Honor Magic6 Ultimate vs. Pro: A Detailed Comparison of Honor's Latest Flagships

Honor has doubled down on the flagship space with the Magic6 series, releasing both the Pro and Ultimate models. While both share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, subtle yet significant differences in features and potential performance exist. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best value and experience for different user profiles.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Honor Magic6 Pro delivers an exceptional experience with its impressive 1578 nit display and solid 14:06h active use battery life. The Ultimate offers incremental improvements, but the price premium doesn't justify the upgrade unless you specifically need the potential for slightly better thermal performance or future-proofing.

PHONES
Phone Names Honor Magic6 Ultimate Honor Magic6 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 bandsLTELTE
5G bandsSA/NSASA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, March 182024, January 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, March 22Available. Released 2024, January 18
Body
BuildGlass front, silicone polymer back (eco leather)Glass front (NanoCrystal Shield), glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)
Dimensions162.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)162.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight227 g (8.01 oz)225 g or 229 g (7.94 oz)
Display
ProtectionKing Kong RhinocerosNanoCrystal Shield
Resolution1280 x 2800 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)1280 x 2800 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 112.8 cm2 (~91.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 112.8 cm2 (~91.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 1600 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR, 1600 nits (HBM), 5000 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 750Adreno 750
OSAndroid 14, MagicOS 8Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, MagicOS 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.4-2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", LiDAR AF, PDAF, OIS 180 MP, f/2.6, (periscope telephoto), 1/1.49", PDAF, OIS, 2.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), AF50 MP, f/1.4-2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, PDAF, OIS 180 MP, f/2.6, (periscope telephoto), 1/1.49", 0.56µm, PDAF, OIS, 2.5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.0, 13mm, 122˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.88", 0.61µm, AF
Video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR, 10-bit video4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, HDR, 10-bit video
Selfie camera
Single50 MP, f/2.0, (ultrawide), AF TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/2.93", 0.6µm, AF TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort 1.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging80W wired 66W wireless Reverse wireless 5W reverse wired80W wired 66W wireless Reverse wireless 5W reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 5600 mAhSi/C Li-Ion 5600 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, PurpleBlack, Green, Blue, Purple, White
ModelsBVL-AN20BVL-AN16, BVL-N49
PriceAbout 900 EUR€ 455.54 / $ 899.00 / £ 598.99

Honor Magic6 Ultimate

  • Potential for superior thermal management
  • Possible camera improvements over the Pro
  • Future-proofed with potentially advanced cooling

  • Higher price point
  • Missing detailed specifications
  • Diminishing returns for most users

Honor Magic6 Pro

  • Excellent 1578 nit display brightness
  • Impressive 14:06h active use battery life
  • More affordable than the Ultimate

  • May throttle slightly faster under sustained load
  • Potentially less advanced camera system
  • Lacks the 'Ultimate' branding appeal

Display Comparison

Both the Magic6 Pro and Ultimate utilize high-quality displays, but the Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 1578 nits, suggesting a superior outdoor visibility experience. While the Ultimate's panel specifications aren't provided, the Pro's brightness is a significant advantage. Both likely employ LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, conserving battery life. The absence of detailed display specs for the Ultimate makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Pro's measured brightness is a clear win.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are missing for both devices, making a comprehensive comparison challenging. However, the Ultimate's name suggests a more advanced camera system. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS details, it's difficult to assess the image quality difference. We can assume both phones will offer excellent image processing capabilities, leveraging the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3's ISP. Ignoring the likely present but unimportant 2MP macro sensors, the key differentiator will be the main sensor and its associated optics.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) chipset, featuring an identical CPU configuration: 1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720, 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720, and 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520. This means raw processing power will be nearly identical. However, the Ultimate *may* benefit from a more advanced cooling system, potentially allowing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to sustain peak performance for longer durations during demanding tasks like prolonged gaming. The 4nm process node contributes to improved thermal efficiency in both devices, minimizing throttling compared to older generations.

Battery Life

The Magic6 Pro demonstrates impressive battery life with a 14:06h active use score. While the Ultimate's battery capacity isn't specified, both devices share the same charging capabilities: 80W wired, 66W wireless, and 5W reverse wired. The Pro's longer active use time suggests a more efficient combination of battery size and software optimization. The 80W wired charging ensures rapid replenishment, while 66W wireless charging provides convenient power-ups. The inclusion of reverse wireless and wired charging adds versatility for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Honor Magic6 Ultimate if you demand the absolute best in performance and are willing to pay a premium for potential future-proofing and the most robust thermal solution. Buy the Honor Magic6 Pro if you prioritize a stunning display, excellent battery life, and a more balanced overall package at a more reasonable price point. The Pro is ideal for everyday users, content consumers, and mobile gamers who don't require the absolute peak performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in either phone exhibit significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While both phones utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Ultimate *may* mitigate throttling better due to a potentially more robust cooling system. However, the 4nm process node already offers improved thermal efficiency, meaning both devices should handle most gaming scenarios well. Prolonged, demanding games at maximum settings could still induce some throttling, but it's unlikely to be a major issue.
❓ What real-world charging times can I expect with the 80W wired and 66W wireless charging on the Magic6 Pro?
With 80W wired charging, the Magic6 Pro should reach a full charge from 0% in approximately 30-40 minutes. 66W wireless charging will take longer, likely around 50-60 minutes for a complete charge. These are estimates, and actual charging times may vary depending on ambient temperature and charging conditions.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications for the Ultimate a cause for concern?
It's a valid concern. The 'Ultimate' branding implies a superior camera, but without knowing sensor size, aperture, or OIS capabilities, it's difficult to quantify the improvement. The Pro already offers a capable camera system, so the Ultimate's advantage may be incremental rather than revolutionary.