Honor has announced that its new flagship phone, the Magic7 Pro, will be arriving in Malaysia. However, Honor is still keeping the official launch date of the device under wraps. However, Honor has given early access to the media to take a closer look and share a small amount of its offerings with the public. Here is a brief first look article about the changes and focus of this seventh model of Honor device which is increasingly challenged by its closest competitors such as Huawei and Samsung.
I apologize for only being able to confirm that this device is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip while other specifications need to be kept secret before its official launch in Malaysia. Where the same processor chip is used in the Realme GT7 Pro and Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro which were recently announced in Malaysia. At the same time, it can be a competitor for the Oppo Find X8 Pro and Vivo X200 which use the Mediatek Dimensity 9400 chip. Once again, we understand that only the pro model will be offered in Malaysia when the device is officially launched.
More Innovative AI Features
In addition, the enhanced AI features are also the mainstay of this device in increasing efficiency, productivity and innovation. Among them is AI Deepfake Detection Technology to help prevent fraud and detect digitally manipulated content. In theory, it uses AI to detect the risk of digital manipulation and provide protection to users from the increasingly widespread threat of facial forgery fraud.
AI is said to rely on the continuity between the frame and the position of the subject to detect facial forgery that occurs. Then it allows the device to detect any abnormal conditions or irregularities that occur involving eye gaze, image clarity, lighting and video replay in just a few seconds. Warnings will be given via the device's main screen to help users identify fraud threats to avoid becoming victims.
A brief test found that if this phone suspects facial forgery during a video call, it will display a notification at the top of the screen to warn the user. This situation is said to occur entirely on the phone without requiring the user to share any data to the cloud. In addition, it can be used in several supported application options such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Wechat with an active internet network.
Priority is also given to the AI Magic Portal 2.0 feature which now replaces the Circle to Search function with the more versatile Circle to Anything capability. It allows users to access various things instantly by simply drawing a circle on the relevant object or text. It can not only be used for searching but also functions for other purposes such as location navigation, content sharing, sending emails, purchasing goods and more.
In addition, the selected image can also be edited and then saved in the gallery directly. MagicOS 9.0 also comes with the Google Gemini application to increase productivity and creativity where users can write, analyze and create images through it.
There is also a Magic Avatar feature that uses AI to create realistic and unique avatars based on the user's chosen character. It also allows users to choose more styles with different settings for appearance, clothing, facial expressions and background. In addition, it can also be used as a profile picture and background on the device for more attractive.
Not to be missed, the AI Notes feature is now more versatile through the AI Summary capability that can summarize any long written content by only displaying important and interesting points in a few seconds. AI Minutes can automatically produce notes and transcriptions that are formatted from live audio including meeting minutes, interviews and others. Any content can also be organized neatly and neatly according to the appropriate title and subtitle using the AI Format feature.
Meanwhile, the AI Face to Face Translation function is also better with the addition of up to 13 new different languages including Bahasa Malaysia, Korean, Japanese and Cantonese (Mandarin). There is also an Interpreter function like Samsung devices that allows users to chat without barriers, making communication more accessible to individuals from different language backgrounds in real time.
Device Design
The experience of holding the device feels not much different from the previous model. It is not only sturdy but also feels more solid in the grip. It is also admitted that the device is indeed heavier but still balanced both from the top and bottom. In addition, the back panel also feels smooth despite using a matte finish. Honor also provides a transparent silicone frame that can be used as additional protection with every purchase.
The camera bump is still maintained in the same position as the previous model. It is also still large and thick with significant changes to the arrangement of the camera sensors in a 2 x 2 grid with a flash that is completely covered by a glass layer. Once again, the periscope sensor can be provided here but it is still not possible to detail whether it is better than before or otherwise. Since the results can only be proven in further tests that will be shared in future review articles.
Overall, this device looks neater and sturdier than several existing models. The power button and audio knob are on the right side. Infrared emitter support is also still provided on the top side along with a grille for stereo speakers. The left side does not house any ports and buttons. Meanwhile, the USB-C port, speaker grille and dual nano-SIM tray can also be found on the bottom side of the device.
Again, there is no support for the 3.5mm audio jack that has been readily available since the Magic4 Pro model. But what really steals the attention is the IP68/69 waterproofing that should be able to protect the device from high-pressure water damage.
What's in the Box?
Here's what you get in the box with the purchase.
1x Honor Magic7 Pro.
1x Silicone case.
1x 100W charger.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Manual.
1x SIM pin.
Conclusion
The Magic7 Pro is more robust and powered by improved AI software compared to the previously introduced model. The use of the device is also still the same with capabilities not much different from existing Honor flagship phones.
Several improvements to the AI software now make daily tasks easier for users, especially the Interpreter feature which is very useful for real-time conversations between different languages. Besides also expected to attract users to buy this new Honor smartphone.
Competitors in the flagship phone category are getting fiercer than ever as manufacturers continue to be the best in offering attractive features. Will we see Honor provide satisfaction through this new phone? This question can only be answered through future review articles.
Pros and Cons
The design is more sturdy and comfortable in the hand.
The flagship-class specifications are more powerful.
Innovative AI features.
IP68/69 waterproof.
Still has an infrared emitter.
Cons and Cons
No 3.5mm audio jack.
The camera bump is still thick and large.
The finish feels smooth.