The Honor Magic V5 represents a significant advancement in foldable smartphone technology, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Magic V3. With its ultra-slim profile, cutting-edge hardware, and innovative features, the Magic V5 is poised to redefine user expectations in the foldable device market.
Design and Build
Honor has achieved a remarkable engineering feat with the Magic V5, crafting a device that measures just 8.8mm in thickness when folded. This measurement applies specifically to the Ivory White variant; other color options are slightly thicker at 9mm. Despite this minor variation, the Magic V5 stands as one of the thinnest foldable smartphones available, challenging competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, which measures 8.82mm. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2025/07/25/galaxy-z-fold-7-honor-magic-v5-thinnest-foldable-study/?utm_source=openai))
The device’s aesthetic appeal is enhanced by its Reddish Brown colorway, featuring gold-accented framing and hinge. The hinge, branded as Super Steel, showcases intricate etching reminiscent of classic designs, adding a touch of elegance to the device. The slightly rounded edges contribute to the illusion of an even slimmer profile, while the rear panel’s etched design within the gradient finish adds to its sophisticated appearance.
Display
The Magic V5 boasts impressive display specifications. The external OLED screen offers a 120Hz refresh rate and can achieve a maximum brightness of 5,000 nits, ensuring clear visibility even in bright environments. The internal display mirrors these specifications, providing a seamless and immersive user experience. Both screens support dynamic refresh rates, enhancing battery efficiency without compromising performance.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Magic V5 is powered by Qualcomm’s latest 3nm processor, delivering exceptional performance and energy efficiency. This cutting-edge chipset ensures smooth multitasking, rapid app launches, and a responsive user interface. Complementing the processor is a silicon-carbon battery, a novel technology that offers higher energy density and longer lifespan compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. This innovation translates to extended usage times and faster charging capabilities.
Camera System
One of the most striking features of the Magic V5 is its camera module. Despite the device’s slim profile, Honor has integrated a substantial camera system that protrudes noticeably from the back panel. This module houses a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP 3x telephoto lens, enabling users to capture high-quality images across various scenarios. Additionally, the device includes dual 20MP front-facing cameras on both the internal and external displays, facilitating high-resolution selfies and video calls. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2025/07/02/honor-magic-v5-details/?utm_source=openai))
The prominence of the camera bump has sparked discussions among users and reviewers. While it contributes to the device’s photographic capabilities, some may find it aesthetically challenging. However, this design choice underscores Honor’s commitment to delivering top-tier camera performance without compromising the device’s slim form factor.
Software and Features
The Magic V5 runs on Honor’s MagicOS, based on Android 15, offering a user-friendly interface with a suite of AI-powered features. Notably, the device includes AI Eraser, a tool that allows users to remove unwanted elements from photos seamlessly. This feature, developed in partnership with Google Cloud, demonstrates Honor’s dedication to enhancing user experience through artificial intelligence. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2024/08/26/honor-ai-suite-magic-v3-google-cloud/?utm_source=openai))
Additionally, the Magic V5 supports Face to Face Translation and Honor Notes Live Translation, facilitating real-time language translation during conversations and note-taking. These features are particularly beneficial for users who frequently engage in multilingual environments, enhancing communication and productivity.
Market Position and Availability
Honor’s strategic focus on creating ultra-thin foldable devices positions the Magic V5 as a formidable competitor in the foldable smartphone market. Its combination of sleek design, powerful hardware, and innovative features appeals to tech enthusiasts and professionals seeking a versatile device.
However, availability remains a consideration for potential buyers. While Honor has expanded its market reach, the Magic V5’s availability in certain regions, including the United States, may be limited. Prospective customers should verify regional availability and network compatibility before making a purchase decision.
Conclusion
The Honor Magic V5 exemplifies the evolution of foldable smartphones, blending cutting-edge technology with a design that challenges traditional perceptions of device thickness and functionality. Its ultra-slim profile, robust performance, and suite of AI-driven features make it a compelling choice for users seeking innovation and style in a single device.
As the foldable smartphone market continues to evolve, the Magic V5 stands as a testament to Honor’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology, offering users a glimpse into the future of mobile devices.
