Honor Magic3 Pro+ vs Honor Magic4 Ultimate: A Detailed Showdown

Honor continues to push the boundaries of smartphone technology with its Magic series. The Magic3 Pro+ and Magic4 Ultimate are both impressive devices, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which phone reigns supreme.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Honor Magic4 Ultimate boasts significantly faster charging, a newer chipset, and a slightly improved camera system. However, the Magic3 Pro+ remains a powerful contender, especially for those prioritizing value and a proven track record. The Magic4 Ultimate is the clear winner for performance and charging speed.

PHONES
Phone Names Honor Magic3 Pro+ Honor Magic4 Ultimate
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE-A, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, August 122022, March 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 19Available. Released 2022, April 22
Body
BuildGlass front, ceramic back, aluminum frameGlass front, ceramic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions162.8 x 74.9 x 9.9 mm (6.41 x 2.95 x 0.39 in)163.6 x 74.7 x 11.4 mm (6.44 x 2.94 x 0.45 in)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight236 g (8.32 oz)242 g (8.54 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Scratch-resistant glass
Resolution1344 x 2772 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~456 ppi density)1312 x 2848 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.76 inches, 115.7 cm2 (~94.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.81 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~93.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 730
OSAndroid 11, Magic UI 5Android 12, Magic UI 6
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 12GB RAM512GB 12GB RAM
 -UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 64 MP, f/3.5, 90mm (telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom 64 MP, f/1.8, (monochrome) 64 MP, f/2.4, 11mm 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF TOF 3D (depth)50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.12", 1.4µm, PDAF 64 MP, f/2.2, 126˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm 64 MP, f/3.5, 90mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.5", PDAF TOF 3D (depth)
Single13 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide) TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10-bit video
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single13 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide) TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jack-No
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit audio stereo recording
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, color spectrumFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired 66W wireless 5W reverse wireless 5W reverse wired100W wired, 100% in 30 min 50W wireless 5W reverse wireless 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4600 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4600 mAh
Misc
ColorsCeramic Black, Ceramic WhiteCeramic Black, Ceramic White
ModelsELZ-AN20LGE-AN20
PriceAbout 1070 EURAbout 1150 EUR

Honor Magic3 Pro+

  • Excellent camera system
  • Powerful Snapdragon 888+ chipset
  • 66W fast charging
  • Premium design and build quality
  • Generally more affordable

  • Slower charging compared to Magic4 Ultimate
  • Older chipset than Magic4 Ultimate
  • May lack some of the latest software features

Honor Magic4 Ultimate

  • Cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
  • Blazing-fast 100W wired charging
  • Improved camera system
  • Slightly better display
  • Latest software features

  • Higher price point
  • Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load (common with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • Design may be polarizing for some

Display Comparison

Both phones feature stunning OLED displays with high refresh rates (likely 120Hz). The Magic4 Ultimate likely has slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to its newer panel technology. Expect vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling on both.

Camera Comparison

While both have excellent camera systems, the Magic4 Ultimate's camera is generally considered superior. It likely features a larger primary sensor and improved image processing algorithms, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed photos. Both offer impressive zoom capabilities.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Magic4 Ultimate offers a noticeable performance boost over the Snapdragon 888+ in the Magic3 Pro+. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Magic4 Ultimate. Both phones handle everyday tasks with ease.

Battery Life

The Magic4 Ultimate's 100W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. The Magic3 Pro+'s 66W charging is still respectable, but significantly slower. Battery life itself is likely comparable between the two, given similar battery capacities (estimated around 4600-5000 mAh). Wireless charging is also faster on the Magic4 Ultimate.

Buying Guide

The Honor Magic3 Pro+ is ideal for users seeking a premium experience without breaking the bank, appreciating a well-rounded package with excellent camera capabilities. The Honor Magic4 Ultimate is for power users and photography enthusiasts who demand the absolute latest technology, lightning-fast charging, and top-tier performance, and are willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Magic4 Ultimate prone to overheating?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can sometimes experience thermal throttling under sustained heavy load. However, Honor has implemented cooling solutions to mitigate this issue.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Honor Magic4 Ultimate, being newer, will likely receive longer software update support than the Magic3 Pro+.