Honor has officially pulled back the curtain on its new gaming-focused smartphone series, marking a significant strategic shift. The company has announced that its former GT performance line will be upgraded and rebranded as the Honor WIN series, with the first devices set to launch in China before the end of the year. This move signals Honor's deeper commitment to the competitive gaming and esports segment, promising not just a name change but a comprehensive overhaul in design philosophy and hardware ambition.
The Official Announcement and Strategic Rebranding
On December 16, 2025, Honor held a media communication event to formalize the transition from the GT series to the WIN series. The company framed this not as a simple cosmetic update but as a fundamental evolution of the product line's identity. The core mantra for the new series is "不止加速，更要稳赢," which translates to "Not just about speed, but about securing victory." This slogan underscores a shift from raw performance metrics to a more holistic gaming experience focused on stability and reliability during intense sessions. Honor has also revealed plans to expand the WIN brand beyond smartphones, with intentions to develop other gaming-centric terminal products like tablets, aiming to build a complete gaming ecosystem.
Unveiling the Hardware: A Focus on Extreme Endurance and Power
The most talked-about feature of the upcoming Honor WIN series is its groundbreaking battery capacity. Multiple sources, including supply chain leaks and digital bloggers, point to the new phones featuring a battery in the range of 9,000 to 10,000mAh. One specific leak mentions a 10,080mAh± unit. If confirmed, this would set a new standard for flagship-level performance phones, potentially offering over two days of simulated usage (DOU) on a single charge. This massive cell is expected to be paired with 100W wired fast charging, ensuring that even such a large battery can be replenished quickly. To manage the thermal demands of high-performance chipsets and this enormous battery, Honor is reportedly implementing an advanced cooling system, with one model even rumored to feature an active cooling fan within its camera module.
Honor WIN Series Expected Specifications (Based on Reports & Leaks)
| Feature | Specification (Rumored) |
|---|---|
| Models | Honor WIN, Honor WIN RT |
| Display | 6.83-inch, 1.5K (2640x1200p) LTPS Flat Display |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite (WIN) / Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (WIN RT) |
| Battery | 9,000 - 10,000mAh+ capacity |
| Charging | 100W wired fast charging |
| Rear Camera | 50MP main sensor (Triple-camera setup on standard model) |
| Design Features | Metal frame, Ultrasonic fingerprint, "Full-level" water resistance, Active cooling fan (possible on one model) |
| Launch Date | December 26, 2025 (China) |
Performance and Display: A Dual-Flagship Strategy
Honor is adopting a "dual flagship" approach for the WIN series launch. The standard Honor WIN is expected to be powered by the high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. A more premium variant, potentially called the Honor WIN RT, is rumored to feature the even more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This strategy allows Honor to cater to different tiers within the performance-hungry gaming market. Both models are tipped to share a high-quality 6.83-inch 1.5K resolution LTPS flat display, prized by gamers for its reduced accidental touches and potential for higher refresh rates. Other premium features reportedly include a metal frame, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for faster unlocking, and a high level of water resistance.
Design and Camera Details
Based on official teasers and leaked images from sources like AG esports player "一诺," the design language is assertive and gaming-oriented. The phones feature a prominent horizontal camera matrix on the rear, with a distinct "WIN" logo branding. The design showcases flat edges, likely for better grip and a more robust feel. Color options shown include black, white, and blue. The camera system is expected to be led by a 50-megapixel main sensor, with details on auxiliary lenses still under wraps. The inclusion of a dedicated AI button on the side also hints at software features tailored for gaming enhancements and quick access.
Launch Timeline and Market Context
The official launch event for the Honor WIN series is scheduled for December 26, 2025, at 14:30 local time in China. This positions the release just before the peak holiday and shopping season, including China's New Year celebrations in early 2026. By entering the dedicated gaming phone arena, Honor is poised to compete more directly with established players like iQOO, Redmagic, and ASUS ROG. The combination of extreme battery life, top-tier processors, and a clear esports branding could make the WIN series a formidable contender, appealing to hardcore gamers who prioritize marathon gaming sessions without being tethered to a charger. Pricing and full international availability details are yet to be announced.