REVIEW: HONOR Magic7 Pro refines photography, videography with AI | ABS-CBN
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REVIEW: HONOR Magic7 Pro refines photography, videography with AI
REVIEW: HONOR Magic7 Pro refines photography, videography with AI
HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — AI is all the rage in the tech world these days. It's no surprise that it has found its way into the newest smartphones, including HONOR's newest flagship, the Magic7 Pro.
MANILA — AI is all the rage in the tech world these days. It's no surprise that it has found its way into the newest smartphones, including HONOR's newest flagship, the Magic7 Pro.
The Chinese brand touts that the magic of the latest flagship is AI powering majority of the features - from the camera, image processing, operating system, display, and even a better Google assistant in Gemini.
The Chinese brand touts that the magic of the latest flagship is AI powering majority of the features - from the camera, image processing, operating system, display, and even a better Google assistant in Gemini.
The infusion of AI into these core smartphone functions aim to give a more intuitive, intelligent, and secure user experience.
The infusion of AI into these core smartphone functions aim to give a more intuitive, intelligent, and secure user experience.
HONOR sent a review unit and I put the phone in its paces as I use it for my daily photo, video, and multimedia work.
HONOR sent a review unit and I put the phone in its paces as I use it for my daily photo, video, and multimedia work.
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Hardware
The Lunar Shadow Grey-covered version of the phone gives off a marbled look and feel. Sadly, I had to cover it with the available phone case knowing I can be clumsy and drop my phone during work assignments. I've only later learned about Honor's drop resistance, and used the phone at times without a cover afterwards. It handled a few drops well.
The Lunar Shadow Grey-covered version of the phone gives off a marbled look and feel. Sadly, I had to cover it with the available phone case knowing I can be clumsy and drop my phone during work assignments. I've only later learned about Honor's drop resistance, and used the phone at times without a cover afterwards. It handled a few drops well.
HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsThe OLED screen is pleasing to look at thanks to its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and the first implementation of AI in the phone, Natural Light HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display, which, according to Honor, makes smart adjustments that safeguards the user's eyes by emulating the softness of daylight, minimizing eye strain during phone usage.
The OLED screen is pleasing to look at thanks to its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and the first implementation of AI in the phone, Natural Light HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display, which, according to Honor, makes smart adjustments that safeguards the user's eyes by emulating the softness of daylight, minimizing eye strain during phone usage.
The phone is powered by the latest top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which easily handled my productivity, multimedia editing apps, and some gaming without hitches.
The phone is powered by the latest top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which easily handled my productivity, multimedia editing apps, and some gaming without hitches.
It's been a while since I had a phone hold a single charge for a whole day at moderate use before I reach for the charger, so it's refreshing to see good power management of their 5850 mAh Silicon-carbon battery which HONOR credits to their proprietary E2 power enhanced chip.
It's been a while since I had a phone hold a single charge for a whole day at moderate use before I reach for the charger, so it's refreshing to see good power management of their 5850 mAh Silicon-carbon battery which HONOR credits to their proprietary E2 power enhanced chip.
When in heavy use at work as my third multimedia camera, post-production, and writing tool, it did last me from morning to late-afternoon before I had to plug in my power bank. When it's not in use, I'm glad to see that the battery does not trickle down.
When in heavy use at work as my third multimedia camera, post-production, and writing tool, it did last me from morning to late-afternoon before I had to plug in my power bank. When it's not in use, I'm glad to see that the battery does not trickle down.
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When the battery needs charging, the provided charger at 100 Watts tops up the phone relatively quickly. There is an option for wireless charging at 80 Watts as well.
When the battery needs charging, the provided charger at 100 Watts tops up the phone relatively quickly. There is an option for wireless charging at 80 Watts as well.
Software
On the software and UI, I would like to correct myself that it was not bloatware that welcomed me the first time I used the phone, but it took time for me to navigate through the baked-in available apps to find what I need like the browser and photo gallery. Such initial layout gave me the feeling that there was bloatware, but after a bit of organizing, Magic OS 9 feels like a clean stock Android experience.
On the software and UI, I would like to correct myself that it was not bloatware that welcomed me the first time I used the phone, but it took time for me to navigate through the baked-in available apps to find what I need like the browser and photo gallery. Such initial layout gave me the feeling that there was bloatware, but after a bit of organizing, Magic OS 9 feels like a clean stock Android experience.
HONOR Magic7 Pro being used for vertical video. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
HONOR Magic7 Pro being used for vertical video. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsAI-powered photography and videography
One of the main features of the phone is its camera system and its AI backing in producing better images.
One of the main features of the phone is its camera system and its AI backing in producing better images.
During my travel to Batanes with the Department of Tourism's Philippine Experience Program, I brought the phone with me for testing. And, given the tight itinerary as well as my shooting requirements, even while carrying my workhorse DSLR and mirrorless cameras, I found myself reaching for the HONOR Magic7 Pro more, and ended up using it as my main camera. I can definitely say it performed well and gave me crisp and vivid outputs.
During my travel to Batanes with the Department of Tourism's Philippine Experience Program, I brought the phone with me for testing. And, given the tight itinerary as well as my shooting requirements, even while carrying my workhorse DSLR and mirrorless cameras, I found myself reaching for the HONOR Magic7 Pro more, and ended up using it as my main camera. I can definitely say it performed well and gave me crisp and vivid outputs.
Shot with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo ABS-CBN News
Shot with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo ABS-CBN NewsWith the ease of use, I did tend to use the phone more for b-rolls that the subjects are close enough and even for on the spot video interviews.
With the ease of use, I did tend to use the phone more for b-rolls that the subjects are close enough and even for on the spot video interviews.
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The Magic7 Pro's rear camera consisting of two 50 megapixel lenses, a wide with a self-adjusting aperture and an ultrawide, and a 200 megapixel periscope telephoto camera with a 3x optical zoom was flexible enough for me to transition in between taking photos, horizontal video, and vertical videos with ease.
The Magic7 Pro's rear camera consisting of two 50 megapixel lenses, a wide with a self-adjusting aperture and an ultrawide, and a 200 megapixel periscope telephoto camera with a 3x optical zoom was flexible enough for me to transition in between taking photos, horizontal video, and vertical videos with ease.
The 50 megapixel selfie lens did not disappoint when I needed to use it as well.
The 50 megapixel selfie lens did not disappoint when I needed to use it as well.
But, as I used the cameras over time, I observed when using the telephoto lens that some details are being over-sharpened to the point that it didn't look natural. This usually comes out when I shoot distant scenes. Maybe an update would fix this?
But, as I used the cameras over time, I observed when using the telephoto lens that some details are being over-sharpened to the point that it didn't look natural. This usually comes out when I shoot distant scenes. Maybe an update would fix this?
I do have to qualify that when I shoot with a phone, I always stick to using optical zoom as using a digital zoom will pixelate a shot. The 6x zoom available when shooting photos was digital but was quite helpful in a pinch.
I do have to qualify that when I shoot with a phone, I always stick to using optical zoom as using a digital zoom will pixelate a shot. The 6x zoom available when shooting photos was digital but was quite helpful in a pinch.
SAMPLE SHOTS FROM HONG KONG
Shot with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Shot with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Shot with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Shot with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Shot with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Shot with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Shot with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Shot with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsWith that said though, I am bummed that the optical zoom does not go beyond 3x. I had higher hopes that it could capture photos and videos at a further distance - my wishlist would have included a 6x optical zoom lens or even a longer focal length.
With that said though, I am bummed that the optical zoom does not go beyond 3x. I had higher hopes that it could capture photos and videos at a further distance - my wishlist would have included a 6x optical zoom lens or even a longer focal length.
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The 100x digital zoom in my opinion is novel, but not that great. Anything beyond double the longest focal length would degrade the image quality of a shot.
The 100x digital zoom in my opinion is novel, but not that great. Anything beyond double the longest focal length would degrade the image quality of a shot.
I do understand that there is AI that would help in rendering these digitally-zoomed images, but when I shot scenes with complex shapes, it would smoothen out the subjects and lose details. I would also add it's hard to frame when shooting at these longer digital focal lengths hand-held.
I do understand that there is AI that would help in rendering these digitally-zoomed images, but when I shot scenes with complex shapes, it would smoothen out the subjects and lose details. I would also add it's hard to frame when shooting at these longer digital focal lengths hand-held.
Overall, when sticking with the optical lenses of the phone, the Magic7Pro's camera is a reliable and compact backup to the bigger and heavier cameras I carry every day. It really is one of the better camera setups I've used in a while, and it produces beautiful photos and videos.
Overall, when sticking with the optical lenses of the phone, the Magic7Pro's camera is a reliable and compact backup to the bigger and heavier cameras I carry every day. It really is one of the better camera setups I've used in a while, and it produces beautiful photos and videos.
AI-powered productivity and security
Aside from the camera, one AI feature that I found useful in my time with the phone was the built-in AI translation and transcription.
Aside from the camera, one AI feature that I found useful in my time with the phone was the built-in AI translation and transcription.
HONOR Magic7 Pro can transcribe and translate in real time. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
HONOR Magic7 Pro can transcribe and translate in real time. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsThe feature shone for me when I went to Hong Kong for Chinese automotive brand XPENG's Global Brand Night and many of the speakers in their talk sessions spoke in straight Chinese.
The feature shone for me when I went to Hong Kong for Chinese automotive brand XPENG's Global Brand Night and many of the speakers in their talk sessions spoke in straight Chinese.
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I have not yet checked with a native if the translations were spot on, but the near real-time output was more than helpful to give me context to what is going on.
I have not yet checked with a native if the translations were spot on, but the near real-time output was more than helpful to give me context to what is going on.
The near-real time transcription was helpful in speeding up my writing work and putting down my soundbites faster.
The near-real time transcription was helpful in speeding up my writing work and putting down my soundbites faster.
I also used Magic Portal when I watch YouTube videos to search for something I see. Using my knuckle to circle images or text, I could select an item and search for it on the internet.
I also used Magic Portal when I watch YouTube videos to search for something I see. Using my knuckle to circle images or text, I could select an item and search for it on the internet.
I was a bit annoyed at first that holding the power button would direct me to use Google Gemini. But eventually I got around to use the feature as an improved Google Assistant to go with my Google Home ecosystem. It can still be deaf at times when given commands, but it seems to function much faster when prompted.
I was a bit annoyed at first that holding the power button would direct me to use Google Gemini. But eventually I got around to use the feature as an improved Google Assistant to go with my Google Home ecosystem. It can still be deaf at times when given commands, but it seems to function much faster when prompted.
The HONOR Magic7 Pro has built-in deepfake detector for calls. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
The HONOR Magic7 Pro has built-in deepfake detector for calls. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsAnother unique AI feature of the phone is the AI Deepfake Detection which I looked forward to test out, but I was quite let down when I found out it would only work on video calls which I had difficulty testing during the review.
Another unique AI feature of the phone is the AI Deepfake Detection which I looked forward to test out, but I was quite let down when I found out it would only work on video calls which I had difficulty testing during the review.
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But in theory, it is promising technology that I hope that can be transposed with watching online videos with the rise of disinformation.
But in theory, it is promising technology that I hope that can be transposed with watching online videos with the rise of disinformation.
I really enjoyed using this phone for its functionality and when it launched locally at Php59,999.00, it is on par with current Android flagship offerings apart from Samsung.
I really enjoyed using this phone for its functionality and when it launched locally at Php59,999.00, it is on par with current Android flagship offerings apart from Samsung.
Recently, Honor announced seven years of Android OS and security updates which feels like this phone can be used for a longer period and may be a good investment down the line.
Recently, Honor announced seven years of Android OS and security updates which feels like this phone can be used for a longer period and may be a good investment down the line.
If you are on the market for an AI-powered phone which would help you in your productivity, mobile shooting, and day-to-day phone use, the Magic7 Pro might be phone that makes your day a bit more magical.
If you are on the market for an AI-powered phone which would help you in your productivity, mobile shooting, and day-to-day phone use, the Magic7 Pro might be phone that makes your day a bit more magical.
Key specs:
- Operating system: Android 15, MagicOS 9
- Operating system: Android 15, MagicOS 9
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- Storage: 512GB
- Storage: 512GB
- RAM: 12GB
- RAM: 12GB
- Display: 6.8 inches OLED with 120Hz refresh rate
- Display: 6.8 inches OLED with 120Hz refresh rate
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Cameras: 50MP Wide Main Camera (f/1.4-f/2.0, OIS), 50MP Ultra Wide Camera (f/2.0), 180MP Periscope Telephoto Camera (f/2.6, 2.5x Optical Zoom, 100x Digital Zoom, OIS), 50MP Front Camera(f/2.0) + 3D Depth Camera
- Cameras: 50MP Wide Main Camera (f/1.4-f/2.0, OIS), 50MP Ultra Wide Camera (f/2.0), 180MP Periscope Telephoto Camera (f/2.6, 2.5x Optical Zoom, 100x Digital Zoom, OIS), 50MP Front Camera(f/2.0) + 3D Depth Camera
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- Battery: 5850mAh
- Battery: 5850mAh
- Charging: 100W Honor Wired Super Charge, 80W Honor Wireless Super Charge
- Charging: 100W Honor Wired Super Charge, 80W Honor Wireless Super Charge
The HONOR Magic7 Pro sells for P59,999 at Shopee.
The HONOR Magic7 Pro sells for P59,999 at Shopee.
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