Honor Magic V5 launches in Europe with the biggest battery in a foldable and enhanced durability
The Honor Magic V5 foldable was launched in Europe yesterday at the prestigious Peninsula Hotel in London. Picture: Noel Campion.
Foldables have long promised to combine portability with productivity, and Honor is hoping to finally nail the formula. At a London launch event this week, I got my first glimpse of the Honor Magic V5, the brand’s boldest attempt yet to win over European customers.
At just 8.8mm thick when folded (Ivory White version), Honor claims this is “the world’s thinnest folding smartphone.” It certainly is thin and light, weighing in at 217g, which feels noticeably lighter than most foldables I’ve handled.
Bond Zhang, CEO of Honor UK and Ireland, was quick to stress the momentum foldables have had for the company: “Today we launch Honor Magic V5: the world’s thinnest folding smartphone, powered by our category-leading 5,820mAh silicon-carbon battery. More than 2 million premium customers have already switched to buy an Honor folding smartphone, and we continue our mission to reveal cutting-edge innovation that excites smartphone owners.”
The Magic V5 feels surprisingly slim and pocketable for a foldable, with an elegant finish that doesn’t scream “experimental tech” the way early foldables did. Its NanoCrystal Shield and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Inner Display give it a reassuring durability, backed by IP58 and IP59 water and dust-resistance ratings.
Still, while the company’s anti-scratch claims sound promising, I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve seen how it stands up to daily abuse. Foldables still have that nagging perception of fragility, and Honor has a job to prove this one’s built for the long haul.
Unfolded, you get a 7.95-inch inner display, supported by stylus input, although a stylus isn’t included, and a 6.43-inch outer screen. Both looked sharp and fluid during my hands-on time, and I like that Honor hasn’t cut corners by limiting stylus support to just one display.
The Multi-Flex Mode, which allows you to run up to three apps side by side, could be a significant productivity boost.
Inside, the Magic V5 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, featuring 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. That’s as high-end as it gets, and in my demo, it handled everything smoothly. Battery life should also impress, thanks to the 5,820mAh silicon-carbon pack and 66W wired charging that Honor promises will outlast rivals. If real-world usage holds up, that’s a meaningful improvement over most foldables, which often struggle to last a day.
Photography is another major pitch. The AI Falcon Camera System features a 64MP periscope telephoto, a 50MP main sensor, and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor. In testing, shots appeared vibrant and sharp, although low-light performance will require further evaluation. Features like AI Enhanced Portrait and AI Super Zoom certainly sound impressive, but whether they translate to photos that rival Samsung’s Galaxy Z series remains to be seen.
A big talking point was Google Gemini integration. Double-tap the back of the phone, and the assistant launches to help with writing, note-taking, or even real-time screen sharing via Gemini Live. On paper, it’s a clever way to merge AI with foldable form factors.
Then there’s AI Image to Video, which can turn a static photo into a short clip using Google’s Veo model. It’s fun tech, but whether anyone actually uses it beyond the first demo is another question.
I was more intrigued by the practical features, such as AI Call Translation, which runs locally for privacy, and real-time transcription tools in the Notes and Recorder apps. These features feel like they could make the Magic V5 a serious tool for travellers and professionals.
In line with brands like Samsung and Google, Honor will support the Magic V5 through seven years of OS updates and security patches.
The Dawn Gold colourway of the Honor Magic V5 is now available in Ireland via Harvey Norman, priced at €2,000. First purchases will include a €200 Harvey Norman gift voucher until the end of September. That price is eye-watering, though not unexpected for a premium foldable.
What stood out to me most is Honor’s confidence. This is no longer a company testing the waters; it’s making a realistic play for the European high-end market. The design is undeniably impressive, and the battery innovation could set it apart.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
