• Price: S$2,199, get it at Shopee and Lazada
• Inner screen: 7.95 inches, 2,172 x 2,352 pixels
• Outer screen: 6.43 inches, 1,060 x 2,376 pixels
• Rear cameras: 50MP, f/1.6 (wide); 64 MP, f/2.5 (periscope telephoto), 3.5x optical zoom; 50 MP, f/2.0 (ultra-wide)
• Selfie camera: 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
• Cover camera: 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
• Weight: 217g

To start, the Magic V5’s design is one of its standout features. Coming in four colours of Dawn Gold, Silk Brown, Black and Ivory White (version tested), this smartphone is really a beauty. At only 4.1mm when open, 8.88mm thin when folded (not including the camera module) and weighing 217g, this is an ultra-thin, lightweight foldable smartphone with an aluminium frame and a nearly gapless hinge. It really feels like you are using a normal “slab” smartphone when the phone is folded. Thus, it is still great for one-hand use.

Honor claims to have improved the hinge mechanism, making it more durable and less prone to visible creases on the inner display—a key pain point for other foldables. I would not know about the hinge durability, but if you look at the inner screen from the front, you can hardly make out the hinge crease. You will only see the crease at an angle. Perhaps, the only downer is the large camera module that adds to the thickness of the phone. But it is a minor issue.

Not to mention, the 7.95-inch OLED inner screen is stunning, boasting a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate with deep blacks, vivid colours, and excellent brightness whether you are watching movies, gaming, or multitasking. The 6.43-inch outer screen is equally impressive, offering a compact yet fully functional screen for quick tasks and one-handed use.

Under the hood, the Magic V5 is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite processor, paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage (only configuration available in Singapore). Whether you are running demanding apps, gaming, or multitasking with multiple windows, performance is lag free and as smooth as silk.

Running on MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 13, the Magic V5 delivers an intuitive user experience. The software has been optimised for foldable screens, with features like split-screen (up to three screens) multitasking, floating windows and app continuity when switching between the screens. While you can share photos with Mac or iOS devices using Honor Share, it is not as intuitive and straightforward as AirDrop. You will require an extra few steps to complete even a simple photo transfer.

Of course, everyone takes photos with their smartphones these days. The Magic V5 is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup, This camera system consists of a powerful 64-megapixel (MP) periscope telephoto camera capable of up to 3.5x zoom and up to 100x hybrid zoom, alongside a 50MP wide camera and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. 

The photos are crisp, with excellent dynamic range and natural colour reproduction. Low light performance is also commendable, enhances details and reduces noise in darker environments. Even the front-facing cameras on both the inner and outer screens are really good for all your selfies or vlogging needs.

The Magic V5 comes with a 5,820mAh silicon-carbon battery and it supports 66W wired fast charging, which theoretically can top up the phone from 0 to 100% in under 45 minutes. In practice, I just know it charges very fast that I didn’t even have time to properly time it. While it can be charged folded, it will remind you to unfold the smartphone for more efficient and faster charging. It also supports 50W wireless charging.

Mileage will differ depending on your usage. During the review, I found that there is usually around 45% battery charge left after a day of regularly checking emails, social media and light gaming, such as Pokemon Go and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Basically, I don’t think you will need to worry about the Magic V5 running out of juice before you end your day.

VERDICT: The Honor Magic V5 is a compelling addition to the foldable smartphone market, blending cutting-edge hardware with a refined design. Its vibrant inner and outer displays, top-tier performance, and versatile cameras make it a strong contender for anyone considering a foldable smartphone.

At S$2,199 compared to Samsung’s latest foldable Galaxy Fold7 starting at S$2,698, the Magic V5 also represents superb value for money. For anyone looking for a foldable smartphone, the Honor Magic V5 is well worth considering and probably your best choice in the market right now.

Singapore is the first market outside China to launch the Honor Magic V5 and is available today. The phone is priced at S$2,199 (16GB RAM + 512GB storage) with four colours – gold, white, brown and black – available. I have been testing the foldable smartphone for a week. And I am loving its speed, thinness and of course, the foldable bigger screen. Stay tuned for the full review.

Fret not if you missed the pre-order goodies. There is still a launch promotion. You can receive complimentary gifts worth S$398, including an Honor Watch 5 and a 1-year extended warranty, when you buy the Magic V5 now. You will also be entitled to an exclusive purchase-with-purchase deal with the Honor Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard available at just S$39.

At the same time, to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (RSP), in collaboration with Honor Singapore, has launched Capture SG60 by RSP & Honor. It is a nationwide photography competition and exhibition.

Themed Through Our Lens: 60 Years of Home, the competition invites participants to showcase Singapore’s architectural journey – from heritage icons to modern skyscrapers – and how these spaces shape our identity. Each participant can submit up to five photos, with only one entry shortlisted for judging. Submitted photos can be shot using mobile phones, DSLR or mirrorless cameras. There are no restrictions on the brand of camera used as long as the photos are shot by you.

The grand winner will receive a brand-new Honor Magic V5 and have their work featured in an exhibition. The submission deadline is 30 September 2025, 11.59pm, Singapore Time. More information and submission form can be found here. 

Measuring just 8.88mm when folded (not including the camera module) and a mere 4.1mm when open, the Magic V5 is the world’s slimmest foldable smartphone – beating Samsung Galaxy Fold7 by a mere 0.02mm. The Magic V5 is also slimmer than two stacked $1 coins and tips the scale at only 217g.

When folded, the Magic V5 features a 6.43-inch outer screen for your convenience to reply messages and look at notifications. For productivity and multitasking work, you unfold the Magic V5 for a spacious 7.95-inch inner screen for more workable space with its Three Split Screen feature.

Yet, the Magic V5 still possesses state-of-the-art technology with the most powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and Honor’s advanced AI Falcon Camera System. This camera system consists of a powerful 64-megapixel (MP) periscope telephoto camera capable of up to 100x zoom, alongside a 50MP wide camera and a 50MP ultra-wide Camera. Together, these high-performance lenses and Honor’s sophisticated AI image processing is said to deliver breathtaking clarity, accurate colours, and incredible detail.

The foldable smartphone will be available in four colours – Dawn Gold, Ivory White, Silk Brown, and Black – all in a single configuration of 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage. The price? Only S$2,199. I think the price is pretty reasonable given the amount of techology goodness packed into it.

The Honor Magic V5 is available for pre-order from now till 22 July 2025 (Get it at Shopee, Lazada and other authorised retailers). Pre-order customers will also enjoy to an exclusive launch gift bundle, including a Honor Pad 10 tablet, a Honor Magic Pen, and a 1-Year Extended Warranty (worth S$837, while stocks last).