Apple iPhone Air vs HONOR Magic 8 Pro

Our Verdict: Hardware priorities split the decision here, with the Apple iPhone Air strongest for up to 1TB storage, the lighter 165g body versus 219g and the HONOR Magic 8 Pro stronger for the larger 6.71" screen versus 6.5", the higher-resolution 200MP rear camera against 48MP, the sharper 50MP selfie camera. The Apple iPhone Air is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £620, roughly £196 less than the HONOR Magic 8 Pro. There is also much wider deal availability for the Apple iPhone Air, with 13,467 active deals versus 2,638. Software preference matters as well, because this is an iOS versus Android choice as much as a hardware comparison. That makes the Apple iPhone Air the value-led pick, unless the larger 6.71" screen versus 6.5" on the HONOR Magic 8 Pro is worth paying extra for.

Total contract costs are about level, around £821 for either phone.

Expert Rating
3.9
12 reviews
4.2
10 reviews
Screen
6.5" 6.71"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO OLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1206 x 2808
Pixels Per Inch
444 455
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery
3,149 mAh 6,270 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 16
SIM Type
e- SIM Nano SIM + Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm 161.2 x 75 x 8.3 mm
Weight
165 grams 219 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes
Contracts
£29.99/mo (£79.00 upfront) £29.99/mo (£119.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£589.99 £997.00

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Apple iPhone Air Apple iPhone Air HONOR Magic 8 Pro HONOR Magic 8 Pro
Expert Rating 3.9
12 reviews
4.2
10 reviews
Screen 6.5" 6.71"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO OLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1206 x 2808
Pixels Per Inch 444 455
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
Battery 3,149 mAh 6,270 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 512GB
OS Apple iOS Android 16
SIM Type e- SIM Nano SIM + Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm 161.2 x 75 x 8.3 mm
Weight 165 grams 219 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes
Contracts £29.99/mo
£79.00 upfront
£29.99/mo
£119.00 upfront
SIM-free £589.99 £997.00
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone Air
Apple iPhone Air

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£29.99 per month, £79 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10)

HONOR Magic 8 Pro
HONOR Magic 8 Pro

24 Months

512GB

Black

200GB

Data

£29.99 per month, £119 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone Air or HONOR Magic 8 Pro cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone Air is cheaper on contract at £821.16 over the life of the deal from £29.99 per month with £79.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone Air or HONOR Magic 8 Pro?

The HONOR Magic 8 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone Air's 6.5", the HONOR Magic 8 Pro has the sharper display at 455 pixels per inch versus 444, and the Apple iPhone Air uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the HONOR Magic 8 Pro has a LTPO OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone Air or HONOR Magic 8 Pro?

The Apple iPhone Air features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the HONOR Magic 8 Pro has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone Air or HONOR Magic 8 Pro?

The Apple iPhone Air is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £589.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone Air and HONOR Magic 8 Pro?

The Apple iPhone Air is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the HONOR Magic 8 Pro comes in 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone Air and HONOR Magic 8 Pro use?

The Apple iPhone Air is powered by the Apple A19 Pro (3 nm), while the HONOR Magic 8 Pro uses the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone Air or HONOR Magic 8 Pro?

The Apple iPhone Air is the more portable of the two: it's 54g lighter at 165 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm, and is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone Air or HONOR Magic 8 Pro?

The Apple iPhone Air is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the HONOR Magic 8 Pro is rated IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone Air and HONOR Magic 8 Pro run?

The Apple iPhone Air runs Apple iOS and the HONOR Magic 8 Pro runs Android 16. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.