Honor Magic4 Ultimate vs Honor Magic3 Pro+: The Ultimate Showdown

Honor has consistently delivered impressive flagship phones, and the Magic4 Ultimate and Magic3 Pro+ are prime examples. Both boast premium designs, powerful processors, and advanced camera systems. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will break down every aspect to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Honor Magic4 Ultimate takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, dramatically quicker 100W wired charging, and generally improved performance. While the Magic3 Pro+ remains a capable device, the Ultimate offers a noticeable upgrade for those seeking the latest and greatest.

PHONES
Phone Names Honor Magic4 Ultimate Honor Magic3 Pro+
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 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, 5GHSPA, LTE-A, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2022, March 172021, August 12
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 22Available. Released 2021, September 19
Body
BuildGlass front, ceramic back, aluminum frameGlass front, ceramic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions163.6 x 74.7 x 11.4 mm (6.44 x 2.94 x 0.45 in)162.8 x 74.9 x 9.9 mm (6.41 x 2.95 x 0.39 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight242 g (8.54 oz)236 g (8.32 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glass-
Resolution1312 x 2848 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1344 x 2772 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~456 ppi density)
Size6.81 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~93.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.76 inches, 115.7 cm2 (~94.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x2.99 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888+ 5G (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 660
OSAndroid 12, Magic UI 6Android 11, Magic UI 5
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 12GB RAM512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 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)50 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)
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)13 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide) TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10-bit video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)13 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide) TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNo-
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 portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a)
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, ultrasonic), Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, color spectrum
Battery
Charging100W wired, 100% in 30 min 50W wireless 5W reverse wireless 5W reverse wired66W wired 66W wireless 5W reverse wireless 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4600 mAhLi-Po 4600 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsCeramic Black, Ceramic WhiteCeramic Black, Ceramic White
ModelsLGE-AN20ELZ-AN20
PriceAbout 1150 EURAbout 1070 EUR

Honor Magic4 Ultimate

  • Significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
  • Blazing-fast 100W wired charging
  • Likely improved camera performance
  • Premium design and build quality
  • 5W reverse wireless charging

  • Potentially higher price
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can experience thermal throttling under sustained load

Honor Magic3 Pro+

  • Excellent camera system
  • Premium design and build quality
  • Good performance with Snapdragon 888+
  • 66W fast charging
  • 5W reverse wireless charging

  • Slower charging compared to Magic4 Ultimate
  • Older chipset compared to Magic4 Ultimate
  • May be harder to find new

Display Comparison

Both phones feature stunning OLED displays with high refresh rates (likely 120Hz). The Magic4 Ultimate likely has a slightly brighter display and potentially improved color accuracy due to newer panel technology. However, both offer excellent viewing experiences.

Camera Comparison

Both phones have impressive camera setups, likely featuring multiple lenses including a primary wide, ultrawide, and telephoto. The Magic4 Ultimate likely benefits from improved image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensors, resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality. Both likely record high-quality video.

Performance

The Magic4 Ultimate's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is a substantial upgrade over the Magic3 Pro+'s Snapdragon 888+. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Ultimate. The 4nm process of the 8 Gen 1 also contributes to improved efficiency.

Battery Life

The Magic4 Ultimate's 100W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast charging times. While the Magic3 Pro+'s 66W charging is still respectable, the Ultimate offers a significant advantage in this area. Battery capacity is likely similar between the two devices.

Buying Guide

The Honor Magic4 Ultimate is ideal for power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance and blazing-fast charging. The Honor Magic3 Pro+ is a great choice for those seeking a premium experience at a potentially lower price point, still offering excellent features and performance, especially if charging speed isn't a top priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Magic4 Ultimate prone to overheating?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can experience thermal throttling under sustained heavy load, but Honor likely implemented cooling solutions to mitigate this. Real-world performance will depend on usage patterns.
❓ Can I use the Magic4 Ultimate to wirelessly charge other devices?
Yes, both the Magic4 Ultimate and Magic3 Pro+ offer 5W reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge compatible accessories.