HONOR Launches 400 Series In South Africa With AI Capabilities

Global technology brand HONOR officially launched its latest flagship smartphones, the HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro, in South Africa – signalling a bold new chapter for the brand in one of Africa’s fastest-growing mobile markets.

Unveiled at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, the local launch event was a crisp spectacle of entertainment and information.
The event provided guests with early access to a smartphone series that blends powerful hardware with cutting-edge AI innovation.
Each device will come with a bundle including HONOR Watch 2i, HONOR Choice Earbuds X7 Lite and HONOR Choice Powerbank 10000mAh until 31 July 2025.
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With an eye on the number one spot in the local smartphone market by 2028, HONOR’s newest devices arrive at a time when consumers are increasingly demanding more intelligence, more performance, and more creativity from their tech.

The South African launch follows a pivotal announcement earlier this year at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, where the company revealed the ONER Alpha Plan – a $10 billion initiative to reposition HONOR from a smartphone manufacturer to a global leader in AI device ecosystems.

This is our commitment — and we will keep it. We are transforming the experience for users, not just with devices, but with an entire AI-powered ecosystem.

// CEO of HONOR South Africa, Fred Zhou

CEO of HONOR South Africa, Fred Zhou holds up the HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro at the launch in South Africa. Image: HONOR South Africa

Fred noted that since the global launch, the HONOR 400 series has delivered remarkable results. In the Middle East, the phones achieved over 200% growth compared to previous models, and in China, launch-day sales accounted for 50% of all smartphone sales, breaking records for the brand. HONOR now ranks No. 2 in market share locally and has made it clear – the top spot is in sight.

At the core of the HONOR 400 and 400 Pro is a push to redefine what smartphone photography can achieve. Both models feature a 200MP Ultra-clear AI Main Camera, supported by a 1/1.4-inch sensor, dual optical and electronic image stabilisation (OIS + EIS), and a wide f/1.9 aperture. The result is an imaging system capable of delivering professional-grade photos in a wide range of lighting conditions – from golden hour to pitch black.

Complementing this is a 50MP Portrait Selfie Camera and a 12MP Ultra-Wide Macro Lens, expanding the user’s creative toolkit. The Pro model further ups the ante with a 50MP telephoto lens powered by Sony’s IMX856 sensor, offering 3x optical zoom and up to 50x AI Super Zoom – a first in its class. Jacques Mapepe, HONOR South Africa’s Head of Product Training, emphasized the brand’s focus on camera innovation.

It doesn’t just take pictures. It feels them. It sees light the way an artist does. Sometimes, it even brings old pictures back to life.

// HONOR South Africa’s Head of Product Training, Jacques Mapepe

Perhaps the most headline-worthy feature is the introduction of Image-to-Video, a tool powered by Google Cloud’s Veo 2 model. The HONOR 400 series becomes the first smartphone on the market to offer this functionality, allowing users to transform static images into short cinematic clips – complete with stylized transitions, moods, and tones.

This feature, free to use until 31 August 2025, opens the door to entirely new forms of creative expression for social media content creators and casual users alike. Jacques demonstrated this feature live at the event, transforming old photos into cinematic video sequences in seconds.

400 — For those constantly on the move, HONOR Connect — a new cross-platform file sharing feature — bridges Android and iOS, enabling fast and secure transfers across ecosystems. Image: HONOR South Africa

The HONOR 400 series doesn’t stop at cameras. A full suite of AI-powered editing and enhancement tools makes this one of the most advanced devices in its category. Key tools include:
• AI Erase Passers-by: Removes background distractions in one tap.
• AI Upscale: Restores faded or low-quality images with detail and clarity.
• AI Deepfake Detection: Built-in protection against manipulated video content during calls.
• AI Remove Reflections & Outpainting: Eliminate glass glare or expand photo borders intelligently.

Beyond AI, the HONOR 400 series is engineered for day-to-day reliability. The devices are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (400) and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (400 Pro) chipsets, providing performance boosts for gaming, multitasking, and AI processing. Both models feature 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, catering to heavy users who shoot 4K video or juggle large apps.

The battery technology is another standout. A 5300mAh Silicon-carbon Battery ensures extended longevity – maintaining over 80% health after four years – and supports 66W fast charging on the 400 and 100W wired/50W wireless charging on the 400 Pro.

Built for harsh conditions, the battery is also functional at temperatures as low as -20°C, while IP65/IP68/IP69 ratings offer water and dust resistance for added peace of mind. Users won’t be squinting to see content either. The HONOR 400 and 400 Pro come with a 6.7-inch OLED display boasting 5000nits peak brightness, ensuring screen visibility in direct sunlight.

The screen also features Motion Sickness Relief – an industry-first technology aimed at reducing dizziness during motion, particularly useful for users watching video content in vehicles or while commuting. The HONOR 400 series runs on MagicOS 9.0, delivering an AI-first software experience. Features like Magic Capsule, AI Recorder, Magic Portal, and AI Writing Tools enhance productivity and usability across the device.

Users can also access Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, by pressing and holding the power button. Gemini helps with summarising text, writing emails, studying, and even real-time brainstorming – bringing a new level of personal AI assistance to mobile. With the 400 series, HONOR has firmly positioned itself at the intersection of AI innovation, camera excellence, and day-to-day practicality. As South Africa becomes a priority market in HONOR’s global growth strategy, the brand is clearly not just playing catch-up – it’s aiming to lead.

For users seeking powerful performance, top-tier photography tools, and a glimpse into the future of AI-powered mobile technology, the HONOR 400 and 400 Pro present one of the year’s most compelling choices. The HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro are now available across South Africa through Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C, priced at R12’999 and R17‘999 respectively.

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