When the Honor Magic8 RSR was revealed, it debuted with an optional kit that turns the smartphone into a camera-like device. Today, we will talk a bit about this kit, which appears to be the latest trend among Chinese smartphone makers.
The kit isn’t made solely by Honor; it is a collaboration between smartphone photography accessories maker Telesin and Honor. The kit includes a protective case with a MagSafe-style magnetic ring, along with a camera lens ring that allows the phone to use various external lenses. It also features a conventional camera-style grip equipped with a power button, a shutter button with a zoom lever, an Fn button, and a knurled camera mode dial.
The power button lets you jump directly into camera mode when the screen is off by holding it for a few seconds. The accessory connects to the Honor Magic8 RSR via Bluetooth, and the shutter button doubles as a pairing button during initial setup. As a shutter control, half-pressing allows focus, and a full press captures the shot. You can cancel the current focus frame by rotating the phone—for example, from landscape to portrait and back.
The mode dial serves a dual function. In focus mode, rotating it adjusts exposure. The Fn button is geared toward video recording. When filming, double-tapping pauses or resumes recording, while a single press captures a screenshot during video.
At the bottom, there is a USB charging port, along with a button that allows the grip to charge the phone. Yes, it also functions as a power bank, complete with LED indicators showing remaining battery level.
The Telesin Honor Magic8 RSR Camera Kit [CH] is not just another grip-and-case combo in Telesin’s portfolio. It was designed from the ground up with Honor to complement the Magic8 RSR both aesthetically and functionally. Though I have to say the lens is a bit of a stretch. I mean, a circular hold over a squircle is not quite a good match. If anything, it looks kinda awkward.
The case features an integrated 67 mm adapter ring that allows switching between the naked lens, filter lenses, or the 200 mm “Night God” teleconverter lens. It is said that the teleconverter enables the device to clearly capture details of the Macau Tower from 2 km (1.24 miles) away.
As for the pricing and availability, we probably have to wait till MWC 2026 when it will be officially revealed.
Images: Telesin [CH].
