Honor Magic V5 Review: Stunning Hardware Meets Rough-Edged Software

August 29, 2025 — Honor’s latest foldable smartphone, the Magic V5, arrives with eye-catching design and powerful performance, though software issues prevent it from being a flawless package.


Sleek Design and Long-Lasting Battery

The Magic V5 is one of the thinnest book-style foldables available, measuring just over four millimeters when unfolded and weighing around 217 grams. The hinge is smooth and sturdy, avoiding the pronounced crease found in many other foldables. Its battery is exceptionally large, offering class-leading longevity, with fast wired and wireless charging options.


Exceptional Displays

The phone features a main 7.95-inch OLED display and an external 6.43-inch screen, both running at 120Hz. Brightness is high, colors are vibrant, and eye-friendly technology reduces flicker, making the displays comfortable for extended use. The craftsmanship is impressive, giving the Magic V5 a premium feel despite its slim profile.


Performance and Camera Capabilities

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the Magic V5 handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps with ease. The triple-camera setup—50MP wide, 50MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto—delivers excellent photos, enhanced by AI features such as advanced zoom and image processing.


Software Drawbacks

MagicOS 9, running atop Android 15, introduces AI tools and design flourishes but can feel cumbersome. App windows are occasionally difficult to resize, and multitasking is less intuitive than on rival devices. The use of an older Android version may concern tech enthusiasts who expect the latest software features.


Verdict

Strengths:

  • Sleek, lightweight foldable design
  • Outstanding battery life
  • High-quality, eye-friendly displays
  • Strong performance and versatile cameras

Weaknesses:

  • Software interface can feel unwieldy
  • Runs slightly outdated Android version

The Honor Magic V5 is an impressive hardware achievement and one of the most elegant foldables on the market. However, potential buyers should be aware that software roughness may slightly temper the overall experience.

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