Honor Magic5 Ultimate vs. Honor Magic5 Pro: The Ultimate Showdown

Honor's Magic series consistently delivers flagship features at competitive prices. The Magic5 Ultimate and Magic5 Pro are prime examples, boasting the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and impressive camera systems. But which one truly deserves your attention? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Honor Magic5 Pro offers exceptional battery life and a stunning display, while the Ultimate boasts a slightly more advanced camera system and potentially a more premium build. The Pro is the better value for most users, but the Ultimate caters to photography enthusiasts willing to spend a bit more.

PHONES
Phone Names Honor Magic5 Ultimate Honor Magic5 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
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 - China
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2023, March 062023, February 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, March 20Available. Released 2023, March 31
Body
BuildGlass front, eco leather backGlass front, glass back or eco leather back
Dimensions162.9 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)162.9 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight217 g (7.65 oz)219 g (7.72 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionGlass/ceramic coating-
Resolution1312 x 2848 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1312 x 2848 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.81 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~91.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.81 inches, 113.7 cm2 (~91.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 740
OSAndroid 13, MagicOS 7.1Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, MagicOS 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 16GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM
 UFS 4.0UFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Triple50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.12" 1.4µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/3.0, 90mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.5", AF TOF 3D (depth)50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.12" 1.4µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/3.0, 90mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 3.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", AF TOF 3D (depth)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10-bit video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10, 10-bit video
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)12 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1.22µm TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit audio stereo recording24-bit audio stereo recording
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, 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
 Ultra Wideband (UWB) support-
Battery
Charging66W wired 50W wireless Reverse wireless 5W reverse wired66W wired 50W wireless Reverse wireless 5W reverse wired
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 5450 mAhMarket-dependent versions:· Li-Po 5100 mAh (Global)· Si/C Li-Ion 5450 mAh (China only)
Misc
ColorsBlack, OrangeBlack, Meadow Green, Blue, Purple, Orange
ModelsPGT-AN20PGT-AN10, PGT-N19
PriceAbout 900 EUR£ 799.99 / € 407.79
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 109h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -24.6 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- GeekBench: 4378 (v5.1), 5096 (v6)

Honor Magic5 Ultimate

  • Potentially superior camera system
  • Premium build quality (rumored)
  • Fast charging (66W wired, 50W wireless)
  • Reverse wireless charging

  • Potentially shorter battery life than Pro
  • Higher price
  • Limited information on specific camera upgrades

Honor Magic5 Pro

  • Exceptional battery life (12:06h active use, 115h endurance)
  • Brighter display (1227 nits)
  • Excellent value for money
  • Fast charging (66W wired, 50W wireless)

  • Camera slightly less advanced than Ultimate (potentially)
  • Build quality may be slightly less premium

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Magic5 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 1227 nits, significantly brighter than what's typically seen. The Magic5 Ultimate's display, while excellent, doesn't reach the same peak brightness. The Pro's infinite contrast ratio (nominal) suggests exceptional blacks and vibrant colors. The Ultimate's display is still top-tier, but the Pro has a slight edge in visual fidelity.

Camera Comparison

This is where the Magic5 Ultimate attempts to differentiate itself. While both phones have excellent camera systems, the Ultimate is rumored to have a larger primary sensor and potentially improved image processing algorithms. The Magic5 Pro's camera is still outstanding, but the Ultimate aims for a slight advantage in low-light performance and overall image quality. Specific sensor details for the Ultimate are often scarce, making direct comparison challenging without extensive testing.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, ensuring blazing-fast performance for any task. The CPU and chipset are identical, so expect similar speeds in gaming, multitasking, and everyday usage. Differences in thermal management (if any) would be minimal and likely unnoticeable in typical use.

Battery Life

The Magic5 Pro demonstrates a clear advantage in battery life. Its active use score of 12:06h and endurance rating of 115h are impressive. The Magic5 Ultimate's battery life is still good, but not quite as exceptional as the Pro's. Both support 66W wired and 50W wireless charging, ensuring relatively quick top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Honor Magic5 Ultimate is ideal for users prioritizing camera performance and potentially a more luxurious feel. The Honor Magic5 Pro is a fantastic choice for those seeking long battery life, a brilliant display, and flagship performance at a slightly more accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference in camera quality between the two phones?
The Magic5 Ultimate is rumored to have a slightly improved camera system, potentially with a larger sensor and better image processing. However, the Magic5 Pro's camera is still excellent and delivers impressive results.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer flagship-level performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Gaming performance should be very similar on both devices.