HONOR Magic V2 Review: A Folding Phone that Folds the Competition
HONOR Magic V2 Review: A Folding Phone that Folds the Competition
The HONOR Magic V2 has arrived, boasting the title of the thinnest foldable phone currently available. But is it all style over substance, or does it truly redefine the foldable phone experience? We spent two weeks with the Magic V2, putting its innovative design, powerful specs, and user experience to the test. Here’s our comprehensive review to help you decide if the HONOR Magic V2 is the foldable phone you’ve been waiting for.
Sleek Design and Unmatched Thinness
The first thing that strikes you about the Magic V2 is its remarkably thin profile. Unfolded, it feels more like a standard high-end phone than a bulky foldable. At just 14.3mm unfolded and a staggering 6.6mm folded, the Magic V2 easily slips into pockets without creating an uncomfortable bulge. This is a major advantage compared to most other foldables on the market, which can feel cumbersome to carry around.
The hinge design is impressive as well. HONOR claims a 400,000-fold lifespan, which translates to roughly four years of opening and closing the phone ten times a day. The hinge feels smooth and precise, with minimal wobble when the phone is unfolded. It also uses a mechanism that minimizes the crease in the display when unfolded, offering a more seamless viewing experience.
Flagship-Grade Cameras for Stunning Photos and Videos
The Magic V2 doesn’t compromise on cameras. It boasts a triple-lens rear camera system featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 20MP telephoto sensor with 2.5x optical zoom. Both the main and telephoto lenses offer optical image stabilization (OIS) for sharper photos and smoother videos, even in low-light conditions.
On the front, you’ll find a 16MP camera on both the cover display and the foldable display, ensuring high-quality selfies and video calls regardless of how you’re holding the phone.
In our testing, the camera system delivered exceptional results. Photos were sharp, detailed, and well-balanced in terms of color and exposure. The ultrawide sensor captured expansive landscapes beautifully, while the telephoto lens allowed for decent zoom capabilities. The front-facing cameras also performed well, capturing clear and crisp selfies.
Beautiful and Responsive Displays
The Magic V2 features two LTPO OLED displays. The main foldable display measures 7.92 inches and offers a resolution of 2156 x 2344 pixels with a 120Hz refresh rate. The cover display is a 6.43-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 1060 x 2376 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate as well. Both displays are bright, vivid, and offer excellent viewing angles.
The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and transitions, making the user experience incredibly fluid. Whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or gaming, the displays on the Magic V2 are a joy to use. Additionally, HONOR’s proprietary dimming technology minimizes screen flicker, reducing eye strain during extended use.
Powerful Performance and Ample Storage
The Magic V2 is equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, paired with a whopping 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This combination delivers top-notch performance, handling even the most demanding tasks with ease. Multitasking is a breeze, and games run smoothly at high settings. We experienced no lag or stutter during our testing, making the Magic V2 a powerhouse for both productivity and entertainment.
A Few Shortcomings to Consider
While the Magic V2 excels in many areas, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Notably, the phone lacks both an IP rating for water and dust resistance and wireless charging capabilities. These are features that are becoming increasingly common in high-end smartphones, and their absence might be a dealbreaker for some users.
Is the HONOR Magic V2 Worth the Price?
The HONOR Magic V2 is a premium phone with a premium price tag. The starting price puts it in direct competition with other flagship foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. While the Magic V2 offers a compelling combination of a thin design, powerful specs, and impressive cameras, the lack of IP rating and wireless charging might make some users hesitate.
Addressing the Missing Features: No IP Rating and No Wireless Charging
The lack of an IP rating for water and dust resistance is a significant omission for a phone in this price range. While the hinge mechanism feels robust, accidents happen, and the absence of any official water resistance rating might make some users anxious. For those who lead active lifestyles or are prone to spills, the Magic V2 might not be the most practical choice.
Similarly, the lack of wireless charging is a surprising omission. Wireless charging has become a staple feature in most high-end phones, offering a convenient way to top up your battery without fiddling with cables. While fast wired charging is available on the Magic V2, the absence of wireless charging might be a dealbreaker for some users who have grown accustomed to the convenience it offers.
Software and User Experience
The HONOR Magic V2 runs on Magic OS 8.0 based on Android 12. This is not the latest version of Android, and it’s unclear when (or if) the phone will receive an upgrade to Android 13. While Magic OS offers a clean and user-friendly interface with some unique features, the lack of the latest Android version might be a concern for some users who prioritize the newest software and security updates.
Battery Life
The HONOR Magic V2 comes equipped with a 4800mAh battery. In our testing, the battery life was decent, lasting a full day on a single charge with moderate use. However, with heavy use, you might need to top up the battery before the end of the day. The fast wired charging capabilities help mitigate this somewhat, but the lack of wireless charging might be an inconvenience for some users.
Conclusion: A Foldable With Potential, But Room for Improvement
The HONOR Magic V2 is a commendable effort in the foldable phone space. Its incredibly thin design, powerful performance, and impressive cameras make it a compelling option for users seeking a premium foldable experience. However, the lack of IP rating, wireless charging, and the use of an older version of Android with uncertain upgrade plans hold the phone back from achieving true greatness.
If you prioritize a thin and sleek foldable phone design with top-notch performance and cameras, the Magic V2 is a strong contender. However, if water resistance, wireless charging, and the latest software are dealbreakers for you, you might want to consider other foldable options available in the market.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the HONOR Magic V2 comes down to your individual priorities and needs. We encourage you to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your final decision.
The Verdict: A Foldable Frontrunner with Room to Grow
The HONOR Magic V2 pushes the boundaries of foldable phone design with its remarkably thin profile. It boasts flagship-grade performance, stunning cameras, and beautiful displays. However, the lack of water resistance, wireless charging, and the use of an older version of Android with uncertain upgrade plans prevent it from being a slam-dunk recommendation for everyone.
We at techbeatph.com give the HONOR Magic V2 the Silver rating. Our HONOR Magic V2 Review is based on our use of the phone daily for the past month.
Wrapping Up
The HONOR Magic V2 represents a significant step forward in foldable phone technology. Its innovative design and powerful specs make it a compelling option for users seeking a premium foldable experience. However, the missing features and software limitations prevent it from dethroning the current leaders in the market.
Looking here side to side with the other Foldable phone the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 you can easily see the size difference is indeed. The thickness is definitely noticeable and the feel in the hand is definitely better when using the HONOR Magic V2.
Here’s a final breakdown for easy reference:
Pros:
- Incredibly thin and sleek design
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with 16GB of RAM
- Flagship-grade cameras with excellent photo and video quality
- Beautiful and responsive LTPO OLED displays with 120Hz refresh rate
Cons:
- No IP rating for water and dust resistance
- No wireless charging capabilities
- Runs on Magic OS 8.0 based on Android 12
- Battery life might be a concern for heavy users
Ultimately, the HONOR Magic V2 is a promising foldable phone with the potential to be a game-changer. However, its feature set might not be for everyone. Carefully consider your priorities and needs before making your decision. We hope this comprehensive review has helped you gain valuable insights into the HONOR Magic V2 and whether it’s the right foldable phone for you.
