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We're beginning to see interesting releases from smartphone brands all over the world lately, with thinner processors, astounding camera setups and just overall interesting technological advancements coming in different forms, such as foldable smartphones.
One of the newest foldable smartphone contenders is from HONOR with their release of the HONOR Magic V.
To note, the 7.9-inch phone is the first in its own category to have the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. It also has interesting housing materials for its case and doesn't seem to have any gaps when it is folded, creating a clean, slim profile from the side view.
How does it feel or fare? We managed to get a first look at the phone. Here are our early thoughts (with video commentary below!)
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Specifications
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
- External Display: 6.45-inch, 2272x1984 resolution + 120hz refresh rate
- Internal Display: 7.9-inch, 2560 x 1080 resolution + 90hz refresh rate
- Memory: 12GB + 256GB / 12GB + 512GB
- Rear Camera: Quad - 50MP (f/1.9) ; 50MP (f/2.2, 122 degrees range) ; 50MP (f/2.0)
- Front/Selfie Camera: Single - External and internal selfie camera (42MP)
- Battery: 4,750mAh with 66-watt fast charging
- Connectivity: USB Type-C 3.2, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, 5G
- Audio: Stereo speakers
- OS: Android 12, Magic UI 6
- Waterdrop hinge made from aerospace-grade materials, rated for 200,000 folds
What's in The Box?
- A phone case with a kickstand
- 66w Fast Charger
- 66w Fast Charger for Car
- Two Type-A to Type-C cables
Build & Design
As mentioned earlier, we noticed hardly any gaps when the phone is folded. On paper, the Magic V is 14.3mm when folded and 6.7mm when unfolded (in thickness). The sides of the phone are all curved, making it comfortable and easy to hold in the hand.
Just like many other foldable smartphones, it has an external display. What's different is that it sports a 90% screen-to-body ratio, seemingly looking and feeling like a normal smartphone. Because of the ample display space, you can actually do almost everything you need on the external display compared to other foldable phones in the market.
With just our handheld feeling, the hinge feels quite strong with some pressure present. According to HONOR, the waterdrop hinge is made of durable aerospace-grade materials, which also allows it to close flushed so no dirt or dust will get in.
When unfolding, it does take a bit of effort for it to open up flat. While it doesn't feel too natural, it is definitely not discomforting or an annoyance as it tells us that the hinge is of good and sturdy quality.
Display
Understandably, the external display is smaller at about 6.45-inch (which is not small at all). When unfolded, you are treated to an immersive and vibrant 7.9-inch internal display.
At first glance, colours just look great especially when watching videos that support HDR10+. Colour vibrancy and contrast are good for us overall.
Then comes the foldable screen's hinge - an important factor to access for this category of smartphones. Dare we say, the hinge or indent of what we expect from the internal display of foldable phones, are hardly noticeable on the Magic V. Overall, we are excited to see how well the phone fares in everyday use.
To note, both screens support the DCI-P3 colour gamut, 1 billion colours and HDR10+.
Camera
What's interesting this round is the triple rear-camera setup. They don't just spot a single or double, but triple 50MP lenses.
In our round of quick tests, the images produced by the cameras seems nice with pleasant colour tones that are not too oversaturated. We can see how with its exposure control system, the cameras will ensure that pictures will not look blown out on a bright sunny day.
Additionally, it's nice that in Portrait mode, the processing looks good, being able to do a good job of isolating the subject from the background.
Battery
Many foldable smartphones have taken to split the battery into two (one in each half). For the HONOR Magic V, it'll feature a 4,750mAh battery pack with 66-watt fast charging support.
We are very excited to know that the 66w fast charging comes with every purchase (in the box) isn't just extended to wall-outlet charging, but also to car charging! Tests definitely need to be done here.
Performance
On paper, the HONOR Magic V is coming out to be another powerhouse that'll seemingly suit heavy users who are looking for a phone to help with their productivity.
In our brief experience, the phone feels snappy and fast. It felt powerful as we could have 4 apps open on the screen at once and none showed signs of lags or slowdowns. With two apps taking half of the screens each and two more apps as floating windows which you can resize, users can easily organize their screens and information on the screen.
All in all, the size of the internal display makes things look and feel less cluttered.
How did you find the HONOR Magic V? We're surely excited to test the phone further for a longer-term. It seems to be one of the more interesting foldable phones out there mainly due to the thickness and the feel of the hinge.
The HONOR Magic V comes in three colours: black, space silver, and burnt orange.
While the phone has made its way into Malaysia, prices are still not officially released. Previously, it was known to retail about RMB 9,999 (RM6,627) for the 12+256GB version, and RMB 10,999 (RM7,290) for the 12+512GB version.
Stay tuned for more updates!