Honor Power2 smartphone launched on January 5, 2026—one day before CES 2026—with a design so brazenly similar to Apple‘s iPhone 17 Pro that tech influencer MKBHD accused the company of “mimicking the iPhone design” strategy. The most controversial detail: Honor allegedly added a dummy camera lens to complete the horizontal bar camera module resemblance, despite only using a 50MP + 5MP dual-camera system.
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Shameless iPhone 17 Pro Aesthetic Replication
The orange color variant of the Honor Power2 looks nearly identical to Apple’s flagship from the rear. The similarities include rounded edges, full-width horizontal camera bar, plastic-looking camera module with “Power” logo, and the bold orange finish that matches Apple’s new color option.
| Design Element | Honor Power2 | iPhone 17 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Layout | Horizontal bar (dummy lens added) | Horizontal triangular triple-camera |
| Color Option | Orange (matches iPhone) | Orange (new for 2026) |
| Frame Design | Flat aluminum edges | Flat aluminum edges |
| Back Panel | Minimalistic single-tone | Dual-tone material mix |
| Dimensions | 7.98mm thick, 216g | Similar profile |
NotebookCheck’s hands-on comparison photos revealed the only visual differences are the dual-tone look on the iPhone, different lens sizes, sensor/LED positions, and branding—making the devices nearly indistinguishable at a glance in orange.
Actual Specifications vs. iPhone-Level Hype
While the design mimics a flagship, the Honor Power2’s actual specs target the mid-range segment at just $385 (12GB+256GB) and $430 (12GB+512GB):
- Display: 6.79-inch AMOLED, 1.5K resolution (2560×1180), 120Hz, 1800 nits peak brightness
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Elite (3.4GHz octa-core with Mali-G720 MC8 GPU)
- Camera: 50MP main + 5MP ultra-wide rear, 16MP front (not triple-camera despite appearance)
- Battery: 10,080mAh 4th-gen Qinghai Lake battery with 80W fast charging, 27W reverse charging
- Software: MagicOS 10 based on Android 16
- Durability: IP69K certification for dust and high-pressure water resistance
The Dummy Camera Controversy
The most egregious design choice: Honor included a non-functional third camera lens purely for aesthetic symmetry with the iPhone 17 Pro’s triple-camera setup. The actual rear camera system comprises only two working sensors—a 50MP main shooter and a 5MP ultra-wide—making the third “lens” entirely cosmetic.
This shameless design mimicry drew immediate criticism from tech reviewers and social media, with many questioning Honor’s lack of originality despite the device’s genuinely impressive battery and performance specifications.
Record-Breaking 10,080mAh Battery
The Power2’s standout feature is its massive 10,080mAh battery—the largest in any mainstream smartphone launching in 2026. Honor claims the device delivers:
- 20+ hours continuous operation
- 26 hours video playback
- Power bank functionality via 27W reverse charging
- Slim 7.98mm profile despite enormous capacity
The battery utilizes Honor’s 4th-generation Qinghai Lake technology, achieving record capacity while maintaining reasonable device thickness and 216g weight.
Industry Design Convergence or Blatant Copying?
Defenders argue the similarity represents broader industry design convergence influenced by Apple’s Pro models, with horizontal camera bars becoming trendy across Android manufacturers. Critics counter that the orange color, exact camera bar dimensions, and dummy lens addition prove intentional iPhone replication rather than coincidental trends.
Previous Honor Power models used 2/3-width camera bumps and different color schemes. The Power2’s sudden shift to full-width horizontal bars and orange finishes—immediately after iPhone 17 Pro’s design reveal—strongly suggests deliberate mimicry.
Global Availability and Pricing Strategy
Sales began January 9, 2026 in China with three colors: orange, black, and pearl white. Honor hasn’t announced international availability for US or European markets, though the device’s competitive pricing and flagship-inspired aesthetic could attract budget-conscious consumers seeking premium looks.
At $385-$430, the Power2 undercuts the iPhone 17 Pro’s $1,099+ pricing by nearly 75%, targeting users who prioritize battery life and value over brand prestige or camera prowess.
Community Backlash and Marketing Success
Ironically, the design controversy generated massive free publicity. As NotebookCheck noted, “hardly any other mid-range Chinese smartphone has been featured as frequently on social media and in global news outlets since Christmas” as the Power2—proving audacity pays dividends in viral marketing.
Whether consumers view the iPhone similarity as flattering homage or shameless knockoff may determine the Power2’s success beyond China’s borders.
For more smartphone launches and design controversies, visit TechnoSports.
FAQs
Does the Honor Power2 have a triple-camera system like iPhone 17 Pro?
No, only 50MP + 5MP dual cameras; the third lens is a dummy added purely for design symmetry.
How much does the Honor Power2 cost compared to iPhone 17 Pro?
$385-$430 (75% cheaper than iPhone’s $1,099+) with 10,080mAh battery and Dimensity 8500 Elite chipset.
