Reviews

HONOR Magic8 Pro review: What sorcery is this?

Looks incremental on paper. Feels like magic in real life.

Published

January 9, 2026

There are phones that feel like upgrades because the spec sheet says so. Then there are phones like the HONOR Magic8 Pro — where the longer you use it, the more you start asking, “Wait, what kind of sorcery is happening here?” Because on paper this feels incremental. In real life, it feels like HONOR finally clicked.

Coming from the Magic7 Pro, the feeling was immediate. This is just better overall. Not loudly. Not showy. It’s one of those “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” situations where individual improvements don’t scream at you, but together they create something that feels confident, smooth, and genuinely premium. Not “premium for HONOR.” Premium, full stop.

HONOR may still be playing catch-up in reputation, but with a phone like this, they’ve stopped chasing in experience. They’re executing — and sometimes, it really does work like magic.

This is for the person who wants out of the usual rotation — who doesn’t want yet another iPhone or Samsung — but doesn’t want to feel like they’re experimenting. It’s different. But familiar enough that you don’t feel like you’re learning a new ecosystem from scratch.

Design and hand feel: lighter, friendlier, easier to live with

First impression: this feels better in the hand. Lighter. More balanced. More like something you’ll mindlessly hold even when you don’t need to. HONOR’s quad micro-curved screen plays a big part in that. It melts into your palm in a way that disappears after a few days — which is exactly the point.

I wasn’t immediately in love with the design or color options. They didn’t hit me the way some aggressively styled flagships do. But like many good decisions in life, it grew on me. Over time, you realize it’s not designed to impress in photos. It’s designed to feel right while you live with it.

NanoCrystal Shield? IP rating? I forgot they existed. And that’s a compliment. These are silent guardians — not features you constantly think about.

What surprised me most is how right the size and shape feel. HONOR didn’t go flashy. They went comfortable. And comfort wins long-term.

Display and eye comfort: the “oh right, real flagships exist” moment

The first true “wow” moment wasn’t dramatic. It was simply turning the phone on.

I came from a device that proudly wore the “flagship killer” label. Good display. Good everything. But the Magic8 Pro reminded me that “flagship killer” is still not the same as “flagship.” Real flagships feel different — and this one does from the first second.

Brightness when it needs to punch. Warm and easy when the lights go down. It’s the kind of display that never calls attention to itself, but you notice how relaxed your eyes feel after hours of use.

Late nights? This is still my favorite kind of HONOR device to use. I watched a lot of Surely Tomorrow on Prime Video — yes, partly because of Won Ji-an — but mostly because watching on this screen is simply satisfying.

Won Ji-An as Seo Ji Woo in “Surely Tomorrow”

Eye comfort has been consistently good across HONOR Magic devices, and that continues here. And while we’re talking consumption: the speakers are excellent. Not “good enough.” Excellent.

Outdoor visibility? Never squinted. Never fought the brightness slider. Just worked.

MagicOS’s translucent visuals sit quietly in the background. They’re there. They add polish. But they don’t steal attention. Think liquid glass aesthetic. Familiar, but still HONOR.

Camera: confidence at night, honesty in tone, and just… fun

The first thing I checked? Stage mode. Because I was planning to bring this to a concert. It was there, it worked, and I ended up writing an entirely different story about it. That should tell you how confident I felt about the camera system early.

Outside of that? I didn’t “test” the camera. I just used it. Food. My mom’s cats. Street moments. CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Normal life. Which is the highest compliment — I wasn’t thinking about whether the camera could keep up. I trusted it to.

At 10x and beyond, I’ll be honest — I didn’t trust it before reviewing shots. Then I checked. And I was pleasantly surprised. There’s definitely processing going on, especially at night. But the results are consistently usable, and more importantly, they look good.

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Blue hour? Beautiful. Cinematic without feeling fake. My default has always been the Authentic preset — warm, moody, emotional images that still feel real.

Skin tones behaved well even under chaotic neon and mixed street lights. That matters. HONOR’s camera finally feels like something I want to shoot with, not just something I can rely on.

And yes, handheld night shooting absolutely feels more confident than before. I enjoyed shooting on the Magic8 Pro. Simple as that.

Magic Color: not a gimmick — just early

Magic Color sits somewhere between “interesting toy” and “future essential.” In the right hands, it’s powerful — letting people create their own color identity without going into full editing mode. For me? It didn’t completely replace editing, but it did speed things up.

More often than not, I was already happy with the output. Especially in fast-paced shooting. This has potential to evolve into something truly meaningful over time.

AI Button and AI features: helpful… but not yet instinctive

HONOR really wants the AI Button to matter. I… almost forgot it existed.

Not because it’s useless. But because habits take time to rewire. I kept it on default, rarely reached for it, and never felt disrupted by it. It’s neutral for now — useful eventually, but not yet muscle memory.

Where AI did help: setup and daily flow. The AI Settings Agent organizing my apps? Loved that. Anything that saves time in review cycles is a win. AI suggestions sometimes felt smart, sometimes like they needed more maturity. But HONOR is on the right track.

Gemini remains my primary AI tool on Android — translate and circle-to-search will always be two of my most-used features. HONOR AI and Gemini don’t clash. They coexist.

AI Safety features? Good to have. Haven’t had to use them. Hopefully never will.

Performance, gaming, and heat

Zenless Zone Zero ran well. Frames felt stable. Movement felt crisp. The phone does heat up faster than I’d like — not uncomfortable, but noticeable. You can feel it working hard.

Oddly enough, screen brightness and audio probably impacted my gaming enjoyment more than raw horsepower. And honestly, that matters more in real use.

Battery and charging: genuinely excellent

This might be the most boringly excellent part of the Magic8 Pro. Full day? Absolutely. Even during heavy usage days — like concerts with constant video recording — I never felt anxious.

Charging feels like cheating. Blink, and you’re basically back. Wireless charging? Actually useful. Not just “nice to have.”

Battery here feels dependable. Quietly elite.

MagicOS 10 and day-to-day life

MagicOS 10 feels like a helpful salesperson at a store. Mostly out of sight. Never pushing. But always there when you need help. Feature-packed without feeling like it’s shouting for attention.

It fades into the background the right way. Just letting you live.

Cross-device life

This needs work.

I primarily use a MacBook Pro M4. Connecting wasn’t smooth. Sharing sits somewhere between “fine” and “needs work.” If you’re deep in Apple’s ecosystem, this will be the hesitation point.

But also? I switched from an older iPhone. And yes — I’d still recommend that switch.

Is the HONOR Magic8 Pro your GadgetMatch?

Compared to the Magic7 Pro? No hesitation — upgrade.
Is this HONOR’s strongest non-folding flagship so far? Absolutely.

This feels like the year HONOR quietly cracked the code. Not because of a single headline feature, but because everything finally works together — display, performance, battery life, cameras, and all the little quality-of-life details that make a phone feel reliable, capable, and genuinely exciting to use.

If you want a phone that feels different without feeling risky, swipe up.
If you shoot a lot at night and want photos that simply work, swipe up.
If you want a device that feels confident without trying too hard to impress you, swipe up.

Hesitate only if you’re deeply tied to Apple’s ecosystem and that cross-device life matters more than anything else.

Otherwise? The HONOR Magic8 Pro is HONOR at its most polished, most confident, and most magical yet — the kind of phone that looks incremental on paper but feels like sorcery in real life. A no-brainer recommendation, and absolutely worthy of the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

SEE ALSO:

Camera Walkthrough

HONOR Magic8 Pro Stage Mode at a TWICE concert

Good… with room to grow

Published

January 9, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Concerts are unfair camera tests — wild lighting, fast movement, and zero second chances. So when I brought the HONOR Magic8 Pro to TWICE’s THIS IS FOR concert in Bangkok, I wanted to see if HONOR’s Stage Mode could actually handle it.

Everything here was shot using Stage Mode at 4K 30fps.

This wasn’t lab testing. This was real-world, heart-racing, shaky-hands shooting.

Where I was seated and why zoom mattered

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The concert used a 360-degree stage. I was lucky enough to sit close to one of the extended stages, which meant I was often shooting between 3.7x to 10x zoom.

For the main stage, I mostly relied on 15x zoom.

That’s where a phone either wins your trust… or completely falls apart.

Surprisingly stable, even with shaky hands and excitement

Let’s start with what impressed me most — stability.

I’m naturally shaky, and TWICE being right in front of me did not help. I was vibrating out of excitement most of the night. Even then, Stage Mode stabilization held things together beautifully.

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Shots stayed usable. Footage stayed watchable.
Even when I wasn’t being my most careful self.

This gave me confidence to keep shooting instead of worrying about every tiny hand movement.

Image quality: sometimes magical, sometimes uncertain

Now the honest part.

Stage Mode still needs to mature.

There were moments when footage looked crisp, clean, and genuinely impressive for a smartphone in that environment.

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But there were also times where it clearly struggled — particularly with lighting transitions and focus.

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Some clips handled spotlights well. Others felt like the processing panicked a little.

It wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t consistent yet.

How it compares to other concert kings

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If I were purely relying on zoom to watch the concert through my phone, I’d still recommend the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It remains the phone I trust most when zoom is mission-critical.

vivo also still leads in Stage Mode execution. The vivo X300 Ultra’s Stage Mode feels more refined and reliable at this point.

HONOR isn’t there yet.

But it’s also much closer than I expected.

So… would I bring the Magic8 Pro to concerts again?

Yes.

Even with the inconsistencies.
Even knowing there are better Stage Mode implementations out there.

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Because the Magic8 Pro still gave me plenty of shots and clips I was genuinely happy with. Stability is excellent. Quality can be great. And for most users, it delivers results worth keeping and sharing.

If I didn’t have a Galaxy S25 Ultra or vivo X300 Ultra with me, I’d still confidently bring the HONOR Magic8 Pro.

Stage Mode isn’t perfect yet.
But it’s promising — and when it works, it really does feel like magic.

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SEE ALSO:

Reviews

OPPO A6 Pro: Adequate tool, no definitive punch

Ample, all-around, just alright — you name it — but no definitive punch anew

Published

January 3, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

I’ve thought of several adjectives starting with “a” to accurately describe the OPPO A6 Pro 5G. After narrowing them down, I came up with adequate, ample, all-around, and (just) alright.

This smartphone cuts above the budget segment with a mix of performance, camera, durability, and advanced features.

Yet none of these adjectives are tantamount to exceptional nor impressive. You see, there still aren’t enough arguments to make the A6 Pro a standout midrange device.

More than enough, yes. But much like the previous A5 Pro, the definitive punch is missing — especially at its asking price. Still, it’s useful, and here’s what you can expect.

Adequate performance

The OPPO A6 Pro 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor. You can expect smoother everyday performance compared to US$ 100 devices if you want to upgrade.

For simple browsing and multitasking, the handset holds up well. Paired with a 6.57-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, swipes, scrolls, and navigating feel a lot more fluid and responsive.

However, it’s hit-or-miss for gaming and heavier workloads.

I once played Mobile Legends: Bang Bang on high graphics settings and saw a few frame drops. That’s in spite of a dedicated mode for better load distribution.

Demanding titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Racing Master still work, but graphics settings default to medium, so it lessens the immersive experience — if that matters.

To its credit, none of these titles crashed. Keep settings at medium or low to be able to enjoy stable play. You wouldn’t be able to set the graphics to high in some cases to begin with, anyway.

Perhaps, what you can appreciate is that it hardly heats up, thanks to its SuperCool VC System. Battery drain is more modest too, losing just about 5% in a 30-minute session on Wi-Fi.

Of course, that’s aside from the 6500mAh battery. I like the fact that it is complemented by an 80W SUPERVOOC charger.

Replenishing the battery power from 1% back to full takes roughly about an hour and 20 minutes, which is pretty darn nice given the capacity.

Ample audiovisuals

The OPPO A6 Pro’s display offers a 397ppi pixel density and up to 1400 nits maximum brightness.

Video playback is noticeably better on this panel compared to cheaper devices.

Moreover, the phone lets users select a 300% volume mode which is helpful when outdoors or in crowded areas. The audio quality is decent, but don’t expect it to rival those from upper mid-rangers.

I just spent time on the phone watching a lot of sports, WWE and Physical: Asia on Netflix. The 93% screen-to-body ratio keeps the bezels out of sight, letting you focus more on the content.

Gaming visuals sometimes sees jagged details, like the cars in Racing Master. It’s a reminder the phone does not punch above its weight.

AI LinkBoost: No significant improvement?

One of the features OPPO retained for the A series is AI LinkBoost, which is now in its third generation.

But compared to my experience with the A5 Pro last year, I felt the network optimization feature didn’t give significant support to the A6 Pro.

Yes, mobile data speeds still reached about 300mbps and above at times. But network struggled in the same toll booths and underground MRT stations where the A5 Pro was able to will itself better.

Perhaps, the aluminum frame plays a role, although OPPO insists on paper that it should complement the antennas.

All-around durable daily driver

Not new to the A series is durability and water and dust resistance, and these are chiefly still the strengths of the OPPO A6 Pro 5G.

There’s Military-Grade Shock Resistance plus reinforced materials to easily shrug off drops. It also boasts of an IP69 dust and waterproofing, enabling it to resist high-pressure water jets, spills, and even accidental soaks.

Beyond those, the phone’s display is optimized for touches even when there are droplets. They just dry out, as in the case with previous iterations, creating friction.

There’s also a Glove Touch feature when you’ve got gloves on while cycling, camping, or other outdoor activities.

More AI

For productivity, the phone comes with an AI Assistant for Notes and Documents, plus Gemini integration.

Photo tools include AI Eraser 2.0, AI Reflection Remover, and AI Unblur.

Cameras: Just alright

Speaking of photos, the phone features a 50MP f/1.8 main camera and a 16MP f/2.4 front shooter.

I just captured a lot of food, selfies, and cats during my time with the phone. Which is exactly what you’re supposed to do with a serviceable camera package: document your daily life.

The color science still leans on the paler, more “natural” side, with skin tones a bit inaccurate at times.

You’ll have to do some editing for added vibrancy. The sharpness and detail are there, but they’re not instantly share-worthy.

To its credit, detail seems to have been improved, especially with foliage. At least, compared to the A5 Pro. There is also depth by default, which is further elevated with Portrait Mode.

But a waterloo is Night Mode, as well as taking photos of, say, neon signs, candles, or light bulbs. Be wary of backlights or clear skies that might lead to glare or overexposure.

Furthermore, recording videos can be shaky without OIS. I was willing to trade a higher frame rate so long as there was stabilization, so this tool isn’t ideal for budding content creators as well.

Improved feel

On the positive end, the grip on the OPPO A6 Pro feels a lot better and more secure. The model I got came in Stellar Blue, which blends with neutral-colored outfits.

The phone looks squarish on the edges and a bit curved on the corners. I’m not a fan of the latter as they could crop out some gaming UI elements.

Nevertheless, there is a good balance between being long and thick. The cameras have now shifted to a squarish shape rather than circular.

Bloatware remains, and there’s even more pre-installed apps than expected, which I don’t see the need to use in the future.

Beyond these, ColorOS looks neat and clean overall.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

There’s no question the OPPO A6 Pro offers an intriguing overall package and still gets a Swipe Right. However, there’s stiff competition in the PhP 12,000 to PhP 15,000 (~US$ 200 to US$ 250) category.

If you have such budget, in my opinion, niche devices at lower prices may be better for gamers. For daily drivers, cheaper phones with larger storage options also exist, if you’re just after function.

Add just a few more bucks and you can get phones with more superior camera packages, including telephoto lenses and better color reproduction.

Automotive

Inside the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4

A closer look at the cabin that makes this truck feel smarter and more comfortable than expected.

Published

December 23, 2025

MJ Jucutan

They call it a truck, but the moment you step inside, you understand why that word no longer feels enough.

The Next-Gen Ford Ranger Wildtrak 4×4 carries a tough, ready-for-anything energy you’d expect from a pickup. It looks like it was built for mud or long highways that stretch beyond the city.

But inside, it tells a different story. One about comfort and knowing exactly how people live with their cars now.

Inside the Ranger is the kind of cabin that doesn’t ask you to brace yourself. Rather, it invites you to settle in.

Comfort with consideration

The first thing you notice is how easy it is to find your place behind the wheel.

The driver’s seat adjusts in eight ways, which means posture never feels like a compromise. The front passenger seat gets four-way adjustment, which still feels thoughtful rather than basic.

A combination of leather and synthetic leather seats add a softness that immediately changes your mood, the moment you sit down. It’s as if they were designed for long drives that accompany you in heartfelt conversations and unplanned detours.

Temperature never becomes a discussion inside the Wildtrak. With Dual-zone electronic automatic climate control, both sides of the cabin stay exactly how the people inside will want it.

Rear passengers get their own air vents, too, which reinforces the idea that this truck is meant to be shared. Everyone rides comfortably, no matter where they sit.

Even the small conveniences matter here. For instance, I love how the smart keyless entry and push-button start make it easy to start the car. The auto-dimming rearview mirror also takes care of harsh headlights, especially at night.

This cabin understands technology

Taking center stage is the 12-inch portrait touchscreen running SYNC 4A. The Wildtrak’s display feels intuitive and easy to trust, especially with how quickly it responds to inputs.

Voice commands work naturally, allowing your eyes to stay on the road where they belong. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect almost instantly, and once you experience that kind of seamless pairing, cables start to feel unnecessary.

In real-world use, I did notice that my Android devices occasionally disconnected, which eventually pushed me to plug them in for longer drives. Google Maps is non-negotiable for me, especially when I am navigating unfamiliar routes.

On the other hand, my iPhones connected more consistently and only tended to lose signal in congestion-heavy areas, like certain stretches of the South Luzon Expressway.

Still, the Wildtrak makes it easy to stay powered and connected. There is a wireless charging pad ready for your phone, along with multiple USB ports placed exactly where you expect them to be.

The six-speaker sound system is controlled directly from the steering wheel, which means music is always within reach. It also means I can comfortably get through Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” whenever traffic slows everything down.

Everything feels accessible without ever feeling crowded. That includes the 8-inch digital instrument cluster, which presents all the information you need in a clean and reassuring way, without overwhelming the driver.

Driving with confidence

Out on the road, the Wildtrak feels like it is constantly looking out for you. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go takes the edge off heavy traffic, especially during bumper-to-bumper moments when the drive feels longer than it should.

Once you hit the freeway, the Wildtrak feels composed and confident, like a Beast let loose. Features like Lane Centering and Evasive Steer Assist help keep everything steady and controlled, particularly on long southbound drives where fatigue can creep in.

In the city, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection becomes one of those features you hope you never need, yet deeply appreciate once you understand how quickly it reacts. It responds faster than instinct, which matters when every second counts.

Add Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, and the Electronic Locking Rear Differential, and the Wildtrak feels prepared for situations you cannot always predict. Even the rear parking sensors earn their keep, especially when backing into tight spaces where visibility is limited.

Despite its imposing size, parking never feels intimidating. The 360-degree camera quickly becomes a trusted companion, making tight spots manageable and reducing the stress that often comes with driving a large vehicle.

It’s especially reassuring for drivers who love big trucks but are still getting used to their presence on city streets.