Honor has officially confirmed that the Magic 9 series will launch in China this September, moving the device from speculation to a concrete release timeline. Blind pre-orders are now live through the Honor Shop, allowing interested buyers to secure their place before the full specifications are finalized. This timeline matters because it signals the end of the rumor cycle for the device's exterior design and core hardware platform.
Blind pre-orders open in China as Honor reveals circular camera design
The Honor Magic 9 series is expected to include three distinct models, likely identified as the standard Magic 9, the Magic 9 Pro, and the Magic 9 Pro Max. Honor provided the first official glimpse of the hardware, revealing a large circular rear camera module positioned in the upper-left corner of the device. The visible design features a premium metal frame and a refined antenna layout that integrates cleanly with the body.
- Camera Module Design: Large circular rear camera module placed towards the upper-left corner, premium metal frame, refined antenna layout, ARRI branding mark
- Imaging Collaboration: ARRI imaging collaboration including ARRI LogC3, ARRI Look, and an ARRI cinema mode
- Expected Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro
- Camera Sensors: Dual 200-megapixel cameras, Honor’s in-house imaging chip
- Software Features: New software experience focused on more advanced AI interactions
A key technical highlight is the collaboration with ARRI, the renowned cinema camera manufacturer, which will bring its color science and imaging technologies to the smartphone. The device will reportedly include ARRI LogC3, ARRI Look, and a dedicated ARRI cinema mode to support professional-grade video workflows. The series is also tipped to be among the first smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro flagship platform.
Imaging capabilities are expected to see significant upgrades, with reports suggesting the inclusion of dual 200-megapixel cameras and Honor’s own in-house imaging chip. The ARRI branding mark is placed directly around the camera module to emphasize the partnership. The phones are also expected to introduce a new software experience focused on more advanced AI interactions, though specific details on these features remain unconfirmed.
The Honor Magic 9 series is officially set to arrive in China in September, with blind pre-orders currently active. We are tracking the final lineup details and exact chipset availability as the launch date approaches. The confirmed design elements and ARRI partnership provide a clear direction for the series, even as specific model variations and software features remain to be fully detailed.
Source: GIZMOCHINA
