HONOR Magic 8 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The HONOR Magic 8 Pro is the newer of the two, a 2026 release against the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 2023. The Magic 8 Pro has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 50MP, plus a 50MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the Magic 8 Pro packs the bigger battery, 6270mAh against 4700mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The Magic 8 Pro has the sharper display at 455 PPI to 390, and the S23+ 5G is the lighter phone at 195g against 219g. Only pay up for the Magic 8 Pro if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S23+ 5G makes more sense.
Over a full contract, the S23+ 5G works out around £730 all-in, about £188 less than the Magic 8 Pro.
10 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
HONOR Magic 8 Pro
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.71" | 6.6" |
| Display | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2808 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 455 | 390 |
| Rear Camera | 200 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 50 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 6,270 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 512GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 16 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 75 x 8.3 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 219 grams | 195 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£29.99/mo
£169.00 upfront |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £950.00 | £289.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper on contract at £730.46 over the life of the deal from £57.33 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The HONOR Magic 8 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 6.6", the HONOR Magic 8 Pro has the sharper display at 455 pixels per inch versus 390, and the HONOR Magic 8 Pro uses a LTPO OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The HONOR Magic 8 Pro features a 200 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £289.99.
What storage options are available for the HONOR Magic 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The HONOR Magic 8 Pro is available in 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the HONOR Magic 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The HONOR Magic 8 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 24g lighter at 195 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The HONOR Magic 8 Pro is rated IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the HONOR Magic 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus run?
The HONOR Magic 8 Pro runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.