Aside from the already-released HONOR Magic8, Magic8 Pro, and Magic8 Lite, the all-new Magic8 Pro Air and PORSCHE DESIGN Magic8 RSR finally complete HONOR’s Magic8 series for 2026.

Magically Airy

Even though most major Chinese brands have backed out from announcing their iPhone Air rivals, HONOR simply doesn’t want to be left behind as they have unveiled the (very mouthful) Magic8 Pro Air. Coincidental or not, it’s announced the same day as Infinix’s NOTE Edge.

From the term itself, it is, by far, HONOR’s slimmest compact smartphone at just 6.1mm and weighs only 158 grams. While it doesn’t totally beat the 5.64mm iPhone Air and the 5.8mm Galaxy S25 Edge, anything below the 8mm mark is still considered “very slim” enough in today’s smartphone standards.

HONOR made this featherweight champion all thanks to its Cicada Wing phone structure paired with an Aerial Aluminum mid-frame. It’s not only light, it’s durable altogether.

The Magic8 Pro Air is also the polar opposite of HUAWEI’s Mate 70 Air. Compared to that ginormous 7-inch screen, the Magic8 Pro Air is a lot smaller with only a 6.31-inch OLED display. Meanwhile, iPhone Air is in the sweet spot at 6.5 inches while S25 Edge is at the conventional 6.7 incher.

That display isn’t lagging behind though with its 1.5K resolution, 6000 nits peak brightness, and HONOR’s revolutionary Eye-Care features with PWM Dimming for ultra-sensitive eyes.

Airy Yet Mighty

MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 is at the core of the Magic8 Pro Air. Coupled with a 12GB LPDDR5x RAM and either 256/512GB of UFS 4.1 storage, it’s a true definition of a compact flagship.

Cameras are for another story. The HONOR Magic8 Pro Air brings not just one, not two, but three cameras at its back — very surprising for a device this size. There’s a 50MP f/2.2 112-degree UWA (Ultra-Wide Angle) lens as well as 50MP f/1.6 main camera based on a 1/1.3-inch image sensor. The selfie shooter is not spared as well with its capable 50MP f/2.0 camera.

 

But, the star of the show has got to be its 64MP f/2.6 periscope telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom. This makes the first super slim smartphone to boast a dedicated zoom lens. ICYMI, the Galaxy S25 Edge and the iPhone Air lack a dedicated telephoto shooter and only relies through in-sensor cropping via their main sensors.

Furthermore, it is equipped with a 5500mAh battery which is more than enough for its “petite” form factor. It can then be filled fast with HONOR’s 80W SuperCharge and 50W wireless SuperCharge.

Unlike the iPhone Air, the Magic8 Pro Air has a dedicated SIM slot. eSIM support is there as well which is a huge rarity among Chinese smartphones.

Last but definitely not the least, the color shades of the Magic8 Pro Air are a mix of iPhone Air and 17 Pro’s colorways — including the Light Orange alonsgide Fairy Purple, as well as the Feather White and Shadow Black classics.

Sleek Peek

It would not be a complete flagship series without THE very special PORSCHE DESIGN Magic8 RSR model in the roster. As usual, it’s always the maxed out variant of the already full-fledged Magic8 Pro flagship.

While it rocks the same display, cameras, and even the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC by Qualcomm, configuration goes beyond the limits with a 1TB UFS 4.1 storage and a whopping 24GB LPDDR5X memory — the biggest flex a slab-phone could get this 2026 with the ever-soaring RAM prices.

Battery and charging speeds were somewhat improved: 7200mAh and 120W HyperCharge (over 7100mAh + 100W of the regular Pro model).

Colors were then heavily-inspired from shades of Porsche’s supercars: Moonlight Stone and Slate Gray.

Additionally, the Magic8 RSR will also have a Professional Camera Kit — a first time for any HONOR smartphone.

Pricing and Availability

The HONOR Magic8 Pro Air and PORSCHE DESIGN Magic8 RSR are available in various pricing and configurations:

Magic8 Pro Air

• 12+256GB = CNY 4999 (US$ 700 / EUR 610 / GBP 530 / SG$ 910 / MYR 2970 / PhP 40,900 / INR 62,260)
• 12+512GB = CNY 5299 (US$ 745 / EUR 645 / GBP 560 / SG$ 965 / MYR 3145 / PhP 43,360 / INR 65,995)
• 16+512GB = CNY 5599 (US$ 785 / EUR 670 / GBP 580 / SG$ 1010 / MYR 3300 / PhP 45,150 / INR 69,690)
• 16+1TB = CNY 5999 (US$ 845 / EUR 730 / GBP 635 / SG$ 1095 / MYR 3560 / PhP 49,085 / INR 74,715)

PORSCHE DESIGN Magic8 RSR

• 16+512GB = CNY 7999 (US$ 1115 / EUR 960 / GBP 820 / SG$ 1430 / PhP 63,685 / INR 95,930)
• 24+1TB = CNY 8999 (US$ 1260 / EUR 1070 / GBP 920 / SG$ 600 / PhP 70,905 / INR 107,700)

Global availability was not mentioned. Hopefully, HONOR will bring these (especially the Magic8 Pro Air) to international markets.

The Infinix NOTE Edge, which combines premium aesthetics and cutting-edge all-around capabilities, has officially launched.

Infinix’s latest phone sets new standards for design and user experience, featuring a 7.2mm body and a 3D curved screen. And in spite the ultra-slim design, the phone packs innovative features for an asking price starting at just US$ 200.

It debuts the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G platform and runs on XOS 16. It also houses a 6,500mAh battery with support for 45W charging and a self-repairing system.

Performance wise, the handset can sustain 90fps for popular titles. Connectivity is also boosted with 13 joint 5G optimizations with MediaTek.

When fully drained, the NOTE Edge’s battery activates a low-current repair process. This uses dynamic recrystallization to heal micro-cracks in low-power cycles.

In front, the phone sports a 1.5K display that is ergonomically shaped to sit naturally in the hand. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and rated IP65 for water and dust resistance.

In addition, it has up to 4500 nits peak brightness and is complemented by a JBL-tuned dual stereo speaker system.

On the side is a customizable One-Tap Button that can activate the built-in FOLAX AI assistant.

On the outside, the Infinix NOTE Edge has a Pearl Light Ripple Shadow exterior. It is available on four colors: Lunar Titanium, Silk Green, Stellar Blue, and Shadow Black.

Particularly, the Silk Green variant introduces Infinix’s Polyurethane water-wave brushed texture process.

This makes up for a leather-like surface with silky smoothness that shimmers under sunlight.

Onto its cameras, the NOTE Edge comes with a 50MP main camera with a large 1/2 sensor. Infinix’s new Live Photo mode also lets users record 3-second dynamic clips with audio.

Lately, I’ve been trying to move through life with more intention.

I dress a little more thoughtfully before heading out and pay attention to how things fit together, from clothes to accessories to how my bag is packed. It makes ordinary days feel a touch more polished, even when I am rushing between errands.

That shift has changed how I consider what I bring with me every day. My smartphone is no longer something I grab as an afterthought.

It’s something I want to feel comfortable holding; something that should look at home beside a composed outfit; and something dependable when the day inevitably moves faster than planned.

It was in that season that I met the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G in Mocha Brown which felt less like a piece of technology and more like an accessory chosen on purpose.

The faux leather finish feels refined and warm, with the kind of understated elegance that makes you want to build a look around it rather than hide it behind a case.

A study in texture and taste

Mocha Brown belongs in the same universe as a well-made leather bag or a dependable pair of polished loafers. It has that beautiful tension between simplicity and richness that makes fashion personal.

The faux leather back introduces texture and warmth. The clean lines and slim profile bring a sense of restraint. And then there are the gold sides and camera island — a gentle nod to discrete luxury.

Placed on a café table, held in a mirrored elevator, or tucked into a structured bag, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G looks like it belongs.

The design’s appeal doesn’t end with looks. Beneath the refined exterior is Redmi’s Titan Durability, a reinforced build that protects against drops, pressure, and everyday wear without disturbing the silhouette.

It looks elegant and feels considered rather than delicate. And it is built to last, even when life is anything but gentle.

Built like your favorite designer bag

As a lifestyle journalist, Titan Durability sounds like a clever way of making toughness chic.

As someone who also works in marketing, I appreciate messaging that distills strength and longevity into one cohesive idea.

On paper, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G carries IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, making it one of the most water-resistant smartphones available today. IP6X protection keeps out fine particles.

Translated into real life, it simply means peace of mind.

Fashion rarely accounts for the least glamorous moments, yet those moments make up most of our day. I bring my smartphone into the bath, to the sink while washing dishes, and to the kitchen while prepping meals.

I even bring it through mud during obstacle courses, which is my sport. Frankly, I will not deny that I am glued to my phones.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G kept up even when my fingers were wet and soiled. The display responded and the buttons worked.

The speakers stayed clear after dealing with dirt and sand. More importantly, the charging port remained unaffected — something I wish I could say of my iPhone.

Durability also means not flinching at drops. Titan Durability includes a high-strength motherboard, a strengthened midframe, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front.

The phone can withstand drops from up to 2.5 meters onto smooth granite and remain intact.

I saw that firsthand when we brought the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G to an outdoor gym last year. It survived everything without theatrics.

A year later, and the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G keeps that resilience, only this time more refined and even stronger.

With this kind of durability, you stop bracing for impact. You simply pick it up and keep going.

The luxury of not worrying about battery

With our days stitched together by notifications, playlists, messages, and endless streams of content, battery life becomes less about numbers.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G’s 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery delivered two full days of use — impressive for someone who treats his phone as both companion and workhorse.

My morning begins with TikTok streaks and Olivia Dean on Spotify, transitions into message threads, “research” tabs, and campaign decks, and ends with Netflix and guilty-pleasure reality shows. It lasted through all of it without anxiety or the constant search for sockets.

Even a full binge-watch barely made a dent, and I finished Netflix’s Emily in Paris Season 5 without glancing at battery percentage every twenty minutes or so.

When power finally ran low, the 100W HyperCharge restored it in under an hour — 40 minutes with boost mode, to be exact.

With Xiaomi’s Surge Battery Management retaining at least 80% capacity after 1600 charge cycles, longevity extends beyond trends and seasons.

And with a battery this large, the 22.5W wired reverse charging was surprisingly useful for powering tiny accessories during long days out.

Now Playing: Emily in Paris Season 5

I have a soft spot for shows that blend glamour with a messy life, and there are few that do it as playfully as Emily in Paris.

The series feels like a whimsical mirror of my own world, not in couture or runway theatrics, but in the puzzle of pitching ideas, building campaigns, and keeping clients excited.

In my case, the settings are less Fendi and more coffee shops, restaurants, and meeting rooms, with deadlines tucked between lunch breaks and dinners that double as strategy sessions.

Season 5 charmed me with its exploration of becoming: Emily balancing ambition, romance, and her place in the world, choosing herself and her dreams with a conviction that felt quietly familiar.

Growth rarely arrives fully accessorized. It shows up in small decisions and the uncomfortable honesty of knowing what you want. It was fun to watch that unfold onscreen while trying to do the same offscreen.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G’s All-Around Liquid Display made the experience feel indulgent. The 6.83-inch screen and 3,200 nits of peak brightness meant that Parisian drama and Roman escapades played beautifully even as I sunbathed on my balcony.

Dual stereo speakers and a 400% volume boost brought every soundtrack moment to life, though I will admit that some of Mindy Chen’s covers fall short of the earlier seasons. “Mon Soleil” is still undefeated. “Espresso” was fine, but let’s not pretend it was iconic.

If you are in your millennial era of preferring ambience over noise, the 400% boost can feel like wearing platform heels to brunch–fun in theory, aggressive in practice — though very useful when you need to drown out the world.

Tailored for the day’s demands

My unit came with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage, which meant I had more than enough room to capture photos and record videos for Instagram Reels without ever worrying about space.

Powered by Xiaomi HyperOS and the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 mobile platform, everyday performance feels reliable and smooth.

Multitasking is easy and apps load without hesitation. Moving between work, content creation, social media, and streaming never felt taxing.

Xiaomi HyperAI adds another layer to the experience, with features like AI Writing, AI Speech Recognition, AI Interpreter, AI Search, and AI Dynamic Wallpapers.

The Dynamic Wallpapers, in particular, stood out to me. They add a sense of personality, and they make the device feel more personal when you take the time to customize it.

Well dressed, but slightly unfinished

Performance is not only about speed and capability. It’s also about how it feels to use something every day. For a phone that presents itself as a statement piece, the user experience doesn’t quite match the couture-level confidence of its exterior.

HyperOS functions well, yet it rarely feels elegant. Finding themes that feel refined requires effort, and the overall interface leans more practical than polished.

The presence of bloatware is another friction point. From the moment the phone was turned on, several pre-installed apps appeared that I didn’t need or ask for.

They weren’t disruptive enough to break the experience, though they did distract from an otherwise composed first impression.

When you decide to glow up, it should go beyond appearances. Performance is part of that transformation. The screen is what we interact with all day, not the back of the phone, and the interface plays a big role in whether a device feels joyful to use.

You enjoy something more when you genuinely like how it performs and how it presents itself.

Thankfully, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G is a very capable midrange smartphone at its core. Its performance is dependable and its power is, surely, unquestionable.

With a more refined user interface and fewer distractions, it would feel as elevated on the inside as it looks on the outside.

When life becomes a lookbook

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G comes with a 200-megapixel camera system supported by a 200-megapixel AI Engine, which is safe to say it’s well-suited for slice-of-life storytelling.

It turns ordinary days into scenes worth remembering, capturing meals, places, outfits, and fleeting romance with clarity that looks beautiful on Instagram Stories.

That is something Emily Cooper would appreciate: the art of noticing, and the belief that even mundane things deserve to be romanticized.

I brought the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G with me through my usual rituals and a short island escape. It handled golden hour and mirror selfies with equal charm. Night time? Not so much unless you do it in Pro Mode.

Even so, details held up even when I cropped generously for Stories, and colors stayed true enough to feel editorial without being overstyled.

Is the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G your GadgetMatch?

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G feels like it was made for everyday affairs and misadventures.

There’s a confidence that comes from its Titan Durability, capable cameras, and an enduring battery; you worry less about keeping your phone pristine and you focus more on living.

If there is anything that betrays the illusion of luxury, it’s the software experience, which felt less polished than the hardware deserved.

For a device styled as fashionably as the Mocha Brown edition, I found myself wishing the UI and UX felt equally couture.

Swipe Right if you want a midrange phone that understands lifestyle as much as performance and can keep pace with intentional living.

Swipe Left if you need specialized power–better cameras or serious gaming, par exemple — and cannot compromise on those fronts.

For the rest of us, who value a mix of design, durability, and everyday capability at an accessible price, it’s a Super Swipe.

Because with everything it got, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G earns the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G retails for PhP 27,999. For the online-exclusive 12GB/256GB variant, it retails for PhP 25,999.

It comes in Mocha Brown, Glacier Blue, and Black. Along with the rest of the Redmi Note 15 series, it’s currently available on mi.com and across e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Promotional offers

The Redmi Note 15 series comes with added peace of mind through a comprehensive ownership package.

Buyers receive a 4-year battery replacement warranty, 2-year liquid damage coverage, and 2-year front and back cover replacement, all covered under a 2-year overall warranty.

The Redmi Note 15 series is also available via 0% interest installment plans through Home Credit. Monthly payments start at PhP 1,199 for up to 18 months.

From January 16 to 29, buyers can enjoy PhP 2,000 off the Redmi Note 15 Pro and Pro+ 5G. It comes with a free Xiaomi Smart Band 10 and a Black Box Gift Set. From January 30 to February 8, the free gifts continue even as the cash discount ends.

Every purchase also includes three months of Spotify Premium and a three-month 100GB cloud storage plan.