Despite stagnation from its category leader, the foldable smartphone market continues to evolve, and the Honor Magic V2 stands out as a boundary-pushing handset in this space. Focusing on delivering a slim and lightweight design, this device offers an intriguing alternative to the bulkier foldables currently available. At R39 999, it undercuts the South African launch pricing of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Huawei Mate X3 which launched at R45 999 and R44 999 respectively. Despite the impressive hardware and pricing, the Magic V2’s software experience, while functional, falls short of the polish and refinement I expect in this price range.
At first glance, the Honor Magic V2 is a stunner. Measuring just 9.9mm thick and weighing a mere 231 grams when folded, this foldable smartphone feels remarkably similar to a traditional handset in your pocket. The vegan leather-backed design adds a touch of sophistication, and the device’s durability is further bolstered by a claimed ability to withstand 400,000 folds.
The display is equally impressive. The external 6.43-inch OLED screen offers a 120Hz refresh rate, while the internal 7.92-inch display boasts a resolution of 2156 x 2344 and a similar 120Hz refresh rate, providing ample screen real estate for multitasking and media consumption.
One of the standout features of the Magic V2 is its ability to seamlessly transition between a smartphone and a foldable device. The cover screen is large enough to handle most day-to-day tasks, while the expansive internal display shines when you need that extra screen space. However, the lack of an IP rating for dust and water resistance is a notable omission, potentially limiting the device’s durability in certain environments.
Under the hood, the Honor Magic V2 is powered by 2022’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, paired with a generous 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage in the Porsche Design variant. While the processor is slightly outdated, the overall performance remains smooth and snappy, with no noticeable lags or hiccups during daily use.
The camera system on the Magic V2 is a mixed bag. The triple-lens setup, comprising a 50MP main camera, a 20MP telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide sensor, delivers decent imaging performance. However, the software’s tendency to overcompensate with brightness and oversaturated colours can sometimes detract from the image quality, especially in low-light scenarios. Despite this, the Magic V2 has been able to go toe-to-toe with Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Where the Honor Magic V2 falters is in its software experience. Despite the impressive hardware, MagicOS 7.2, which is based on Android 13, feels inconsistent and hampered by various quirks and annoyances. The device frequently displays warning messages about potential folding issues, even when no such problems arise, and the preinstalled bloatware can be a nuisance.
Additionally, the software’s handling of multitasking and app compatibility, while functional, doesn’t quite match the level of polish seen on competing foldable devices from Samsung, OnePlus or Google’s Pixel Fold.
The Honor Magic V2 is a mixed bag. Its hardware is undoubtedly impressive, with a slim and lightweight design that sets a new benchmark for foldable smartphones and pushes the entire category forward by making foldables more manageable. However, the software experience, while functional, falls short of the refinement one would expect from a device in this price range.
For those seeking a capable foldable device with a focus on hardware prowess, the Honor Magic V2 may be worth consideration. But, anyone who prioritises a polished software experience may find more satisfaction in alternative foldable offerings on the market.
