Honor Magic7 RSR and Magic7 Pro Camera Comparison
The Honor Magic7 RSR Porsche Design is a unique smartphone that results from a collaboration between Honor and Porsche Design. While it has enhancements in both hardware and software, what stands out are some notable changes in its camera system that could potentially improve photo quality beyond what the standard Honor Magic7 Pro offers.
Initially, our review of the Honor Magic7 RSR didn’t focus much on camera performance, as we assumed the quality was already impressive enough. However, due to numerous requests from readers wanting a comparison, we decided to dive deeper into this aspect.
Both the Magic7 RSR and Magic7 Pro feature a similar camera setup. This includes a main 50MP camera with a variable aperture, a 200MP telephoto camera with 3x zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The front-facing camera is also 50MP. However, the differences lie in the details.
Honor has swapped out the main camera sensor on the Magic7 RSR for a new Omnivision OV50K instead of the OV50H used in the Pro version. Although both sensors are the same size, the OV50K is said to offer better dynamic range, which can enhance image quality.
Additionally, the telephoto camera on the RSR has a wider aperture of f/1.88 compared to f/2.6 on the Pro. This larger opening allows for more light, giving rise to a shallower depth of field, which produces a more blurred background and enhances portrait shots.
Another aspect to note is that the native focal length of the RSR’s telephoto is slightly longer at 70mm, compared to 60mm in the Pro. Both models achieve a 72mm focal length for their 3x zoom photos, but the RSR does this with less upscaling, making its images potentially sharper.
The RSR model also includes a LiDAR sensor that aids in video autofocus, especially useful when recording high-frame-rate videos at 60fps. Although testing this functionality was challenging, its presence adds to the phone’s overall capabilities.
Regarding actual photo quality, we conducted various tests, particularly focusing on dynamic range. Despite the RSR being designed with enhanced features, we found it tricky to identify substantial differences between the two models in high-contrast situations.
As expected, the differences became more apparent in close-up shots, where the RSR’s ability to create a more distinguished background blur was noticeable. This makes it more suitable for capturing portraits, where separation from the background is important.
We also compared low-light performance between the two models. Surprisingly, there wasn’t a marked improvement in image quality, even with the RSR benefiting from a lower ISO setting, suggesting the Magic7 Pro held its ground in darker conditions.
Ultimately, while we appreciated the new design and longer battery life of the Magic7 RSR, as well as its enhanced telephoto capabilities, our overall assessment was that the differences were not dramatic enough to significantly sway users from the well-performing Magic7 Pro.
The Magic7 RSR Porsche Design retails for €1,799 (£1,549 in the UK). Whether the added features justify this higher price point over the already competent Magic7 Pro is subjective. However, the wider aperture of the telephoto lens is an exciting advancement that we hope to see more broadly adopted in future devices.
