Honor has recently unveiled its Magic8 series in China, with a global launch slated for November 28. However, one anticipated model—the Magic8 Mini—has yet to make its debut. Despite its absence, new leaked information sheds light on what this compact flagship could offer, potentially setting a new benchmark for small smartphones and even outshining the Galaxy S26 Ultra in a key aspect.
A Compact Powerhouse in the Making
According to a Weibo post by renowned leaker Digital Chat Station, the Honor Magic8 Mini is expected to impress with a thickness of less than 6 mm. It will reportedly sport a 6.3-inch flat LTPO display boasting a sharp 1.5K resolution, aiming to deliver a premium viewing experience comparable to flagship peers like the iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge, yet in a significantly smaller form factor.
Despite the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s massive 6.9-inch screen, it is likely to carry a 5,000 mAh battery—a feature the Magic8 Mini might match or even excel in, thanks to its efficient design. For context, top-tier models such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 Pro XL also feature batteries just above this capacity.
Trade-Offs for Size
Of course, the compact phone won’t match the full specs of its larger Magic8 siblings. Honor is rumored to equip the Mini with the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, a solid but not top-tier processor. Additionally, the main camera is expected to be downgraded from a 200MP sensor seen in bigger models to a 50MP sensor with a 1/1.5” sensor size. There is also talk of a telephoto camera, though details about it remain unconfirmed.
User Opinions on Battery and Size
A recent survey posed the question: Would you consider buying a smaller phone if it offers the same battery life as a bigger one? Over half of the respondents (52.17%) said yes, highlighting battery life as their top priority, while 21.74% prefer larger screens regardless of battery performance, and 26.09% answered maybe, wishing for comparable specs overall.
How Does It Stack Up Against Other Rumored Devices?
Other upcoming phones like the rumored OnePlus 15T, expected to feature a 6.3-inch display and a large battery, may not match the ultra-thin profile of the Magic8 Mini, making Honor’s contender uniquely attractive for those seeking a compact yet powerful device.
Reevaluating What “Mini” Means
The Honor Magic8 Mini could redefine the concept of “mini” smartphones—offering flagship performance, excellent battery life, and a premium display in a notably slim and comfortable design. This combination may well appeal to users tired of bulky devices without compromising on essential features.
