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Honor Debuts AI-Infused Phone, High-End Tablet at Mobile World Congress

The Magic 6 Pro goes all-in on AI, the 12.1-inch Honor Pad 9 tablet gets a 120Hz refresh rate, and the Magic 6 RSR handset takes design cues from Porsche race cars. We took an early look.

 & Eric Zeman Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics
 & Sarah Lord Mobile Writer
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(Credit: Eric Zeman)

BARCELONA—Honor unveiled a whole range of fresh products, including two new phones and a tablet, at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

“We are delighted to announce the global launch of the new Honor smartphones and AI PC, which truly revolutionize the user experience with industry-leading AI capabilities while breaking boundaries in human-device interaction,” George Zhao, the CEO of Honor said in a press release. At its event in Barcelona, the company, and Zhao specifically, was very excited about the new products.


Magic 6 Pro: AI Meets Advanced Cameras

First up is the 6.8-inch Honor Magic 6 Pro, the company’s latest flagship phone. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile processor, an OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a large 5,600mAh battery, wired charging at up to 80 watts (W), and wireless charging at up to 66W.

(Credit: Eric Zeman)

The highlight of Honor’s latest camera system is the huge, optically stabilized 180MP f/2.6 telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom. The imaging stack also includes a 50MP f/2.0 ultra-wide camera with electronic image stabilization and a 50MP main camera with an f/1.4-2.0 variable aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS).

AI powers a lot of the imaging experience. For instance, the cameras rely on the company’s predictive, AI-based Motion Sensing Capture algorithm to help you photograph fast action such as sports, martial arts, and dancing. 

AI also plays a major role in the Android-based MagicOS 8.0 operating system. Here, it helps users navigate through apps more efficiently. As an example, the system can recognize addresses in text messages and direct you to Google Maps accordingly. Furthermore, it allows for image-based shopping experiences that lead you to the app or platforms where you can make a purchase.

The Magic 6 Pro will be available in ?Black or Epi Green. Honor listed the price at 1,299 Euros.

In the few moments that we had to spend with the device, we can say that it is of very high quality. The glass and metal frame are fitted together precisely and the large camera module in the rear panel is particularly well done. The display was outstanding under the harsh light of the event space and everything about the user interface felt quick and smooth. We did not get an opportunity to test the AI features that Honor spent so much of its keynote address talking about.


Magic 6 RSR: Ready to Race

Next, Honor introduced the Porsche Design version of the Magic 6, called the Magic 6 RSR. This phone, like the previously announced Porsche Design Honor Magic V2 RSR foldable, looks to Porsche race cars for design inspiration. In line with that initiative, the Magic 6 RSR sports a centered camera module within a geometric structure. We don't yet have color, pricing, or release date details for the phone, however.


Honor Pad 9 and MagicBook 16 Pro: Bigger Screens for Sharing

Finally, the company announced the 12.1-inch Honor Pad 9 tablet, along with the MagicBook 16 Pro laptop. The Honor Pad 9 has a 2.5K display with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. It also includes an eight-speaker audio system for enhanced sound quality. Honor plans to sell it in Space Grey or Cyan Lake (turquoise), though pricing is not yet available.

(Credit: Eric Zeman)

Like the Magic 6 Pro, the Honor MagicBook 16 Pro focuses on AI and cross-platform integration. It has a 13th-gen Intel Core processor and offers up to 1TB of storage to make sharing and synchronizing materials across Honor devices easy. It comes in White or Midnight Black, though pricing remains unknown.

Stay tuned for more news out of MWC and check out our favorite products from MWC 2023 if you haven't already.

About Our Experts

Eric Zeman

Eric Zeman

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I’m PCMag’s Managing Editor for Consumer Electronics content, overseeing an experienced team of reviewers and product testers. I’ve been covering technology for more than 25 years. Prior to PCMag, I worked at outlets such as Android Authority, Fortune, InformationWeek, and Phonescoop. 

The Technology I Use

My main tool for getting work done is a 14-inch MacBook Pro. It’s a silent and fast machine with a good keyboard and excellent battery life. When I’m not using my laptop, you can find me working (and relaxing) with an iPad Pro. I’ve come to rely on its 5G data connection when traveling, which makes it an essential part of my workflow. 

I consider myself an audiophile. That means my office and living room audio setups are total overkill, featuring advanced receivers, turntables, and Polk Audio speakers complete with subwoofers for the best possible sound, whether I’m listening to music or watching movies. My favorite earphones for private listening are the Sony WF-1000XM6.

When on the go, I typically use an iPhone 17 Pro Max for photos, but I don’t need much of an excuse to pull out my Sony mirrorless for high-resolution photography—especially when shooting sports. 

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Sarah Lord

Sarah Lord

Mobile Writer

My Experience

I’m a mobile writer at PCMag, which means I cover wireless phones, plans, tablets, ereaders, and a whole lot more. I’ve written countless reviews and have appeared in numerous videos discussing the latest technology. I’ve always loved it and have been forming opinions on consumer electronics since childhood. Prior to joining PCMag, I covered TVs and home entertainment at CNET, served as the tech and electronics reviews fellow at Insider, and began my career by writing laptop reviews as an intern at Tom's Hardware. I am also a professional actor with credits in film, television, and theater, and membership in both SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity Association.

The Technology I Use

I’ve been an Apple fan for a long time. I use an iPhone 14 Pro, and I don’t plan to upgrade any time soon. I like to hold on to my phones for a few years. Maybe I'll upgrade if Apple sells a flip phone.

I use two different Apple computers in my daily life. I recently bought a maxed-out 15-inch MacBook Air for work and other activities. Despite my brand-new computer, I can’t quit using my 2012 MacBook Pro. It still works flawlessly and houses my large collection of ebooks. When traveling, I often use my 10.5-inch iPad Pro and Logitech keyboard case for streaming television and light internet use.

But my favorite piece of tech is my Kindle Paperwhite. I use it every day and it comes with me wherever I go. I read both physical and digital books, but the Paperwhite is currently my favorite ereader.

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