The tech world is abuzz with anticipation for Honor's next flagship series, and the leaks are coming in thick and fast. Following the recent appearance of the Pro model, the standard Honor Magic 8 has now officially shown its face on the popular benchmarking platform, Geekbench. This isn't just any test run, however; this particular listing is for the highly anticipated global variant, giving international audiences their first concrete look at the performance they can expect.
The arrival on Geekbench solidifies the phone's flagship ambitions and gives us crucial insights into its core specifications ahead of its expected October launch.
A Global Model with a Distinct Identity
The Geekbench listing, which you can view directly here, reveals the global model carries the designation "BKQ-N49." This differentiates it from the Chinese variant, which bears the model number "BKQ-AN80." This distinction is a clear indicator that Honor is preparing a simultaneous or closely-timed global rollout for the Magic 8 series, a strategic move to capture a wider audience.
As reported by GSMArena, the listing confirms what many had hoped: the global version will not be a watered-down model. It is poised to pack the same cutting-edge firepower as its Chinese counterpart.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and Android 16: A Potent Combination
The benchmark details leave little to the imagination. The device is powered by the next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, codenamed 'Venus'. This chipset is the successor to the current flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and is expected to be the heart of most 2025 Android powerhouses.
The listing shows the chip paired with a hefty 12GB of RAM, ensuring that multitasking and demanding applications will run smoothly. Perhaps even more exciting for software enthusiasts is the operating system: the phone was running on Android 16. This suggests Honor is working closely with the latest software from Google, potentially offering a very clean and up-to-date user experience upon launch.
Performance Benchmarks: Raw Power with Room for Optimization
So, how did it perform? The Honor Magic 8 global model posted a very respectable single-core score of 3,563. However, its multi-core score of 7,632 tells a more nuanced story.
For context, the Honor Magic 8 Pro, which features the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, previously scored 3,634 in single-core and a significantly higher 10,813 in multi-core tests. The noticeable gap in the multi-core performance for the standard Magic 8 is almost certainly because this is a pre-production unit. Manufacturers often test early prototypes with software that is not fully optimized, meaning the final retail version is likely to see a substantial performance boost, potentially closing the gap with the Pro model.
What Else Do We Know? Leaks and Rumors Paint a Vivid Picture
Beyond the raw benchmark numbers, leaks from reliable sources have given us a clearer picture of what to expect from the standard Honor Magic 8. A prominent tipster on Weibo, whose post can be found here, revealed that the device will feature a 6.58-inch screen.
The battery life also sounds incredibly promising. The phone is rumored to house a massive 7,000mAh battery, which would place it at the top of the list for endurance in the flagship segment. Coupled with 90W fast charging support, users can expect minimal downtime. A full charge should take well under an hour, making it a dream for power users and travelers.
Furthermore, the design and color options are beginning to surface. According to a render-based report from GSMGoTech, the Honor Magic 8 is expected to launch in sophisticated Gold, Black, and Blue colorways, catering to a range of personal styles.
The Road Ahead: When Can We Expect the Launch?
The current timeline points to an unveiling in China around October 15. This is when we will get official confirmation on all specifications, design, and pricing.
As for the global market, Honor has yet to announce a concrete release date. However, the appearance of the global model on Geekbench is a strong signal that the company is deep in the testing phase for international release. It's reasonable to expect a global announcement shortly after the Chinese launch, potentially in late October or November.
The stage is set for a compelling new entry in the flagship arena. With its top-tier chipset, massive battery, and modern software, the Honor Magic 8 is shaping up to be a serious contender for the title of best smartphone of 2025.
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