Honor 500 and 500 Pro: Everything We Know So Far

After weeks of teasers and rumours, the Chinese smartphone maker Honor has confirmed that its next-generation series….. the Honor 500 and Honor 500 Pro will be unveiled on November 24. The excitement is understandable: the full specifications have leaked early, and they indicate that Honor is bringing flagship-level specs to this series.

Below, we’ll explore everything we know so far: the display, battery, cameras, performance, build quality, and what the two models mean for different types of users.

Design and Durability

Both the Honor 500 and 500 Pro appear to share a premium build with serious durability credentials. According to leaks, both models feature:

• A flat metal frame and a large flat display surface, a design choice that often lends to better durability.
• Water and dust resistance rated at IP68, IP69, and IP69K. Those higher-end IP ratings (IP69K in particular) suggest the phone is built for more extreme conditions than many mainstream smartphones.

In short, if you’re someone who uses your phone outdoors, or in more challenging environments, these devices could offer peace of mind on the build front.

Display: Smooth, Sharp, High Refresh

One of the standout features from the leaks is the display. Both models reportedly have the same screen specs:

• Size: 6.55-inch flat panel
• Resolution: 2,736 × 1,264 pixels (sometimes referenced as “1.5K”)
• Refresh Rate: 120 Hz, which means smoother animations, scrolling and gaming experience.
• PWM Dimming: Up to 3,840 Hz reported for dimming control (which helps reduce screen flicker, beneficial for sensitive eyes)

These specifications align with what we’d expect from upper-mid to flagship devices: high refresh, strong resolution, and display quality. If Honor delivers the expected colour fidelity and brightness alongside these specs, it should make for a great viewing experience whether you stream, scroll, or game.

Battery & Charging: Impressive Numbers

Battery life remains a key differentiator, and here the leaks show substantial gains. Both models reportedly come with an 8,000 mAh battery — a capacity that is rare, especially in slim designs.

On charging:

• Both models reportedly support 80 W wired fast charging.
• The 500 Pro model is said to add 50 W wireless charging.

A large battery plus fast wired charging is always a potent combination for heavy users. The wireless charging support on the Pro model is a nice bonus, making it more flexible for everyday convenience.

Cameras: Big Sensor, Versatile Setup

When it comes to photography, the leaked specs are ambitious. Both models appear to offer a 200 MP main camera.

Here’s a breakdown of the camera setup:

Both models

• Main: 200 MP (with large sensor type)
• Ultrawide: 12 MP
• Front (selfie): 50 MP

500 Pro exclusive

• A 50 MP telephoto camera (with Sony IMX-series sensor) offering 3× optical zoom.

The inclusion of a 200 MP primary sensor suggests Honor wants to push detail and cropping potential. The telephoto lens on the Pro makes it more appealing for users who prioritise zoom and portrait photography.

Also worth noting: one of the leaks mentions that despite the high resolution, the final image quality may depend heavily on image processing, which is often the case with high-MP sensors.

Performance: Chips, Memory, and Storage

Under the hood, the two models are expected to diverge. That means your choice between them could hinge on how much performance you need.

Honor 500

• Chipset: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (4nm) – described as a high-end but a step below flagship tier.
• Good for everyday users who want strong performance without necessarily needing the ultra-top tier.

Honor 500 Pro

• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite (likely 3nm or similar top-tier process) per leaks.
• Paired with up to 16 GB RAM and up to 1 TB storage in the highest variants.
• Additional in-house chips: a dedicated RF enhancement (“C1”) and energy-efficiency chip (“E2”) to boost connectivity and battery health.

In short: the Pro model is clearly aiming for flagship levels of performance, while the base model offers a more balanced but still strong offering.

Which Should You Pick?

Based on the leaks, your decision between Honor 500 and Honor 500 Pro should depend on your priorities:

Go with Honor 500 if you want:

• A large battery with excellent endurance without needing all the top-tier ultra-premium features.
• A smooth high refresh screen, strong main camera, and reliable performance for everyday use.
• Better value (assuming price difference between the two models is significant).

Go with Honor 500 Pro if you want:

• The best possible performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, lots of RAM/storage and extra features.
• A telephoto camera to expand your photography options.
• Wireless charging support and additional premium touches like ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.
• A phone that edges closer to flagship standard rather than just “upper-mid” class.

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Final Thoughts

The upcoming Honor 500 series looks very promising. With an official launch set for November 24, we still await final pricing, availability in different markets (including outside China) and hands-on reviews to confirm how these specs translate into real-world experience.

If Honor delivers on what the leaks suggest large battery, high-end display, powerful main camera and strong performance, then either model could offer excellent value. That said, the Pro model is clearly the one for power users and photography enthusiasts, while the standard model may offer the better “sweet spot” for most users.

Whether you prioritise battery life, camera versatility, or performance will guide your best pick. Keep an eye out for launch-region announcements and final pricing to make your decision.