09/26 2025
559
Ever since Xiaomi set the trend, comparing domestic smartphones to the iPhone has become an inescapable topic of discussion. Opinions on this matter are diverse. Initially, many believed that domestic smartphone brands had carved out their unique identities, only to discover that they are now following Apple's lead, both in terms of design and functionality, leaving no aspect untouched in their quest for emulation. However, when it comes to aesthetics, such as the horizontal large camera matrix on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro and the horizontal module on the back of the iPhone 17 Air, these designs were actually influenced by domestic smartphones from years past. Yet, many stubbornly insist that Apple was the pioneer. The disparity in brand influence between the two is truly remarkable.
According to the latest leaks, Honor is poised to tread a similar path. While it remains uncertain whether the flagship Magic series will follow suit, the mid-range Digital series has largely made up its mind. Given that the ID design already exudes a strong "Apple vibe," the craftsmanship will also closely align with Apple's standards. In simpler terms, the new iPhone will serve as a source of inspiration.

What defines a smartphone's ID design? It encompasses the design style of appearance, materials, tactile feel, color, and more. Delving deeper, it can also include the style and layout of smartphone desktop icons, system interaction logic, and beyond. When craftsmanship is factored in, it truly emanates an "Apple flavor" from the inside out. With this in mind, we can make an educated guess about the appearance of the Honor 500 series. Firstly, it is highly likely to feature a horizontal large camera matrix design, which is expected to be utilized on the Honor 500 Pro. There might even be an orange variant.
It should also boast large rounded corners. If the system is to be mimicked, it is anticipated to adopt a "liquid glass" aesthetic, although this necessitates profound system optimization and robust computational power support. As a mid-range model, the Honor 500 series is unlikely to delve that deeply into emulation, but it should still provide users with a comparable texture. Furthermore, in terms of compatibility with Apple products, Honor should not lag behind, as this is currently a prevailing trend in the Android阵营 (Android camp, translated for clarity).

The integration of flagship configurations into mid-range models is also straightforward to understand. Firstly, the chip will undoubtedly be the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Naturally, this chip is expected to be widely adopted in domestic mid-range smartphones in the future. The standard version is projected to utilize the Snapdragon 8s Gen4. In terms of imaging capabilities, the 200-megapixel main camera is likely to remain unchanged, but the Pro version may switch to a periscope telephoto lens. Honor smartphones' traditionally robust eye protection features will certainly not be absent, and battery life will undoubtedly be a focal point for upgrades.
The 400 series already employs a 7,200mAh battery, so there is little doubt that the 500 series will feature an 8,000mAh battery. Water resistance will naturally reach the maximum IP68/69 rating. If there are any other flagship configurations being introduced, I personally believe that 3D ultrasonic fingerprint recognition could be one of them. Do not expect too much in other areas, as the flagship status of the Magic series must be preserved.

In terms of pricing, if it can maintain the same starting price as the 400 series, there should still be a substantial market among users.