HONOR Magic V5 is now available in the Philippines
The foldable market is getting more exciting, and the HONOR Magic V5’s arrival in the Philippines is a big reason why. Priced at PhP 89,999, it’s a premium device that aims to give you the best of both worlds: a regular smartphone and a small tablet in one incredibly thin package. I’ve spent some time with it, and there’s a lot to talk about.
Build and Design
The first thing you notice about the Magic V5 is just how slim it is. HONOR has been in a race with Samsung to create the thinnest foldable, and honestly, it’s a competition where we all win. Both companies are pushing the limits of engineering. The Magic V5 feels more like a regular smartphone when folded than any other foldable I’ve held. There is no question that this is one of the slimmest foldables you can get today.
But being thin isn’t everything. Durability and after-sales support are just as important. Samsung has built a strong reputation for its after-sales service over the years, offering things like warranty extensions. On the other hand, HONOR is known for making tough phones, and the Magic V5 feels solid despite its slim profile. Long-term support will be the real test, and it’s something both brands need to keep focusing on.
Without a doubt, the HONOR Magic V5 is one of the best-looking foldables available. It’s a bit bigger than some devices, and with the included case, it does have some heft. Personally, I prefer using it without a case. It just feels better in the hand, even if it means exposing its body to potential scratches. The design is that good. The edges are also quite curved, which gives the phone a distinct look. I usually prefer flatter corners, but the design here is sleek and doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Display
The displays on the Magic V5 are fantastic. When closed, you get a cover screen that feels just like a normal phone. It’s big enough to type on, watch videos, and do everything you normally would without feeling cramped. When you unfold it, you’re greeted by a large, beautiful inner screen that’s perfect for multitasking, reading, or watching movies. Both screens are bright, colorful, and feature a 120Hz refresh rate, so scrolling and animations are super smooth. The crease in the middle of the main screen is there if you look for it, but it’s not very noticeable during regular use. When compared to the Magic V3 that I reviewed last year, the difference in the noticeability of the crease is somewhat nuanced.
Hardware
Under the hood, the HONOR Magic V5 is powered by a capable chipset that delivers solid performance Snapdragon 8 Elite. Is it the absolute fastest phone on the market? No, but it holds its own against other flagships with similar hardware. I never felt like it was slow or laggy. Everything from opening apps to browsing the web is smooth.
Gaming is also not a problem. I played several demanding games, and the phone handled them well without getting too hot. It does a great job of managing heat, which is impressive for such a thin device. The phone also comes with plenty of RAM and storage, so you won’t have to worry about running out of space for your apps and files. It’s also great that HONOR includes a 66W charger, a cable, and a protective case in the box. In an age where accessories are often sold separately, this is a huge plus.
Benchmark
While benchmark scores can give you an idea of a phone’s raw power, they don’t always tell the whole story. What matters more is how the phone performs in your hands every day. In the real world, the Magic V5 is a reliable performer. It handles daily tasks with ease and doesn’t stutter when you push it. It’s a flagship device that acts like one.
However, if you’re a fellow data nerd, below are benchmark results we performed on the device using popular benchmarking applications. Note that we still consider Geekbench 6 benchmark results as outliers due to its low turnout. It’s either the Magic V5 has an underclocked chipset and/or the HONOR Magic V5 still runs on Android 15.
Software and other software features
HONOR’s MagicOS software, combined with its new AI features, makes the Magic V5 a very smart device. The AI integration is genuinely useful and not just a gimmick. My favorite features are Magic Portal, AI Translate, and AI Writing. Magic Portal lets you drag text or images to the side of the screen to quickly share them or search for information, which is incredibly convenient on a foldable.
Multitasking is such a breeze on this device. I can have 3 windows working side by side on its inner display. There are also various ways of maximizing its foldable form factor when watching YouTube videos or shooting selfies with main camera while using the cover display as viewfinder.
The software also works well with other AI tools like Gemini, making the phone a true AI powerhouse. There’s also a cool “Image to Video” feature in the gallery that brings your still photos to life. While it may have a small cost after a few uses (3 free generations at boot), the PhP42 fee is a tiny price to pay for turning memories into something special. These thoughtful software additions make the experience of using the Magic V5 feel complete.
Camera
The camera system on the HONOR Magic V5 is, simply put, one of its best features. This year, only a couple of foldables have truly excelled in photography, and the Magic V5 is one of them. I took this phone with me on a trip to California and Calgary last month, and it became my primary camera. I took over 1,200 photos with it, which says a lot about how much I enjoyed using it.
The camera performance is very close to HONOR’s top-tier camera phone, the Magic 7 Pro. It’s a huge step up and shows that you don’t have to sacrifice camera quality for a foldable design. Portrait mode is especially good. You get access to different styles, including the classic Harcourt look, and a variety of film simulation presets. The camera app gives you quick access to exposure controls, and there’s even a clever feature that uses the cover screen to show animations to keep a child’s attention while you take their photo.
The zoom capabilities are also impressive. You can zoom up to 100x, a feature that is often missing on foldable phones. The photos look sharp and detailed, and the HDR processing works like magic to balance light and shadows. What I appreciate most are the quality-of-life features built into the camera app. There’s an option to remember your last used settings, an Auto Capture mode that snaps photos of smiles or action, and gridlines to help you compose your shots. It truly feels like a camera phone that just happens to fold.
Audio
For a phone this thin, the audio is outstanding. The stereo speakers are loud, clear, and have a surprising amount of depth. They are noticeably louder than last year’s Magic V3 and even the Galaxy Z Fold7. Whether you’re watching a movie on the large inner screen or just listening to music, the sound quality is good enough to make this a worthy multimedia device. It’s another reason why the Magic V5 can easily replace both your phone and a 7-inch tablet.
Battery
Battery life is another area where the Magic V5 shines. It’s packed with a large 5820 mAh battery, which is impressive for its slim frame. It easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use, so you don’t have to worry about finding a charger by mid-afternoon. And when you do need to top up, the included 66W fast charger gets the job done quickly.
Verdict
The HONOR Magic V5 is a remarkable foldable phone. At PhP 89,999, it’s an investment, but you get a lot for your money. You get an incredibly slim and beautiful design, two excellent displays, strong performance, and a camera system that rivals the best traditional smartphones. The thoughtful AI software and loud speakers make it a joy to use for both work and play.
The Magic V5 proves that you no longer have to choose between a great camera and a foldable form factor. While the device itself feels tough, the long-term value will also depend on HONOR’s commitment to after-sales support. But based on the hardware and experience alone, the HONOR Magic V5 is one of the best foldables you can buy today. It sets a new standard for what a foldable phone can be.
Source: Gadget Pilipinas
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