New GCF and SGS certifications reveal that Honor will extend its 600 series with a 5G‑enabled model, the MRK‑NX1, aimed at global markets. While only the 5G capability is confirmed, the announcement hints at an upcoming mid‑range device that could broaden Honor’s presence outside China.
Honor 600 Smart 5G is on the way
Honor’s mid‑range 600 lineup is set to grow with the addition of the Honor 600 Smart 5G. The device, identified by the model code MRK‑NX1, appeared in recent certification filings submitted to the Global Certification Forum (GCF) and SGS. These certifications are a standard step before a phone can be sold in regulated markets, confirming that the handset meets radio and safety requirements.
What we know so far
- 5G support – The only spec disclosed in the filings is that the phone will operate on 5G networks. This aligns with Honor’s push to bring faster connectivity to its budget‑friendly range.
- International rollout – The certifications are not China‑only, suggesting the 600 Smart 5G will be marketed in Europe, the Middle East, and possibly other regions.
- Model number – MRK‑NX1 appears in both the GCF and SGS documents, confirming the same hardware will be used across markets.
No details on processor, memory, storage, or camera have been released yet. The lack of a launch window means we’ll have to wait for an official announcement or a leak from a supply‑chain source.
How this fits into Honor’s ecosystem
Honor’s recent strategy has been to diversify its portfolio beyond flagship devices while keeping the brand attractive in price‑sensitive markets. The original Honor 600 (the “vanilla” version) offers a solid Snapdragon chipset, a 6.7‑inch OLED display, and a 48 MP main sensor. If the Smart 5G follows a similar design philosophy, we can expect:
- A Snapdragon 7‑series or MediaTek Dimensity chip that balances performance with power efficiency, enabling smooth everyday tasks and decent gaming.
- 8 GB of RAM and 128‑256 GB of storage as a baseline, mirroring the current 600 Pro’s configuration.
- A multi‑camera setup that likely reuses the 48 MP primary sensor, paired with an ultra‑wide lens and a macro or depth sensor.
- Honor’s Magic UI on top of Android 15, with the usual suite of AI‑driven features such as adaptive battery management and camera scene optimization.
By adding 5G to the 600 series, Honor can keep its devices relevant as carriers continue to phase out 4G‑only plans. For users already invested in the Honor ecosystem—such as the Honor MagicBook Pro 14 (2026) laptop or the Honor 600 Pro—the Smart 5G will provide a seamless hand‑off for cloud services, file syncing, and cross‑device notifications.
What to watch for
- Official launch event – Honor typically unveils new mid‑range phones during regional tech fairs or its own livestreams. Keep an eye on announcements from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona or the China International Mobile Communications Expo.
- Pricing – The current Honor 600 starts around €487 / $749 for the 256 GB variant. Expect the Smart 5G to be priced slightly higher due to the added 5G modem, possibly in the €500‑€600 range.
- Software updates – Honor has pledged at least three major Android updates for its recent devices. Buyers should verify the update schedule, especially if the phone lands in markets with carrier‑specific firmware.
For now, the certification documents are the only concrete proof that the Honor 600 Smart 5G is moving down the production line. As more details emerge, we’ll update this story with specifications, pricing, and launch dates.
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