HONOR Magic 8 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The HONOR Magic 8 Pro is the newer of the two, a 2026 release against the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 2023. The Magic 8 Pro packs the bigger battery, 6270mAh against 5000mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 455. The Magic 8 Pro is the lighter phone at 219g against 233g. Only pay up for the Magic 8 Pro if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S23 Ultra 5G makes more sense.
Over a full contract, the S23 Ultra 5G works out around £750 all-in, about £168 less than the Magic 8 Pro.
10 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
HONOR Magic 8 Pro
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.71" | 6.8" |
| Display | LTPO OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2808 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 455 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 200 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 50 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8850-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 6,270 mAh | 5,000 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 75 x 8.3 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 219 grams | 233 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 |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £950.00 | £369.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £750.50 over the life of the deal from £59.00 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 455, and the HONOR Magic 8 Pro uses a LTPO OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The HONOR Magic 8 Pro features a 200 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £369.99.
What storage options are available for the HONOR Magic 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The HONOR Magic 8 Pro is available in 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the HONOR Magic 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The HONOR Magic 8 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 14g lighter at 219 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.2 x 75 x 8.3 mm, and is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the HONOR Magic 8 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
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 Ultra 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 Ultra run?
The HONOR Magic 8 Pro runs Android 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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.