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All of the foldable telephones that I’ve tried to this point have had one main drawback – they’re all fairly chunky. They’re both too heavy or simply too thick that it appears like carrying a brick in my pocket — and this comes from somebody who makes use of an iPhone 14 Professional Max with a Casetify case, which is already fairly chunky and heavy.
Nonetheless, once I noticed HONOR’s Magic V2 at IFA final 12 months, I used to be amazed. How has HONOR been in a position to pack such specs and highly effective {hardware} into a tool this slim and light-weight? This foldable gives one thing distinctive in comparison with the likes of OnePlus Open, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Pixel Fold. And now, after having spent a superb a part of greater than three weeks with it, I believe it has the potential to be the most effective foldable cellphone of the 12 months.
In fact, there are some drawbacks, just like the absence of an official IP score, the much less spectacular software program, and the excessive price ticket, despite the fact that it will get many issues proper. However the query stays: Can the Magic V2’s strengths justify its steep worth, or do its weaknesses maintain it again? This is our full evaluation of the HONOR Magic V2.
Honor Magic V2
Skinny, Mild, and Mighty
The Honor Magic V2 is the thinnest and lightest foldable cellphone in the marketplace. The Magic V2 has a big 7.92-inch internal foldable show and a 6.43-inch cowl show. It additionally includes a triple digital camera array and runs on the highly effective Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
- Each cowl and foldable screens are wonderful
- Smooth and slim design makes it very straightforward to make use of and carry
- Quick charging and superb battery life
- Easy efficiency with MagicOS, due to a robust chipset
- Looks like a daily cellphone when closed
- Digital camera efficiency might have been higher
- Lacks official IP score for mud and water resistance
- Makes use of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 whereas Gen 3 is already out there
Value and availability
Almost six months after launching in China, HONOR formally launched the Magic V2 in Europe and the UK on January 26, 2024. There’s just one mannequin of the foldable, which comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage and is priced at £1,699.99 (~$2,150) within the UK and €1,999 in Europe.
Whereas it’s a vital leap in comparison with the Magic Vs, which retailed for £1,399, HONOR is providing numerous pre-order incentives. The pre-order presents embody Bang & Olufsen Headphones valued at £459, 6 months of display safety, and a 66W HONOR SuperCharge Energy Adapter. In the event you place your order earlier than March 1, 2024, you possibly can seize an extra £200 low cost by utilizing the code “AV2PR200” at checkout.
The HONOR Magic V2 is available in two shade choices: Phantom Purple and Black Vegan Leather-based. Evidently the Magic V2 RSR version, which the corporate has developed in partnership with Porsche, will solely be out there later this month — the corporate has teased its launch at MWC later this month.
Design and Show
Pocketnow / Sanuj Bhatia
Let’s begin with the design, and as you might need already discovered, the HONOR Magic V2 is extremely skinny and light-weight foldable. This machine is barely 4.7mm skinny when unfolded and 9.9mm skinny within the folded state. To place this in perspective, it is related in thickness to at this time’s common slab telephones; for instance, OnePlus’s newest OnePlus 12 is 9.2mm thick.
The machine can be fairly light-weight, weighing both 237g (glass model) or 231g (vegan leather-based model), relying on the variant you select. For comparability, Samsung’s newest Galaxy S24 Extremely additionally weighs 233 grams. Within the hand, the Magic V2 appears like a daily slab cellphone when it is closed, due to it being extraordinarily skinny and slim.
On the again, you get a triple-camera setup in a barely protruded rectangular cutout with HONOR branding on the underside. I actually just like the end of the Phantom Purple unit I’ve right here with me. As for the buttons, they’re well-placed and on the other aspect when unfolded, making them straightforward to make use of. When folded, they’re at totally different ranges (and peak), which makes them straightforward to distinguish. And for these questioning, the facility button additionally doubles as a fingerprint reader.
HONOR Magic V2 subsequent to an iPhone 14 Professional Max
Now, let’s discuss concerning the hinge, which is constructed from a sturdy Titanium alloy and examined for over 400,000 folds, in keeping with HONOR. It makes just a little squeaky sound when opening, however it’s total actually sturdy. The hinge lets you open the machine at an angle between 60 and 150 levels, and when folded, there is no hole between the 2 halves. Nonetheless, the machine is so slim, and since there isn’t a hole, I initially discovered it tough — and was virtually nervous — about opening it too forcefully.
Nonetheless, the general construct high quality is premium, utilizing supplies like glass, metallic, and titanium. The machine feels luxurious. For the entrance show safety, HONOR has opted to make use of a Nanocrystal Glass 2.0 — no Corning Gorilla Glass right here — however the firm says this glass gives ten instances higher drop resistance than typical glass. There isn’t a official IP mud or water resistance right here, which might have supplied further assurance on the market within the wild, however it appears HONOR has left that for the following model.
Pocketnow / Sanuj Bhatia
However, in case you are apprehensive about your machine, HONOR features a kickstand case within the field for added safety. The satin glass end of the Magic V2 will be slippery, and given its worth, you would not wish to danger dropping it. The kickstand case, which has a leather-like end, gives a greater grip in addition to some safety from day by day put on and tear safety (together with the hinge).
When you can completely use this cellphone solely with the entrance 6.43-inch OLED show, the actual magic occurs while you unfold the machine. You might be welcomed to a giant 7.92-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh fee and a pixel decision of two,344 x 2,156. However, the most effective a part of the Magic V2 is that the show crease is barely noticeable. I handed over my Magic V2 unit to numerous first-time foldable machine customers, they usually have been left amazed at how refined the crease is; you actually need to search for it.
Pocketnow / Sanuj Bhatia
Each the outer and internal shows are of wonderful high quality. The quilt display boasts a 6.43-inch OLED show with a 120Hz refresh fee and a formidable peak brightness of 2500 nits. The internal show has a peak brightness of 1600 nits, making it simply seen open air. Not solely that, however each screens help HDR10+ playback, offering an excellent media consumption expertise.
Much like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, the Magic V2 helps stylus enter, however HONOR does not embody a stylus in the usual version package deal. The Porsche Design variant does include a stylus within the field, however there does not look like a purchasable accent for the usual version on the corporate’s web site.
Software program and Efficiency
Honor Magic V2
- Dimensions
- 156.7 x 145.4 x 4.7mm (unfolded); 156.7 x 74.1mm x 9.9mm (folded)
- Materials
- Titanium Hinge, Nanocrystal Glass 2.0
- Colours
- Black, Purple
- Weight
- 231g
- Cowl show
- 6.43-inch 120Hz OLED
- Inside show
- 7.92-inch 120Hz OLED
- SoC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- RAM
- 16GB
- Storage
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
- Entrance digital camera
- 16 MP digital camera (one on every display)
- Important Digital camera
- 50 MP, f/1.9, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
- Huge-Angle Digital camera
- 50 MP, f/2.0, AF
- Telephoto
- 20 MP, f/2.4, 2.5x optical zoom, OIS
- Battery
- 5000 mAh
- Cost velocity
- 66W (wired)
- Working System
- Android 13
- Ports
- USB-C
- Stylus
- Supported, not within the field
The HONOR Magic V2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. And whereas it will not be the newest chip on the block – the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 takes that crown — the foldable nonetheless gives improbable efficiency to your on a regular basis wants. Coupled with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, this foldable runs snappy. Apps open rapidly (and stay in reminiscence), the gameplay is easy (even throughout lengthy intervals), and it does not overheat.
Whereas some could say that the staggering €2000 worth doesn’t justify getting a year-old chip, and whereas there’s some reality to that argument, we’ve got come to the day and age the place the chipsets are extra highly effective than what we require, making the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 greater than succesful. In reality, it’s the identical chipset that powers the OnePlus Open and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, so you will not miss out on something.
Concerning gaming, standard titles like “Participant Unknown’s Battle Grounds,” “EA Sports activities FC Cellular,” and even Netflix’s newest GTA video games make wonderful use of the internal display, taking on the entire house and offering an immersive expertise. Total, you will be happy with the speedy efficiency of the V2 fold.
Pocketnow / Sanuj Bhatia
Now shifting onto software program, the Magic V2 runs on MagicOS 7.2, based mostly on Android 13 out of the field. Whereas it will not be the newest software program, HONOR tells me the machine will obtain Android 14 someday sooner or later. In reality, HONOR tells me that it’ll present 4 years of software program upgrades and 5 years of safety updates for this machine, which is on-par with what its rivals supply. And for these questioning, the Magic V2 comes with Google Play Retailer and all Google companies out of the field (if that was ever a query).
As for the MagicOS 7.2, it’s closely skinned, and identical to different Chinese language ROMs, it’s closely modded to seem like iOS. And that is not essentially a foul factor; you get loads of customization choices within the settings, from altering the At all times On show to the themes, and app icons. However it’s simply that I am extra of a fan of a Pixel-like UI. Regardless, the software program on Magic V2 is polished and user-friendly. App switching between the quilt display and the internal foldable display is instantaneous, and sometimes, apps adapt to the display with out requiring relaunching.
Pocketnow / Sanuj Bhatia
The Magic V2 helps multitasking with as much as three apps open concurrently (two aspect by aspect and a 3rd with a floating window on prime). You possibly can add much more apps and retailer them in a sidebar for straightforward entry. Getting into the multitasking view is fairly seamless as effectively. Whenever you’re utilizing the internal display and the app is in full-screen mode, you will see a small bar seem over the app, after which you possibly can both swap to full-screen, side-by-side mode, or floating views.
Nonetheless, there is no conventional dock on the backside. As an alternative, HONOR makes use of a unique navigation type, the place you press and maintain the again button, and a small aspect display of apps seems. It isn’t essentially dangerous, only a distinctive method in comparison with what you could be used to, particularly should you’ve been utilizing an iPad for years like me.
On the entire, the Magic V2 is a multitasking powerhouse, and should you’re an influence consumer who’s used to doing issues aspect by aspect, you will love this foldable. Whereas HONOR has to work with some companions and app builders to totally optimize apps for this foldable, many of the important apps work as required out of the field and that ends in an fulfilling expertise.
Pocketnow / Sanuj Bhatia
Speaker
Till now, the iPhone 15 Professional Max has been the gold customary for stereo sound setup for me. Most Android telephones fail to match the iPhone’s deep and highly effective audio high quality — which, for my part, makes or breaks the media consumption expertise of a tool. Nonetheless, the Magic V2’s audio system are a nice shock. They ship distinctive sound that is in contrast to every other Android cellphone I’ve used earlier than. The audio is wealthy, loud, and packs a punch, placing it on par, if not higher, than my iPhone.
Digital camera
Pocketnow / Sanuj Bhatia
Foldable telephones usually lag behind conventional smartphones by way of digital camera efficiency, and the identical holds true right here. On paper, the HONOR Magic V2 has a fairly versatile digital camera setup, together with a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 50MP f/2.0 ultra-wide digital camera, and a 20MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor with 2.5x optical zoom. There’s additionally a 16MP selfie shooter on each the quilt and foldable internal screens.
In good lighting circumstances, the digital camera fares nice. It captures sharp, detailed photos with vibrant (and typically overly punchy) colours. Colours aren’t washed out, if something, and the digital camera captures clear particulars and crowd pleasing contrasts. Nonetheless, it is value noting that the first digital camera tends to overprocess photos, making them look considerably synthetic or overly vibrant at instances.
One factor I seen is that the shutter velocity of the first digital camera could be very quick. This implies the foldable excels at capturing fast-moving topics. For instance, take a look at the picture beneath of a street signal captured from a shifting bus at 50km/h – the main points are impressively crisp.
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The two.5x optical zoom digital camera proves helpful in numerous situations and delivers detailed and sharp outcomes. And despite the fact that there is a 10x zoom possibility within the digital camera app, I might advise towards utilizing it, because the ensuing photos are usually blurry and noisy, as proven within the samples beneath. The ultra-wide photos keep good element, although there’s a slight shade shift. In low-light circumstances, the digital camera performs on par with different foldables, preserving shade accuracy and producing pleasing-to-eyes photographs.
Total, should you want the picture processing type of iPhones, which tends to be extra toned down and natural-looking, you may discover the HONOR Magic V2’s digital camera a bit too vibrant. Nonetheless, should you like photographs with particulars and vibrant colours, you will love this digital camera. You possibly can take a look at our full digital camera samples of the Magic V2 down beneath:
Digital camera Samples
Battery
Pocketnow / Sanuj Bhatia
Now, that is the place the Magic V2 beats each different foldable in the marketplace. Regardless of being this skinny and slim, the Magic V2 includes a large 5,000 mAh cell, which is greater than what each different foldable on the planet gives. This has been attainable attributable to a brand new silicon battery tech that HONOR is utilizing within the Magic V2, and the foldable does supply distinctive battery life. You possibly can simply go a full day on a single cost, and the newest machine replace appears to have additional improved this.
Even with in depth use of the internal foldable display, which consumes extra energy attributable to its measurement and 120Hz refresh fee, I constantly ended my day with a minimum of 20% battery remaining. Nonetheless, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and MagicOS 7.2 appear optimized sufficient for a superb battery expertise.
By way of charging, the Magic V2 gives 66W quick USB-C charging, which may take the machine from 0% to 100% in about 45 minutes. Sadly, there isn’t a wi-fi charging, which is kind of disappointing given the premium worth of the machine. However, a fast top-up within the morning ought to simply hold you powered all through the day.
Closing Verdict
Pocketnow / Sanuj Bhatia
So, the query stays: is the HONOR Magic V2 value spending £1,700? Effectively, the reply to this query is a bit difficult. On one hand, the Magic V2 stands out as an ultra-thin and light-weight foldable that feels surprisingly like a daily cellphone. It packs a succesful processor, a giant battery that simply lasts a full day, and impressively quick charging. Its cowl display gives a well-recognized cellphone expertise, in contrast to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, which has a narrower cowl display – one thing I am not a fan of.
Nonetheless, it is essential to think about that the Magic V2 lacks wi-fi charging, an official IP score for water and dirt resistance, and it comes with a hefty price ticket. That mentioned, when you think about the general package deal the Magic V2 delivers, it definitely ranks among the many greatest foldable telephones out there. It is significantly interesting should you’re seeking to transition from a standard Android cellphone because it gives a foldable expertise in a equally sized type issue.
Nonetheless, should you’re prepared to attend for foldable costs to drop and persist with a daily smartphone for now, that is a legitimate alternative — possibly even watch for the corporate’s Magic6 Professional. Nonetheless, with the Magic V2, HONOR has set a brand new customary for foldable units, and it will be intriguing to see how the competitors responds within the coming 12 months.
Honor Magic V2
The Honor Magic V2 is the thinnest and lightest foldable cellphone in the marketplace. The Magic V2 has a big 7.92-inch internal foldable show and a 6.43-inch cowl show. It additionally includes a triple digital camera array and runs on the highly effective Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
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