Honor Magic V5 Unveiled: Is This the Future of Foldable Phones?

The release of the Honor Magic V5 marks a significant step in the evolution of foldable smartphones, featuring a thinner and lighter design compared to its predecessors. With a price point of £1,699, the question arises: do consumers truly need a foldable phone?

As smartphone manufacturers face declining upgrade rates, many brands are pivoting towards foldable technology as a solution. The appeal lies in devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Motorola Razr 60 Ultra, which offer innovative designs that either condense into a compact form or expand into a larger tablet-like display. While this technology is captivating, the high costs associated with foldable phones may deter potential buyers.

Design and Display Features

The Honor Magic V5 boasts a striking 8.8 mm thickness when opened, making it the thinnest book-style folding phone available, surpassing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 by just 0.1 mm. The device features a substantial camera module on its back, which nearly doubles the thickness at that point. Despite this, the camera system delivers exceptional performance, producing some of the finest images seen on a smartphone.

The camera setup includes a 50MP main lens, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens, allowing for impressive depth of field and colour accuracy. According to my testing, the Magic V5 significantly outperforms the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in terms of image quality.

The device’s inner screen measures 7.95 inches and features excellent brightness levels with minimal creasing, a common concern for earlier foldable models. While stylus support for the Magic Pen is available, it is not included in the box. This adds to the appeal of the device, particularly as the Z Fold 7 lacks pen input compatibility.

Performance and Battery Life

Video playback on the inner display of the Magic V5 is impressive, although the almost-square design may result in black bars during viewing. For those who prioritize multitasking, the phone allows for divided screens, enabling users to operate applications like Slack and Chrome simultaneously. This functionality can be advantageous for work scenarios, making the Magic V5 a potential substitute for light laptop tasks when paired with a Bluetooth keyboard.

Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the Magic V5 exhibits no lag during usage, ensuring a responsive experience. Its outer screen, measuring 6.43 inches, also features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, enhancing the overall user experience. Weighing in at just 217 grams, it is lightweight enough for users to carry without hassle.

The device is equipped with a robust 5,820 mAh battery that employs silicon-carbon technology, promoting efficient power usage. Users can expect exceptional battery life, lasting up to two days under moderate usage, a notable achievement among foldable smartphones. However, using the larger inner screen frequently will reduce battery longevity.

While the Magic V5 offers numerous advantages, it is essential to note that it is not fully dust resistant, with an IP58/59 rating. This indicates some level of protection against water but raises concerns about dust ingress, particularly in the hinge area. In contrast, Google’s upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold is anticipated to feature a fully dust-tight IP68 rating.

For consumers considering a foldable device, the Honor Magic V5 presents compelling reasons to choose it over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Priced at £100 less, it also boasts superior camera capabilities and faster charging options at 66W wired and 50W wireless, although a charger is not included with the purchase.

The Magic V5 has the potential to remain relevant for years, offering seven years of Android and security updates, placing it alongside industry leaders like Samsung and Google.

In conclusion, the Honor Magic V5 is a noteworthy addition to the foldable smartphone market, delivering impressive performance, camera quality, and battery life. Yet, the decision to invest in a foldable device ultimately depends on individual preferences for functionality and design. If the allure of a foldable phone resonates with you, the Magic V5 might be worth the investment.