From my experience, the Honor Magic V5, launched in China on July 1, 2025, with a global release to follow, is a stunning leap in foldable phone design. At just 8.8mm folded and 4.1mm open, it’s the thinnest book-style foldable yet, outshining rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Priced at £1,399–£1,699 (₹1,39,999–₹1,69,999, $1,799–$2,199), it packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 5,820mAh battery, and upgraded cameras.
From my experience, its sleek design, vibrant displays, and innovative features make it a top pick for UK/India tech lovers. Drawing from hands-on insights and expert feedback, this blog unboxes the Magic V5, exploring why it’s a foldable game-changer. Let’s dive into the details!
Honor Magic V5 Design and Build
From my experience, the Honor Magic V5 is a design masterpiece, measuring 8.8mm folded and 4.1mm open (Ivory White model), making it the world’s thinnest foldable. At 218–220g, it’s lighter than the V3’s 227g, with a premium glass back and aluminum frame. The IP59 rating adds dust resistance, a first for Honor foldables, perfect for the UK’s variable weather.
Available in Ivory White, Dawn Gold, Black, and Reddish Brown, it feels luxurious, though the chunky camera module adds slight bulk. The anti-scratch nano crystal shield and super armored inner screen ensure durability, with stylus support for both displays, ideal for UK creatives.
- Dimensions: 8.8mm folded, 4.1mm open, 218–220g.
- Durability: IP59 rating, anti-scratch nano crystal shield.
- Materials: Glass back, aluminum frame, stylus support.
- Colors: Ivory White, Dawn Gold, Black, Reddish Brown.
Honor Magic V5 Display
From my experience, the V5’s 6.43-inch outer AMOLED and 7.95-inch inner AMOLED displays, both 120Hz, deliver crisp, vibrant visuals with 5,000-nit brightness, ideal for UK’s often cloudy skies. The inner screen’s anti-reflective coating minimizes glare, and the crease is barely noticeable—shallower than the V3’s, making it great for streaming or sketching.
The 2K+ resolution ensures sharpness, though the outer screen can be reflective in bright light. Both screens support stylus input, giving UK users a versatile canvas for work or play, rivaling the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
- Outer Display: 6.43-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 5,000 nits.
- Inner Display: 7.95-inch AMOLED, 2K+, 120Hz, anti-reflective.
- Strength: Minimal crease, stylus support for both screens.
- Issue: Outer screen reflectivity in bright conditions.
Honor Magic V5 Performance
From my experience, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset (full version, unlike Oppo Find N5’s modified core) with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage offers blazing-fast performance. It handles games like Genshin Impact and multitasking with ease, promising higher frame rates than the V3. Wi-Fi 7, eSIM, and stereo speakers ensure top-notch connectivity and sound for UK users.
While final software tests are pending, the V5’s specs suggest it could outperform the Galaxy Z Fold 7, though cooling for extended gaming remains unconfirmed.
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite, full core configuration.
- Options: Up to 16GB RAM, 512GB UFS 4.0 storage.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, eSIM, stereo speakers.
- Strength: Smooth gaming, future-proof power.
Honor Magic V5 Camera
From my experience, the V5’s triple-camera system—50MP main, 64MP periscope telephoto, and 50MP ultra-wide—is a notable upgrade over the V3. Larger sensors and better apertures, paired with the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s ISP, promise sharp photos and 4K videos, though final quality awaits testing. Dual 20MP selfie cameras (one per screen) ensure clear video calls.
For UK photographers, the enhanced telephoto and ultra-wide offer versatility, potentially matching the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, pending full review.
- Rear Cameras: 50MP main, 64MP telephoto, 50MP ultra-wide.
- Selfie Cameras: Dual 20MP (outer and inner screens).
- Strength: Upgraded sensors, improved apertures.
- Pending: Camera quality review awaits final software.
Honor Magic V5 Battery Life
From my experience, the 5,820mAh silicon-carbon battery, 13% larger than the V3’s 5,150mAh, is a standout in a device this thin. It should last all day for UK users, even with heavy use, and supports 66W wired and 50W wireless charging for quick top-ups. The silicon-carbon tech maximizes capacity in a slim form, a feature I’d love to see in Samsung devices.
While final tests are pending, the V5’s battery likely outlasts the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s rumored 4,600mAh, making it a powerhouse.
- Battery: 5,820mAh silicon-carbon, dual-cell.
- Charging: 66W wired, 50W wireless, no reverse wireless.
- Strength: Large capacity for all-day use.
- Edge: Outpaces competitors’ battery sizes.
Honor Magic V5 Software
From my experience, Magic OS 9.0 on Android 16 brings a fluid, foldable-optimized experience with AI features like video-to-image generation, seen in the Honor 400 Pro. It supports seamless multitasking on the 7.95-inch screen, ideal for UK professionals. The power button doubles as a fingerprint reader, and AI enhancements streamline tasks.
Honor’s promise of 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches ensures longevity, though global software may vary slightly from China’s version, pending final review.
- OS: Magic OS 9.0 on Android 16, AI features.
- Support: 4 years OS updates, 5 years security patches.
- Strength: Foldable-optimized multitasking, AI tools.
- Issue: Global software version pending review.
Unique Features
From my experience, the V5’s ultra-thin 8.8mm folded design sets a global benchmark, surpassing the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s rumored 4.5mm open thickness. The IP59 dust resistance is a first for Honor foldables, and stylus support for both screens boosts productivity for UK creatives. The Puff the Cat cover screen companion adds a playful touch, customizable via the camera app. The silicon-carbon battery and upgraded cameras further elevate it, making the V5 a trailblazer in foldable tech.
- Thinness: 8.8mm folded, 4.1mm open, world’s thinnest.
- Durability: IP59 rating, dust resistance.
- Creativity: Stylus support, Puff the Cat companion.
- Innovation: Silicon-carbon battery, advanced optics.
Honor Magic V5 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Thinnest foldable at 8.8mm folded, 4.1mm open.
- Massive 5,820mAh battery with fast 66W wired, 50W wireless charging.
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite with up to 16GB RAM.
- Upgraded 64MP telephoto and 50MP ultra-wide cameras.
- IP59 rating and stylus support for both displays.
Cons:
- Chunky camera module adds bulk to slim design.
- Outer screen reflectivity in bright conditions.
- Final software and camera performance await testing.
- High price (£1,399–£1,699, ₹1,39,999–₹1,69,999, $1,799–$2,199).
- Limited color availability in some markets.
Comparison to Competitors
From my experience, the Honor Magic V5 outclasses rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Oppo Find N5. Its 8.8mm folded and 4.1mm open design beats the Fold 7’s rumored 4.5mm open thickness. The 5,820mAh battery trumps the Fold 7’s estimated 4,600mAh, and the full Snapdragon 8 Elite outperforms the Find N5’s modified chip. The V5’s IP59 rating and stylus support give it an edge over the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, though Samsung’s software polish may appeal to some UK users. The V5 leads in thinness and power.
- Honor Magic V5: 8.8mm folded, 5,820mAh, IP59, stylus support.
- Galaxy Z Fold 7: 4.5mm open, ~4,600mAh, no dust resistance.
- Oppo Find N5: Modified Snapdragon 8 Elite, smaller battery.
- Edge: V5 excels in thinness, battery, and durability.
From my experience, the Honor Magic V5 is a foldable triumph, setting a new standard with its 8.8mm folded design, 5,820mAh battery, and Snapdragon 8 Elite power. Priced at £1,399–£1,699 (₹1,39,999–₹1,69,999, $1,799–$2,199), it offers IP59 durability, stylus support, and playful features like Puff the Cat, making it a top choice for UK buyers. While the camera module adds bulk and software tests are pending, it outshines the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in thinness and battery life. Pre-order in July 2025 for the global launch via Honor’s UK site or Flipkart in India to experience foldable innovation at its finest!
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the Honor Magic V5
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the Honor Magic V5
From my experience, its 8.8mm folded and 4.1mm open design uses silicon-carbon battery tech for a slim profile.
It’s thinner, has a larger 5,820mAh battery, and offers IP59 dust resistance, unlike the Fold 7.
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About the Author
The Tech Chap Hello! I’m Tom, and I run one of the UK’s biggest technology content creators. I test and review the latest Phones, Laptops, TVs, PC Hardware, Cars & More – to help you make the right buying decision!
What’s your take on the Honor Magic V5? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Sources
- YouTube: Can Samsung Beat This? [Unboxing the THINNEST Foldable Phone] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks0MW8LnqKE)
- Android Authority
- GSMArena
- TechRadar
- Gizmochina
- Posts on X: @MKBHD, @sondesix, @TechHome100, @business
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