The Honor Magic V2: A Game-Changer in the Foldable Phone Market
When I first laid my hands on the Honor Magic V2 in July 2023, I was immediately struck by its innovative design and forward-thinking features. In my initial review, I declared it as a 'game-changer that's pushing the form factor forward.' Now, six months later, as the phone becomes available in Europe with a price tag of £1,699.99 / €1,999, I stand by my statement.
One of the standout features of the Honor Magic V2 is its remarkable slimness and lightweight construction. At just 9.9mm thin and weighing a mere 231 grams, it remains the thinnest and lightest inward foldable phone on the market. For comparison, even the flagship Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, released in 2024, weighs slightly more at 233 grams. Honor attributes this feat to its proprietary steel, which is not only thinner but also stronger than its predecessor. Additionally, the phone employs a titanium alloy hinge that ensures durability while maintaining a light and sleek folding mechanism.
Moving on to the display, the Honor Magic V2 boasts a stunning 7.92-inch OLED panel on the inside. With a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 1,600nits brightness, 402ppi pixel density, and a resolution of 2344 × 2156 pixels, this foldable offers a truly immersive visual experience. On the outside, you'll find a 6.43-inch LTPO display that matches the internal panel's 120Hz refresh rate and provides up to 2,500 nits of brightness. Both screens are also compatible with the Honor Magic Pen, although it is not included with the regular version of the phone.
Under the hood, the Honor Magic V2 runs on the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, coupled with a generous 16GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage. Honoring its commitment to delivering a long-lasting battery life, Honor hasn't compromised in this area either. The Magic V2 packs a substantial 5,000mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging. To achieve a slimmer profile, the phone utilizes a self-developed silicon-carbon battery, which surpasses traditional lithium-ion cells in terms of slimness.
When it comes to photography, the Honor Magic V2 doesn't disappoint. It features a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 20MP telephoto sensor. For stunning selfies, there are 16MP front-facing cameras on both the cover screen and the inner display.
Software-wise, the Magic V2 runs on Magic OS 7.2, which is based on the latest Android 13 platform and includes essential Google Services. As of now, details about the rollout of Android 14 are yet to be announced.
The Honor Magic V2 is now available in Europe, offering two attractive color options: Purple and Black. Excitingly, the company has also unveiled a Porche Design Magic V2 RSR variant, which promises to bring even more luxury and exclusivity to discerning consumers. With competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and OnePlus Open available at €1,899 and €1,799 respectively, it will be interesting to see how the Magic V2 fares in the European market.
In conclusion, the Honor Magic V2 is undeniably a game-changer in the foldable phone segment. Its innovative design, slimness, lightweight construction, stunning display technology, powerful performance, impressive battery life, and exceptional camera capabilities make it a formidable contender in the market. While the steep price tag may deter some, those seeking cutting-edge technology and a premium user experience will find the Magic V2 a worthy investment.
