Tag: honor

  • Honor MagicBook X14 Pro 2025: Ultra-Light 3.1K Laptop Launch

    Honor MagicBook X14 Pro 2025: Ultra-Light 3.1K Laptop Launch

    Honor is reportedly working on a new 14-inch laptop that could share the same lightweight and slim design as the current MagicBook X14 Plus 2025, which measures 15.9mm in thickness and weighs 1.34kg.

    Features and Specs

    This upcoming model is expected to include the Multi-Screen Collaboration feature, enabling users to connect their Magic7 Pro smartphone to share screens. It may also come equipped with an Intel Core 200H-series processor, enhancing its performance capabilities.

    Display Upgrade

    However, the anticipated laptop might feature a display with a resolution of 3.1K, an improvement from the 2.8K resolution found in the Plus model and the 2.2K resolution of the earlier MagicBook X 14 Pro 2023. The screen is expected to provide “professional” color accuracy along with new “Oasis” eye health benefits.

    Design and Launch

    The leak regarding the “MagicBook X14 Pro 2025” suggests it may be available in a white color option, in addition to the existing Light Sea Blue and Starry Sky Gray colors of the Plus. It is also believed to maintain Honor’s strong focus on performance tuning and battery longevity, as mentioned by the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, and is expected to be revealed “soon.”

    Considering its features and price point of around ~$1,100, the “X14 Pro 2025” could serve as an attractive alternative to the MacBook Air, particularly in markets like China in the near future.

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  • Honor CEO Resigns as MagicOS 9.0 Lunar New Year Edition Launches

    Honor CEO Resigns as MagicOS 9.0 Lunar New Year Edition Launches

    Honor has recently launched its newest Android smartphones, including the premium Magic7 Pro and 7 RSR, in the global market. However, this appears to be the last major product release for Zhao Ming, also known as George Zhao, as the CEO of the company.

    Zhao’s Departure

    The company’s board has accepted Zhao’s resignation, which he states was for personal reasons and not an easy choice. Since 2015, he has guided Honor through its significant public separation from Huawei and has played a key role in re-establishing the brand as a notable player in the personal device market. Zhao aimed to compete with giants like Apple while avoiding trends like camera co-branding.

    New Leadership

    In recognition of Zhao’s “outstanding contributions,” Honor has announced that Jian Li will take over as CEO. Jian Li has a history with Huawei, which adds an interesting twist to the leadership change. Honor promises to keep offering innovative products and experiences to users worldwide under this new management.

    MagicOS 9.0 Update

    To celebrate the Lunar New Year in China, Honor has also introduced a new update for MagicOS 9.0. This update includes an anti-travel sickness display feature, unique Spring Festival photo watermarks, lockscreens, and improvements for telephoto lenses on compatible devices.

    However, this update is limited to a select range of smartphones, including all models in the Magic7, Magic6, Magic5, Honor 300 (including the new Ultra variant), and Honor 200 series.

    Source:
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  • Honor CEO Zhao Ming Resigns; Former Huawei Exec Takes Charge

    Honor CEO Zhao Ming Resigns; Former Huawei Exec Takes Charge

    In a surprising change, Zhao Ming, the CEO of Honor, has resigned due to health issues. The board has selected Li Jian, a former Huawei executive with a lot of experience, to take over as the new CEO.

    Zhao Ming’s Impact at Honor

    Zhao Ming, who worked at Huawei for 17 years, was key to Honor’s achievements. He took charge of the brand in 2015 and guided it to become the leading online mobile phone brand in China for several quarters in a row. Under his direction, Honor not only surpassed Samsung to become the top mobile phone brand in Russia by the end of 2019 but also secured the second position in the Chinese smartphone market in 2020.

    Challenges and Resilience

    However, the company’s path changed drastically in November 2020 due to US sanctions against Huawei. This led to Huawei selling its Honor business unit, with Zhao Ming becoming the CEO of the newly independent Honor Terminal Co., Ltd. Despite these hurdles, under Zhao Ming’s leadership, Honor quickly established its own R&D, product development, supply chain, and market systems in just four months. The Honor V40 was launched as the first product post-separation in January.

    Future Directions with Li Jian

    Honor also made significant progress towards an initial public offering (IPO) by completing its shareholding reform and rebranding itself as Honor Device Co., Ltd. by the end of 2024. The smartphone market in China remains highly competitive. Data from Canalys indicates that Vivo holds a 17% market share in 2024, while Huawei has shown a strong comeback with a year-on-year growth of 37%. Apple, OPPO, and Honor follow in third, fourth, and fifth place, with Honor holding a 15% market share.

    Li Jian, the newly appointed CEO, comes with a rich background from his long service at Huawei, where he was involved in major strategic changes and played a significant role in key business challenges. His skills in strategic management and international operations will be crucial for Honor as it moves ahead.

    Source:
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  • Honor Magic7 Pro: Global Launch with Pre-Order Discounts and Bundles

    Honor Magic7 Pro: Global Launch with Pre-Order Discounts and Bundles

    The Magic7 Pro has made its way to Europe and the UK, though it comes with some changes compared to the version released in China at the end of October. To summarize, Honor has replaced the Magic6 Pro (currently priced at $818 on Amazon) with a new device featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 5,850 mAh silicon-carbon (Si/C) battery, and a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen.

    Changes in Battery and Display

    While Qualcomm’s most recent flagship display remains unchanged, the 5,850 mAh Si/C battery has been swapped out for a smaller 5,270 mAh version. This new battery still supports 80 W wireless charging and 100 W wired charging. The large, curved display continues to offer a 2,800 x 1,280-pixel native resolution, along with impressive brightness levels of 1,600 nits for the full panel and 5,000 nits at peak, plus a PWM dimming frequency of 4,320 Hz.

    Camera Features

    The Magic7 Pro has also launched in other regions with the same camera system. Honor aims to differentiate this device from its flagship rivals by featuring a 50 MP primary camera with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and a variable aperture ranging from f/1.4 to f/2.0. Additionally, it sports a 50 MP front camera, a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 200 MP telephoto camera, which offers 3x optical zoom despite Honor promoting “AI Super Zoom” capabilities of up to 100x.

    Pricing and Offers

    The Magic7 Pro is now available in Europe and the UK, starting at €1,299 and £1,099.99, respectively. Notably, Honor is offering a complimentary MagicPad 2 tablet in the UK, while customers in the Eurozone will receive a €300 discount along with a 100 W wired charger. The company is also providing a £300 early bird voucher in the UK. For complete launch information, you can visit Honor’s official website.

    Source:
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  • Honor Earbuds Open: AI Translation, ANC, Spatial Audio, 22h Playtime

    Honor Earbuds Open: AI Translation, ANC, Spatial Audio, 22h Playtime

    Honor has recently unveiled its Magic 7 Pro series in Malaysia, following the initial launch in China last year. Along with the smartphone, the company has also rolled out a new set of earbuds known as the Honor Earbuds Open.

    Pricing and Availability

    While the earbuds are currently listed on Hong Kong’s official website, their pricing has not been revealed there. In Malaysia, however, they are available for RM699 ($155). There are expectations that these earbuds will be introduced in other regions shortly. Now, let’s explore their main features.

    Key Features of Honor Earbuds Open

    The Honor Earbuds Open are designed to be lightweight and have a unique crescent shape made from food-grade silicone, ensuring comfort during wear. They incorporate a nickel-titanium memory alloy C-bridge, which provides durability and flexibility, making them ideal for long-term use and compatible for those who wear glasses. Each earbud measures 49.22 x 39.52 x 15.6 mm and weighs 7.9g, while the charging case is 80.44 x 61.02 x 20.45 mm and weighs 52.5g.

    These earbuds boast a 16mm multi-magnetic circuit dynamic driver equipped with a high-elastic TPU composite diaphragm and a titanium-plated dome tweeter that delivers a rich sound experience. They support spatial audio and carry an IP54 rating which makes them resistant to water and dust.

    Advanced Technology for Users

    One of the standout features of the Earbuds Open is their AI-driven real-time translation, catering to globetrotters and professionals alike. The “Shared Mode” allows for bilingual conversations, and the translation capability greatly enhances comprehension during lectures and meetings.

    The earbuds are also equipped with a triple-microphone hybrid active noise cancellation system, which effectively minimizes background noise during music playback and phone conversations. Furthermore, the AI Privacy Call feature reduces sound leakage, which is essential for maintaining privacy even in quiet settings.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    The Honor Earbuds Open utilize Bluetooth 5.2 technology, allowing for dual-device pairing that ensures stable connections and smooth audio transitions. The earbuds come with user-friendly touch controls, including double-tap, triple-tap, swipe, and long press for easy navigation.

    On battery life, users can expect up to 6 hours of playback from a single charge, extending to 22 hours when using the charging case. They support quick charging as well, with a mere 15-minute charge offering 2 hours of playback, while the case itself takes about 110 minutes to recharge fully.

    These earbuds are available in two attractive colors: Polar Gold and Polar Black.


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  • Next-Gen Honor MagicBook Set for Launch with Top Battery Life

    Next-Gen Honor MagicBook Set for Launch with Top Battery Life

    Honor’s previous Intel-based laptop was praised for being an “Ultra-Slim and Long Battery Life” machine, featuring a 60 watt-hour (Wh) battery. Now, it seems that the upcoming MagicBook Art 14’s successor is set to “achieve new heights” in these areas, as per insights from the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station.

    New Processor Expectations

    Additionally, the next version of the MagicBook is expected to launch with a “Core 5” processor, which includes updated Raptor Lake-U chips, instead of the Ultra 7 155H. This change is seen as a step toward a whole new range of Honor ultrabooks anticipated for release in 2025, promising significant improvements that many consumers are looking forward to.

    Upcoming Releases

    Meanwhile, the rumored successor to the Art 14 is expected to be unveiled alongside the Honor 300 series of mid-range smartphones. These smartphones may also feature larger batteries and redesigned camera bumps, adding to their appeal.

    Currently, the 2024 model of the MagicBook X16, powered by the i5-12450H, can be found on Amazon in India priced at INR 39,990 (around $474), which is a 49% discount from its original price. This model comes equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.

    Source: Link

  • Magic7 Pro Release Date and Pricing Details for Honor’s Flagship

    Magic7 Pro Release Date and Pricing Details for Honor’s Flagship

    Little over a month has gone by since Honor launched the Magic7 and Magic7 Pro in China. Similar to the Magic V3, it appears that Honor is taking its time to release its new flagship smartphone series to the rest of the world.

    European Release Plans

    According to @RODENT950, there’s news about the Magic7 Pro’s availability in Europe. Supposedly, Honor plans to introduce the device to European markets on January 27, just a few days after Samsung reveals the Galaxy S25 series globally, which will also feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset like the Magic7 Pro.

    Battery and Charging Features

    Interestingly, the Magic7 Pro is equipped with a 5,850 mAh battery that is capable of supporting 80 W wireless and 100 W wired charging. In comparison, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is anticipated to come with a 5,000 mAh battery and wired charging that maxes out at 45 W, which is a notable difference.

    Pricing and Specifications

    The Magic7 Pro boasts other premium features, such as a display with a brightness of 5,000 nits. Nevertheless, @RODENT950 suggests that Honor might price it at €1,399, at least before any launch discounts or special offers are taken into account. This price would put the Magic7 Pro at €100 more than its previous model, provided it features 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage as well.

    Source: Link,Link


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  • MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon: Lightweight Laptop with 120Hz OLED

    MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon: Lightweight Laptop with 120Hz OLED

    Over two months have gone by since we last heard about Honor’s initial laptop featuring the Snapdragon X. In that time, the company has begun launching newer versions of the Magic6 Pro (currently priced at $860 on Amazon) that come with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, but these are only available in China at the moment. Now, the original Snapdragon X laptop has been updated in a similar way.

    Recap of the MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon

    To refresh your memory, the MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon was introduced at IFA 2024 in Berlin. At that time, Honor stated that this laptop would use a Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 chipset and have a 14.6-inch OLED display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The screen resolution is 3,120 x 2,080 pixels and it supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Honor also claims that the display achieves a remarkable 97% screen-to-body ratio, all packed into a sleek body measuring 316.77 x 223.63 mm and only 11.5 mm thick at its slimmest part.

    Specifications and Features

    In addition, the MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon reportedly weighs around 1.02 kg, even with a 60 Wh battery that can be fully charged in just 98 minutes. The laptop is equipped with six speakers, three microphones, and supports Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. It also features ports like HDMI 2.1 TMDS (4K/60 Hz) and USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, which add to its versatility.

    As of now, the MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon can only be purchased in China. However, according to GSMArena, there are indications that Honor might soon expand its availability to other countries. For your reference, the MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon is sold for CNY 8,499 (about $1,179) in China and comes with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD. This means that the Snapdragon version is priced similarly to its Intel Core Ultra 5 125H-powered equivalent with the same memory specs. Sadly, details on pricing for other regions remain unclear for the time being.

    Honor via GSMArena.


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  • Honor Magic 7 Lite Design and Specs Leaked on Google Play Console

    Honor Magic 7 Lite Design and Specs Leaked on Google Play Console

    Honor’s Magic 7 series, which made its debut earlier this year in China, could soon welcome a new budget-friendly addition called the Magic 7 Lite. This speculation arose after the device appeared on the Google Play Supported Devices and Play Console databases.

    Anticipation for the Magic 7 Lite

    We were all expecting the Magic 7 Lite as a follow-up to the Magic 6 Lite. Yet, it appears that this won’t be the brand-new model we anticipated. Instead, it might be a rebranded version of an existing phone.

    Insights from Play Console Listing

    The Play Console database listed the device under the model number HNBRP-Q1, which is identical to the Honor X9c that recently launched in Malaysia. While the listing names the device as the Magic 7 Lite, it seems that the specifications may not differ much from the original model. The Play Console also provided some insight into the internals of the Magic 7 Lite.

    The listing indicates that the phone will be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC, along with the Adreno 619 GPU and a substantial 12GB of RAM. However, details about storage and camera features are still unclear.

    Similarities with the Honor X9c

    The phone shares the same resolution of 1224×2700 as the X9c, suggesting that this could indeed be a rebranded version. If they turn out to be identical, we can expect the Magic 7 Lite to come with a massive 6600mAh battery, a 6.78-inch curved OLED display, and a robust design that can withstand drops from up to 2.2 meters.

    Considering the recent launch of the X9c, it’s easy to draw the conclusion that the Magic 7 Lite is merely a regional rebrand. Nevertheless, there’s still a possibility that Honor might have some tweaks in store for this Lite version. We’ll need to wait for an official announcement to get the complete details.


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  • Huawei Leads China’s Foldable Market; Samsung Trails Honor, Xiaomi

    Huawei Leads China’s Foldable Market; Samsung Trails Honor, Xiaomi

    Huawei has taken the lead in China’s foldable phone sector during the third quarter of 2024, as stated in a fresh report by market analysis company IDC. This achievement follows Huawei’s impressive introduction of the Mate XT (review), recognized as the world’s first tri-fold smartphone.

    Market Performance

    Huawei secured a significant 41.0% share of the market, a feat that can be attributed to the recent unveiling of its groundbreaking Mate XT tri-fold device. This smartphone, featuring three foldable screens arranged in a Z-shaped style, represents a new milestone for the brand in the foldable phone industry. IDC notes that "the launch of the world’s first tri-foldable phone is expected to further drive the foldable market development."

    Competitors in the Foldable Space

    In second place is Honor, Huawei’s former subsidiary, which managed to earn a commendable 21.9% of the market. Honor has established itself as a fierce contender in both horizontal and clamshell foldable categories, ranking second in horizontal devices and third for clamshells.

    Xiaomi also made an impressive return, breaking into the top three foldable phone manufacturers in China for the first time since Q2 2021. Their success is likely due to the positive reception of the updated Mix Fold model, which helped them capture a 17.2% market share.

    The Landscape Ahead

    Samsung, a dominant name in the global smartphone market, has a smaller footprint in the Chinese foldable scene, holding only 7.7% of the market. Vivo completes the top five, ranking third in the horizontal foldable segment. Other brands like Oppo, Lenovo, and ZTE occupy the remaining spots, but their market shares are relatively minimal.

    The overall scenario indicates that China’s foldable phone market shipped approximately 2.23 million units in Q3 2024, reflecting growth compared to earlier periods. However, the report also highlights a substantial slowdown in the year-on-year growth rate when compared to the past eight quarters.

    This deceleration suggests that the market might be nearing saturation for the existing foldable designs. IDC emphasizes that continuous innovation and reduced prices will be crucial for maintaining growth. To stay relevant against conventional smartphones, foldable devices must provide an attractive user experience along with a competitive price.


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