Honor has announced that the Magic 8 Pro flagship is now able to access the first Android 17 Beta, making it the first device in the Honor lineup to get hands-on with the new software generation.
The Magic 8 Pro launched globally with MagicOS 10.0 based on Android 16, and it now takes the lead as the first Honor device to venture into Android 17 territory. At this stage, the beta is aimed at developers and tech enthusiasts — it isn’t open to general users.
The purpose of the beta access is straightforward: give developers the tools to explore the new OS, test how their apps behave on Android 17, improve application performance, and evaluate how well the latest Android 17 features integrate with the hardware. Once they’ve put the software through its paces, developers can share their findings on Honor’s global X page, covering anything from bugs and stability issues to performance observations and feature feedback — all of which feeds into refining the eventual public release.
Honor’s official message to developers was clear: “Get ready! Android 17 Beta is now available for all developers on #HONORMagic8Pro! We are excited to hear your thoughts on the new features. Share your experience.”
As for what Android 17 actually brings, the developer beta includes a range of additions across productivity, customization, AI, camera, and privacy. Multitasking gets a boost through floating bubbles that can now be minimized and reopened independently for individual apps. On the camera side, the new RAW14 image format is set to enhance the AiMAGE experience with improvements to image processing, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Other additions include a customizable UI for a tidier home screen, a redesigned Photo picker with multiple layout options, and updates to the Quick Settings panel, among other changes.
Hands-on testing of the Honor 600 over a full week raises questions about dropping thousands on flagships. This year’s Honor 600 lineup includes both standard and Pro models, but availability tilts heavily toward the base Honor 600 over the pricier Pro variant in most markets. Practical experience suggests sticking with the cheaper option makes sense for many buyers.
The Honor 600 shares the Pro’s slim-bezel 8,000-nit OLED screen, oversized battery, and rugged design with IP69K rating for drop and crush resistance. With electronics prices climbing sharply, holding onto older phones feels tempting, yet the Honor 600 stands out as a mid-range contender that could change minds. Testing shows it matches or beats rivals in build and certain specs.
DC dimming, 3840Hz PWM dimming, AI defocus, motion sickness relief, ultra dark mode, low blue light, personalized contrast
Processor
Snapdragon 7 Gen 4
RAM
8GB, 12GB
Storage
256GB, 512GB
Rear Cameras
200MP (wide) + 12MP (ultra-wide + macro), color temperature sensor
Front Camera
50MP
Battery
6,800mAh global (7,000mAh China only)
Charging
80W wired, 27W reverse wired, no wireless charging
Build
Matte metal frame, composite fiber back
IP Rating
IP68, IP69, IP69K
Weight
185g
Dimensions
156 × 74.7 × 7.8 mm
Colors
Black, Golden White (our review unit), Orange
The IP69K construction ensures durability while keeping a polished appearance over time. An AI button sits below the power key on the right edge, doubling as a customizable camera shutter. The aesthetic echoes the iPhone 17 but swaps Apple’s stark finish for refined elegance. The camera bump uses a distinct composite with a pearlescent, semi-transparent glow against the matte rear panel. Flat edges feel off, though the brushed aluminum texture redeems them. At a compact size and 190g weight, the phone took adjustment but proved refreshing.
The standout element remains the near-bezelless display with the industry’s first sub-1mm bezel at a uniform 0.98mm all around. A mid-ranger claiming this milestone feels unexpected. The true 10-bit panel avoids dithering and packs eye-care tools like DC dimming, 3840Hz PWM, motion sickness reduction, defocus mode, and personalized contrast checks. Full color tweaks cover saturation, contrast, and more options often skipped by others.
Honor rates peak brightness at 8,000 nits in a limited area. HDR tests hit around 3,000 nits routinely, outshining even Samsung flagships at 2,600 nits. Performance jumps 40 percent over the Honor 400 in Geekbench and 3DMark benchmarks.
Despite its slim profile and light 190g build, a 6,800mAh battery (7,000mAh in China) delivers multi-day endurance. Charging at 60W adds convenience. Haptics disappoint as usual for Honor—weak enough to disable entirely, though this remains the main drawback.
Honor pushes AI hard via the side key, which triggers contextual tools on long press for screen-specific actions like screenshot-to-notes in AI memories. Gallery upgrades include AI Photo to Video V2.0, turning up to three images plus a prompt into 3-8 second clips.
Such gimmicks entertain but rarely prove essential—authenticity in photos and videos holds more appeal, even if execution impresses. Moving Photo Eraser refines object removal while preserving motion in photos, matching top magic eraser tools. Moving Photo Breakout Collage blends stills and motion shots into shareable layouts that shine on social media.
The 200MP main sensor produces sharp images with solid dynamic range and true-to-life colors. Zoom lacks detail natively, but AI kicks in past 6x to sharpen results effectively, filling gaps left by absent telephoto lenses. Availability proves inconsistent, with no toggle option—users can disable it outright if needed. Motion handling ranks high for the segment, trailing only Honor flagships.
The Honor 600 builds smartly on the 400 series and holds strong value barring post-launch hikes. It leads mid-rangers in screen, durability, and stamina while challenging flagships selectively. Google, Nothing, and Samsung compete closely, yet Honor edges them on core elements. Rivals promise extra software years, but at this tier, Honor’s reliable updates, battery prowess, fast charging, tough build, and screen comfort tip the scales.
Honor is rolling out a new MagicOS 10 update to the Magic 7 series, introducing a range of YOYO AI features alongside broader system improvements. The April 2026 update is now being pushed to devices, with the Magic 7 lineup among the first to receive the firmware.
This release focuses heavily on AI enhancements while also refining the Honor Connect app. Honor has made changes across multiple parts of the system, including the Magic Capsule, home screen, and lock screen. The update also improves overall system stability and strengthens device security.
A key highlight is the expanded YOYO AI functionality. In the Magic Capsule, Honor has added a new “meal pickup code” tool that notifies users when it’s time to collect an order and displays the associated delivery code.
The update also introduces an “Ask YOYO” option within the screenshot interface. Users can upload a screenshot and ask questions about its content, making it easier to extract information directly from images.
Another addition allows users to convert images into documents in just a few steps, further extending the assistant’s practical capabilities.
The update is arriving as MagicOS version 10.0.0.150 for the Honor Magic 7 series.
YOYO AI Features
YOYO Suggestions & Smart Capsule now support meal pickup code reminders, providing users with a smart and convenient meal pickup experience.
Turn on Meal Pickup Code Reminder and Automatic Meal Pickup Code Recognition.
YOYO now features a new wake-up screen with a Q&A feature, supporting fingertip selection of screen content for Q&A, text selection for copying and translation, and AI image recognition and interpretation, enhancing your ease of use and usability.
The screenshot feature now includes an “Ask YOYO” feature, allowing users to wake up YOYO with a single click and upload a screenshot for easy content recognition, Q&A, and other operations.
Added YOYO’s photo-to-document feature, allowing users to convert images into editable Word, Excel, and PPT documents with a single click. It highly preserves the accuracy and structural integrity of the original text, achieving a “what you see is what you get” experience, making mobile office work more convenient and efficient.
Added YOYO Helper, supporting simultaneous audio and text recording during online/offline meetings. It can assist with Q&A and provide intelligent reminders during the meeting, and intelligently generate meeting minutes afterward.
System smooth
Added a customizable app transition animation feature, offering three levels of smoothness: gentle, stable, and efficient, allowing you to customize the smooth experience to your liking.
Optimized the real-time blur effect when launching and exiting desktop applications, making your user experience smoother and more fluid.
Home Screen
Added an auto-align icon feature for a neater layout. Access it via: Settings > Desktop & Personalization > Desktop Settings > Auto-align Icons
Added support for one-click folder creation across multiple applications; long-pressing a folder on the desktop allows for one-click unpacking, making folder organization more convenient.
Added support for batch removal and uninstallation of applications, making desktop management more efficient.
Theme
Added a new status bar skinning feature, allowing you to freely change the status bar icon style and personalize your phone’s interface.
Lock screen
Added support for customizable lock screen widgets, providing one-click access to frequently used functions for both convenience and personalization.
Added support for custom fingerprint styles, allowing you to freely combine the lock screen fingerprint icon and fingerprint animation to create your own personalized unlocking experience.
Several new AI services have been added, supporting features such as song recognition, AI subtitles, Honor Any Door, and YOYO Notes, making your daily operations more convenient and efficient.
Honor Connect
Added cross-device file management for Mac, allowing you to easily browse, download, and manage pictures, videos, and other files from your phone on your Mac. Say goodbye to cumbersome transfers and enjoy efficiency and convenience.
Added a new iPhone hotspot feature. After connecting your Honor phone and iPhone, you can easily connect to your phone’s personal hotspot from your iPhone, eliminating cumbersome setup and making internet access more convenient.
Enjoy the bass
Added support for multiple apps, including 29 apps such as Red Fruit Free Short Drama, CCTV News, and Valorant.
Honor Smart Space
Added support for creating and managing multiple pet health records, and supports 24-hour AI-powered pet consultation, providing pet health reports and treatment suggestions to protect your pet’s health.
Power consumption
Optimize power consumption in certain scenarios.
Stability
Improved system stability and optimized some third-party app crashes and unresponsiveness issues, making your phone run more stably.
Security Patch
Includes the Android March 2026 security patch to enhance system security.
The global smartphone market had a rough start to 2026 – but Honor didn’t get the memo. New data from Counterpoint Research shows Honor shipments grew 25% year-over-year in Q1 2026, making it the only smartphone brand besides Apple to post positive growth in a quarter where the overall market contracted 6%.
Apple led all brands with a 5% YoY increase, buoyed by strong iPhone 17 series demand and the budget-friendly iPhone 17e. Honor followed close behind — a remarkable result for a brand still expanding its global footprint.
What’s driving Honor’s momentum?
The Magic 8 series has been a key growth engine, but Honor’s boldest move came at MWC 2026: the debut of its ROBOT PHONE, which generated significant buzz and positioned the brand at the cutting edge of smartphone innovation.
“Q1 2026 was a big win for Honor,” said Guan Haitao Thomas, Global CMO at Honor. The numbers back him up.
The rest of the field
Samsung holds 20% market share but saw shipments fall 6%. Xiaomi dropped from 14% to 12% market share — a 19% year-over-year decline. OPPO and Vivo round out the top five. Counterpoint flagged ongoing pressure from DRAM and NAND memory chip shortages, combined with weak consumer demand, as headwinds the entire industry must navigate in the months ahead.
What’s next for Honor?
The company isn’t slowing down. Honor is preparing to launch its 600 series and will unveil its “N Series Elevated” lineup next week, promising several flagship-tier upgrades. In a market defined by consolidation and decline, Honor is moving in the opposite direction.
The first batch of teasers for the Honor 600 Series was just released by HONOR, and the message is immediately apparent. The four pillars being emphasized ahead of the worldwide debut are ultra-thin design, long battery life, flagship processor, and AI-enhanced night photography.
It’s difficult to overlook the timing of this next generation of the HONOR N Series, which coincides with a larger movement in the industry.
Key Points
HONOR 600 Series teasers confirm four key features: ultra-thin build, endurance, night photography, and flagship-grade AI imaging
The series represents the next chapter of the HONOR N Series lineup, targeting the accessible flagship segment
Counterpoint Research highlights a growing industry shift toward AI-integrated accessible flagships following MWC Barcelona 2026
Rising smartphone prices are pushing consumers to demand clearer upgrade value — HONOR is positioning the 600 Series as that answer
Full specs, pricing, and global launch date have not been revealed alongside the teaser campaign
One clear direction for the series
The combination of ultra-thin and long battery life may seem straightforward, but it is actually very challenging to engineer. The cell will have less physical space if the chassis is thinner. Although the exact dimensions and capacity statistics will demonstrate that when the entire announcement happens, HONOR leading with both shows they’ve addressed that trade-off rather than merely claiming it.
A significant investment in camera gear is indicated by the main feature of night photography. Furthermore, AI imaging skills suggest that computational photography will be able to do more than just apply a beauty filter. The flagship processor that powers everything ensures that there is no performance impact associated with AI processing.
What consumers wants
The phrasing of Counterpoint’s MWC 2026 study is worth considering. All smartphone manufacturers are raising their prices; in recent weeks, we have covered several of them. The “accessible flagship” market becomes more competitive and valuable at the same time when component costs drive up the mid-range and budget tiers.
It’s no coincidence that HONOR placed the 600 Series at that precise spot. There are fewer reliable solutions available to consumers who desire next-generation chipsets and appropriate AI features but cannot afford ultra-premium flagship price. It’s obvious that the 600 Series is being developed to close that gap.
What’s missing
Teasers provide information. Price, chipset name, display specifications, camera sensor specifics, and battery capacity are not disclosed. That’s all still to come. Additionally, the timing of the global rollout has not been guaranteed.
HONOR is treating the 600 Series as a market statement rather than a subtle mid-range update, as the first round of posters confirms. That intention is reflected in the campaign’s enthusiasm.
Let’s be real: if you saw the Honor Watch X5i on someone’s wrist, you’d probably assume it was an Apple Watch. Same silhouette, same vibe. But while Apple’s version will set you back $329, Honor’s take costs just 229 yuan — around $33. And somehow, it still brings a lot to the table.
Watch X5i design and display
The similarities to Apple’s wearable are obvious, and Honor clearly wasn’t shy about the inspiration. The casing is plastic, which helps keep the weight down to a barely-there 28.1 grams (41.4 with the strap). The AMOLED display is sharp at 450 x 390 pixels, smooth at 60 Hz, and backed by over 180 watch faces if you like switching things up.
Battery life stretches to three weeks under normal use — genuinely impressive at any price. Flip on always-on display and that drops to around six days, which is still perfectly respectable.
Features and health tracking
Don’t expect Apple Watch levels of performance. The X5i runs a modest processor with an RTOS, so the app ecosystem is limited and raw speed isn’t its strong suit. But for everyday use, it covers the basics well — heart rate, SpO2, stress, sleep, and cycle tracking are all here, alongside 109 sport modes ranging from cycling to, yes, darts.
You can also take calls directly from your wrist through your phone, and it works with both Android and iPhone.
Durability
One area where corners were clearly cut: water resistance sits at just 1 ATM. That’s fine for rain and a shower, but don’t think about taking it swimming. IP68 certification covers the dust and splash protection side of things.
Price and availability
Right now the X5i is only confirmed for China at 229 yuan (~$33). No word yet on international release dates or pricing.
For the initial batch of devices, Honor will start distributing new lock screen widgets today. The company has formally declared that a new version of the MagicOS smartphones would have intriguing additions and modifications in the near future.
The business will release new lock screen widgets for Honor devices running MagicOS 10.0.0.150, according to official information. The MagicOS 10.0.0126 build version will provide customers of Magic V6 foldables with the most recent improvements.
According to the business, the new lock screen widgets will be installed on the initial batch of devices on April 1st. Later on, the new modifications will be applied to the other devices.
“First of all, thank you for your continued attention to the lock screen widgets. This feature will be supported in MagicOS version 10.0.0.150 in April and will be rolled out to everyone gradually. We will answer your questions in advance.”
Additional information indicates that more than 20 lock screen widgets will be supported by the initial batch of smartphones. Real-time weather, air quality, UV index, timetable, alarm clock, YOYO (a fitness app), battery level, WeChat, and Alipay capabilities are all included in the list.
Users can try upgrading the relevant app, such as the clock, weather, and others, if a widget is absent from the settings or widget panel. Additionally, the lower left corner of the screen displays the step count statistics and other health-related information.
According to Honor, the official software team moved the lock screen step count to a unique step count widget and improved the overall visual appeal.
The business also stated that it will keep considering user input and offer more crucial widgets in the future. Currently, Honor Music, Notes, Calculator, Voice Recorder, Timer, and Stopwatch are among the widgets being developed. Third-party widgets might soon be added to the lock screen as well.
According to reports, the Honor Magic V6 foldable has earned a 3C certification and disclosed a few key features. The most recent listing clarifies if the forthcoming flagship smartphone will actually have the biggest battery to date or whether this is simply a rumor.
ExperienceThe Honor Magic V6 has many upshifts (new changes) this time, according to more Weibo tipsters. from a large folding mechanism to a number of recognizable features.
The informant added that the Honor Magic V6 passed the 3C certification. He posted two pictures that showed the device’s battery specifications.
Honor Magic V6 passed the 3C certification
Honor intends to seed a premium battery pack in the highest storage variant based on the 3C data. It has two batteries—2320mAh and 4680mAh—and a rating of about 7000mAh, with an average value of 7150mAh.
This deal appears to be fairly strong and is almost $1,000 more than the Magic V5 model from the previous generation. Other storage models will probably include a 6700mAh battery pack, with a typical value of 6850mAh, according to the tipster.
The Magic V6, which has the biggest battery capacity to date, is expected to launch as a formidable competitor in the foldable market, according to early leaks. This is further supported by the current listing. For this gadget, Honor might also employ innovative battery technology.
And here’s some positive news! Honor has revealed that the ROBOT PHONE and the Magic V6 foldable will make their worldwide debut at the MWC 2026 event.
Along with the gadgets’ primary features and important specifications, the business will provide an official look at them. It will also reveal information about its next AI-powered innovations and other plans to promote sustainable growth.
Earlier in October, Honor unveiled its flagship Magic8 series of smartphones, which includes the Magic8 and Magic8 Pro. According to reports, it now intends to expand the roster with another gadget. The phone was supposedly going to be released under the name Honor Magic8 Mini. It is possible, nevertheless, that the business will launch the gadget as the Magic 8 Air. A tipster has supplied an allegedly leaked photograph of the Honor Magic 8 Air (or Magic8 Air), which has revealed its potential design, even though there hasn’t been an official announcement yet.
Honor Magic 8 Air design surfaces in fresh leak images
The Honor Magic 8 Air will have a sizable horizontal camera island if the leaked image is accurate. It resembles the Google Pixel 10 series in terms of design. According to the leaked images, it will have a brushed aluminum rear. It’s important to note that this picture is only a render, therefore the real Honor Magic 8 Air can have a different design.
Along with the power key and volume rocker, the device will also have a third physical button on the right side, according to the leaked render. Similar to the key on the previous Magic 8 series devices, there can be a specific key to activate the AI assistant.
Thicker, but lighter than the iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge
In addition to the design, the source disclosed information about the weight and thickness of the Honor Magic 8 Air. The Magic 8 Air will have a waist circumference of 6.3mm, according to the tipster. In actuality, it will be thicker than the Galaxy S25 Edge (5.8mm) and iPhone Air (5.6mm). The phone will, however, be lighter than its competitors. Compared to the 165 grams of the iPhone Air and the 162 grams of the Galaxy S25 Edge, it will only weigh 158 grams.
Li Kun, the product manager of Honor, has also posted a picture that compares the Magic 8 Air to the iPhone Air on a scale. It demonstrates the Magic 8 Air’s superior weight over the iPhone Air.
According to reports, it would have a 6.31-inch screen. The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor might be used to power it. A massive 5,500mAh battery with 80W fast charging, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, a 200MP primary camera, and a 50MP telephoto lens are possible further highlights.
Magic 8 Air is anticipated to be released by Honor in the first quarter of 2026. Additionally, it will compete with the Galaxy S26 Edge, which is also anticipated to launch at the same time.
Recently, Honor has been quite focused about batteries. The company’s new Win series phones, which have remarkably big 10,000mAh batteries, may be familiar to you if you’ve been keeping up with recent releases. These are high-end smartphones featuring Snapdragon 8-series processors.
With its new mid-range phone, Power 2, the business is adopting a similar strategy. Unexpectedly, it also has an even larger battery.
The Power 2’s casing is only 7.98mm thick and contains a slightly larger 10,080mAh battery. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro is 8.8mm and does not even have a 5,000mAh battery. At just 216 grams, it is also not very hefty.
In addition to supporting 80W wired charge, the battery also provides 27W reverse charging.
Honor Power 2 Specifications
The phone’s big 6.79-inch OLED LTPS flat display, which has a 1.5K resolution of 2600 x 1200 pixels, is located up front. Additionally, the screen’s 3,840Hz PWM dimming and maximum brightness of 8,000 nits are advertised.
The gadget is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 8500 Elite processor, which is combined with UFS 4.1 storage and LPDDR5x RAM. Honor says that the Dimensity 8500, a new mobile processor, has more than 2.4 million AnTuTu points.
Additionally, the Power 2 receives a respectable pair of camera configurations. A 5MP ultra-wide camera and a 50MP primary sensor with OIS are located on the back. On the other hand, the front has a 16MP camera. The Power 2’s operating system is Android 16 with a layer of MagicOS 10.
A metal frame, two speakers, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and an exceptionally thorough durability rating with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications are further highlights. Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, IR blaster compatibility, and sophisticated satellite location are among the connectivity possibilities.
The Honor Power 2’s 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model costs 2,699 CNY (about $385), while the 512GB model costs 2,999 CNY (around $430). Phantom Black, Snowfield White, and Rising Sun Orange are the possible colors for the phone.
