Honor 500 Pro: The Chinese Mid-Range Phone With a 200 Megapixel Sensor and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Following the much-anticipated presentation of the Honor Magic 8 series in mid-October, the Chinese brand is reportedly preparing two new ranges to enhance its lineup: the Honor GT 2 and the Honor 500 series.
A recent leak by leaker Smart Pikachu reveals the first specifications of the most powerful model in the series, the Honor 500 Pro.
Honor 500 Pro: Launch Expected in December in China
According to shared information, the Honor 500 series is expected to be officially announced in China by the end of 2025, likely in December. Currently, there is no confirmation regarding a global launch; Honor might reserve these models exclusively for its domestic market, similar to the Honor 300 series.
The Honor 500 Pro is expected to feature a flat 6.6-inch display, with a wide format and rounded corners for a more modern look. The design appears to take clear inspiration from the iPhone, with a premium texture and finish aimed at appealing to users of high-end smartphones that have a familiar aesthetic.
In comparison, the Honor 400 and 400 Pro offered a slightly smaller 6.55-inch OLED screen.
An Enhanced 200 Megapixel Main Camera
In terms of photography, Honor is expected to continue its strategy of spotlighting high-resolution sensors. Like the previous generation, the Honor 500 Pro will incorporate an upgraded 200-megapixel main camera. The manufacturer will focus on improving light management and optimizing low-light photography.
This strategy reinforces Honor’s position against competitors like Xiaomi and Samsung, which also feature large sensors in their premium and mid-range smartphones.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for the Pro Model
According to the leak, the Honor 500 Pro will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm’s most advanced chip, expected to debut in several flagship models in 2026. This choice positions the smartphone at the performance level of high-end devices like the upcoming Galaxy S26 or OPPO Find X9 Pro.
Conversely, for the standard Honor 500 model, Honor might use the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, a recent processor already utilized in the previous generation.
A Deliberate Move Upmarket
With the Honor 500 series, the brand appears to be striving to align its premium mid-range models with flagship devices. A design inspired by the iPhone, a 200-megapixel camera, and notably the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for the Pro model could make this series particularly appealing to Chinese consumers.
It remains to be seen whether Honor will choose to launch the Honor 500 Pro internationally or if it will, like the 300 series, remain exclusive to the Chinese market.
