Honor Magic 8 Mini: An ultra-thin compact could mark the return of the small Android flagship
Honor is reportedly planning an unexpected comeback: a true compact flagship, uncompromised and without any “lite” versions. A leak has surfaced regarding a model called Magic 8 Mini, featuring an ultra-thin design and high-end specifications.
In an era where smartphones are getting heavier every year, this notion feels surprisingly refreshing.
The return of a forgotten, yet still desired format
The Android ecosystem has gradually moved away from smaller formats, leaving the stage open for larger models. However, initial insights from Weibo — via the ever-energetic Digital Chat Station — reignite the idea of an ambitious compact. While the Magic 8 and Magic 8 Pro were launched in October, a prototype of the Magic 8 Mini is already circulating.
The intriguing detail? Its thickness: only between 5 and 6 mm, according to the leak. This silhouette would place it among the thinnest smartphones on the market while maintaining a true “mini” status, as most competitors exceed 6.5 inches.
A compact yet comfortable screen in an ultra-thin chassis
The Magic 8 Mini is expected to feature a 6.31-inch display — a diagonal that has become the norm for “modern compacts,” even though the term is now somewhat debatable. Paired with an extremely slim chassis, this could offer a unique handling experience in 2026: light, thin, and truly portable.
Honor aims to achieve a balance: extreme slimness combined with a comfortable display area. A challenging bet, but one that could appeal to users tired of ever-larger smartphones.
A camera module still under discussion, but ambitions are clear
The camera aspect remains one of the most ambiguous areas of the leak. Honor is testing a main sensor of 200 megapixels but also considers a 50-megapixel module of 1/1.5″, likely more suitable for an ultra-thin chassis.
However, the real point of interest lies elsewhere: the potential inclusion of a telephoto lens. It’s rare for models under 6.5 inches to incorporate a serious telephoto option. Even the OnePlus 13T, which is compact (6.32 inches), only includes a small 2x sensor of 1/2.75”. If Honor manages to integrate a viable zoom into such a slim design, it would be a true differentiator.
MediaTek power and surprising battery life for a mini format
Under the hood, the Magic 8 Mini would feature the Dimensity 9500, the same high-end SoC found in the Vivo X300 and X300 Pro. This would ensure performance levels comparable to those of a traditional flagship.
The battery is rumored to reach 5,500 mAh. This is an impressive number for such a thin smartphone, albeit a bit less than the OnePlus 13T (6,260 mAh for 8.2 mm thick). The compromise seems reasonable: solid battery life without sacrificing the silhouette.
Honor Magic 8 Mini: An announcement still uncertain, but an intriguing project
Honor has yet to confirm anything, and the brand is mainly preparing for the launch of the Honor 500 series on November 24 in China. It remains unclear whether the Magic 8 Mini will make its debut at the same event or if it will wait for a more advantageous time.
Nonetheless, the leaks suggest a rare device: a compact flagship, ultra-thin, and uncompromised, in a market dominated by increasing sizes. For many users in search of a truly portable smartphone, this Mini could very well be the device they’ve been waiting for years.
