Honor has officially entered the clamshell foldable phone arena with its new Magic V Flip, aiming to challenge established players like Samsung. This debut model brings some impressive features to the table, potentially shaking up the competitive landscape.
Standout Features
The Magic V Flip's headline attraction is its expansive 4-inch external OLED display, currently the largest in its class. This 120Hz LTPO panel offers a true dual-screen experience, intelligently splitting notifications and app functionality. Users can interact with common apps without unfolding the device, enhancing convenience.
When unfolded, the Magic V Flip reveals a 6.8-inch FHD+ main display. This LTPO OLED screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and an eye-catching 3,000 nits peak brightness. Honor claims Dolby Vision certification and advanced display technologies for an immersive viewing experience.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, Honor has opted for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. While not the absolute latest processor, it still offers solid performance for most tasks. The phone comes in configurations with up to 16GB of RAM and a whopping 1TB of storage, ensuring ample space for power users.
Battery life shouldn't be a concern, thanks to a generous 4,800 mAh capacity – impressive for a flip-style foldable. The 66W fast charging claims to reach 45% battery in just 15 minutes, addressing a common pain point of foldable devices.
Camera Capabilities
The Magic V Flip doesn't skimp on photography. It features a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. Selfie enthusiasts will appreciate the 50MP front-facing camera. All cameras can shoot 4K video, demonstrating Honor's commitment to imaging prowess.
Design and Durability
Honor has focused on creating a sleek device, measuring just 7.15mm when unfolded. The proprietary Luban Hinge mechanism has earned a five-star SGS certification, potentially alleviating concerns about long-term durability that often plague foldable phones.
Software and Pricing
The Magic V Flip runs on MagicOS 8.0, based on Android 14, promising a modern software experience. It's currently available in China in three colors, with a limited-edition Jimmy Choo variant for fashion-conscious users.
Pricing is aggressive, starting at CNY 4,999 (approximately $690 USD) for the base 12GB/256GB model. This positions the Magic V Flip as a potentially more affordable alternative to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series.
Outlook
While global availability remains uncertain, the Honor Magic V Flip presents a compelling package. Its large external display, capable cameras, and competitive pricing could make it an attractive option for those considering a flip-style foldable. However, the true test will come in long-term durability and software support – areas where established players currently have an edge.
As the foldable market continues to evolve, Honor's entry with the Magic V Flip signals growing competition and innovation in this exciting smartphone segment.
Update: Thursday June 13 14:39
The Magic V Flip's main display features LTPO 8T+ technology with an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 0.1Hz to 120Hz and a 2,160Hz PWM for reduced eye strain. The device runs on Android 14 with HONOR's MagicOS 8.0 overlay. Pricing in China starts at ¥4,999 ($689) for the base model, with a top-end variant priced at ¥5,999 ($827). A special edition collaboration with Jimmy Choo is available at ¥6,999 ($965). The phone is currently announced for the Chinese market, with no immediate information on international availability.
