The smartphone market in 2026 continues to push the limits of what’s possible in a compact design, and the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air 5G is a shining example. Launched on January 23, 2026, this new device brings flagship-level performance into a lightweight and ultra-thin package. Weighing only 155 grams and measuring just 6.1mm thick, the Magic 8 Pro Air is designed for those who want a small phone without compromising on power, camera quality, or battery life.
Price and Availability
In India, the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air is expected to be priced at around Rs 79,999. It comes in two configurations: a base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and a premium variant with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The phone runs on Android 16 with Honor’s MagicOS 10 skin, promising a smooth and customizable user experience.
Sleek and Durable Design
One of the most impressive aspects of the Magic 8 Pro Air is its design. The phone is extremely light at 155 grams, making it easier to carry and use with one hand compared to heavier devices that often exceed 200 grams. Despite its thinness, the body is built with a combination of glass and aluminum, providing both elegance and durability. It comes in four color options: Black, White, Purple, and Orange, giving users a choice to match their personal style.
The 6.31-inch screen covers 90.2% of the front, offering an immersive viewing experience. An under-display fingerprint sensor allows fast and secure unlocking, even with wet fingers. The phone supports dual SIM with an eSIM option, adding convenience for frequent travelers or professionals who manage multiple numbers. In terms of protection, the Magic 8 Pro Air has an IP68 and IP69 rating, meaning it can withstand water submersion up to 1.5 meters and resist dust and high-pressure water sprays. While the device lacks a headphone jack, it features a USB-C port for charging and wired audio.
Display Technology That Wows
The phone’s display is not only large for its size but also highly advanced. With a resolution of 1216 x 2640 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, scrolling feels fluid and videos appear crisp. The screen can reach a peak brightness of 6000 nits, making outdoor visibility excellent even in direct sunlight. LTPO OLED technology intelligently adjusts the refresh rate to save battery, and support for Dolby Vision and HDR ensures vibrant and accurate color reproduction. The display also protects your eyes by minimizing flicker with 4320Hz PWM dimming and supports an always-on mode for checking notifications at a glance, even when the screen is wet.
Powerful Performance
Under the hood, the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 9500 processor, a 3nm octa-core chip capable of handling demanding tasks and gaming with ease. The device scores over 2.5 million on the AnTuTu benchmark, demonstrating its flagship-level performance. RAM options of 12GB and 16GB paired with ultra-fast UFS 4.0 storage (256GB, 512GB, or 1TB) ensure smooth multitasking and lightning-fast app launches. The phone supports Wi-Fi 7 for ultra-fast internet speeds, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC for contactless payments, and advanced GPS for accurate navigation.
Camera Capabilities
Honor has equipped the Magic 8 Pro Air with a triple rear camera system and a high-resolution front camera. The main 50MP sensor features optical image stabilization, allowing sharp photos even in low light. The secondary 64MP telephoto lens offers 3.2x optical zoom, while the 50MP ultrawide lens captures expansive landscapes and close-up macro shots. All cameras support 4K video recording at 60fps, slow-motion capture at 1080p/240fps, and AI-powered features such as Night mode and HDR to enhance image quality automatically. The front 50MP camera ensures stunning selfies and high-quality video calls.
Long-Lasting Battery
Despite its thin profile, the Magic 8 Pro Air comes with a 5500mAh battery, capable of providing up to 16 hours of screen-on time and lasting up to two days under moderate use. Charging speeds are impressive, with 80W wired charging reaching full capacity in just 28 minutes. The device also supports 50W wireless charging and 5W reverse charging, allowing you to charge accessories like smartwatches and earbuds directly from your phone.
Software and Additional Features
Running MagicOS 10 on top of Android 16, the software experience is smooth and feature-rich. Honor promises four Android updates for long-term software support. MagicOS 10 includes AI features like Magic Capsule for quick tasks, customizable side buttons, and dedicated gaming modes that lock the screen refresh rate at 120Hz for consistent performance. The stereo speakers deliver loud, clear sound with deep bass, although users will need Bluetooth earphones for private listening.
Who Should Consider the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air
This phone is ideal for users who want a compact, high-performance device. Gamers will appreciate the fast processor and smooth display, content creators will benefit from the versatile camera system, and anyone who prefers a lighter, easier-to-handle phone will find the Magic 8 Pro Air appealing. While it comes with a premium price tag of Rs 79,999, the device offers flagship-grade features in a form factor that is rare in today’s market. It competes directly with devices like the iPhone 17 Air and Galaxy S26 but stands out due to its exceptional weight and thickness.
Final Thoughts
The Honor Magic 8 Pro Air 5G proves that small phones can still deliver a full flagship experience. With a lightweight design, premium build, high-resolution cameras, fast processor, and long-lasting battery, it caters to users who value portability without sacrificing performance. For anyone looking for a compact flagship that fits comfortably in one hand while offering all the power and features of larger devices, the Magic 8 Pro Air is an excellent choice.
