Competition in the foldable phone market is fiercer than ever. Samsung, the pioneer in this segment, has just launched its latest iteration, the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Meanwhile, HONOR has also stepped up its game with the introduction of the Magic V3. How do these devices stack up against each other and their predecessors? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Build
Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 continues Samsung’s tradition of innovative design with a slightly slimmer profile and more durable hinge mechanism. The external display is larger, providing a more immersive experience when folded. The device is also lighter than its predecessor, making it easier to handle.
Galaxy Z Fold 5
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 set a high standard for foldable phones with its robust build and sleek design. However, it faced criticism for its weight and slightly bulky hinge, which Samsung has addressed in the Z Fold 6.
HONOR Magic V2
HONOR’s Magic V2 brings a fresh perspective with its ultra-thin design and innovative hinge mechanism. The device is remarkably lightweight, and the external display is almost bezel-less, providing a premium look and feel.
HONOR Magic V3
The latest HONOR Magic V3 improves upon the V2 with a more refined design, enhanced durability, and a larger battery. It features an improved hinge mechanism and a more seamless folding experience, making it a strong contender in the foldable market.
Display
| Specification | Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Galaxy Z Fold 5 | HONOR Magic V2 | HONOR Magic V3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Display Size | 7.8 inches | 7.6 inches | 7.9 inches | 8.0 inches |
| Cover Display Size | 6.5 inches | 6.2 inches | 6.4 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Resolution (Main) | 2208 x 1768 | 2208 x 1768 | 2280 x 1980 | 2340 x 2208 |
| Resolution (Cover) | 2316 x 904 | 2260 x 816 | 2340 x 1080 | 2480 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz (main & cover) | 120Hz (main & cover) | 120Hz (main & cover) | 120Hz (main & cover) |
Performance
| Specification | Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Galaxy Z Fold 5 | HONOR Magic V2 | HONOR Magic V3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB | 12GB | 16GB |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB | 512GB, 1TB |
| Operating System | Android 14 with One UI 6.0 | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 | MagicOS 7.2 (based on Android 13) | MagicOS 8.0 (based on Android 14) |
Camera
| Specification | Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Galaxy Z Fold 5 | HONOR Magic V2 | HONOR Magic V3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 50MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide), 12MP (telephoto) | 50MP (wide), 12MP (ultra-wide), 12MP (telephoto) | 50MP (wide), 50MP (ultra-wide), 20MP (telephoto) | 64MP (wide), 50MP (ultra-wide), 20MP (telephoto) |
| Front Camera (Cover) | 10MP | 10MP | 16MP | 16MP |
| Front Camera (Main) | 4MP under-display | 4MP under-display | 6MP under-display | 8MP under-display |
Battery and Charging
| Specification | Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Galaxy Z Fold 5 | HONOR Magic V2 | HONOR Magic V3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4600mAh | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Fast Charging | 45W wired, 25W wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 66W wired, 50W wireless | 66W wired, 50W wireless |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Other Features
| Specification | Galaxy Z Fold 6 | Galaxy Z Fold 5 | HONOR Magic V2 | HONOR Magic V3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP48 | IPX8 | IP54 | IP58 |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Under-display | Under-display |
| Price | Starting at $1,799 | Starting at $1,699 | Starting at $1,599 | Starting at $1,799 |
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 brings needed improvements over the Z Fold 5, especially in terms of display size, performance, and battery life. The HONOR Magic V3, with its enhanced specs and refined design, poses a serious challenge to Samsung’s dominance. The Magic V2, while still a strong contender, is now overshadowed by its successor.
Despite these improvements, the Z Fold 6 continues to feel like an iterative update to its book-fold ultra-premium device that makes me question whether Samsung is resting on its laurels because it feels like it has no serious competition or whether this is a case of the larger format foldable not being seen as a main priority for a company whose main phone format continues to be the candybar style handset.
Samsung was the pioneer in this segment but now it feels like the company has fallen by the wayside and doesn’t know which direction to take in order to compete with the incoming threats from Chinese manufacturers who are releasing foldables with better hardware designs and at lower pricepoints.
