Honor’s Magic 8 series is on track for an October reveal, and most of the focus right now is on the usual suspects: the base Magic 8, the more powerful Magic 8 Pro, and a premium RSR Porsche Design variant. But behind the scenes, another model rises — a compact version that might launch with MediaTek’s newest flagship silicon. It’s referred to as the Honor Magic 8 Mini. While it’s not expected to arrive in time for this year’s launch cycle, new leaks suggest it might be one to watch.
A small phone with big ambitions?
According to Digital Chat Station, Honor is testing both the Dimensity 9500 and Dimensity 8500 chipsets. However not in the same phone. The D9500 is reportedly being trialed inside a device with a 6.31-inch screen, which, by modern standards, makes it unusually compact. That device? It could very well be the Magic 8 Mini.
If true, this would place Honor in rare company. Most brands have largely abandoned small flagship phones. A 6.3-inch device with top-tier specs — especially one powered by a new Dimensity chip — could help Honor stand out in a segment that’s been neglected lately.
That said, don’t hold your breath for an October reveal.
DCS has already hinted that the Magic 8 Mini won’t launch alongside the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2v-powered Magic 8 and 8 Pro. That makes an early 2026 release far more likely — maybe Q1, but nothing’s been confirmed.
The Dimensity 9500 is almost here
Meanwhile, the Dimensity 9500 is expected to make its official debut in the coming months. It’s rumored to first appear in Vivo’s X300 series, which could launch by late September. Oppo’s Find X9 line might also use the same SoC shortly afterward.
We don’t know all the specs yet, but the D9500 is shaping up to be MediaTek’s answer to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Or possibly 8 Gen 4, depending on the timing. If Honor pairs it with a compact chassis, the Magic 8 Mini could punch well above its weight — at least on paper.
A second device with the Dimensity 8500 is also coming
In parallel, Honor is testing another device powered by the Dimensity 8500, aimed more squarely at the mid-range market. This unnamed phone is rumored to feature an ultra-large battery. This makes it sound like a direct challenger to Redmi’s upcoming Turbo 5, another phone expected to use the same chipset.
No name, no release date — but signs point to this one launching much sooner than the Mini. Maybe even before the end of the year.
What’s next?
Right now, the Magic 8 Mini feels more like a side project than a priority. It’s not tied to Honor’s October event, and it may still be deep in testing. But with a compact form factor, modern design language, and the possibility of high-end specs, it could land well with users tired of oversized phones.
We’ll have to wait to see how real this turns out to be. But if Honor actually follows through? It might finally give us a small phone that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
