AI cameras have arrived, and their capabilities are unlike anything seen before. At a certain point, it becomes questionable whether these can even be called actual photos. This discussion explores the features and implications of AI-enhanced photography.
The Magic 7 Pro from Honor introduces AI Super Zoom, which activates beyond 30 times zoom. The phone’s telephoto camera already performs well, but this feature attempts to reconstruct images by sharpening outlines and filling in missing details based on AI training data. The result often removes natural textures and replaces them with artificially generated ones. In some cases, this can be useful when trying to identify something in the distance, but it raises questions about what qualifies as a genuine photograph. Even at lower zoom levels, such as 15 times and beyond, certain AI-driven characteristics appear, including overly sharp outlines with minimal detail. As the zoom increases, these effects become more prominent, reaching up to 100 times magnification.
Although the AI processing is powerful, the phone’s camera hardware alone is already impressive. The telephoto lens features a 3X zoom with a 200-megapixel sensor, while the main camera uses a 50-megapixel sensor with a variable aperture, allowing for both f/1.4 and f/2 settings. This gives users control over light intake and focus depth. The ultra-wide camera has a 50-megapixel sensor as well, though it is relatively smaller. The front-facing camera, interestingly, has a sensor nearly as large as the ultra-wide. The design of the camera housing may not appeal to everyone, but it accommodates advanced hardware capable of producing striking images.
In typical Honor fashion, the processing style enhances vibrance, contrast, and sharpness. This can make images appear eye-catching, particularly in bright conditions, though personal preference will determine whether this is desirable. The camera app does not include a focal length adjustment but does provide different zoom levels. The main camera stands out, offering significant dynamic range and detail, particularly in low-light conditions. The large sensor and wide aperture enable natural depth of field effects without relying on software-based portrait modes.
For video recording, the Magic 7 Pro supports 4K at 60 frames per second and Full HD at 240 frames per second, though it lacks 8K or 4K at 120 frames per second. Stabilization performs well, and the colors and contrast remain balanced. Both the main and telephoto cameras create natural background blur, enhancing the visual appeal of footage. While not necessarily the best smartphone camera on the market, it holds its ground against leading competitors.
Beyond photography, the Magic 7 Pro is a high-end smartphone featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This makes it exceptionally fast for gaming, multitasking, and AI-powered photography. However, its availability is limited, as it is not sold in the United States. In the UK, purchases include a 100-watt charger as an add-on, though it no longer comes in the box. The design feels premium, combining a sleek build with substantial weight. The battery, however, differs between regions. The Chinese variant includes a silicon-carbon battery, while other versions rely on a standard lithium-ion cell, resulting in lower capacity and shorter longevity. Nevertheless, battery life remains sufficient for all-day use.
The display is a 120Hz LTPO OLED panel, delivering excellent visuals. Fast charging technology includes 100-watt wired charging and 80-watt wireless charging. Security options include an advanced ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and full-featured face unlock. Storage starts at 256GB, ensuring ample space for files and applications. Despite these strengths, the software experience feels somewhat lacking due to duplicate apps and a default interface without an app drawer. Honor has committed to providing five major software updates, extending support to Android 20.
As someone passionate about photography and videography, the growing influence of AI in image processing is concerning. There is value in capturing reality with minimal manipulation. AI-enhanced images create an ongoing debate over whether they should still be considered photographs. The impact extends beyond enthusiasts, affecting everyday users who rely on their smartphones for photography. Currently, the AI Super Zoom feature remains optional, but the possibility of future mandatory AI processing raises questions.
This discussion invites further conversation about the nature of AI-generated images and their role in photography. Some may prefer natural imperfections in their photos rather than AI-generated enhancements. The evolving technology challenges traditional expectations, prompting important considerations for the future of smartphone photography.
