HONOR just pulled the curtain back on the Magic V5, and it’s a beautiful foldable. Launched today in China, the new device aims to be the slimmest and lightest inward-folding smartphone on the planet. But it’s not just thin for the sake of bragging rights. HONOR is backing up the industrial design with advanced materials, a massive 6100mAh silicon-carbon battery, and AI smarts packed into its new MagicOS 9.0.1.
Let’s talk size first. HONOR says the Magic V5 folds down to just 8.8mm and weighs only 217g. That’s thinner and lighter than anything in the foldable market so far. It’s also surprisingly durable, featuring an IP58 and IP59 rating for water and dust resistance. The hinge is made with “Super Steel” rated at 2300MPa tensile strength, and the inner display is reinforced with carbon fiber and a 380GPa deformation-resistant layer. Even the outer screen gets a boost with an anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield.
The inner display spans a generous 7.95 inches, while the outer screen measures 6.43 inches. This layout should appeal to users who want a tablet-like experience inside but still need a functional outer display for quick tasks.
Under the hood, HONOR is taking a bold step with battery tech. The Magic V5 introduces a 6100mAh high-silicon content battery in the 1TB variant. It’s the first mass-produced battery with 25 percent silicon, and HONOR claims it delivers 901Wh/L energy density. You also get 66W wired and 50W wireless SuperCharge support, so charging won’t keep you tethered for long.
For performance, the phone runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, built on a 3nm process. HONOR didn’t skimp on AI either. Its YOYO assistant now supports agentic features like screen sharing, real-time camera feed sharing, file transfer, and even things like PowerPoint generation and basic coding tasks. It’s all part of MagicOS 9.0.1, the company’s latest Android-based system that continues its shift toward a more AI-driven user experience.
The camera system might also catch some attention. The Magic V5 sports a 64MP periscope telephoto lens, a 50MP wide lens, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. AI-powered Falcon image processing is on board to help you get better results across lighting conditions and zoom levels.
Color choices include Ivory White, Black, Dawn Gold, and Reddish Brown. Whether you want something flashy or subtle, there’s an option here. And while it’s launching in China first, HONOR confirmed plans to roll it out globally later this year.
With features like a nearly crease-free display, fast charging, and serious camera hardware, the HONOR Magic V5 looks like more than just another foldable gimmick. It’s shaping up to be a contender in the global foldable wars, even if you’re not sold on the idea of using an AI assistant to write your next slideshow.
The Magic V5 is available now in China with a starting price of RMB 8,999. That roughly converts to about $1,240, though international pricing will likely differ when it launches in other markets later this year.
