This paper deals with differences of mechanical characteristics and fracture surface morphology of AZ91 magnesium alloy in extruded state and after subsequent equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). According to the results, the tensile properties were not controlled by grain size only as values of the tensile strength and 0.2 proof stress were similar for both alloys despite having average grain size 15.9 μm for the extruded alloy and 1.2 μm for the ECAPed alloy. In contrast, microhardness seemed to be dependnt solely on the grain size. Fractographic analysis has shown changes in the damage mode from quasi-cleavage fracture in extruded state to rather ductile fracture with dimple morphology in exECAPed state during tensile loading.