The honeymoon phase is over. I’ve had the Honor Magic7 Pro practically welded to my hand for the past month. It’s been stuffed into pockets, dropped off the couch, and lived on my nightstand. That new gadget glow has worn off, and reality has set in. Now that the dust has settled, let’s see if my first impressions still hold up after using it as my daily driver for a month.
Let’s get into it.
Design & Display: Flashy but Classy
I’m going to call it like it is — this phone is big. If you’re into ultra-compact devices, this isn’t the one. But it’s not bulky or awkward. It’s big with purpose, designed to be bold without feeling like you’re carrying a brick. The frosted glass finish adds a touch of class while being practical and the bonus of no smudges and no cheap gloss. It’s got presence without being obnoxious.
The phone’s wide, sure, but not unmanageable. It’s not chasing the whole thin-for-thin’s-sake trend. Instead, it’s built to feel like something solid and intentional.
That camera ring is massive and makes people take notice. It’s borderline absurd, yet somehow I low-key love it. It’s like the phone’s saying, “Yeah, I’m here. Deal with it.”
Now, that display. We’re looking at 6.8 inches of OLED brilliance with a 120Hz LTPO refresh rate and a wild 5,000 nits peak brightness. In plain English: it looks damn good, HDR content on this screen makes even average YouTube videos feel cinematic and you can actually use it in bright Joburg sunlight without squinting like a mole.
Durability: It Can Take a Hit
I’m not saying I’ve been reckless, but it’s definitely taken a few unplanned dives off the desk and my tracksuit pocket . The IP68 rating helps, but honestly, it’s the solid build that’s reassuring. I slapped on the standard case that was supplied in box and didn’t think twice about it. No scratches, no dents, just an all round solid daily driver.
After a month, it still looks and feels as good as when I unboxed it which is definitely reassuring.
Performance: Cool and Unbothered
Here’s where the Magic7 Pro really shines. The Snapdragon 8 Elite paired with 12GB of RAM just doesn’t know how to quit. Sure, benchmarks are great and all and the results by other reviewers have been impressive, but real-world use is where it counts. I’ve been bouncing between video calls, editing photos, playing Genshin Impact, and it just powers through without heating up. There’s some clever cooling magic going on here, no doubt about it.
Battery & Charging: Made for Load Shedding
With Eskom still playing its favourite game of “Will the lights stay on?”, battery life is crucial. Thankfully, the Magic7 Pro doesn’t disappoint. The 5,850mAh battery means I’m not scrambling for a charger halfway through the day, even on my busiest ones.
And when I do have the need to plug it in? 100W wired and 80W wireless charging means I’m at 60% in 15 minutes. There’s no exaggerated claims, just real, fast charging that’s actually useful. This phone doesn’t freak out when the power goes out, and neither do I.
Cameras: All That Hardware Hype, Surprisingly Backed Up
I know, we’re all a bit jaded by high-megapixel claims. But the 50MP main sensor, 200MP periscope, and 50MP ultra-wide are not just numbers. The variable aperture on the main lens actually works, giving you more control over depth of field.
Daytime shots are vibrant and sharp, while night mode doesn’t just crank up the brightness, but actually keeps details intact. The 200MP periscope is surprisingly usable up to 10x zoom. Beyond that, it’s more novelty than necessity.
- Main Sensor (50MP): The variable aperture isn’t just a gimmick. It adapts to lighting beautifully, and OIS keeps it sharp. Daylight shots are vibrant without being overcooked, and dynamic range is genuinely impressive.
- Periscope (200MP): It’s sharp up to 10x zoom, but anything beyond is more about the novelty than actual quality. Still, it’s better than most “because we can” zoom attempts.
- Ultra-Wide (50MP): Colour consistency with the main sensor is on point, and detail remains solid even in low light.
Video? All lenses shoot 4K 60fps, including the selfie cam. Stabilisation is decent (except on ultra-wide), and audio pickup is surprisingly clear.
Front-Facing Cam: No Plastic Faces Here
Look, 50MP for selfies sounds ridiculous. But in reality? The photos come out sharp, natural, and not overprocessed. Face unlock works fast, thanks to the 3D ToF sensor — feels Apple-like without being locked into the walled garden.
Software & AI: Clean, Smart, Actually Useful
I wasn’t expecting much from MagicOS 9, but it’s genuinely polished. Magic Portal for dragging and dropping between apps works like a charm. Magic Capsule keeps me updated without flooding my screen with notifications.
Plus, AI-enhanced editing makes photo tweaks a breeze, and Google Gemini integration means voice commands actually work. I’m not fighting with the software — it just blends into how I work
- Magic Capsule: Honor’s take on Dynamic Island. It’s genuinely slick.
- Magic Portal: Drag and drop across apps without losing your flow. More useful than I expected.
- Circle to Search & Gemini: Built for future-proofing.
- AI Editing Tools: Object removal and upscaling that actually work.
- Deepfake Detection: A neat trick, but don’t bet your reputation on it.
Like with most Chinese brands, there’s some bloat when you first boot up, but clear it out once and you’re good.
AI Notes: The Unexpected MVP
I almost bought the Plaud Note AI Recorder for R5,300. It seemed like the perfect gadget for my endless stream of meetings and interviews. But then I started using AI Notes on the Magic7 Pro, and honestly I didn’t need anything else. Check out the full comparison here!
Why It’s a Game-Changer
AI Notes isn’t just another voice recorder. It’s like having a personal assistant that actually pays attention.
- One-Touch Recording: You hit record, and it just works. No settings, no modes — just simple.
- Real-Time Transcription: It not only catches every word but also identifies who’s speaking.
- Summaries That Make Sense: After recording, it gives you a bullet-point breakdown — no digging through walls of text.
- Searchable Archives: Type a keyword, and it pulls up the right meeting or note
Audio: Sneakily Good
I didn’t expect much from the speakers, but they actually deliver. The hybrid stereo setup with a dedicated subwoofer cavity makes Netflix and Spotify sound way better than most flagships. You might still reach for your Bluetooth speaker, but not as often.
GeekVerdict: The Flagship Disruptor
After a month, I’m genuinely sold. The Honor Magic7 Pro doesn’t just throw features at you for the sake of it. Everything feels intentional, practical and powerful.
If you’re like me and juggling a million tasks, constantly in meetings, and looking for a phone that’s more than just specs on a sheet — this one’s worth considering. And yeah, I’m still kinda blown away that it saved me R5,000 without even trying.
