The race to create the slimmest foldable smartphone is intense, with manufacturers shaving fractions of a millimeter to claim bragging rights. Honor’s Magic V5, particularly in its Ivory White variant, measures a mere 8.8 mm when folded, undercutting competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 by 0.1 mm, according to TechCrunch. This slim profile makes the device feel remarkably like a standard smartphone when closed, a feat achieved through Honor’s use of lightweight materials like carbon fiber and a second-generation Super Steel hinge. The phone’s unfolded thickness of 4.1 mm further enhances its appeal, offering a tablet-like experience in a svelte package.
However, the “thinnest” title comes with a catch. The Magic V5’s substantial camera bump adds significant bulk, nearly doubling the phone’s perceived thickness in some scenarios. When placed on a flat surface, the device wobbles when unfolded, a minor but noticeable annoyance for users typing or watching media. TechCrunch noted that adjusting to the bump takes time, as fingers brushing against it can feel awkward during handling. Despite this, the phone’s premium build, complete with IP58 and IP59 dust and water resistance ratings, ensures durability, making it a robust choice for everyday use.
Power and Performance Packed In
Under the hood, the Magic V5 is a powerhouse. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. The device runs MagicOS 9.0, Honor’s Android-based interface tailored for foldables, which optimizes the dual-screen experience. The 7.95-inch inner OLED display boasts a 2172 x 2352 resolution, while the 6.43-inch outer screen offers 2376 x 1060 pixels, both supporting LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, as reported by The Verge. These displays make reading, gaming, and media consumption a delight, with smooth scrolling and vibrant colors.
The Magic V5’s 5,820 mAh silicon-carbon battery is among the largest in foldables, providing all-day power even with heavy use. Honor claims the included 66W wired charger can juice the device from 0% to 50% in just 16 minutes, with full charge achieved in 43 minutes. Wireless charging at 50W is also supported, though proprietary chargers are required, per Yanko Design. This combination of power and efficiency makes the Magic V5 a reliable companion for tech enthusiasts on the go.
Camera Capabilities with a Catch
The Magic V5’s camera system is a highlight, featuring a triple-lens setup: a 50-megapixel main sensor with f/1.6 aperture, a 50-megapixel ultrawide, and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom. These cameras deliver sharp, detailed images across various lighting conditions, with a super macro mode that excels at close-up shots, according to TechCrunch. The system’s AI enhancements, powered by Honor’s Falcon algorithm and Qualcomm’s Spectra ISP, boost detail and brightness, particularly in low light. However, the AI can sometimes overprocess images, amplifying reds or sharpening excessively, which may lead to unnatural results, as noted by Techgoondu.
The camera bump, while enabling this robust system, remains a design drawback. It protrudes significantly, making the phone feel thicker than its 8.8 mm claim suggests. The Verge highlighted that this bump is nearly twice as high as that of the Oppo Find N5, undermining Honor’s “thinnest” marketing. Still, the camera’s versatility, including a 100x digital zoom aided by generative AI, offers impressive results for capturing distant subjects, though quality degrades at higher zoom levels.
Software and Market Positioning
MagicOS 9.0 is designed to leverage the foldable form factor, offering features like split-screen multitasking and stylus support on both displays, a rarity among foldables, per Yanko Design. However, the software lags behind competitors, shipping with Android 15 while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 launched with Android 16, as Stuff pointed out. Honor promises seven years of updates, but the lack of immediate access to the latest Android version may frustrate early adopters. Additionally, some AI-driven features, such as “beauty” filters that adjust facial features, feel gimmicky and overly processed, potentially alienating users seeking authenticity.
Priced at £1,699.99 in the UK and €1,999 in Europe for the 512GB model, the Magic V5 undercuts the Galaxy Z Fold 7 by roughly £200, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious buyers, according to Phandroid. Available in regions like Europe, APAC, and the Middle East, the device won’t officially launch in the U.S., limiting its global reach. Despite this, Honor’s growing presence in the foldable market, bolstered by a strategic partnership with Qualcomm, positions the Magic V5 as a serious contender, per Ubergizmo.
Why It Matters for Users
For tech enthusiasts, the Magic V5 offers a compelling blend of portability and power. Its slim design and large inner display make it ideal for productivity tasks like reading PDFs or playing games, while the robust battery ensures uninterrupted use. The camera system, despite its bulky housing, delivers flagship-level photography, appealing to users who prioritize versatility. However, the wobble caused by the camera bump and occasional software quirks may deter those seeking a seamless experience. As foldables become more mainstream, Honor’s offering provides a glimpse into a future where thin, powerful devices are the norm, but refinement is still needed.
The Bigger Picture
Honor’s Magic V5 is a testament to the rapid evolution of foldable smartphones, pushing boundaries with its slim profile and high-end specs. Yet, the prominent camera bump and software shortcomings highlight the trade-offs in chasing design superlatives. As the foldable market grows, Honor’s ability to balance innovation with practicality will determine whether the Magic V5 can challenge Samsung’s dominance. For now, it’s a striking option for those willing to overlook its quirks for a cutting-edge experience.
