Honor Magic V5: The Slimmest Foldable Phone Challenges Samsung Ahead of Big Launch

Introduction to the New Era of Foldables

Foldable smartphones are shaping the future of mobile technology, blending the convenience of a phone with the immersive experience of a tablet. With major players like Samsung and Apple gearing up to unveil their latest foldable models, the competition is heating up. Right before Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 launch, Chinese brand Honor has announced the Magic V5 — a strikingly slim foldable device aiming to steal the spotlight. This announcement signals a bold move in the foldable market, promising a device that pushes the boundaries of design, performance, and innovation.

A Closer Look at the Magic V5’s Standout Features

Honor’s Magic V5 stands out primarily for its remarkable thinness. When folded, it measures just 8.8 millimeters, making it one of the slimmest foldable smartphones ever produced. For context, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 is noticeably thicker at 12.1 millimeters folded. This achievement brings foldables closer than ever to the sleek profiles of traditional smartphones while still offering a spacious inner display — nearly 8 inches — that enhances multitasking and media consumption.

The Magic V5 sports a 6.4-inch external screen and a 7.95-inch inner display, both supporting smooth 120 Hz refresh rates, which have become the gold standard for high-end smartphones. The display crease — often a point of criticism in foldables — has been softened but remains visible when the screen is off.

Honor’s engineering feats go beyond just thinness. The phone incorporates a steel hinge for a tighter body and uses silicon carbon battery technology, packing a powerful battery within a slim 2.3 mm module. This allows for rapid charging speeds (66W wired and 50W wireless) and impressive battery capacities, especially in the Chinese model with a 6,100 mAh battery. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and features a triple-lens camera system, all while improving water and dust resistance compared to competitors.

Launching initially in China for around \$1,256, the Magic V5 will also be available in select non-US markets. Honor welcomes Apple’s future entrance into the foldable arena, anticipating it will fuel market growth and competition.

What Undercode Say: The Strategic Positioning and Market Implications

Honor’s Magic V5 release comes at a critical juncture for foldable technology. The foldable market has struggled to break into the mainstream despite years of experimentation by giants like Google, Huawei, and Samsung. Foldables have often been seen as niche devices — novel but expensive, delicate, and with compromises such as bulkiness and visible screen creases. However, recent advancements, as seen in the Magic V5, indicate a turning point where these devices become more practical and attractive for everyday users.

Honor’s focus on ultra-thin design is a smart tactic to capture consumer attention, as many users want the versatility of a foldable without the typical added thickness. Slimness also improves portability and handling, issues that have long held back wider adoption. The Magic V5’s battery technology and AI-assisted manufacturing demonstrate how innovation in materials and production methods can solve key challenges in foldable design — from durability to energy efficiency.

By launching just days before Samsung’s Z Fold 7, Honor aims to assert dominance in the foldable market, especially outside the US where it has a strong presence. Samsung remains a formidable rival with a loyal customer base and deep resources, but Honor’s ability to push thinner, lighter designs could sway consumers seeking the latest tech without compromise.

The mention of Apple’s planned folding iPhone in 2026 underscores the growing industry confidence in foldables. Apple’s entry is expected to mainstream foldables further, increase consumer trust, and accelerate innovation. Honor’s open readiness to compete with Apple reflects confidence in its technology and market strategy.

Samsung’s Z Fold series still faces criticism for being unwieldy in one-handed use, especially for those with larger hands. If Samsung addresses this with a more phone-like closed experience, it could retain premium customers. Yet Honor’s Magic V5 claims the world’s thinnest foldable crown, which in tech marketing terms is a powerful edge.

In conclusion, the foldable smartphone segment is entering a rapid evolution phase where design elegance, practicality, and performance are finally converging. Honor’s Magic V5 highlights how Chinese manufacturers are increasingly innovating aggressively to challenge market leaders. Consumers can expect a more diverse range of foldables tailored to different preferences and budgets, accelerating the foldable’s journey from luxury curiosity to mainstream must-have.

🔍 Fact Checker Results

Honor Magic V5’s thickness is indeed 8.8 mm folded (✅)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 thickness at 12.1 mm folded (✅)

Apple foldable iPhone expected by 2026 (✅)

📊 Prediction: The Foldable Revolution Intensifies

Honor’s Magic V5 release will likely spark a fresh wave of competition in the foldable market. Its ultra-slim design could force Samsung to prioritize sleekness alongside functionality in the Z Fold 7. As Apple prepares to enter the foldable arena, consumers will gain more choices, pushing innovation forward and driving prices down. Expect foldables to transition from niche gadgets into mainstream daily drivers over the next two to three years, with improvements in durability, battery life, and user experience. This evolution will reshape mobile computing, bridging the gap between phones and tablets with flexible, powerful devices that suit diverse lifestyles.