Max in China today, a week after Vivo introduced the X500 Pro Max. It is also the second China flagship this week built around more than one 200MP camera, following the Oppo Find X10 Pro Max.

On paper, the Honor Magic 9 Pro Max and Vivo X500 Pro Max share a lot. Both use 2nm flagship chips, 200MP periscope telephoto cameras, optional teleconverter accessories, and batteries over 8,000mAh. However, the two companies have taken different approaches in several areas, especially cameras, video recording, displays, and accessories. Here’s how the Honor Magic 9 Pro Max compares with the Vivo X500 Pro Max.

Design and Build

Honor has moved away from the round camera island used on some of its earlier Magic phones. The Magic 9 Pro Max instead has an asymmetric camera plateau inspired by ARRI cinema cameras, with a precision-cut metal texture around the lens ring.

The phone uses a unibody all-metal design with a seamless-splice finish and comes in Moss Green, Silver Halide, and Shadow Black. It has IP68, IP69, and IP69 ratings. Honor also uses what it calls Giant Rhino Glass on the front. The company says it offers 25 times the drop resistance, 15 times the scratch resistance, and three times the wear resistance of ordinary glass, based on its own lab testing.

The Vivo X500 Pro Max keeps a large circular Zeiss camera ring. Vivo likes to define it as a “pancake” lens design, with a knurled texture around the edge. Three of the four launch colors use a “Tidal Cold Carved” glass back, while the frame is made from aviation-grade aluminum. It carries IP68 and IP69 ratings but does not have the IP69K certification listed by Honor.

Display

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max has a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel with a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz. Honor quotes a peak brightness of 10,000 nits, with 6,000 nits at a 20% window and a minimum brightness of 1 nit.

The display also uses a 5,600-layer silicon nitride coating that brings reflectivity down to 1.5%. It has TÜV Rheinland low-reflection certification, while PWM dimming runs at 4,320Hz. Honor says the phone is also the first to receive TÜV Rheinland’s Global Eye Protection 6.0 certification.

Vivo has a slightly larger 6.85-inch BOE Q11 display with a 3168 × 1440 resolution and 507 ppi. It supports adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 144Hz, although Vivo notes that 144Hz is available for gaming.

The X500 Pro Max reaches 4,400 nits at a 20% window and 2,000 nits globally. Honor therefore has the higher 20% window brightness figure. Vivo, meanwhile, gives more attention to color accuracy, with chip-level Demura calibration, a sunlight color-compensation algorithm, and an ambient light sensor that adjusts brightness in 0.3-lux steps.

Camera

Main camera

The two phones share several camera specifications. Both main cameras use a 1/1.28-inch sensor, an f/1.57 aperture, a 24mm-equivalent focal length, and three-axis gimbal-style stabilization.

The biggest difference is the sensor resolution. Honor uses a 200MP main sensor with CIPA 8.0 stabilization. Its product page notes that the full 200MP resolution is available through the Ultra-HD shooting mode.

Meanwhile, Vivo is using a 50MP Blueprint 900 sensor developed with Sony, rated at CIPA 7.0. Since the two sensors have the same physical size, Vivo’s lower-resolution sensor has larger individual pixels, while Honor’s 200MP sensor gives users more room for cropping.

Vivo claims 17EV of dynamic range, although its footnote says that figure applies when shooting in Log mode. The company also says the sensor is the first to support 4K 120fps DCG HDR video. Honor does not provide a comparable dynamic range figure for its main camera.

Telephoto

Both phones use 200MP periscope telephoto cameras with 1/1.4-inch sensors and an 85mm-equivalent focal length. The apertures are also close, with f/2.6 on the Honor and f/2.67 on the Vivo.

Honor’s telephoto sensor is reportedly a Samsung S5KHPE, while Vivo uses a Samsung HP0 sensor as part of its Blueprint system. Honor rates its telephoto at CIPA 8.0, compared with CIPA 7.0 for Vivo.

Vivo lists a 15cm macro mode and offers several features for long-distance shooting. It claims up to 30x zoom and has a telephoto tracking mode that keeps a moving subject centered between 10x and 30x. The tracking feature is coming through a software update.

Vivo also lists what it calls the first active anti-fog system for a phone lens. The feature is designed for cold-weather situations such as skiing.

Honor takes a slightly different route by pairing the 200MP periscope camera with additional telephoto accessories.

Teleconverters and accessories

Honor sells two teleconverters separately. The G200 weighs 88g and provides a 200mm equivalent focal length, while the G500 reaches a 500mm equivalent. Reports say the G500 can reach 1,000mm when combined with digital zoom.

The company also sells a SmallRig cage kit with mounting points for accessories such as lights and microphones. At the top of the lineup are the Photography Master Kit and the 10,999-yuan Master Photographer Package. Honor notes that the teleconverters and imaging accessories are not included with the base phone.

Vivo’s Zeiss G2 Ultra teleconverter reaches roughly 400mm equivalent and works with a stage mode designed for concert lighting. The company also sells a Creator Set and a magnetic 3.92-inch Smart Screen. The screen attaches to the back of the phone, is 5.65mm thick, and lets users frame shots using the rear cameras.

Ultra-wide and selfie cameras

Both phones use 50MP ultra-wide cameras with f/2.0 apertures. Vivo specifies a 1/2.75-inch sensor with autofocus, while Honor does not list the sensor size of its ultra-wide camera.

Honor also adds a 3D depth-sensing module for its 3D face unlock system. Vivo instead uses a laser focus sensor with 1,536 points arranged across a 48 × 32 grid.

The front cameras are different. Honor’s Agile Eye selfie camera uses a 55MP 1/2.74-inch sensor with a 1:1 square format. It can capture photos and video in 1:1, 16:9, or 9:16 without requiring you to rotate the phone. Honor calls it the first square selfie camera on an Android phone. Vivo uses a more conventional 50MP front-facing camera.

Imaging chip and color

Honor has added its own H1 imaging chip, built on a 6nm process and rated at 18.8 TOPS per watt. It handles RAW-domain noise reduction, and Honor calls the combination of the H1 chip with its two 200MP cameras a dual-chip imaging system.

Vivo instead puts more of its camera processing around the Dimensity 9600 Pro and Blueprint 900 sensor rather than using a separate imaging chip.

Color processing is another major difference between the two phones. Honor has built its camera pipeline around ARRI’s LogC3 curve and ARRI color science. The company lists 87 official ARRI Looks, although a footnote says users need to download the complete set from Honor or ARRI’s website and import them into the camera app.

Some launch coverage has mentioned 14 Looks being built in, so the exact selection available on the phone may vary by region.

Honor also has a Movie Live mode that records a 2.39:1 ultra-wide 4K live photo for three seconds after the shutter is pressed. Its AI Color Tracking feature can copy a look from a reference image.

Vivo offers a broader set of video recording options. The X500 Pro Max supports 4K 240fps slow motion, 4K 120fps 10-bit Log, 4K 120fps subject tracking, and 4K 60fps cinematic portraits.

Later updates are set to add 8K native live photos and a 4K 960fps super slow-motion mode. Vivo also supports 3D LUT imports and offers cinematic color styles such as Sunlight Film and Cool Silver Halide.

Honor’s product page does not list comparable frame-rate specifications, so those details will be worth checking in real-world reviews.

Performance

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. The chip is based on a 2nm process with a maximum clock speed of 5.01GHz. Honor quotes performance gains of 13% for the CPU, 44% for the GPU, and 35% for the NPU compared with the previous generation, based on Qualcomm’s figures.

In contrast, the Vivo X500 Pro Max uses MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600 Pro, which is also built on a 2nm process. It uses a 2+3+3 all-big-core design. MediaTek claims a 17% increase in single-core performance and a 61% reduction in peak multi-core power consumption. 

Both phones are available with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

Battery and Charging

Honor has equipped the Magic 9 Pro Max with an 8,800mAh Qinghai Lake blade battery. The company calls it the first battery of this capacity in a candy-bar flagship. It uses 40% silicon content and has an energy density of 1,000Wh/L. As for charging, you get 100W over a cable and 80W wirelessly, while Honor also lists 50W wireless car charging for compatible vehicles. 

Vivo uses an 8,000mAh battery with more than 25% silicon content. It supports 90W wired charging and 40W wireless charging. Vivo says the 40W wireless speed requires its own 50W vertical charger. Vivo also advertises cold-weather operation, which ties in with the anti-fog system on its telephoto camera.

On paper, Honor has the larger battery and faster charging in both wired and wireless charging.

Software and Security

Honor’s MagicOS software includes YOYO, which gets its own AI button on the phone’s frame. A single press can record video highlights, while YOYO can handle recurring tasks and proactive reminders.

Honor’s Connect app also links the phone with devices such as the iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac. For biometric security, the Magic 9 Pro Max combines 3D face recognition with a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Honor says it is the only phone to combine both systems.

Vivo uses its Little V assistant for multi-step tasks and has an Atomic Workbench that can keep up to five apps running in the foreground.

The X500 Pro Max also has a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, but it does not list the same 3D face recognition system as Honor. The 1TB model additionally supports BeiDou satellite messaging.

Price and Availability

Honor has priced the Magic 9 Pro Max at 6,499 yuan (about $968) for the 12GB/256GB model. The 12GB/512GB version costs 6,999 yuan (about $1,043), while the 16GB/512GB and 16GB/1TB versions cost 7,499 yuan (about $1,117) and 8,499 yuan (about $1,266), respectively.

The Master Photographer Package costs 10,999 yuan (about $1,639). Sales began in China on launch day.

Vivo starts at 6,999 yuan (about $1,044) for the 12GB/256GB model. The 16GB/512GB version costs 8,499 yuan, while the 12GB/1TB model costs 8,999 yuan.

The 16GB/1TB Creator’s Package with satellite messaging costs 12,999 yuan.

There is some overlap between the two lineups. At 8,499 yuan, Honor offers 1TB of storage, while Vivo provides 512GB. Honor’s starting price is also 500 yuan lower than Vivo’s.

Honor says a global launch is coming, with reports pointing to Europe in November or December. US availability remains uncertain. Vivo has confirmed that the X500 series is heading to Singapore.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max vs Vivo X500 Pro Max: Which one is for you?

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max has a 200MP main camera, a 200MP periscope telephoto, ARRI-based color processing, a separate imaging chip, a larger battery, faster charging, and a wider selection of camera accessories. Its G200 and G500 teleconverters also give users more options for long-distance shooting.

The Vivo X500 Pro Max takes a different approach with its 50MP main camera, 200MP periscope telephoto, Zeiss imaging system, and a longer list of published video recording modes. It also offers features such as 30x zoom, telephoto tracking, and an active anti-fog system.

The two phones also have different strengths outside the camera department. Honor has the higher display brightness figures, a larger battery, faster charging, and a lower starting price, while Vivo offers a slightly larger display, a 144Hz gaming mode, and additional camera and video features.

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The post Honor Magic 9 Pro Max vs Vivo X500 Pro Max: What’s Different? appeared first on Gizmochina.

As scheduled, Honor officially took the wraps off the Magic9 Pro Max in China today. The phone starts at 6,499 yuan, or about $970, and brings two 200MP cameras tuned with ARRI, a 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip, and an 8,800mAh battery with 100W wired charging.

Honor announced the phone at its Magic Grand Ceremony in Beijing alongside the Magic9 and Magic9 Super Edition.

Cameras built with ARRI

The Honor Magic9 Pro Max has a dual 200MP camera system developed with ARRI, with the main and telephoto cameras both using 200MP sensors. Honor pairs the camera hardware with its self-developed Honor Drive H1 imaging chip, which uses a 6nm process and delivers 18.8 TOPS/W energy efficiency. The chip also handles RAW-domain lossless noise reduction to retain more image detail during processing.

The main camera is a 200MP ARRI gimbal-level camera with a large 1/1.28-inch sensor, an f/1.57 aperture, and CIPA 8.0 image stabilization. It supports up to 3 degrees of gimbal-level stabilization to keep shots steady when the phone moves. Honor says the setup suits both people and landscape photography.

The second 200MP camera is an ARRI Ultra Night Telephoto lens with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and f/2.6 aperture. It also supports CIPA 8.0 stabilization and uses Honor’s AiMAGE sharpness engine. Along with its long-range shooting capabilities, the telephoto camera is designed to handle closer subjects as well.

The phone also has a 50MP f/2.0 ultrawide camera and a 3D depth-sensing camera. The front camera is Android’s first square 55MP sensor that showed up in the hands-on video from earlier this month. You can shoot 1:1, 16:9, or 9:16 without rotating the phone.

ARRI video features

The ARRI partnership extends beyond the camera hardware. The Magic9 Pro Max supports an ARRI LogC3 video pipeline, giving users more flexibility when color-grading footage after recording. Honor says the system is tuned with ARRI to reproduce the softer highlights, shadows, and color transitions associated with film.

The phone also includes 87 official ARRI Looks, which can be applied to footage for different cinematic color treatments. There is also an ARRI Master Mode with presets such as Venice and Southern Fujian.

Another feature is ARRI Movie Live, which records video in a 2.39:1 cinematic aspect ratio. The phone continues recording for three seconds after the shutter is pressed, allowing users to capture a short sequence rather than a single frame.

Like most Chinese flagships these days, you also get external teleconverters support, and not one but two. The G500 works with the phone’s 85mm lens to provide a claimed 500mm equivalent focal length for long-distance photography. The G200 is a smaller option, weighing 88 grams with an 81mm focal length, which combines with the phone’s 85mm lens to produce a claimed 200mm equivalent.

Both accessories are sold separately. Honor is also offering a SmallRig professional video expansion kit designed for the Magic9 Pro Max, adding mounting and expansion interfaces for a more conventional video setup.

For video recording, Honor has added a directional microphone system that it describes as a cinematic-grade gun microphone. It combines a highly directional microphone with an omnidirectional microphone and can pick up sound from greater distances. Honor says its laboratory testing showed a 462% improvement in device-level noise reduction and a 158% increase in radio sensitivity compared with its reference microphone setup.

Display and build

The screen is a 6.8-inch OLED that Honor calls its Black Diamond display. It peaks at 10,000 nits, runs from 1Hz to 120Hz, and has 4320Hz PWM dimming. The panel also uses a 5,600-layer silicon nitride coating, which Honor says makes it 15 times more scratch-resistant and 25 times more drop-resistant than the glass used as its comparison baseline. 

The body is all metal and carries IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings. For unlocking, you get both 3D face recognition and a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. MagicOS adds a dedicated AI button, and Honor’s YOYO assistant can record video highlights with a single press.

Chip, battery, and charging

The Honor Magic9 Pro Max runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, a 2nm chip with a CPU clock speed of up to 5GHz. This lines up with the AnTuTu listing that appeared just before launch, where the phone scored over 5.5 million points.

Keeping everything running is an 8,600mAh battery. Honor says the cell has 40% silicon content and an energy density of 1000Wh/L. Charging runs at 100W wired and 80W wireless, and 50W wireless car charging works with compatible vehicles.

Pricing and configurations

The Honor Magic9 Pro Max comes in four storage options, matching what Honor listed when pre-orders opened:

• 12GB + 256GB: 6499 yuan (about $968)
• 12GB + 512GB: 6999 yuan (about $1,043)
• 16GB + 512GB: 7499 yuan (about $1,117)
• 16GB + 1TB: 8499 yuan (about $1,266)
• Master Photographer Package: 10999 yuan (about $1,639)

You can pick from Moss Green, Silver, and Shadow Black. The Honor Telephoto Converters G500 and G200, along with the SmallRig video expansion kit, are sold separately.

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Honor is set to launch the Honor Magic 9 series on September 28 (today) in China. Ahead of the launch, the topmost model in the lineup, the Honor Magic 9 Pro Max, has surfaced in a benchmark listing, revealing its AnTuTu score. Here’s a look at the benchmark results and what they reveal about the upcoming flagship.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max AnTuTu listing

An AnTuTu V12 listing identifies the phone as the Honor Magic 9 Pro Max with model number WKL-AN80. The tested configuration features 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, while the software is listed as Android 17. The benchmark also identifies Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, with two Oryon Prime cores reaching 5.07GHz, three performance cores at 4.03GHz and three additional performance cores at 3.74GHz.

The phone recorded an overall AnTuTu V12 score of 5,524,187 points. Its CPU score was 1,452,764, while the GPU contributed 2,081,549 points. The memory and UX tests returned 736,389 and 1,253,485 points, respectively. This puts the Magic 9 Pro Max ahead of the OnePlus 16, which previously scored 5,384,433 points on AnTuTu V12 in a 16GB+1TB configuration.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max specifications

According to reports ahead of the launch, the Magic 9 Pro Max could feature a 6.8-inch 1.5K LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Its imaging setup includes a 200-megapixel main camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom. For selfies, it will feature a 55-megapixel square front-facing camera.

Powering the phone could be an 8,800mAh battery with support for 100W wired and 80W wireless charging. Other reported features include ARRI imaging technology, 3D face recognition, a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and IP68, IP69 and IP69K protection.

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Digital Chat Station has filled in the remaining details of Honor’s Magic 9 lineup, just days after Honor confirmed the starting price for the series. The lineup launches tomorrow with three models, and the latest leak reveals the display sizes, battery capacities, charging speeds, and camera hardware for the Magic 9, Magic 9 Pro Max, and Super Edition.

Magic 9

The standard Magic 9 is the smallest of the three, with a 6.37-inch flat LTPS display offering 1.5K+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It runs on the Snapdragon 8E5 chipset and packs an 8000mAh battery with support for 80W wired and 50W wireless charging.

The phone also gets Honor’s 55MP square 1:1 selfie camera, which the company has already confirmed as Android’s first square selfie camera.

On the back, the camera setup includes a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 200MP periscope telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom. The telephoto uses a 1/1.56-inch sensor, matching the details seen in the high-resolution camera samples Honor shared earlier this week.

A 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor handles biometric security, while the frame includes an AI button and a dedicated shutter button. The phone also carries IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings. It measures 8.49mm thick and weighs 209 grams.

The 16GB + 512GB version costs 5,999 yuan.

Magic 9 Pro Max

The Magic 9 Pro Max steps up to a larger 6.8-inch flat LTPO display with the same 1.5K+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8EE6 chipset and has an 8800mAh battery with 100W wired and 80W wireless charging.

The front-facing camera remains a 55MP square 1:1 sensor. The rear camera system gets a larger 1/1.28-inch sensor for its 200MP main camera, along with 3-degree OIS. It is joined by a 50MP ultra-wide camera and a 200MP periscope telephoto using a 1/1.4-inch sensor.

Honor is also adding 3D face recognition alongside the 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. Other hardware includes an X-axis linear motor, dual 1216 speakers, the AI button, and the dedicated shutter button.

The Pro Max retains the IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings. It measures 8.59mm thick and weighs 233 grams, making it noticeably heavier than the standard Magic 9, partly because of its larger battery and camera hardware.

Magic 9 Super Edition

The Magic 9 Super Edition goes in a different direction from the other two models. It has a 6.81-inch flat 1.5K+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and uses the Snapdragon 8E5 chipset. It also adds an active cooling fan.

The biggest difference is the battery. The Super Edition packs an 11,000mAh cell, which is considerably larger than the batteries in the Magic 9 and Magic 9 Pro Max. Charging is rated at 80W wired and 50W wireless.

The camera setup is more modest, with a 50MP front camera and a rear system made up of a 200MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide, and 50MP 3x telephoto camera.

Unlike the other two models, the Super Edition uses an optical in-display fingerprint reader instead of an ultrasonic sensor. Despite having the largest battery of the three, it is also the thinnest at 8.1mm. It weighs 227 grams.

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Moments after Qualcomm unveiled the powerful 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, major smartphone brands rushed to announce their upcoming flagships rocking the same chipset. Xiaomi didn’t waste any time launching the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max in China just a few hours after the chip was announced.

If you’re planning to get your hands on a Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6-powered phone, we’ve compiled a list of devices confirmed to ship with this chipset.

Every phone confirmed to launch with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC

1. Xiaomi 18 Pro Max

Launch date: September 23, 2026

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is the first phone to get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset. It’s built around a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with 4000nits of peak brightness. The smaller 2.9-inch AMOLED screen on the rear side also offers the same peak brightness and LTPO support.

As for the optics, the Xiaomi phone offers a triple camera setup, featuring a 200MP primary shooter, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide unit. It has a 50MP selfie camera, though you can also use the rear camera and secondary display to capture much better selfies. The device packs an 8,500mAh battery with support for 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 27W reverse wireless charging.

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max has been launched in China, and the brand has confirmed it will be available globally, including in India. Xiaomi India’s X account also confirms this, with a global launch teased to be “coming soon”.

2. HONOR Magic9 Pro Max

Launch date: September 28, 2026 (confirmed)

That’s when the Magic9 Pro Max will launch in China, but the global launch has not been announced yet. That might happen soon after it’s launched in China.

The smartphone will feature a brand-new triple rear camera layout that includes two 200MP sensors: a 1/1.28-inch primary sensor with an f/1.57 aperture and a 1/1.4-inch super-night telephoto sensor with an f/2.6 aperture. The camera has been developed in partnership with ARRI (the legendary German cinema camera maker) to bring professional film-style color science and video tools to the device. Details about the third sensor haven’t been announced yet.

The smartphone could carry a 55MP selfie camera, a 6.8-inch OLED screen, and an 8800mAh battery. Honor has confirmed that the phone will be offered in four memory/storage combinations: 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB. The color options will be: Moss Green, Silver, and Shadow Black.

3. iQOO 16

Launch date: September 29, 2026 (confirmed)

The upcoming iQOO 16 will launch in China next week, featuring Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 mobile chipset. The brand has revealed some of its specs through teasers, and leaks have spilled the rest of the details.

The iQOO 16 will feature a reworked camera island design, featuring three sensors. According to recent leaks, the camera island will have three 50MP sensors. The company says iQOO 16 will be the first phone to offer a 2K resolution panel with a 165Hz refresh rate, developed jointly with Samsung. The screen size is tipped to be 6.85 inches.

The smartphone is said to have a Q4 gaming chip, with upgraded vibration motors and speakers for a better gaming experience. It could come with an 8,400mAh battery and support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.

4. OnePlus 16

Launch: September 2026 (expected)

OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 16 will launch soon with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC, but it hasn’t announced a launch date yet. Rumors suggest the phone could be unveiled in China later this month, with a global launch likely to happen next month.

The OnePlus 16 is confirmed to feature a triple-camera setup with a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The selfie camera will also have a 50MP resolution. The phone will also get new shooting modes for better control over the final output.

Leaked specs include a 6.78-inch flat AMOLED display with a 185Hz refresh rate, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, and a 9,000mAh battery.

5. RedMagic 12 Pro+

Launch: October 2026 (confirmed)

The phone will launch in China in October. We’ll have the exact launch date soon, but the global launch hasn’t been announced yet.

RedMagic has teased several details of the RedMagic 12 Pro+, such as ultra-narrow 0.96mm bezels and RedMagic’s ninth-generation Under-Display Camera (UDC) system. The phone will shift to softer, rounded corners for improved handheld ergonomics during extended gaming sessions.

The smartphone is said to house an 8,400mAh battery with 120W wired and 80W wireless charging. It could feature a triple-camera setup on the rear, led by a 50MP main sensor. The device is expected to be available with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage.

6. Motorola Signature 27

Launch: Later this year

Motorola unveiled the Signature 27 at the Snapdragon Summit, marking a big shift in the company’s approach. The brand has largely avoided bringing top-tier chips to its phones, but that has now changed. The Signature 27 is just the start. We believe future Signature phones will continue in this direction.

Motorola has revealed key details about the device, but the exact global release date and pricing details are due to be announced later this year. The Signature 27 features an unusual rear camera design, with a 50MP main camera and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens. Details about the other two sensors and the selfie camera haven’t been announced yet.

The phone will have an ArcticMesh cooling system featuring a vapor chamber that is 40 percent larger than the previous generation. Audio gets a premium boost through a partnership with Bang & Olufsen.

Next year will bring a lot more smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, including the Galaxy S26 Ultra. We’ll continue to track the latest developments on the topic and post them on this website.

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Honor is holding its Magic Grand Ceremony in Beijing on September 28, where it will unveil the upcoming Magic 9 series. Interestingly enough, the company has spent the past few weeks confirming major details itself instead of leaving it to leaks.

First off, the lineup will have three phones: the standard Magic 9, the range-topping Magic 9 Pro Max, and a Magic 9 Super Edition that breaks from the usual gaming-phone playbook. 

A report has also locked down near-final specs for the first two models well before launch day, so there’s less guesswork here. The headline story across the series is a partnership with ARRI, the German cinema camera maker behind gear used on major film productions, which brings film-style color science and video tools to the rear cameras on every model.

Honor Magic 9

The standard Magic 9 is the compact option, built around a 6.37-inch LTPS panel running at 2664 x 1236 resolution and 120Hz, with narrower bezels than the Pro Max. It keeps IP68, IP69, and IP69K water and dust resistance from last year’s phone, along with the dedicated AI button and a separate shutter button on the frame. 

On the back, the camera module has moved to a horizontal layout instead of the circular ring on the Magic 8 Pro, built around a 200MP 1/1.4-inch main sensor at f/1.9, a 50MP f/2.0 ultra-wide, and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera with a 1/1.56-inch sensor. Up front, Honor has confirmed the Magic 9 gets the same 55MP square-format selfie camera debuting on the Pro Max, which the company says gives the sensor more room to frame wide shots than a standard circular or pill-shaped cutout allows. 

The phone is tipped to feature an 8,000mAh battery, and unlike the Pro Max, the Magic 9 is expected to run on last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 rather than the newer chip. Honor has confirmed four color options at launch: Yellow Rice, Olive Green, Morning White, and Curtain Black, alongside 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB, 16GB/512GB, and 16GB/1TB storage tiers.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max

The Pro Max carries the bulk of the camera hardware and is where the ARRI partnership shows up most clearly. Honor has confirmed a dual 200MP ARRI camera system, pairing a 200MP main sensor at f/1.57 with a 1/1.28-inch size and 3-degree mechanical gimbal stabilization rated for CIPA 8.0, alongside a 200MP periscope telephoto camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, f/2.6 aperture, and CIPA 7.5 stabilization. The camera pipeline supports ARRI LogC3 gamma curves and 10-bit 4:2:2 APV recording, which Honor says helps preserve natural skin tones and highlight detail rather than blowing them out. 

Alongside the phone, Honor is launching a Photography Master Kit with two clip-on teleconverter lenses: a G500 unit offering 5.88x optical extension, and a lighter G200 lens that cuts 55% of its predecessor’s weight while adding 2.35x zoom. The company was also quick enough to share camera samples shot at 85mm from the native periscope lens, stretching out to 500mm and 1000mm using the teleconverter attachments.

The display sits at 6.8 inches with 0.98mm bezels, and the phone is expected to run Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro on a 2nm process, paired with an 8,800mAh battery. Security combines 3D facial recognition with an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, and Honor has confirmed three color options: Moss Green, Silver, and Shadow Black, across the same four storage tiers as the standard model.

Honor Magic 9 Super Edition

This is the newer, less conventional addition to the lineup. As per leaks, the device will have a massive 11,000mAh battery paired with a 6.8-inch 165Hz display, active cooling, and a glass-fiber body, specs that sound closer to Honor’s gaming-focused Win series. 

The difference is the camera setup. Rather than dropping photography for pure battery and refresh-rate numbers, the Super Edition still has a telephoto lens alongside a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide, and 50MP telephoto sensor — just not the 200MP sensors.

What’s still unclear

Honor hasn’t announced pricing for any of the three phones yet, and while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip was expected across the board when the series was first confirmed, the Pro Max now looks set to carry the newer 2nm silicon while the standard Magic 9 sticks with last year’s chip, a split that wasn’t obvious from the earliest leaks. International availability also remains open. 

Honor’s recent flagships have typically reached markets outside China four to eight weeks after the domestic launch, so a global rollout likely won’t happen until at least November.

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Live Photos usually decides which part of a moment gets captured for you. When you press the shutter, the phone automatically records around 1.5 seconds before and after the shot.

Honor wants to give you more control than that, so it’s adding an ARRI Cinema Mode to the Honor Magic 9 series that lets you record a 3-second clip on your own terms. 

Honor has also confirmed that the Magic 9 series will support both 3D ultrasonic fingerprint recognition and 3D face recognition. The company calls the combination an “industry-exclusive.”

Honor’s 3-second Live Photo-style mode

Fang Fei, President of the Product Line at Honor, said the new feature was developed based on user feedback. With a standard Live Photo, pressing the shutter determines the main still image, while the camera automatically chooses what to record before and after it. This means you have little control over where the short clip starts or ends.

Honor’s ARRI Cinema Mode is designed to change that. Instead of capturing a moment around the shutter press, it lets you create a short 3-second video yourself.

You simply long-press the shutter button to start recording. Because the recording begins when you press the button, you can decide how the clip starts and ends. You can capture a subject turning their head, slowly move the camera closer, pan across a scene, or follow someone as they move.

Honor is also giving these clips a more cinematic look. The videos use a 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio, similar to the format used for cinema screens. The phones also include the full ARRI Look Library, with nine themes and 87 different looks.

Honor says this means users can create finished-looking clips without needing additional camera equipment or editing software. Camera movement, framing, and color can all be handled while recording.

3D unlocking on the Magic 9 series

For security, Honor says the Magic 9 series will combine 3D ultrasonic fingerprint recognition with 3D face recognition. The company has not yet confirmed which models will get both systems.

According to leaked specifications, the Honor Magic 9 Pro Max is expected to have both features, while the standard Honor Magic 9 may only get the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Honor will reveal more at the Magic Grand Ceremony and Magic 9 series launch event in Beijing on September 28.

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The Honor Magic 9 series is launching on September 28 in China, and the teasers are in full swing. The company recently confirmed the full lineup along with its color and memory options. A Geekbench listing now confirms the processor powering the Honor Magic 9 Pro Max, the top-tier model in the series.  

A device carrying the model number WKL-AN20 has shown up in the benchmark’s database, and the specs line up with what’s already confirmed for the Pro Max.

The chip is listed under the name QTI SM8975, which is rumored to be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro (or 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6). You get eight cores in total, led by two prime cores running at 5.01GHz, three performance cores at 4.03GHz, and three efficiency cores at 3.74GHz. The Adreno 850 handles graphics. 

The device has 14.78GB of RAM, which rounds up to the 16GB tier Honor has already confirmed for this model, and the build information points to Android 17 running underneath MagicOS.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max Geekbench scores

On Geekbench 6, the device pulled 3,448 points in the single-core test and 9,353 in multi-core. The single-core number is actually a step down from the Magic 8 Pro‘s global listing, which hit 3,664 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 last year, though multi-core jumped by close to 1,700 points. 

However, pre-production software on a leaked listing rarely matches what you’ll get once the phone actually ships, so treat these numbers as a rough preview rather than a final word.

This isn’t the SM8975’s first appearance on Geekbench, either. The same chip already turned up on a Xiaomi 18 Pro Max listing, where it scored 3,582 in single-core and 12,247 in multi-core. That run was on Geekbench 7 rather than 6, so the figures aren’t directly comparable to Honor’s phone.

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The post Honor Magic 9 Pro Max makes Geekbench run with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro appeared first on Gizmochina.

We already know the Honor Magic 9 series is landing in Beijing on September 28, at the same Magic Grand Ceremony where Honor confirmed the ARRI partnership and the September launch window. Now, insider Digital Chat Station has gone further and laid out what look like the near-final specs for both the Magic 9 and the Magic 9 Pro Max.

Honor Magic 9

The regular Magic 9 is a compact handheld with a 6.37-inch panel running 2664 x 1236 resolution on an LTPS panel at 120Hz, paired with Android’s first 55MP, f/2.0 square-format selfie camera. 

The device retains IP68/69/69K ingress protection from its predecessor, along with a rounded-corner, ultra-narrow bezel look. You also still get the dedicated AI button alongside a separate shutter button.

Flip it over, and the camera module has moved to a horizontal, large-matrix layout instead of the circular ring Honor offers with the Magic 8 Pro. The main sensor is a 200MP, 1/1.4-inch unit at f/1.9, backed by a 50MP f/2.0 ultra-wide and a 200MP periscope telephoto with a 1/1.56-inch sensor and 3.5x optical zoom at f/2.6. 

Powering the phone will be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the same chip in the outgoing Honor Magic 8 Pro. The battery is bigger, though, coming in at 8000mAh with 80W wired and 50W wireless charging. There will also be 3D ultrasonic fingerprint unlocking under the display.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max

The Pro Max ups the screen size to 6.8 inches with a 2868 x 1320 LTPO panel at 120Hz, and it shares the same 55MP f/2.0 square selfie camera and AI/shutter button pairing as the standard model.

The back has a 200MP, 1/1.28-inch main sensor at f/1.57, a 50MP f/2.0 ultra-wide, and a second 200MP periscope unit built around a larger 1/1.4-inch sensor at f/2.6. This pairs with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Qualcomm’s next flagship platform built on a 2nm node, which puts the Magic 9 Pro Max among the first phones carrying it. 

It will have an 8800mAh battery that supports 100W wired and 80W wireless charging, and Honor will offer an extra 3D face recognition on top of the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for biometrics. You will also get dual 1216 speakers for stereo output.

Besides these two, the line has the Honor Magic 9 Super Edition. Honor just recently confirmed the design and colors of all phones, which you can check here.

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The post Honor Magic 9 and Magic 9 Pro Max near-final specs out weeks before launch appeared first on Gizmochina.

Honor has revealed more details about its upcoming Magic 9 lineup. The company has confirmed the storage configurations and color options for the Magic 9 Pro Max, Magic 9, and Magic 9 Super Edition. All three phones are scheduled to launch on September 28 and are already listed for pre-orders, giving us a clearer idea of what each model will offer.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max variants, colors, key specs

The Honor Magic 9 Pro Max will be available in Moss Green, Silver, and Shadow Black. Its configurations include 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB.

As per a recent report, the Magic 9 Pro Max will house a 6.8-inch OLED panel with 0.98mm slim bezels. Dubbed Black Diamond, the display is said to deliver deeper blacks and brighter visuals, potentially making it one of the standout features of the upcoming flagship.

The phone is also expected to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset and pack an 8,800mAh battery. Its camera setup could include dual 200-megapixel ARRI cameras, a 55-megapixel square selfie camera, while biometric authentication is expected to combine 3D facial recognition with an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. A unibody metal design is also tipped.

Honor Magic 9 variants, colors, key specs

The Honor Magic 9 will come in Yellow Rice, Olive Green, Morning White, and Curtain Black. Storage options include 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB.

The same report has revealed that the Magic 9 will be a compact flagship with a 6.37-inch 1.5K display with slimmer bezels than the Pro Max. It could run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and feature an 8,000mAh battery. Its rear cameras are expected to include a 200-megapixel main sensor, 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and 200-megapixel 1/1.56-inch periscope telephoto camera. An ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor and unibody cold-carved glass design are also expected.

Honor Magic 9 Super Edition variants, colors, key specs

The Honor Magic 9 Super Edition will be offered in Yellow Rice, Olive Green, Morning White, and Curtain Black, with 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, and 16GB+512GB configurations.

Leaks suggest a 6.8-inch 165Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and a huge 11,000mAh battery. Its cameras could include 50-megapixel main, 12-megapixel ultrawide, and 50-megapixel telephoto sensors. Active cooling and a glass-fiber body are also expected.

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The post Honor Magic 9 Pro Max, Magic 9, Super Edition configurations, color options, official images revealed appeared first on Gizmochina.

Honor has already confirmed that the Magic9 series will bring a 500mm teleconverter kit and dual 200-megapixel ARRI cameras on the back. The company today revealed the front camera, and it comes with its own unusual design.

Honor says the Magic9 series will feature a 55MP “Agile Eye” front camera with a square-shaped design. It is the first Android phone with a square front-facing camera, which the company says gives the sensor more room to capture a wider frame than the circular and pill-shaped cameras commonly used on phones.

Honor’s teaser also shows the camera switching between vertical and horizontal shots while keeping a wide field of view. 

However, the square front camera will not be available across the entire Magic 9 lineup. In the teaser footnote, Honor confirmed the square selfie camera will be exclusive to the Magic 9 Pro Max and the standard Magic 9. More details about the other models should arrive with the full launch.

More about Honor Magic 9 series cameras

The front camera is just one part of Honor’s camera-focused approach to the Magic 9 series. The company has worked with ARRI on the lineup, while the rear camera module houses a triple-camera system with two 200-megapixel ARRI sensors. Honor is also introducing a 500mm teleconverter with the series.

For video, the phones will also get a new ARRI Cinema Mode. Honor is positioning the Magic 9 series as a more complete camera system rather than simply another phone with high-resolution sensors.

The Magic 9 Pro Max gets most of the camera hardware and keeps the clean design language seen on previous Magic phones. Honor has reworked the edges, rear panel, and overall shape, while the rear camera module gets a new “Guide’s Eye” design.

According to Honor, that design takes inspiration from the ARRIFLEX 35, one of the cameras that helped establish ARRI’s cinema camera lineup. 

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The post Honor Magic 9 series confirmed to feature Android’s first 55MP square selfie camera appeared first on Gizmochina.

Honor is preparing to unveil its next flagship smartphone family in China later this month. The Magic 9 series has already started drawing attention with its camera-focused features and new hardware. However, the exact device lineup has remained unclear, with a new leak now shedding more light on the models expected to debut.

Honor Magic 9

Tipster Smart Pikachu claims the Magic 9 family will include the Magic 9, Magic 9 Pro Max, and a Magic 9 Super Edition. According to the leak, the standard Magic 9 will feature a 6.37-inch display, an 8,000mAh battery, dual 200-megapixel ARRI cameras, a single 3D facial recognition system, and last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the camera setup will include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and one of the 200-megapixel cameras will be a 1/1.56-inch periscope telephoto sensor. For security, it will have an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor.

According to another tipster, the Magic 9’s screen bezels are said to be slightly narrower than those of the Pro Max, which has 0.98mm bezels. In terms of build, it will have a unibody cold-carved glass design.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max

The Magic 9 Pro Max is tipped to step things up with a 6.8-inch display, an 8,800mAh battery, and dual 200-megapixel ARRI cameras. It could also feature dual 3D facial recognition sensors arranged in a 1:1 layout, while the all-new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is expected to handle processing.

In terms of design, the Magic 9 Pro Max has a unibody metal design, and the screen bezels are quite narrow at 0.98mm. Being a Pro Max edition, it will have a Black Diamond screen, which offers deeper blacks and a brighter, clearer viewing experience, while the standard Magic 9 does not have this display technology.

Honor Magic 9 Super Edition

The Honor Magic 9 Super Edition is aimed more heavily at performance. It could come with a 6.8-inch glass-fiber body, an 11,000mAh battery, a 165Hz display, and active cooling. Its camera setup is said to include a 50-megapixel sensor alongside a 12-megapixel and another 50-megapixel camera, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 could power the phone.

The Magic 9 Super Edition is different from the gaming and performance-focused Win series, as it comes with a telephoto lens and a larger battery than the Win series.

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The post Honor Magic 9, 9 Pro Max, Super Edition specifications leaked; Up to 11,000mAh battery, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, and more appeared first on Gizmochina.

A new video is giving us the clearest look yet at the Honor Magic9 Pro Max ahead of its debut. Honor confirmed the Magic 9 series will land on September 28, and the lineup will reportedly split into three phones: the Magic 9, the Magic 9 Pro, and this Pro Max variant, which showed up on Weibo in an unboxing and hands-on clip wearing the Moss Green finish we’d already spotted in teasers.

The biggest change is on the back. Honor has moved away from the circular camera module used on the Magic 8 series. Instead, the Magic 9 Pro Max combines round camera rings with a large rectangular housing that stretches across the back.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max cameras

The rear camera is a 200MP sensor at 1/1.28 inches with an f/1.57 aperture and OIS rated to correct up to 3 degrees of shake. Sitting behind the periscope lens is a second 200MP sensor, this one at 1/1.4 inches. Honor is also bringing its ARRI partnership to the Magic 9 Pro Max, after debuting it on the Honor Robot Phone. Honor has also been sharing camera samples from the Magic9 Pro Max as it gets closer to launch.

Up front, you still get the wide pill-shaped cutout housing the selfie camera and a 3D depth sensor, carried over from the Magic 8. What’s new is the sensor behind it: these are said to be the first Android phones with a square selfie camera sensor.

Around the rest of the phone, the screen bezels come in at a slim 1mm, and you get symmetrical stereo speaker grilles running along the top and bottom edges. On the right side sits Honor’s AI button, now in its latest form, continuing a feature the brand has kept across recent Magic generations.

With the launch date locked in for later this month, expect more leaks and hands-on footage to surface before Honor makes things official in Beijing.

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The post Honor Magic 9 Pro Max stars in hands-on video well before launch appeared first on Gizmochina.

Honor has officially lifted the lid on the camera architecture powering its upcoming top-tier flagship. Honor Product Line President Fang Fei released a Weibo post to reveal how the company intends to bridge professional filmmaking tools and everyday mobile hardware with the Honor Magic 9 Pro Max. She has also shared some samples to showcase its camera capabilities.

ARRI color science meets dual 200MP sensors

The optical system relies on a 200-megapixel primary camera alongside a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, both developed in close collaboration with cinema brand ARRI. These large sensors work alongside expansive physical apertures to retain fine textures across diverse lighting setups.

To maintain film-like dynamic range, the camera pipeline supports ARRI LogC3 gamma curves alongside 10-bit 4:2:2 APV recording, ensuring natural skin tones and preserving highlight details from burning out.

Image clarity requires steady framing, which is why the main sensor incorporates 3-degree mechanical gimbal stabilization rated for CIPA 8.0 standards. The dedicated telephoto camera also achieves CIPA 7.5-level stabilization. This setup triples conventional physical shake compensation limits, smoothing out jerky hand movements during fast walking or light jogging.

Powering the CIPA 8.0 performance is the company’s proprietary TrueShift stabilization system. Unlike legacy setups that track movement solely through inertial measurement units, TrueShift tracks full image frames and runs multimodal AI motion prediction calculations 1,000 times per second to eliminate sub-pixel jitters.

To overcome the distance limitations of handheld concert and stage shooting, two bespoke teleconverter accessories have been detailed. The G500 unit provides a 5.88x optical extension factor, while the compact G200 lens cuts 55 percent of its predecessor’s weight to offer a 2.35x zoom boost inside a lipstick-sized chassis.

Shown above are camera samples captured using the Honor Magic 9 Pro Max. The 85mm image is captured using phone’s native periscope telephoto camera, while the 1000mm and 500mm images have been shot using the teleconverter attachment.

The Honor Magic 9 series is set to break cover on Sept. 28 in China.

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The post Honor Magic 9 Pro Max camera samples showcase periscope and telephoto converter capabilities appeared first on Gizmochina.

Honor has confirmed that the Magic 9 series will be unveiled in China on September 28. Ahead of the launch, the brand has started accepting pre-reservations for the Magic 9 series, while also revealing its design and several key details, including its impressive zooming capabilities. Here’s everything Honor has confirmed about the upcoming series so far.

Honor Magic 9 gets a photography-focused setup

According to Honor, the Magic 9 series will feature a dual 200-megapixel ARRI imaging system, with the cameras designed to deliver clear results during both daytime and nighttime shooting. The setup is also aimed at maintaining image quality across different shooting distances, making zoom photography a key part of the experience.

The primary 200-megapixel ARRI camera is listed with an f/1.57 aperture and a 1/1.28-inch sensor. Alongside it, the 200-megapixel ARRI super-night telephoto camera features an f/2.6 aperture and a 1/1.4-inch sensor. These specifications suggest that Honor is putting considerable emphasis on sensor size, low-light capture and long-range photography.

As can be seen above, the company is also preparing a Photography Master Kit with two dedicated telephoto accessories. The headline accessory is a 500mm Honor telephoto extender, which is being introduced with the series to bring distant subjects closer within the frame. Honor has positioned it as an option for users who want to capture faraway subjects without carrying traditional camera equipment.

The second accessory is a 200mm Honor thumb-sized telephoto extender. It weighs just 88g and measures 81mm in length, making it considerably easier to carry around. Both accessories are designed to complement the phone’s camera system rather than represent the native focal lengths of its built-in cameras.

The Magic 9 lineup is expected to include the Magic 9 and Magic 9 Pro Max, both powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series chipset.

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The post Honor Magic 9 series design, 500mm telephoto extender officially revealed before September 28 launch appeared first on Gizmochina.

Honor has confirmed the launch date for its next flagship smartphone series, with the Honor Magic 9 lineup scheduled to arrive in September. The company has also teased major upgrades in performance, imaging and AI. Here is what to expect from the upcoming flagship series.

Honor Magic 9 series: 2nm chip and ARRI imaging           

After the Robot Phone launch event, Honor CEO Li Jian confirmed that the Magic 9 series will officially debut on September 28 in Beijing. The company has also opened early reservations for the upcoming flagship lineup.

The Magic 9 series is expected to be among the first smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 flagship platform based on a 2nm manufacturing process. This could make the series one of the earliest Android flagships to enter the 2nm era, with improvements expected in performance, power efficiency and on-device AI capabilities.

According to Digital Chat Station, the Magic 9 series is tipped to feature a 200-megapixel primary camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor, an f/1.57 aperture and 3-degree optical image stabilization. It is also expected to carry a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and f/2.6 aperture.

Honor has partnered with German professional imaging company ARRI for the series. The collaboration is expected to bring features such as ARRI LogC3, ARRI Look and an ARRI movie mode, with the focus extending to both photography and video recording.

The Magic 9 series is expected to feature a 6.8-inch 1.5K LTPO 2.5D flat display. Other reported specifications include a large battery with a capacity expected to start with an 8, alongside fast wireless charging, 3D facial recognition and 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanning.

Finally, the lineup is expected to include at least three models, namely the Magic 9, Magic 9 Pro, and Magic 9 Pro Max.

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The post Honor Magic 9 series officially set to launch on September 28, 2nm chip, ARRI imaging expected appeared first on Gizmochina.

Honor’s upcoming lineup of flagship phones is expected to include three models: the Magic 9, Magic 9 Pro, and Magic 9 Pro Max. New leaks that have surfaced online have revealed key details about the Magic 9 Pro Max as well as the standard Magic 9. Read on to learn more about these devices.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max key details tipped

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the upcoming Honor flagship powered by a next-generation 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series chip is expected to place a stronger focus on imaging capabilities. Its latest engineering prototype is reportedly testing two different 200-megapixel main camera sensors — a 1/1.28-inch unit and a larger 1/1.12-inch sensor.

The device is also said to feature a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with a large 1/1.4-inch sensor, with major emphasis being placed on video hardware improvements. A previous report revealed that the Magic 9 series will feature ARRI-powered imaging capabilities, bringing significant improvements to both photography and video recording performance. ARRI is a well-known name in the professional cinema industry, known for producing high-end cinema cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment used in Hollywood films, television productions, and commercials.

Today’s leak also suggests that the Honor Magic 9 Pro Max will pack other features, such as an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, 3D facial recognition, flagship-grade stereo speakers, high-level water resistance, and a potentially upgraded X-axis vibration motor.

On the front, the Magic 9 Pro Max is said to feature a 6.8x-inch flat OLED panel with support for a 1.5K resolution and LIPO technology. The device is also expected to pack a massive 8,000mAh battery and run on MagicOS 11-based Android 17.

Honor Magic 9 details emerge

According to tipster Smart Pikachu, Honor will continue to launch a compact flagship phone, but it will not carry the “Air” branding like the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air, which debuted earlier this year. This upcoming device is most likely to launch as the standard Honor Magic 9 with a 6.3-inch display.

This is further supported by DCS’s Weibo post, which also states that the standard Magic 9 will feature a compact screen and an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, indirectly suggesting that it may lack 3D facial recognition support, which could remain exclusive to the Magic 9 Pro models.

As far as launch is concerned, the Magic 9 series is expected to debut in October in China.

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The post Honor Magic 9 Pro Max to feature dual 200MP main and periscope cameras with stronger video capabilities appeared first on Gizmochina.

Reports have revealed the next-generation flagship lineup from Honor will include the Magic 9 Pro Max apart from the Magic 9 and Magic 9 Pro. A new Weibo post has revealed the Pro Max’s variants camera capacities well ahead of the launch, which is expected to take place in October this year in China. Here’s a look at what the latest leak has revealed.

Honor Magic 9 Pro Max camera upgrades tipped

According to tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo, Honor is working on a new Pro Max variant as part of the Magic 9 series. There is a possibility that this model may replace the previously expected Ultra version, suggesting a shift in naming strategy for the company’s premium devices.

One of the major highlights of the Magic 9 Pro Max is expected to be its dual 200-megapixel camera setup. This includes a primary sensor and a periscope telephoto lens, both aimed at delivering high-resolution imaging and improved zoom capabilities. The device is also tipped to introduce better stabilization to reduce blur and enhance clarity, especially during video recording.

Beyond still photography, Honor is reportedly focusing on refining video performance. The upcoming model is expected to deliver smoother footage, sharper visuals, and improved low-light video quality.

The leak also suggests that Honor may integrate ARRI imaging technology into the Magic 9 Pro Max. This partnership, previously seen on concept devices, could bring enhancements in colour science and video processing, further strengthening the phone’s imaging capabilities.

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The post Honor Magic 9 Pro Max tipped to feature dual 200MP cameras appeared first on Gizmochina.

Later this year, Honor may unveil the Honor Magic 9 series of flagship phones. While it is too early to confirm all the models that will be part of the lineup, it may include at least three variants, such as the Honor Magic 9, Magic 9 Pro, and Magic 9 RSR, similar to the Magic 8 lineup. A new leak, courtesy of tipster Digital Chat Station, has revealed the screen sizes of these models.

Honor Magic 9 series screen size tipped

The new leak suggests that Honor has begun early prototyping for its next-generation Magic 9 flagship series. Two new flat displays are reportedly being tested: a compact 6.36-inch panel and a much larger 6.85-inch panel. Both screens are said to feature 2.5D flat glass with large, rounded corners.

Likely, the standard Magic 9 may adopt a smaller flat display, while the Magic 9 Pro could feature a significantly larger flat screen. The tipster has also mentioned a “Pro Max” variant in the leak. At present, there is no clarity on how different the Pro Max edition could be compared to the Pro model.

As far as the Magic 9 RSR is concerned, it has traditionally featured the same display as the Pro variant. Therefore, it is likely that it may also feature a 6.85-inch display.

Coming back to the standard Magic 9, the 6.36-inch screen would be significantly smaller than the Magic 8, which features a 6.58-inch display. On the other hand, the Magic 9 Pro’s display may increase to 6.85 inches compared to the previous generation, which features a 6.71-inch screen.

The Honor Magic 9 series could be early adopters of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series chipset. Just as the previous generation was announced in October, the new lineup may debut in the same month this year.

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The post Early leak reveals Honor Magic 9, Magic 9 Pro / Pro Max, and Magic 9 RSR display sizes appeared first on Gizmochina.