THEY braced the cold weather to experience on first-hand, the latest HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro reveal.
The packed and potential Formula 1’sKyalami Racecourse venue, in Midrand, played as host for the launch, that saw influential figures, media, influencers and Government officials such as Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, in attendance on Thursday evening.
Identified as “See South Africa Like Never Before” the mobile phone captures breathtaking Skyline Views with Best-in-Class AI SuperZoom Camera. That’s how powerful this latest HONOR gadget is.
But behind the fanfare and flashbulbs, one feature stood out, AI SuperZoom. It’s the kind of innovation that quietly shifts how we take photos. More than just digital zoom, it’s a smart system that brings detail forward without the blur.
Whether you’re photographing Table Mountain from Sea Point, trying to capture elephants from a safe distance in Pilanesberg, or zooming into the lights of the Jozi skyline, AI SuperZoom turns moments that were “too far” into visual gold. And that’s just the start.
This is the unveiling of a next-generation smartphone experience powered by AI-first photography, security, and creativity tools—all at a price that speaks to local realities.
This is not just another device drop. It’s a major technology story with local economic impact, consumer relevance, and regulatory interest.
According to HONOR SA boss, who addressed guests Fred Zhou said, ”this is now the No. 2 smartphone brand in South Africa—and has sights set on the No. 1 spot by 2028”.
The significance:
Tech Meets Policy & People
- AI innovation meets real-life needs: From AI Erase Passers-by to Deepfake Detection, HONOR is leading the way in making advanced tools usable, accessible, and relevant to daily life in South Africa.
- Google Cloud partnership: The first smartphones in the region to debut Veo 2-powered Image-to-Video transformation—a leap for creators, families, and storytellers.
- Local manufacturing and skills investment: A strong nod to South Africa’s economic priorities, as HONOR continues to build its team and ecosystem in-market.
Cultural Relevance
- HONOR’s campaign taps into nostalgia and creativity—”That old pic of Gogo in the 70s? Now it moves.” This speaks to the human element of tech innovation in Mzansi, blending AI storytelling with family, heritage, and identity.
Why It Matters
- This launch is a milestone in the intersection of mobile tech, digital policy, and economic inclusion, and deserves space in conversations around South Africa’s digital future.
Creativity goes next-level with AI Image to Video, co-developed with Google Cloud, which turns your still shots into short, dynamic videos in under a minute.
Think moving postcards, vibe reels, and moodboard moments – all in MP4 or vertical format, ready for socials. You can try it free until 31 August, with up to 10 free video creations a day.
And with the new Moving Photo Collage, you can blend 2 to 9 motion shots into a single reel – storytelling made simple, right from your gallery.
With the 200MP Ultra-clear AI Camera and an all-new AI Creative Editor, you can go from a street snap to a social-ready visual story in seconds. It’s the kind of tech that turns everyday scenes into cinema, whether you’re in Braam or Bantry Bay.
HONOR 400 retails for R12,999 and HONOR 400 Pro goes for R17,999 now available at all leading stores, and comes bundled with over R8000 worth of value—positioning them as a top-tier offer in today’s mobile market.
As expected, DJ Tira and DJ Maphorisa did their magic on the decks to warm-up guests until late in the evening.
HONOR is partnering with Afrotainment at this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, the most iconic event on the South African social calendar.
Experience the glamour and entertainment in style at the exclusive Afrotainment Marquee.
Tickets are available via Ticketpro – https://bit.ly/45QbZJ0
Image (Fred Zhou is the managing director at HONOR SA, recorded at the launch of latest HONOR gadgets, in Midrand on Thursday evening).
