The Magic 8 Pro Air revives Honor's classic identity with a modern twist
The redesign of the Honor Magic 8 Pro Air has reignited debate among users, with many comparing its appearance to phones like the iPhone Air and the Pixel series, as well as some previous Honor devices. However, a closer look reveals that the company didn't simply copy its competitors, but rather revived an old design dating back nearly eight years.
Followers of the Honor V20 will quickly notice the similarities, especially in the shape of the rear camera module, which at the time featured an exclamation mark design—a striking visual element that distinguished the phone when it was launched in bold colors like red, blue, and black.
It seems that Honor decided to bring back this design identity, but with a modern twist in line with 2025 trends, making the Magic 8 Pro Air a contemporary reinterpretation of that classic concept.
With the first official images of the phone leaking, some were quick to accuse the company of copying rival designs with minor modifications. However, a close comparison between the V20 and the Magic 8 Pro Air reveals that it's more of a reuse of an old concept from Honor's own archives, according to a report published by Huawei Central and reviewed by MobiAllo.
Unlike the Honor 500 series, which featured a simple cylindrical camera module, the company opted for an elongated capsule design this time around. This design combines a circular cutout with a prominent button to house the camera sensors, giving the phone a more distinctive look.
Despite the increased size of the circular and capsule cutouts, the core design concept remains inspired by the V20, with a notable difference being the placement of the LED flash. In the Magic 8 Pro Air, the flash is now located below the camera module instead of being integrated within it as in previous models.
The changes weren't limited to the design; they also extended to the colors, with Honor opting for brighter and more elegant shades to reflect the Air series' focus on lightness, simplicity, and a modern aesthetic.
The company is marketing its new phone as the first device to bear the Air name within the Magic series, emphasizing its remarkable lightness and a range of professional features.
While the full specifications haven't been officially revealed yet, Honor has confirmed that it will unveil the final details on January 19th, fueling further anticipation regarding how the classic design will be blended with modern technology.
