Honor’s thinnest foldable yet arrives with Snapdragon 8 Elite power, a 5820mAh silicon-carbon battery, and premium build quality starting at an expected ₹1,07,990.

By Muzamil Ahad – Founder, DoorDasherHelpCentral.com

Key Specs (at a glance)

What’s new vs Honor Magic V3?

Ultra-thin design breakthrough — At just 8.8mm thick when folded, the V5 is significantly thinner than the Magic V3’s 9.2mm profile, making it more pocketable without sacrificing durability.

Next-gen silicon-carbon battery — The industry-first 15-percent silicon-carbon battery technology delivers 5820mAh capacity while maintaining the slim form factor, a notable improvement over traditional lithium batteries.

Snapdragon 8 Elite upgrade — The latest flagship chipset brings enhanced AI capabilities and improved performance efficiency compared to the previous generation’s processor.

Enhanced durability ratings — New IP58 and IP59 certifications provide better protection against water and dust compared to the Magic V3’s more basic rating.

Rivals to consider

Real-World Performance & First Impressions

Display & Design

The Honor Magic V5 features dual displays with a 7.95-inch foldable LTPO OLED main screen supporting 120Hz refresh rate and a 6.43-inch cover display, both reaching up to 5000 nits peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility. The standout achievement is the ultra-thin 8.8mm profile when folded, making it remarkably pocketable for a foldable device.

Weighing just 217g for the base model, the Magic V5 feels notably lighter than competing foldables, with an aluminum frame construction that maintains premium build quality. The hinge mechanism has been refined to provide smoother operation while maintaining the slim profile that Honor has prioritized in this generation.

Performance & Thermals

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset built on 3nm process technology, the Magic V5 offers configurations up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Early testing suggests the device handles demanding tasks efficiently, with the advanced chipset delivering flagship-level performance for multitasking across both screens.

Honor’s AI Dujiangyan Power Management system includes a dedicated SoC voltage regulator designed to optimize thermal performance and battery efficiency during intensive use. This should help maintain consistent performance during extended gaming or productivity sessions.

Camera Quality (Photos & Video)

The Magic V5 sports a versatile triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor featuring optical image stabilization, complemented by a 12MP ultra-wide and 20MP telephoto lens. The camera system benefits from Honor’s computational photography improvements, though detailed real-world testing will be needed to assess its performance against established foldable camera leaders.

For selfies, the 16MP front camera should handle video calls and casual photography adequately, though the large internal display provides flexibility for using the main cameras for higher-quality self-portraits.

Battery Life & Charging

The device packs a 5820mAh silicon-carbon battery (global version) or 6100mAh (China version for top-tier model), representing a significant capacity achievement in such a thin form factor. The 66W fast charging support should provide quick top-ups, though wireless charging capabilities haven’t been confirmed for the global variant.

The innovative silicon-carbon battery technology allows for higher energy density while maintaining the slim profile, potentially offering all-day usage even with the power demands of dual displays.

Software & Updates

The Magic V5 launches with Android 15 and Honor’s MagicOS 9.0 interface, optimized for the foldable form factor with enhanced multitasking capabilities. However, Honor hasn’t disclosed specific update commitments for long-term software support, which remains a consideration compared to Samsung’s seven-year promise.

The software includes AI-powered features designed to make better use of the large screen real estate, though the extent of these optimizations will become clearer with hands-on usage.

Price & Availability

• Starting price: ₹1,07,990 expected for the base 12GB/256GB variant in India

• Availability: Not officially launched in India yet, with global availability starting from July 2025

The pricing estimates are based on global launch pricing converted to INR, as Honor hasn’t announced official India launch plans or pricing. In Singapore, the 512GB model retails at S$2,199, suggesting premium positioning in the foldable market.

Should You Upgrade?

From Honor Magic V3: The improvements in thickness, battery technology, and chipset represent meaningful upgrades, but existing Magic V3 users might find the changes incremental unless the ultra-thin design is a priority. The enhanced durability and performance gains make it worthwhile for users who heavily utilize foldable-specific features.

From a 2-year-old foldable: Users coming from first or second-generation foldables will notice substantial improvements in build quality, performance, and daily usability. The Magic V5’s refined design and modern chipset represent a significant leap forward in foldable technology maturity.

For budget-conscious buyers: At over ₹1 lakh expected pricing, this sits firmly in premium territory. Those seeking foldable experience might consider waiting for potential price drops or exploring more affordable foldable options from other manufacturers.

FAQs

Does Honor Magic V5 include a charger in the box? The UK launch bundle includes the 66W SuperCharge adapter, though India box contents haven’t been confirmed yet.

Is there an IP rating for water resistance? Yes, it features dual IP58 and IP59 ratings for water and dust resistance, providing better protection than many competing foldables.

Does it support eSIM or microSD expansion? Dual SIM support is included, but expandable storage via microSD isn’t available. Storage options go up to 1TB built-in.

What about stylus support? Honor’s Magic Pen accessory is available for enhanced productivity on the large internal display.

Pros

• Ultra-thin design at just 8.8mm makes it the most pocketable large foldable available

• Advanced battery technology delivers impressive capacity in a slim form factor with fast charging

• Premium build quality with improved IP ratings and refined hinge mechanism

• Flagship performance from Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset handles demanding tasks smoothly

Cons

• High pricing puts it out of reach for most consumers in the premium segment

• Limited software update commitment compared to Samsung’s long-term support promise

• No confirmed India launch means availability and local pricing remain uncertain

Verdict

The Honor Magic V5 represents a significant achievement in foldable engineering, delivering genuinely impressive thinness without major compromises in battery life or build quality. While it excels in design refinement and hardware capabilities, the premium pricing and uncertain India availability limit its immediate appeal. For users prioritizing the most advanced foldable technology and willing to pay flagship prices, the Magic V5 offers compelling advantages. However, mainstream buyers might find better value in waiting for broader availability or considering more affordable foldable alternatives. The device succeeds as a showcase of Honor’s engineering capabilities but faces stiff competition in an increasingly crowded premium foldable market.