Creating magic: How Honor is redefining the smartphone experience

HONOR’s general manager of GCC, Laurance Li, shares insights into the exciting new Magic 7 Pro, spotlighting its cutting-edge AI-powered camera system, powerful performance features, and groundbreaking innovation.

Here, Li discusses HONOR’s tailored approach to the Middle Eastern market and its plans for expanded retail presence, strategic collaborations, and exciting product launches in 2025.

 Honor recently launched several exciting new devices, including the upcoming Magic 7 Pro. Tell us about it.

HONOR continues to innovate and push boundaries with our latest devices, including the much-anticipated HONOR Magic7 Pro.

This device exemplifies our commitment to cutting-edge technology, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. It combines sleek design, advanced AI capabilities, and powerful performance in a smartphone that is set to redefine the user experience.

The Magic7 Pro will feature innovations like AI-powered photography, real-time graphics rendering for gaming, and an intelligent operating system. We’re incredibly excited to bring this device to the Middle East, where tech enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in smartphone technology.

Tell us more about the standout features of the Magic 7 Pro and how it enhances the user experience in terms of innovation and performance.

The HONOR Magic7 Pro is packed with standout features that set it apart in terms of both innovation and performance. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, it offers PC-level graphics and unparalleled gaming performance, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience.

The device’s AI-powered HONOR AI Falcon Camera System, with a 50MP Super Dynamic Main Camera, 50MP Wide Camera, and 200MP Telephoto Camera, delivers exceptional detail and clarity. MagicOS 9.0 provides a personalised interface with features like Magic Portal 2.0, offering seamless app interaction.

Additionally, the Magic7 Pro’s 5850mAh battery, combined with 100W Wired HONOR SuperCharge, ensures you stay powered throughout the day with lightning-fast charging in just 33 minutes. It’s a device built to meet the demands of modern users, from gaming and entertainment to photography and daily productivity.

Honor has placed a strong emphasis on camera technology. How does the Magic 7 Pro’s camera stack up in terms of innovation, and what new features can users expect to see that set it apart from other devices in the market?

The HONOR Magic7 Pro’s camera system is truly revolutionary. The AI-powered HONOR AI Falcon Camera System delivers cutting-edge features, including AI Super Zoom (30x to 100x) for incredible zoom capabilities and AI Motion Sensing Capture for precise action shots.

The camera system’s ability to adapt to different lighting conditions and its advanced HD Super Burst function ensures top-tier photography, even in challenging environments. HONOR is setting new standards in mobile photography by integrating real-time AI optimisation, which helps enhance images instantly, allowing users to capture professional-quality photos with ease.

This combination of AI and hardware makes the Magic7 Pro’s camera one of the most advanced in the market.

Innovation has always been at the core of Honor’s brand. Beyond the Magic 7 Pro, are there any other unique or game-changing features across your latest product range that you’re particularly excited about, especially for consumers in the Middle East?

Innovation is indeed at the heart of everything we do, and beyond the Magic7 Pro, there are other exciting advancements we’re introducing. A standout feature is the introduction of HONOR’s AI Deepfake Detection technology, integrated within MagicOS 9.0, designed to protect users from fraud and misinformation. This feature will be available in the Middle East in Q2.

Additionally, our foldable smartphone technology, like the HONOR Magic V3 series, continues to set new benchmarks in design and functionality. We’re also focused on offering seamless integration across devices, from smartphones to wearables, making the HONOR ecosystem smarter and more intuitive.

These innovations are aimed at enhancing the user experience for consumers in the Middle East, who are increasingly looking for devices that offer both cutting-edge features and practical, everyday benefits.

The Middle East is an incredibly important market for Honor. How does the region shape your strategy, and what key factors do you take into consideration when designing products specifically for Middle Eastern consumers?

The Middle East is a vital market for HONOR, and our strategy is shaped by several key factors. We understand that Middle Eastern consumers value innovation, performance and design, but also prioritise reliability and user experience.

We consider regional preferences, such as the desire for advanced camera features, long battery life, and high-performance capabilities, particularly for gaming and multimedia consumption.

Additionally, we ensure that our devices are tailored to meet the needs of a diverse, tech-savvy population, offering features like localised content, Arabic language support, and integration with regional services. Our commitment to community engagement and offering products that cater to local needs is central to HONOR’s success in the region.

What are Honor’s key plans for growth and expansion in the Middle East this year? Are there any exciting launches or collaborations we should look forward to in 2025?

HONOR is focused on expanding its footprint in the Middle East, and we have several exciting plans for growth in 2025. This year, we’re continuing to expand our retail presence with the opening of additional HONOR Experience Stores across key markets like the UAE, Qatar, and Oman. These stores provide consumers with direct access to our latest innovations and a hands-on experience with our devices.

We are also honoured to partner with Louvre Abu Dhabi on their remarkable exhibition “Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power”. This collaboration reflects our dedication to fostering innovation and creativity, not only through technology but also by supporting cultural and artistic initiatives that inspire and unite communities.

Our partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi is a true testament to this commitment.