Honor has confirmed it is preparing to launch the Magic 8 Pro Air, an ultra-slim smartphone designed to compete directly with Apple’s thin handset push and similar designs from Samsung and other Android manufacturers.
The announcement follows the recent global debut of Honor’s Magic 8 Pro flagship and signals that the company intends to make ultra-thin hardware a key part of its 2026 smartphone strategy.
The launch follows the UK debut of the Honor Magic 8 Pro, which places a strong emphasis on AI-powered photography, with Honor now confirming that the Magic 8 Pro Air will launch in China on January 19.
While Honor has not yet shared full specifications, early reports and leaks are already shaping expectations around the device’s size, weight, and battery design.
The Magic 8 Pro Air is expected to measure 6.1mm thick and weigh around 155g, making it one of the lightest premium smartphones in its class.
That thickness would place it slightly above Apple’s iPhone Air and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, but Honor appears to be prioritising usability rather than chasing the absolute thinnest profile.
The added internal space is expected to allow for a 5,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, which would be notably larger than most batteries found in competing ultra-slim handsets.
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Wireless charging is also expected to be included, addressing one of the common trade-offs seen in thin phone designs where features are often removed to save space.
Leaked images suggest the Magic 8 Pro Air will feature a triple rear camera system, although Honor has not yet confirmed sensor sizes or photographic capabilities.
Battery life and camera performance have been recurring weaknesses across ultra-slim phones, and Honor’s approach appears aimed at reducing those compromises rather than eliminating thickness entirely.
Honor has only confirmed the China launch so far, and the company has not said whether the Magic 8 Pro Air will receive a wider global release.
Pricing is expected to play a critical role if the device expands beyond China, especially when competing against premium rivals such as Apple’s £999 iPhone Air.
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