Honor Magic V5: new hinge, silicon-carbon battery, heavy UI
Honor Magic V5 solves the thin-durable problem with a new hinge, IP58/59 and a 5,820 mAh silicon-carbon battery. However, MagicOS on Android 15 and VRR are still not smooth, causing discomfort.
The Honor Magic V5 is one of the rare foldable phones that tries to push the thin-durable limits of hardware while still maintaining a large user experience on both screens. The device has a redesigned hinge that makes the body thinner, IP58 and IP59 certified, a 6.43-inch outer screen and a 7.95-inch inner screen. However, according to the source review, the biggest weakness comes from the software: MagicOS on Android 15 still has a lot of friction, especially in the way the interface is organized and the smoothness of the variable refresh rate.
The thin-durable problem on foldable phones: Honor's approach
The Magic V5 feels well-built, with a newly designed and upgraded hinge that makes the device thinner and more durable. The thickness reaches 9mm in most color options, except for Ivory White, which is only 8.8mm. The camera cluster is significantly larger than previous generations, protruding clearly but accidentally creating a finger rest when holding. With the current screen size and thickness, the device is balanced: not cramped when folded, and opened to fit comfortably for consuming content. The opening-closing action has a clear "pop", giving a solid feeling.
Screen size and folding experience
The 6.43-inch outer screen is large enough for input and everyday use; the 7.95-inch inner screen is good for multitasking and entertainment. When opened, the grip feels close to the “uncomfortably thin” threshold if you continue to reduce it by a few more millimeters. This reflects the inherent challenge of folding design: having to balance size, thinness, and ergonomics for long-term holding.
MagicOS on Android 15: useful but full of friction
MagicOS is a thick interface layer, significantly different from One UI or stock Android. It comes with many pre-installed apps, both AI and non-AI, replacing many of the options on the Play Store. Some useful features are built in, such as reducing motion sickness and reducing eye fatigue. However, the separation of notifications and control panels, forcing a swipe across the top edge to switch, is not intuitive for many users. Based on previous experience with the Magic V4, this is more of a software issue than a hardware issue.
Honor has committed to seven years of OS and security updates, a long time in the Android world. However, it launched with Android 15, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold are already on Android 16, which feels like a missed beat on the platform side.
Performance, 120 Hz VRR, and weird lags
The display supports a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz with variable refresh rate. However, there was some stuttering and frame skipping in some apps, giving the impression that the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC couldn’t keep up – which is unlikely for basic tasks. This is more likely a matter of software tuning and VRR management than a pure hardware limitation.
5,820 mAh battery, 15% silicon‑carbon: long-lasting
The Magic V5’s 5,820 mAh battery, which is 15% silicon, gives it impressive real-world battery life. After a few days of “calibration,” it lasted about two days of regular use; in standby mode, it lasted more than a week without needing a charge. Of course, the consumption will vary if you use the internal screen frequently or watch videos continuously – but overall, this is one of the foldables with a remarkably long battery life.
64 MP camera with Falcon AI: post-capture processing for stable photos
The 64 MP main camera uses the Falcon AI processing system for pleasant post-production quality; photos at tight zoom levels still retain good details as recorded. The downside is the large camera cluster, but in return, the multi-scene shooting experience is stable.
Main parameters
| Category | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Operating system when sold | Android 15 with MagicOS |
| SoC | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| External display | 6.43 inches |
| Inner screen | 7.95 inches |
| Scanning frequency | Max 120 Hz; VRR |
| Thickness | 9mm; Ivory White 8.8mm version |
| Durable standard | IP58, IP59 |
| Battery | 5,820 mAh; silicon‑carbon battery with 15% silicon |
| Main camera | 64 MP; Falcon AI imaging |
| Software update | 7 years OS and security |
| Price | €1,999 (Europe), £1,699 (UK) |
Technical advantages
- The new hinge makes the body thinner, with a solid “pop” opening and closing feel.
- Achieved IP58 and IP59, rare in the foldable phone segment.
- 6.43-inch outer screen and 7.95-inch inner screen for a balanced experience.
- 5,820 mAh battery with 15% silicon content for long lasting battery life.
- 64 MP camera with Falcon AI processing for beautiful post-capture photos.
- 7-year commitment to OS and security updates.
Limitations and challenges
- MagicOS is heavy, with many components that are difficult to get used to; the notification/panel separation is unintuitive.
- VRR max 120 Hz but frame stuttering/jumping occurs in some applications.
- Launched with Android 15, a generation behind some competitors.
- High price: €1,999 in Europe and £1,699 in the UK.
Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and where to go next
Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Magic V5 loses out in terms of platform version (Android 15 vs Android 16). In terms of size, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is said to be in the middle of the thickness of the Magic V5 versions. At €1,999/£1,699, users will carefully consider the options from Samsung and Google.
If MagicOS is streamlined, more intuitive and VRR optimized, the Magic V5 has the potential to compete more widely in the global market. In terms of hardware, the device has proven the right approach: new hinge, IP58/59 durability, impressive battery life and a solid camera.
