Honor recently expanded the global availability of its latest foldable marvel. The Honor Magic V2, touted as the lightest and thinnest book-style phone, made its debut in the UK and select European markets last week, following its initial launch in China. With a starting price of £1,700 (approximately $2,160 or AU$3,280) or 1,999 euros, it presents a slightly more affordable option compared to its counterparts. For instance, in the UK, it undercuts the starting price of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (£1,749 or $1,800, AU$2,559), although the Z Fold 5 starts at 1,899 euros.
The global rollout of the Magic V2 comes amidst a flurry of releases in the book-style foldable phone arena, including offerings from OnePlus, Samsung, and Google. While foldable phones still occupy a niche segment of the smartphone market, their prominence is steadily increasing.
Key Differentiators: The Magic V2 distinguishes itself as the slimmest and lightest foldable device available today, boasting unparalleled portability comparable to traditional non-folding smartphones. Surprisingly, it even outshines Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra in terms of weight. Conversely, Google’s Pixel Fold holds the title for the heaviest device among the contenders, tipping the scales at over 280 grams.
In terms of charging prowess, the Magic V2 trails slightly behind the OnePlus Open, supporting 66 watts compared to the latter’s 67 watts. Notably, Honor has opted to exclude the charging adapter from select markets like the UK and Europe, a move not mirrored by its competitors. The OnePlus Open stands out as the only device among these foldables to include a charging adapter in the box.
Other noteworthy distinctions lie in the software upgrade policies, official IP ratings, and wireless charging capabilities. The Magic V2, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and OnePlus Open lead the pack with promises of four years of software upgrades and five years of security updates, while the Pixel Fold trails with three years of software upgrades and five years of security updates.
However, the Magic V2 lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which boasts an IPX8 rating, indicating water resistance for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. Interestingly, most foldable devices, including the Magic V2, forego dust resistance, with the exception of the Motorola Razr Plus, which offers some degree of protection against dust and water splashes with its IP52 rating.
It’s worth noting that Honor has no immediate plans for a US release, setting it apart from its competitors, all of whom have entered the US market.
