Honor 500 and 500 Pro Emerge: A Bold Leap with 8000mAh, 200MP Cameras, and a Striking New Design

Following the recent unveiling of its flagship Magic8 series, Honor has officially pulled the wraps off the Honor 500 and 500 Pro, marking a significant departure in design philosophy for the brand. These new smartphones boast a thoroughly reimagined aesthetic, featuring a sophisticated construction of a glass back panel complemented by a sturdy aluminum frame. The rear of the devices is dominated by a distinctive camera module, a design element that unmistakably evokes the sophisticated style reminiscent of Apple's iPhone Air lineup, signaling Honor's ambition to blend cutting-edge technology with a premium visual appeal.

Unrivaled Durability Meets Cutting-Edge Display Technology

Honor has always prioritized the resilience of its devices, and the Honor 500 series is no exception. Both the Honor 500 and 500 Pro have earned robust protection ratings of IP68, IP69, and IP69K. This trifecta of certifications assures users of exceptional resistance to dust ingress, submersion in water, and even high-pressure, high-temperature water jets – a testament to their build quality and suitability for demanding environments.

The visual experience is equally impressive, courtesy of 6.55-inch LTPO OLED displays. These panels deliver a crisp 1.5K resolution (2736×1264 pixels) with a sharp 460 ppi density, ensuring every image and text is rendered with remarkable clarity. A fluid 120Hz refresh rate provides buttery-smooth scrolling and animations, while an astonishing peak local brightness of 6000 nits guarantees superb visibility, even under direct sunlight. Furthermore, Honor's second-generation Motion Blur Relief Display technology intelligently activates during motion-intensive scenarios, such as travel, to minimize perceived blur and enhance viewing comfort – a thoughtful touch for users on the go.

The commitment to an immersive viewing experience extends to the bezels, which Honor claims are the slimmest in the industry at a mere 1.05mm. Beneath this expansive display lies a sophisticated biometric security system: an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner integrated into the Pro model, and an optical scanner for the standard Honor 500.

Powerhouse Performance and Next-Gen Imaging

Under the hood, the Honor 500 is powered by the capable Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm) processor, paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. For those seeking the absolute pinnacle of performance, the Honor 500 Pro steps up with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) chipset and offers storage configurations up to a colossal 1TB. Both models benefit from Honor Phantom Engine, a proprietary technology engineered to deliver an unwavering 120 frames per second in popular MOBA games, with minimal frame rate dips and virtually zero perceived frame jitter, according to Honor's claims.

Photography enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the camera systems. The rear of both devices features a formidable 200MP primary sensor (1/1.4-inch) with optical image stabilization (OIS), accompanied by a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens that also boasts autofocus capabilities. The Honor 500 Pro elevates the telephoto experience with an additional 50MP unit offering 3x optical zoom and OIS, providing exceptional versatility for capturing distant subjects with clarity. The front-facing camera is equally impressive, a 50MP sensor capable of recording stunning 4K video, further enhanced by a dedicated 3D camera for superior portrait effects. A unique physical camera button adds a tactile and immediate way to launch the camera app, even from a locked screen.

Enduring Power and Rapid Charging Solutions

A standout feature across both models is the colossal 8000mAh Si-C battery, promising exceptional longevity to power through demanding days. When it's time to refuel, the Honor 500 and 500 Pro support 80W wired fast charging. Reverse wired charging at 27W is also included, allowing users to power up accessories on the move. The Honor 500 Pro further sweetens the deal with the convenience of 50W wireless charging. Despite their hefty batteries and advanced features, both smartphones maintain a remarkably svelte profile, measuring just 7.8mm in thickness, with weights of 198g for the Honor 500 and 201g for the Pro variant.

The user experience is orchestrated by MagicOS 10, built upon the foundation of Android 16. Notably, the devices introduce support for iOS Tap-to-Transfer, enabling rapid sharing of up to 10 Live Photos per second, bridging ecosystems in an innovative way.

Pricing and Availability

Sales are slated to commence in Kyiv starting November 27th. Honor has positioned the 500 series competitively within the market:

• Honor 500:
• 12GB/256GB: 2699 yuan (~$380)
• 12GB/512GB: 2999 yuan (~$421)
• 16GB/512GB: 3299 yuan (~$464)
• Honor 500 Pro:
• 12GB/256GB: 3599 yuan (~$506)
• 12GB/512GB: 3899 yuan (~$548)
• 16GB/512GB: 4199 yuan (~$590)
• 16GB/1TB: 4799 yuan (~$675)

Consumers can choose from a palette of elegant finishes: Moonlight Silver, Ocean Blue (Aquamarine), Starlight Pink, and Obsidian Black.