Honor Magic6 Pro Review

Price
Euro999
US Dollar$1,049

Honor Magic6 Pro Review

Honor Magic6 Pro Review

Introduction

The Honor Magic6 Pro steps into the ring of premium smartphones, boasting top-tier specifications and a focus on innovative features. But can it compete with the established players in the market, or does it fall short in the face of fierce competition? Let's delve into the details and see if the Honor Magic6 Pro lives up to its magical moniker.

Design

Honor makes a bold statement with the Magic6 Pro's design. The phone features a curved glass back that seamlessly blends into a metal frame, exuding a luxurious and modern aesthetic. The phone is available in a variety of eye-catching color options, catering to diverse preferences.

However, the curved design, while visually appealing, can lead to accidental touches and concerns about durability, especially for users who are prone to drops. Additionally, the phone is on the heavier side, weighing in at 225g, which might not be ideal for everyone.

Technical Specifications:

Form FactorCandybar, Touchscreen
Dimensions162.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)
Weight225 g or 229 g (7.94 oz)
BuildGlass front (NanoCrystal Shield), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)

IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
ColorsBlack, Green, Blue, Purple, White
ModelsBVL-AN16

Display

The Honor Magic6 Pro features a stunning 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This translates to smooth visuals for scrolling and gaming. The display boasts vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent peak brightness, making it ideal for multimedia consumption.

However, some users might find the pre-installed screen protector slightly reduces overall clarity and responsiveness.

Technical Specifications:

TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 1600 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak)
Size6.8 inches, 112.8 cm2 (~91.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution1280 x 2800 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)
ProtectionNanoCrystal Shield

Camera

The Honor Magic6 Pro features a triple-camera system on the rear. The main sensor remains a powerful 50MP, promising exceptional detail capture. It's accompanied by a 50MP ultrawide sensor and a 180MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom.

In well-lit conditions, the camera system shines, capturing sharp images with accurate colors and impressive dynamic range. However, low-light performance can be inconsistent, with occasional noise and loss of detail. While the 180MP sensor boasts a high megapixel count, it doesn't necessarily translate to significantly better image quality compared to other flagship phones with lower megapixel sensors.

Technical Specifications:

Main CameraPrimary: 50 MP, f/1.4-2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", Laser AF, PDAF, OIS

Secondary: 180 MP, f/2.6, (periscope telephoto), 1/1.49", PDAF, OIS, 2.5x optical zoom

Third: 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 122" (ultrawide), 1/2.88", AF
Camera FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR, 10-bit video
Selfie Camera50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/2.93", AF

TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)

Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS

Hardware

Under the hood, the Honor Magic6 Pro houses the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth performance for even the most demanding tasks. Multitasking is a breeze, and even graphically intensive games run flawlessly.

Additionally, the phone incorporates an innovative AI chip that optimizes performance and battery efficiency. This translates to a longer-lasting experience without compromising on power.

Technical Specifications:

Internal Memory256GB ROM, 12GB RAM

512GB ROM, 12GB RAM

512GB ROM, 16GB RAM

1TB ROM, 16GB RAM
Storage TypeUFS 4.0
Card SlotNo
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPUAdreno 750
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical)

Face ID

Accelerometer

Gyro

Proximity

Compass

Color spectrum
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
SpeakersYes, with stereo speakers
Audio JackNo

Software

The Honor Magic6 Pro now runs on the latest Android 14 with MagicOS 8 on top. This custom skin offers a familiar user interface with some additional features and customizations. Honor has included various AI-powered enhancements, such as intelligent app management and scene recognition for optimized camera settings.

However, the software isn't entirely bloatware-free, and some pre-installed apps might be unwanted by users. Additionally, updates might not be as frequent as those offered by some competitor brands.

Technical Specifications:

Operating System (OS)Android OS, v14
UIMagicOS 8

Performance

As expected from a flagship phone, the Honor Magic6 Pro delivers exceptional performance. The combination of the powerful processor and AI optimization ensures smooth operation for everyday tasks and demanding applications. Gamers will appreciate the phone's ability to handle even the most graphically intensive titles without any hiccups.

Technical Specifications:

PerformanceAnTuTu: 2017400 (v10)

GeekBench: 6787 (v6)

3DMark Wild life: 18270 (offscreen 1440p)

Battery

The phone excels in terms of battery life. The 5,600mAh battery, coupled with the efficient processor and software optimizations, allows for a full day of use on a single charge, with moderate users potentially reaching into the second day. The phone also supports 80W fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.

Technical Specifications:

Battery TypeSi-Ca 5600 mAh, non-removable
Charging80W wired

66W wireless

Reverse wireless

5W reverse wired

Verdict

The Honor Magic6 Pro carves its niche in the flagship market, offering a compelling package of power, performance, and innovative features. However, it's not without its shortcomings, and potential buyers should weigh both the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros:

  • Stunning LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate: Delivers smooth visuals and vibrant colors for an immersive viewing experience.
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor: Ensures smooth performance for demanding tasks and multitasking.
  • Long-lasting 5,600mAh battery with fast charging: Provides a full day of use on a single charge and quick top-ups when needed.
  • Versatile camera system: Features a high-resolution main sensor, ultrawide sensor, and telephoto lens for diverse shooting scenarios.
  • Updated to Android 14 with MagicOS 8: Offers the latest software features and improvements.

Cons:

  • Curved design might raise durability concerns and lead to accidental touches.
  • Pre-installed screen protector slightly reduces display clarity.
  • Software experience could benefit from fewer pre-installed apps and more frequent updates.
  • 180MP camera sensor's real-world impact on image quality compared to lower megapixel competitors needs further evaluation.

Ultimately, the Honor Magic6 Pro is a strong contender for users seeking a well-rounded flagship experience. However, if you prioritize a flawless display, a bloatware-free software experience, or the absolute best low-light camera performance, you might find other options more suitable.