The HONOR Magic8 Pro is another new flagship contender in the 200MP camera smartphone scene this year, promising sharp and clear photos even at night with its 200MP Ultra Night Telephoto Camera, actively challenging the status quo of smartphone photography thanks to the brand's attractive pricing and hardware quality ratio.
After putting this triple-camera system through its paces, it's clear that HONOR, known as a value-for-money tech brand, has engineered something just as noteworthy as its pricier competitors, ensuring it captures details worthy of fawning over.
Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
Table of Contents
Triple-Camera Setup: Serious Hardware
At the heart of the Magic8 Pro's photographic prowess is a formidable triple-camera array. Notably highlighted by HONOR themselves is the 50MP Ultra Night Main Camera that leads the charge with a wide f/1.6 aperture paired with Optical Image Stabilization, promising strong low-light capability and sharp handheld shots. Complementing it is a 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera that captures an expansive 122° field of view, ideal for landscapes and architectural photography where you need to fit more into the frame.
But the real star of the show is undoubtedly that 200MP Ultra Night Telephoto Camera—a sensor that HONOR Magic8 Pro promotes as its main star in a crowded flagship market.
Industry-Leading Stabilization: CIPA 5.5-Level Performance
How HONOR distinguishes the Magic8 Pro's telephoto capabilities isn't just the megapixel count, but its stabilization technology. HONOR claims the 200MP telephoto achieves a CIPA 5.5-level of stabilization with OIS, a rating that matches DSLR camera image stabilization performance according to the Camera & Imaging Products Association's testing standards.
For context, typical smartphone OIS systems range between CIPA 3.0 to 4.0 levels, making the Magic8 Pro's claimed 5.5-level stabilization genuinely impressive on paper. In practical terms, this means you should be able to capture sharp telephoto shots at slower shutter speeds without the dreaded blur from hand shake—crucial when shooting distant subjects or in challenging lighting conditions.
This stabilization prowess becomes particularly useful when you're shooting at maximum zoom or in low-light scenarios where the camera needs longer exposures to gather sufficient light. The combination of high-resolution sensors and advanced stabilization suggests HONOR is targeting photography enthusiasts who want DSLR-like capabilities in a pocketable form factor.
And even if you aren't shooting at night, the stabilization bodes well for macro shots, as of our photo samples below.
Ultra Night Performance: Low-Light Optimisation
HONOR has branded both the main camera and telephoto as "Ultra Night" sensors, signaling their clear intent to be highly-suggested for low-light photography performance. The main camera's f/1.6 aperture is also among the widest available on flagship smartphones, allowing more light to hit the sensor—essential for reducing noise and maintaining detail when shooting in dimly lit environments.
When combined with the stabilization systems across all three cameras, the Magic8 Pro should theoretically deliver clean, detailed night shots without requiring a tripod. The 200MP telephoto's Ultra Night branding is particularly intriguing, as telephoto cameras typically struggle more in low light due to their narrower apertures and smaller sensors.
Computational Photography Enhancements
Beyond pure hardware specifications, the Magic8 Pro incorporates AI-driven editing capabilities designed to enhance your photos post-capture. The device introduces a new Magic Color filter feature, though HONOR hasn't detailed exactly how this computational photography tool functions. Based on similar features from other manufacturers, it likely uses machine learning to intelligently adjust color profiles, contrast, and vibrancy based on scene detection.
These AI tools increasingly blur the line between photography and computational imaging—a trend that defines modern smartphone cameras. While purists might prefer minimal processing, these features can help casual users achieve professional-looking results without technical expertise.
The Verdict: A Telephoto Powerhouse
The HONOR Magic8 Pro's camera system represents a serious statement of intent, particularly for users who prioritize telephoto and low-light photography. The combination of 200MP resolution, industry-leading CIPA 5.5-level stabilization, and Ultra Night branding across multiple sensors suggests this device could punch well above its weight in the flagship camera phone arena.
In our books, though the portrait effects performed generally well, at times the system did not manage to process it right (see below).
Of course, specifications only tell part of the story. Real-world performance—including image processing, color accuracy, dynamic range, and consistency across lighting conditions—will ultimately determine whether the Magic8 Pro's impressive hardware translates into genuinely excellent photographs. Still, on paper at least, HONOR has assembled the components needed for a compelling camera phone experience.
For photography enthusiasts seeking a smartphone that doesn't compromise on telephoto capabilities, the Magic8 Pro deserves serious consideration.
Stay tuned for updates on its official pricing and launch in Malaysia! Also, stay updated with ProductNation on here, Instagram & TikTok as well.
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