(Image Source: Honor)
If you’re hunting for a smartphone that delivers top-notch features without breaking the bank, the Honor 200 Pro might just be the one for you. Having had the chance to put this device through its paces over the past week, including snapping some incredible shots at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, I found this phone to be punching way above its weight class. Offering an impressive blend of performance, design and a ridiculously good camera, you get a taste of flagship features without the hefty price tag.
THE GEEKSCORE: 8/10
The Honor 200 Pro stands out by offering exceptional features at a great price. Its most notable highlight is the Studio Harcourt portrait effects, which significantly enhance photo quality. Beyond that, the phone boasts the largest battery in its category, incredibly fast charging capabilities, and impressive overall performance.
Pros:
- Awesome Camera System
- Stunning Display
- Powerful Performance
- Super-Fast Charging
- Elegant Design
Cons:
- Minor Software Niggles like bloatware
- No Expandable Storage
Design
Smartphones have become as much a fashion accessory as it is a communications device, often complimenting the users sense of style and personality. The Honor 200 Pro’s design is a testament to its stylish, premium aspirations. Its “Elegant Coastline Design” which I’ve been reviewing, features an Ocean-Cyan curve on the back that mimics a meandering coastline. This wavelike curve doesn’t just look good but also provides a tactile grip that’s both comfortable and secure. At just 8.2mm thick, the phone manages to be both slim and robust, balancing style and practicality beautifully.
The glossy rear glass and aluminum frame enhance its premium feel, and the phone’s overall design ensures it’s not just a pretty face but also functional. Whether you’re showing it off to friends at a braai or using it to snap photos of the incredible South African Sunsets, the Honor 200 Pro is designed to impress.
Design GeekScore 4/5
Display
The 6.78-inch Quad-Curved AMOLED display on the Honor 200 Pro is a visual delight. With a resolution of 2700 x 1225 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, every interaction feels smooth and fluid. HDR VIVID technology and a peak brightness of 4000 nits ensure that your media looks spectacular even under the South African sunshine. Whether you’re watching the latest Mzansi Magic series or the Boks smashing the “All Blacks” for a record 4th time in row, the Honor 200 Pro Display is a treat.
The Honor 200 Pro display doesn’t just look good but performs exceptionally well across different lighting conditions. Delivering a flagship killing 3840Hz PWM dimming rate, it obliterates some of the priciest flagships on the market, ensuring reduced strain on your eyes. The Samsung S24 Ultra for example only supports 480Hz PWM dimming.
Display GeekScore: 4/5
Camera
If you’re a shutterbug, you’re in for a treat. The Honor 200 Pro’s camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. These cameras work together to deliver photo quality that’s nothing short of stellar.
During my visit to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, I was blown away by the detail and clarity of the photos. The main sensor handles low-light situations like a pro, while the ultra-wide lens captures those sweeping landscapes effortlessly. The telephoto lens lets you get close to the action, making it perfect for snapping wildlife or those dramatic mountain views.
DXOMark has given this camera array a solid score of 143, particularly praising its outdoor photography, fast and accurate autofocus, and portrait capabilities. The Honor 200 Pro also benefits from a collaboration with Studio Harcourt, offering Harcourt modes like Vibrant, Color, and Classic for tailored portrait shots.
The AI Portrait Engine enhances your photography with features like Night Portrait Mode, HDR mode, and secondary editing of Bokeh effects.It’s like having a high-end camera in your pocket, and for the price, it’s hard to beat.
- 50MP Main Sensor: Equipped with a large sensor and 7P lens for exceptional detail and low-light performance.
- 50MP Telephoto Sensor: Offers 2.5x optical zoom and 50x digital zoom for capturing distant subjects with clarity.
- 12MP Ultra-Wide and Macro Sensor: Provides a 112-degree ultra-wide angle and 2.5cm ultra-short focus for expansive shots and close-ups.
Camera GeekScore: 4/5
Performance
Under the hood, the Honor 200 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen3 processor, paired with a generous 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.This combination ensures the phone handles everything from high-end gaming to multitasking without breaking a sweat. I’ve found it handles even the most demanding apps with ease, providing a smooth and responsive experience.
Magic UI 7.0, based on Android 14, offers a clean and intuitive interface. While there’s a bit of bloatware that we definitely don’t need, the overall user experience is smooth. It’s a shame that it comes with these pre-installed apps that you will have to deal with, which is the case with most Chinese brands these days, but it’s a small price to pay for an overall great experience.
The Honor 200 Pro is more than capable and exceeded my expectations on the performance front. Everything runs smoothly and without hiccups.
Performance GeekScore: 4/5
Battery and Charging
Battery life on the Honor 200 Pro is really impressive, with a 5200mAh capacity that comfortably lasts through a busy day. The 100W fast charging is a game-changer—imagine going from zero to 50% in just 15 minutes.
- 100W Wired SuperCharge: Charges from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes.
- 66W Wireless SuperCharge: Provides 0% to 64% in 30 minutes.
These charging speeds mean you can quickly power up and get back to using your phone without long waits. It’s a significant advantage for those with busy lifestyles or those long nights out, the Honor 200 Pro will have you ready to go in no time.
Battery GeekScore: 4/5
Pricing and Availability in South Africa
The Honor 200 Pro is available in South Africa at a starting price of around ZAR 17,499. This competitive pricing makes it a great option for those looking for high-end features at a mid-range price. You can find it through all major retailers, networks and Takealot.
Final Verdict
The Honor 200 Pro is a formidable contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering premium features and performance without the flagship price. Its standout camera system, vibrant display, and robust performance make it a solid choice for anyone in the market for a high-quality device. While the bloatware and lack of expandable storage are minor drawbacks, they are outweighed by the phone’s many strengths.
The Honor 200 Pro may just be the best smartphone in its class for most people, making it a standout choice that’s well worth considering.
| Specification | Detail |
| Display | 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 2700 x 1225 pixels, 120Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen3 |
| RAM | 12GB + 12GB (virtual) |
| Storage | 512GB |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main, 50MP telephoto (2.5x optical zoom, 50x digital zoom), 12MP ultra-wide and macro |
| Front Camera | 50MP |
| Battery | 5200mAh |
| Charging | 100W Wired SuperCharge, 66W Wireless SuperCharge |
| Operating System | MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14 |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 74.2 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 199g |
| Price | Starting from ZAR 17,499 |
