While Huawei has kept pumping out premium smartphones since the big Huawei ban of ’19, the lack of Google apps has made them questionable purchases. However Honor – once Huawei’s sub-brand, now under different owners – has finally stepped up to fill that void.
The new Honor Magic 3 series is the company’s first big global launch since the Honor 20 in early 2019, reviving its premium brand which last saw an entry in 2018 for limited markets. This new device is super flashy, with top specs in many departments.
In fact, if the handset didn’t have the Honor logo slapped on it, we’d think it was a Huawei phone. It has the same design language with a super-curved-edge display, large circular camera bump and absolutely top-spec rear cameras. That makes sense, because lots of the Honor team previously worked on Huawei devices.
The main differentiator here is that, since Honor is no longer owned by Huawei, it once again gets access to Google apps including the Play Store, making this arguably much more useful as a phone.
Honor’s move here is the equivalent of someone breaking up with their partner, then immediately dating someone who’s basically a better version of them: it sends the clear message “I won this breakup”. And, metaphor aside, it gives people who like Huawei phones but don’t like their app problems, a better alternative.
At the moment, we’ve got Euro prices for the phone, and will share conversions too, but the cost could be different in other regions.
Honor Magic 3 series prices
Phone
Euro price
USD conversion
GBP conversion
AUD conversion
Honor Magic 3
899
$1,060
£760
$1,430
Honor Magic 3 Pro
1099
$1,290
£930
$1,750
Honor Magic 3 Pro Plus
1499
$1,760
£1,270
$2,390
Honor Magic 3 specs
There are actually three new phones: the Honor Magic 3, the Magic 3 Pro and the Magic 3 Pro Plus. We’ve been told the range is launching globally, though we don’t have specifics on where that actually means or how much it’ll cost in various regions.
All three devices share the same screen – it’s a 6.67-inch OLED panel with a 2772 x 1344 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and HDR 10+ support. It curves at the edges in a dramatic fashion, a design statement Huawei also makes in its Mate phones.
The Honor Magic 3 Pro Plus with its giant camera circle (Image credit: Honor)
The handset comes in four colors – there’s white and black as well as Blue Hour, which is blue, and Golden Hour which is pink – the latter two are apparently inspired by the ‘magic hour’ in photography, which is the hour either side of sunset when colors look nice.
Another weirdly specific design detail is the circular camera bump, which Honor calls the ‘Eye of the Muse’ and is designed with mathematical ratios to… look nice? Some have suggested it looks like a film reel, which would work as a reference to the camera’s videography specs, but we think that’s reading into it a bit too far.
Oh, if you’re often getting your phone wet, you should know that while the Honor Magic 3 Pro and Pro Plus have IP68 protection, the standard model only gets IP54.
The Magic 3 Pro Plus has extra protection though with a Nano Crystal Shield, whatever that means, which apparently gives the device 3x anti-drop resistance – presumably that means you can drop the thing three times as often as you would normally, and it would be fine.
Specs-wise, the Honor Magic 3 has the Snapdragon 888 chipset, while the Pro and Pro Plus get the 888 Plus, which is the top processor available to Android phones as of launch. There’s also Flash Memory, which lets the device leverage spare storage power to temporarily bump up the RAM, and Honor estimates you can add 2GB of RAM if you toggle this on.
The devices all have 66W wired charging, as well as 50W wireless powering, so they’ll charge up in less than an hour regardless of how you power them.
The Magic 3 has three rear cameras: there’s a 50MP main, 64MP monochrome and 13MP ultra-wide snapper, as well as a laser autofocus. The Pro model keeps those specs but throws a 64MP extra sensor into the mix, paired with a periscope lens for 3.5x optical, 10x hybrid or 100x digital zoom – it also swaps the laser focuser for a digital Time-of-Flight sensor.
The Pro Plus is the same as the Pro but turns the ultra-wide snapper up to 64MP and also has a ‘multi-spectrum color temperature sensor’, which is a feature ripped straight from rugged phones.
Honor has introduced a new feature for its phones to aid in videography, by creating its own file format for videos. While lots of cameras (including phone ones) save in RAW, which is a file format for photos that retains lots of information to aid in editing, LOG is the equivalent for video, and Honor has created ‘Magic-Log’, a version that contains loads of data but doesn’t take as much space as standard Log. This should be useful for people who want to record professional videos on a phone, but keep lots of information for editing later.
All the phones also have two front-facing cameras, consisting of an ultra-wide selfie camera paired with a 3D depth sensor for improved bokeh background blur.
All-in-all, these phones sound like three impressive premium devices. We’ll have to test them out to be sure though – hopefully they’ll land globally soon so we can give them a spin.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
