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MagyarHonor Magic V2 review - The super slim foldable with tons of power
The Honor Magic V2 is the direct successor to the Magic Vs. The V2 has shed quite a few grams and become noticeably slimmer. As part of its launch in China in July 2023, we were able to have our first hands-on with the foldable. At that time, the slim design was responsible for a real wow effect and, around six months later, we get the same feeling holding the smartphone once again.
In its global version, the Magic V2 will be approximately $400 more expensive than its predecessor, costing around $2000. A confident pricing policy, since the competition from Samsung and Google is cheaper. In our review, we clarify whether the Honor foldable is still the first choice.
Possible competitors compared
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Drive | Size | Resolution | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 % | 02/2024 | Honor Magic V2 SD 8 Gen 2, Adreno 740 | 231 g | 512 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | 7.92" | 2344x2156 | |
| 89.1 % | 08/2023 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 SD 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, Adreno 740 | 253 g | 256 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | 7.60" | 2176x1812 | |
| 84.7 % | 08/2023 | Google Pixel Fold Tensor G2, Mali-G710 MP7 | 283 g | 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 7.60" | 2208x1840 | |
| 87.5 % | 11/2023 | Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 SD 8 Gen 2, Adreno 740 | 259 g | 512 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | 8.03" | 2160x1916 | |
| 87.2 % | 03/2023 | Honor Magic Vs SD 8+ Gen 1, Adreno 730 | 261 g | 512 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 7.90" | 2272x1984 |
Case - Slim despite the big battery
When unfolded, the Honor Magic V2 is only 4.7 millimeters thick and, even when folded, it manages to measure under one centimeter (9.9 mm) – but this only applies to the fake leather version. Our review device is the glass version and it's minimally thicker (4.8/10.1 mm). However, with the callipers, we can reach heights of 5.0 and 10.55 millimeters, respectively. Honor has probably taken the rounded frames into account, proportionally. The camera bump sticks out at up to 3.65 millimeters. Nevertheless, the V2 feels very slim, especially when compared to the competition.
The build quality is at a very high level. The gap dimensions are tight and smooth and even the SIM slot closes flush with the aluminum frame. The hinge consists of stainless steel and titanium elements and is said to be capable of withstanding at least 400,000 folding processes. According to Honor, this roughly represents up to ten years of usage (with around 100 folding processes per day). After a few days of use, the fold is visible but not noticeable in real-world use. Twisting attempts result in audible creaking noises, however, the Magic V2 makes a very solid impression.
The Honor foldable doesn't possess designated IP certification but the SIM slit is sealed and Honor promises that spray water ought not to present any problems and that the V2 can also be washed under running water. Despite this, complete submersion should be avoided. Additionally, during the setup process, the usual use instructions for foldable phones are displayed.
The Honor Magic V2 is available in Germany in the black PU version as well as in purple with a matte glass rear.
Features - USB 3.2 and an IR blaster included
The Honor Magic V2 possesses a USB-C port that follows the 3.2 standards. In our copy test, it achieved high transfer speeds of 293 MB/s and connected storage devices with the NTFS and exFAT file systems are also supported. Wired image output is supported, however, the display is simply only mirrored.
Apart from that, the feature set is quite unspectacular: Bluetooth 5.3, NFC and an IR blaster. The latter turns the V2 into a remote control for TVs, air conditioning and the like.
Software - Android 13 and 5-year updates
The Honor Magic V2 ships with Google Android 13. On top of this, Honor has its own user interface, MagicOS 7.2 which we already know from, among other devices, the Magic5 Pro or Magic6 Lite. At the time of our review, the security patches are from January 1st, 2024, making them bang up to date. Honor promises a total of four major updates and five years of security updates. Furthermore, the Magic V2 possesses a dedicated security chip, the Honor S1.
At its China launch, we weren't completely impressed with the Honor foldable's multitasking capabilities. In the meantime, however, most apps are supported and that means two apps can be displayed next to one another on the large display. Alternatively, they can also be displayed as scalable and moveable windows and, for quick access, they can be stacked at a reduced size at the edge of the screen.
On the home screen, a pinch-to-zoom gesture activates Parallel Space, in which photos, videos and apps can be stored separately from the phone itself. Additionally, this can be further protected by using biometric identification.
Communication and GNSS - Magic V2 with Wi-Fi 7 but without 6 GHz
The Honor Magic V2 offers broad frequency coverage for mobile communications and supports all of the current standards, including 5G Sub6. The reception antennas are located around the display and completely enclose it, meaning there is always optimum reception, regardless of how the smartphone is held. Additionally, Honor has installed an RF amplifier chipset (Honor C1), further improving the connectivity. In everyday use, there are no grounds for complaints.
In terms of Wi-Fi, unfortunately, that looks different. Nominally, the Magic V2 supports Wi-Fi 7 but not the fast and the less frequented 6 GHz band. Paired with our reference router, the Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000, transfer speeds are stable but could be faster when it comes to receiving data.
| Networking | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 |
|
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 |
|
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 |
|
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 |
|
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz |
|
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz |
|
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 |
|
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 |
|
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz |
|
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz |
|
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 |
|
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 |
|
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz |
|
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz |
|
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 |
|
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 |
|
| Average of class Smartphone | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 |
|
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 |
|
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz |
|
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz |
|
Positioning with the Honor Magic V2 is done quickly and reliably. Indoors, it usually takes a little bit longer but even then the foldable is still accurate.
In order to better classify the location accuracy in everyday use, we took the Magic V2 on a bike tour on which we compared it to the Garmin Venu 2. It's certainly possible to spot deviations on the travelled route but the Honor handset is well equipped for navigation-based tasks.
Telephone functions and voice quality
The Honor Magic V2 offers space for up to two nano-SIM cards and, additionally or alternatively, you can also use an eSIM. Functions such as VoLTE and Wi-Fi calls are also supported.
With the handset held to your ear, the voice quality is very good and the smartphone does a good job of suppressing ambient noises. Likewise, the speaker works reliably but the V2 user sounds a little muffled.
Cameras - The Magic V2 has good lenses
The Honor Magic V2 possesses a technically identical front-facing camera on both the cover and foldable displays. They both take very natural shots and can shoot videos at a maximum resolution of Ultra HD and 30fps. However, it is also possible to use the main setup for selfies. This happens via a small switch area in the photo app, meaning the cover panel can then be used as a viewfinder. These photos are significantly more vibrant and detailed and also offer more options.
The triple-camera system doesn't only offer three lenses but also a dToF for fast focussing, a flicker sensor to restrict unwanted flickering as well as a color temperature sensor to capture shots better. This lens takes really good photos with only the rabbit motif revealing that the shirt's white background was captured too brightly. In addition, under low light conditions, the motif is not particularly sharp which is mostly to do with the Honor not being capable of capturing enough light in such a short time. In night mode, this is much more appealing. However, all in all, this is a very good trio. A pro mode is also on board and offers RAW support.
On the rear side, videos are also shot at a maximum of Ultra HD but, in this case, up to 60fps. In Full HD you have the additional option of using a 21:9 format. In the pro mode, you can also create 10-bit LOG videos.
Image Comparison
Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.
Main cameraMain cameraUltra wide-angle5x zoomLow-light
Accessories and warranty - The Magic V2 comes without a charger
Unlike in China, the Honor Magic V2 comes without the modular 66-watt charger. Among the box contents are a single USB cable (type A to type C), a SIM tool as well as a protective case. In addition, both displays come fitted with a protective film. The user is not permitted to remove either of those from the displays. Anyone in need of a charger can order one very cheaply ($1), as long as the order is placed directly with Honor.
In Germany, Honor covers the Magic V2 with a 24-month warranty. On top of this, additional display protection is provided for the first twelve months.
Input devices & operation - No pen for the rest of the world
Both capacitive touchscreens nominally support input with the active Honor Magic Pen. Unfortunately, it is neither included with the foldable nor is it available as an optional extra. Instead, it is reserved for the Magic V2 RSR, outside China. That's actually a pity since it made a good impression during our tests. The pen is not only good at painting and drawing but can also be used as a remote control for presentations. Pinches and swipes on the touchscreen work well, however, displays without the film offer less swipe resistance.
The linear motor that takes care of vibrations is responsible for crisp and tangible feedback. Biometric security is ensured by a fingerprint sensor which is housed in the power button. It possesses good but not faultless recognition rates but still manages to unlock the Magic V2 at a pleasing speed. Under good lighting conditions, face recognition via the front cameras is even quicker but not as secure.
Displays - Two bright LTPO panels
Both of the Honor Magic V2's displays are LTPOs which have adaptive refresh rates varying between 1 and 120 Hz. They support all of the common HDR standards, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
With a completely white image and an active ambient light sensor, the brightness is slightly higher on the external display. Honor states the peak brightness as being 2,500 cd/m² (external display) and 1,600 cd/m² (internal display) and these are figures we only achieved to some extent during testing. With an even distribution of light and dark areas (APL18), the foldable panel only hit 926 cd/m², and when it came to HDR playback, we measured 1,589 cd/m². The cover display achieved 1,053 and 1,399 cd/m², respectively. Anyone wishing to set the brightness manually has 576 cd/m² (front: 600 cd/m²) at their disposal.
To protect the user's eyes, Honor has provided both displays with 3,840 Hz PWM dimming. We are only able to measure this when the panel brightness is slightly higher and, at minimum brightness, we still recorded a good value of 2,272 Hz meaning the displays can technically be described as flicker-free.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 97 %
Center on Battery: 961 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 0.8 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 1.2 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
99.4% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.23
| Honor Magic V2 OLED, 2344x2156, 7.92 | Honor Magic V2 OLED, 2376x1060, 6.43 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Dynamic AMOLED, 2176x1812, 7.60 | Google Pixel Fold OLED, 2208x1840, 7.60 | Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 AMOLED, 2160x1916, 8.03 | Honor Magic Vs OLED, 2272x1984, 7.90 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | -58% | -98% | -43% | 2% | -123% | |
| Brightness middle | 961 | 1093 14% | 1104 15% | 993 3% | 1307 36% | 803 -16% |
| Brightness | 950 | 1087 14% | 1107 17% | 997 5% | 1308 38% | 809 -15% |
| Brightness Distribution | 97 | 96 -1% | 97 0% | 94 -3% | 96 -1% | 97 0% |
| Black Level * | ||||||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 0.8 | 1.4 -75% | 3.1 -288% | 1.4 -75% | 1 -25% | 2.27 -184% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 1.5 | 4.1 -173% | 4.2 -180% | 3.2 -113% | 1.7 -13% | 5.99 -299% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.2 | 2.7 -125% | 3 -150% | 2.1 -75% | 1.5 -25% | 3.9 -225% |
| Gamma | 2.23 99% | 2.21 100% | 2.01 109% | 2.24 98% | 2.24 98% | 2.25 98% |
| CCT | 6396 102% | 6412 101% | 6594 99% | 6796 96% | 6313 103% | 6234 104% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 2272 Hz |  | |
The display backlight flickers at 2272 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 2272 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17903 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. | |||
A list of measurements with fixed zoom and various brightness settings
The most natural color reproduction is achieved using the Normal color mode since the DeltaE deviations are only minimal. The foldable display shines, In particular, with wonderful image quality.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2.09 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 1.106 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 0.9795 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 7 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.5 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 1.12 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 0.51 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 0.6075 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 2 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.7 ms). | ||
For outdoor use, the Honor Magic V2 offers sufficient brightness reserves to remain legible in sunlight. However, the main display is a bit of a fingerprint magnet which could prove to be a problem in bright environments.
The viewing angle stability is good even when the display is viewed from a wide angle and there is only a slightly visible drop in brightness as well as a cooler screen temperature.
Performance - Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Asphalt 9 at 120 Hz
With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Honor Magic V2 can fall back on a very powerful platform. This is supported by 16 GB of RAM and offers 512 GB of internal UFS 4.0 storage. At the time of the China release, this was very up-to-date and, even today, it guarantees blistering speed.
The benchmark scores are on an expected level and, in everyday use, the Honor smartphone's speed is impressive. No stutters are present with the V2, regardless of whether undertaking simple tasks or multitasking.
| UL Procyon AI Inference for Android - Overall Score NNAPI | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| Average of class Smartphone (207 - 84787, n=150, last 2 years) | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (11338 - 16880, n=16) | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| AImark - Score v3.x | |
| Average of class Smartphone (298 - 245629, n=105, last 2 years) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (941 - 157948, n=14) | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
The Adreno 740 is responsible for fast graphics acceleration and also possesses hardware-based raytracing.
One special feature enjoyed by the Magic V2 series is a cooperation with Gameloft. This means, for the first time, the racing game Asphalt 9: Legends has been specially adapted for a foldable, including 120 Hz support. This should be the case this week and we will submit a benchmark in due course.
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7: T-Rex Onscreen | 1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen
GFXBench 3.0: on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL | 1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen
GFXBench 3.1: on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen | 1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen
GFXBench: on screen Car Chase Onscreen | 1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen | on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen | 2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen | 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen | 3840x2160 4K Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen
| 3DMark / Wild Life Extreme Unlimited | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Extreme | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Unlimited Score | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Score | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Physics | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited Graphics | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot Extreme (Vulkan) Unlimited | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Physics | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| 3DMark / Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 / T-Rex Onscreen | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 / T-Rex Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench 3.0 / Manhattan Onscreen OGL | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| GFXBench 3.0 / 1080p Manhattan Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench 3.1 / Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench 3.1 / Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench / Car Chase Onscreen | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench / Car Chase Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| GFXBench / 4K Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| Jetstream 2 - Total Score | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 (Chrome 115) | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 (Chrome 118.0.05993.111) | |
| Honor Magic V2 (Chrome 120) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (62.7 - 179.2, n=18) | |
| Honor Magic Vs (Chrome 111) | |
| Google Pixel Fold (Chrome 115) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=173, last 2 years) | |
| WebXPRT 4 - Overall | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 (Chrome 115) | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 (Chrome 118.0.05993.111) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (28 - 183, n=17) | |
| Honor Magic V2 (Chrome 121) | |
| Google Pixel Fold (Chrome 115) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (22 - 202, n=160, last 2 years) | |
| Honor Magic Vs (Chrome 111) | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 (Chrome 118.0.05993.111) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 (Chrome 115) | |
| Honor Magic V2 (Chrome 120) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (19870 - 65418, n=20) | |
| Google Pixel Fold (Chrome 115) | |
| Honor Magic Vs (Chrome 111) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (2228 - 89112, n=214, last 2 years) | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
| Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=173, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel Fold (Chrome 115) | |
| Honor Magic Vs (Chrome 111) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (654 - 1837, n=17) | |
| Honor Magic V2 (Chrome 120) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 (Chrome 115) | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 (Chrome 118.0.05993.111) | |
* ... smaller is better
| Honor Magic V2 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Google Pixel Fold | Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | Honor Magic Vs | Average 512 GB UFS 4.0 Flash | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AndroBench 3-5 | -15% | -56% | -5% | -48% | -0% | -53% | |
| Sequential Read 256KB | 3401.13 | 4384.43 29% | 1606.37 -53% | 3572.73 5% | 1695.2 -50% | 3712 ? 9% | 1508 ? -56% |
| Sequential Write 256KB | 3136.56 | 2449.23 -22% | 1169.32 -63% | 2897.27 -8% | 1296.5 -59% | 3042 ? -3% | 1118 ? -64% |
| Random Read 4KB | 444.78 | 459.94 3% | 219.11 -51% | 389.81 -12% | 270.2 -39% | 416 ? -6% | 247 ? -44% |
| Random Write 4KB | 533.65 | 161.39 -70% | 238.72 -55% | 506.41 -5% | 300.1 -44% | 530 ? -1% | 272 ? -49% |
Emissions - The Honor Magic V2 throttles heavily under load
Temperature
Even under load, the Honor Magic V2's surface temperatures give no cause for concern and only occasionally exceed the 40-degree mark.
However, the slim design took its toll in the 3DMark stress tests with no other foldable experiencing such a dip in performance. Despite this, there is still plenty of power for any kind of task.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 43.8 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °C for the class Smartphone.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42.6 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.6 °C / 78 F, compared to the device average of 32.7 °C / 91 F.
3DMark Wild Life stress test
| 3DMark | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| Solar Bay Stress Test Stability | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
Speakers
For this class of device, the Honor Magic V2's speakers are responsible for a rather average sound stage with the low frequency areas getting a raw deal. This is one of the reasons why the sound appears a bit weak.
Alternatively, you can connect an external speaker or headphones (both wired) via the USB-C port. Wireless options can be found in the form of Bluetooth which supports the SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs.
Honor Magic V2 audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (88.1 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 21.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (8% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.1% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 9.4% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (5.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (19.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 24% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 68% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 44% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 48% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (88.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.2% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 6.2% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 6.5% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (4.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18.3% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 13% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 79% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 34% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 58% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Battery runtime - The Magic V2 has a silicon carbon dual battery
Power consumption
In terms of the power consumption measurements, the Honor Magic V2 doesn't hold back. This is an area Honor should urgently improve.
The quickest way to charge the foldable is via Honor's SuperCharge (66 watts). With this, the energy storage is fully recharged in less than one hour.
| Off / Standby |   0.12 / 0.3 Watt |
| Idle |  1.31 / 1.99 / 2.15 Watt |
| Load |
8.92 / 11.05 Watt |
    
| |
| Honor Magic V2 5000 mAh | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 4400 mAh | Google Pixel Fold 4821 mAh | Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 4800 mAh | Honor Magic Vs 5000 mAh | Average Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 32% | 13% | -0% | 11% | 22% | 29% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 1.31 | 0.55 58% | 0.86 34% | 0.86 34% | 1.3 1% | 1.052 ? 20% | 0.897 ? 32% |
| Idle Average * | 1.99 | 0.9 55% | 1.7 15% | 1.05 47% | 1.7 15% | 1.49 ? 25% | 1.452 ? 27% |
| Idle Maximum * | 2.15 | 1 53% | 1.8 16% | 1.07 50% | 2 7% | 1.632 ? 24% | 1.629 ? 24% |
| Load Average * | 8.92 | 9.58 -7% | 9.1 -2% | 15.27 -71% | 7 22% | 6.81 ? 24% | 5.55 ? 38% |
| Load Maximum * | 11.05 | 10.74 3% | 11.06 -0% | 17.78 -61% | 10.1 9% | 9.29 ? 16% | 8.31 ? 25% |
* ... smaller is better
Power consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)
Power consumption: GFXBench (150 cd/m²)
Battery life
Honor puts the nominal battery capacity at 5,000 mAh. In actual fact, we are dealing with two lithium batteries which possess silicon carbon components that allow for more energy to be stored in a smaller area. They are comprised of a 2,100 mAh cell (8.21 Wh, 3.91 V) and a 2,900 mAh one (11.33 Wh, 3,91 V).
The very high consumption values are reflected in the battery runtimes but, despite this, the Magic V2 managed to last over twelve hours using the main display - a very good result.
| Battery Runtime - WiFi v1.3 | |
| Honor Magic V2 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Google Pixel Fold | |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 | |
| Honor Magic Vs | |
Pros
Cons
Verdict - A powerful foldable with technological gaps
With the Magic V2, Honor has created a very good foldable that is particularly impressive due to its thin and lightweight design. In direct comparison, it feels like a normal smartphone and appears to be less chunky than, for example, an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
In addition, Honor has packed its Magic V2, Honor with a wide range of powerful technology. This starts with the batteries which are both thin and long-lasting. This extends to the good camera setup and continues to the eye-friendly displays.
With the Magic V2, Honor has demonstrated impressively that a foldable doesn't have to be a bulky slab and can still house tons of technology.
However, the Magic V2 isn't perfect since there are a few gaps in its feature set, despite its high price. Among other things, we miss the inclusion of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band and wireless charging is also absent. What is difficult to understand is why Honor at least doesn't offer the Magic Pen as an optional extra.
The V2's strongest competitor remains the Galaxy Z Fold5 which cuts a slightly better figure due to being waterproof and also having better multitasking capabilities. The Pixel Fold is a little bit cheaper as long as you go for the smaller storage variant. Likewise, it is waterproof but much heavier and doesn't feel as premium.
Price and availability
In the UK, the Magic V2 can currently be ordered directly from Honor.
Honor Magic V2
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02/19/2024 v7
Daniel Schmidt
Transparency
The present review sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.
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