At the Mobile World Congress 2025, Honor made headlines not just for its new hardware but primarily for its groundbreaking software innovations, particularly in the realm of AI applications. This year, the spotlight was on the company's ambitious vision for the future, elevating it from a smartphone manufacturer to a comprehensive AI device ecosystem company. This shift is encapsulated in their new initiative, known as the Alpha Plan.
Honor's Alpha Plan marks a significant investment of $10 billion over the next five years, aimed at fostering open collaboration with industry giants like Google and Qualcomm. By prioritizing cooperation, Honor intends to create an intelligent ecosystem of devices that communicate effortlessly, similar to Apple's approach but with enhanced capabilities. This initiative also promises to extend software support for its flagship smartphones, aligning with industry leaders like Samsung and Google by offering seven years of Android OS and security updates.
The first beneficiaries of this new software commitment will be the Honor Magic 7 Pro and Magic 7 RSR. However, it's worth noting that the latest foldable device, the Magic V3, will not receive these extensive updates, although future models in the Magic series are expected to enjoy the same lengthy support.
Honor also introduced its AIMAGE imaging brand, which features a novel function for restoring old portraits, set to debut on the Magic 7 Pro later this month. This technology leverages the AI Kernel and boasts a 1.3 billion parameter model, promising a 50% increase in image clarity. Additionally, an AI Deepfake detection feature is on the horizon for their flagship smartphones, providing users with essential tools amid growing digital misinformation.
Moreover, Honor is enhancing connectivity across platforms with a new app called Honor Connect, which simplifies data transfers between Android and Apple devices. This innovative solution is expected to facilitate seamless sharing of files, images, and videos between Honor smartphones and iPhones.
In a bid to broaden its consumer electronics portfolio, Honor is launching three new devices in Europe. Leading this expansion are the Honor Earbuds Open, open-ear wireless earbuds that feature a built-in ear hook, similar to the popular Beats Powerbeats Pro. Weighing just 7.9 grams each, these earbuds are equipped with AI capabilities such as Live Translation and an AI agent, along with a three-microphone hybrid active noise cancellation system. The earbuds offer up to six hours of battery life on a single charge, extendable to 22 hours with the charging case, and are priced at 149 euros.
Additionally, the company unveiled the Watch 5 Ultra, a premium smartwatch featuring a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with an always-on mode. Designed with a titanium alloy case, it weighs 51.8 grams and is available in two stylish configurations. The smartwatch boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability in various conditions. With a custom operating system and a powerful 480mAh battery, it delivers up to 15 days of battery life, retailing at 279 euros.
Lastly, Honor introduced the Pad V9, a feature-rich tablet equipped with an 11.5-inch LCD display that supports a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a stunning resolution of 1,840 x 2,800 pixels. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Elite chipset and available with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the Pad V9 promises exceptional performance. With a long-lasting 10,100mAh battery, it is designed for extended usage, making it ideal for both productivity and entertainment. The tablet is priced at 250 euros.
Unlike previous years, Honor did not unveil a new smartphone at MWC 2025. Instead, the company is strategically pivoting towards enhancing its AI capabilities and delivering a superior software experience. The promise of seven years of software support is a significant commitment, and the collaborations with Google Cloud and Qualcomm signal a new era for Honor, potentially reshaping the landscape of consumer technology.
