Foldable smartphones continue to evolve rapidly as manufacturers compete to overcome the form factor's inherent challenges. While early models struggled with battery life due to power-hungry dual displays, Honor appears ready to make a significant leap forward with its next flagship foldable device.
Battery Upgrade Coming to Honor's Next Foldable
According to recent regulatory filings spotted in China's MIIT and 3C certification databases, Honor's upcoming foldable phone—likely to be called the Magic V5—will feature a substantial battery upgrade. The device, identified by model number MBH-AN10, appears to be equipped with a dual-cell battery configuration consisting of a 2,070mAh cell paired with a 3,880mAh cell. This combination yields a rated capacity of 5,950mAh, which Honor will likely market as a 6,000mAh or even 6,100mAh typical capacity when the device launches.
Significant Improvement Over Previous Generation
This represents a substantial improvement over the Honor Magic V3, which launched in July 2023 with a 5,150mAh battery. While the Magic V3 was already impressive for its battery size relative to its slim profile, the Magic V5 could push the boundaries even further. The nearly 20% increase in battery capacity would position the Magic V5 as having one of the largest batteries in any foldable smartphone to date, potentially surpassing the rumored 6,000mAh battery in Vivo's upcoming X Fold 5.
Charging Speeds Remain Unchanged
Despite the battery size increase, charging speeds for the Magic V5 appear to remain unchanged from its predecessor. The certification listings indicate the device will maintain 66W wired charging support, the same rate offered by the Magic V3. While faster charging would have been a welcome addition, the significantly larger battery should help offset any concerns about charging time by providing substantially longer runtime between charges.
Design Considerations
One of the most intriguing questions surrounding the Magic V5 is whether Honor will maintain or further reduce the device's thickness. The Magic V3 was remarkably thin at just 9.2mm when folded and an astonishing 4.35mm when unfolded. Fitting a substantially larger battery into a similar or thinner profile would be a significant engineering achievement. Honor has already demonstrated expertise in this area, having managed to include a larger-than-average battery in the already impressively thin Magic V3.
Honor Magic V5 (Rumored) vs. Magic V3 Comparison
| Feature | Magic V5 (Rumored) | Magic V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 5,950mAh (rated), ~6,000-6,100mAh (typical) | 5,150mAh |
| Charging Speed | 66W | 66W |
| Cover Display | 6.45-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz | 6.43-inch OLED, 120Hz |
| Inner Display | 8-inch 2K, 120Hz | 7.92-inch OLED, 120Hz |
| Expected Release | July 2024 | July 2023 |
| Thickness (folded) | TBD | 9.2mm |
| Thickness (unfolded) | TBD | 4.35mm |
Expected Specifications and Features
Beyond the battery improvements, the Magic V5 is expected to feature a 6.45-inch LTPO OLED cover display and an 8-inch 2K inner display, both supporting 120Hz refresh rates. The device will likely be powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Elite or possibly the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor. Camera specifications may include a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization, potentially accompanied by a 200MP periscope telephoto lens and an ultra-wide camera. Additional features could include an IPX8 water resistance rating and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Release Timeline
Honor has typically launched its Magic V series foldables in July, with the Magic V2 and V3 both following this pattern. The Magic V5 is expected to continue this tradition with a July 2024 release in China, followed by a global unveiling at IFA Berlin later in the year. Interestingly, the company may skip the V4 naming convention, as the number 4 is often avoided in Chinese culture due to its association with bad luck.
Market Positioning
With its potentially class-leading battery capacity and Honor's track record of creating ultra-thin foldables, the Magic V5 could strengthen the company's position in the increasingly competitive foldable smartphone market. As more manufacturers enter this space, differentiation through key features like battery life becomes increasingly important for capturing consumer attention and market share.