Honor Magic V3 review
The Honor Magic V3 is the world's thinnest and lightest foldable smartphone, measuring just 4.3mm when unfolded. This sleek design makes it infinitely better than other folding phones in its closed form factor shape. The phone's internal display measures 7.92 inches, making it perfect for daily use, while the external screen is 6.43 inches with a 20:9 aspect ratio. One of the standout features of the Magic V3 is its barely visible crease on the fold, which makes it a significant improvement over other folding devices. The phone's triple camera system, powered by the NextGen honor Falcon camera system, delivers decent results in well-lit conditions. AI-powered features like motion sensing capture and portrait modes enhance the photography experience. The Magic V3 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform with two storage options: 256GB with 12GB of RAM or 512GB with 16GB of RAM. The phone's battery life is impressive, lasting longer than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and it supports fast charging and wireless charging. The Magic V3 has a premium unboxing experience, complete with a power brick, a 66W wired charger, and a wireless charger. The phone also comes with a faux leather case that features a kickstand on the camera ring. In conclusion, the Honor Magic V3 is an exceptional folding smartphone that offers unparalleled thinness and lightness. Its performance is snappy, and its AI-powered features enhance the overall experience. With impressive battery life, fast charging, and wireless charging capabilities, this phone is a must-consider for anyone in the market for a high-end folding device. Overall rating: 4.5/5
Build Quality and Design
The Honor Magic V3 is an impressive addition to the world of foldable smartphones. This sleek device boasts an incredibly thin profile when unfolded, measuring just 4.3 mm in thickness. In comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 tips the scales at 9.2 mm when folded into its compact shape. When used in its day-to-day form factor, the Magic V3 is virtually indistinguishable from other smartphones on the market. The device's slender design and compact footprint make it perfect for everyday tasks like texting, emailing, and browsing content. The Honor Magic V3's build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy construction that belies its wafer-thin profile. When unfolded, the Magic V3 reveals a stunning 7.92-inch internal display, which is barely noticeable in terms of creasing. This is a major achievement for foldable devices and showcases Honor's dedication to perfecting this technology. The external screen, measuring 6.43 inches, boasts an OLED panel with a crisp 20:9 aspect ratio. The phone's design is thoughtfully considered, with the speakers, volume rocker, and power button all positioned on one side, while the other side features the USB-C port and camera module. While the camera bump does protrude slightly from the rear, it's a minor quibble in an otherwise exceptional build quality experience. One notable feature of the Magic V3 is its premium unboxing experience, complete with a hefty 66W wired charger, wireless charging capabilities, and an included case with a faux leather finish. This adds to the overall sense of luxury and attention to detail that Honor has brought to this device. In conclusion, the Honor Magic V3's build quality and design are among its strongest assets. The phone's thin profile, sturdy construction, and thoughtful design make it a compelling option for those seeking a cutting-edge foldable smartphone experience.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Honor Magic V3 is its impressive battery life. With a whopping 5150 milliamps of juice, this phone promises to last longer than its competitors. In my testing, I found that the Magic V3 indeed delivers on this promise. Compared to the Galaxy Zed Fold 6, which has a 4400mAh battery, the Magic V3's battery life is noticeably better. Whether you're watching content, gaming, or just using the phone for everyday tasks, the Magic V3's battery seems to last forever. I've been impressed by the phone's ability to stay powered up even with heavy usage. The added benefit of fast charging means that when the battery does finally run out, it can be quickly replenished. With 50W wireless charging and a hefty 66W wired charger included in the box, you'll never have to worry about running out of juice. In my experience, the Magic V3's battery life has been consistently impressive. Whether I'm watching videos, playing games, or just using the phone for normal tasks, it always seems to have enough power left over to get me through the day. Overall, the Honor Magic V3's battery life is a significant improvement over its competitors, and a major selling point for anyone considering this phone.
Display
The Honor Magic V3 boasts an impressive display, featuring two OLED screens: the front display measures 6.43 inches with a 20:9 aspect ratio, while the internal display measures 7.92 inches. The internal screen is particularly noteworthy, offering a crisp and vibrant visual experience when unfolded. One of the standout features of the Magic V3's display is its razor-thin profile, measuring just 4.3mm when folded. This makes it noticeably thinner than competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 6. When unfolded, the device expands to a comfortable 9.2mm thickness, perfect for enjoying content or gaming. The internal display's crease is barely noticeable, even under close inspection, which is a significant improvement over many other foldable devices on the market. Honor has clearly made an effort to refine its folding design, and it shows in the Magic V3's seamless transition between folded and unfolded states. Both screens are OLED, offering excellent color accuracy and contrast. The front display's 20:9 aspect ratio provides a comfortable viewing experience for everyday tasks like texting, emailing, or browsing social media. When watching content or gaming, the internal display takes center stage, delivering an immersive visual experience. The Magic V3's display is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Magic V2, and sets a new standard for foldable smartphones. Its thin profile, crisp visuals, and seamless folding mechanism make it an attractive option for anyone considering a foldable device. Overall, the Honor Magic V3's display is a highlight of this impressive smartphone, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium mobile experience.
Camera
The Honor Magic V3 is undoubtedly one of the most impressive folding smartphones to hit the market, and its camera system is no exception. The device boasts a triple-camera setup on the back, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel Periscope lens, and a 40-megapixel Ultra-wide-angle lens. In my experience with the Magic V3, the camera has performed admirably in well-lit conditions. The shots I've taken have been crisp, detailed, and bursting with color. The Honor Falcon camera system is clearly capable of capturing high-quality images, rivaling those from other Android flagship devices. One of the standout features of the Magic V3's camera is its AI motion sensing capture capability. This innovative feature uses artificial intelligence to help snap photos of fast-moving subjects, reducing blur and ensuring a sharper image. I've found this feature particularly useful when capturing candid shots in bustling city environments. The internal display also houses two 20-megapixel cameras, depending on the orientation you're using the phone. While these cameras are not as robust as those on the back, they still manage to deliver decent results, especially in well-lit conditions. One area where the Magic V3's camera excels is in portrait mode. The Studio hardcore portrait modes and AI portrait enhancement features work in tandem to create beautifully crafted images with a shallow depth of field. These are perfect for capturing everyday moments, such as portraits or street photography. In terms of performance, the camera system is snappy and responsive, launching quickly into various modes and settings. While it may not be perfect, I've been impressed by the Magic V3's ability to deliver consistently good results in a wide range of shooting conditions. Overall, the Honor Magic V3's camera system is a significant strength, capable of producing high-quality images that will satisfy even the most discerning photographers. With its AI-powered features and robust sensor lineup, it's clear that Honor has prioritized photography capabilities in this device – and done so with impressive results.
Price and Value
In a market flooded with folding phones, the Honor Magic V3 stands out as a contender that genuinely delivers. This phone's sleek design, impressive performance, and long-lasting battery make it an attractive option for those in the market for a high-end foldable device. One of the standout features of the Magic V3 is its razor-thin design. Measuring just 4.3mm when unfolded, this phone is noticeably thinner than its competitors, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 6. When folded, it snaps shut to form a compact candy bar shape that's perfect for everyday use. The phone's internal display is another highlight, with a crisp OLED screen and barely visible crease. This makes it ideal for watching content, browsing social media, or playing games on the go. Priced competitively with other high-end folding phones, the Magic V3 offers excellent value for its features and performance. With a starting price of around $999, this phone provides a great balance between affordability and premium quality. While some may be put off by the added weight of the phone's extra storage options (512GB model adds 4G), the overall package is well worth considering for those in the market for a high-end foldable device. The Magic V3's impressive specs, long battery life, and sleek design make it an attractive option that's sure to satisfy even the most demanding users. Overall, the Honor Magic V3 is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade to a premium folding phone without breaking the bank. Its price point is competitive with other high-end options on the market, making it an excellent value proposition for those willing to invest in this innovative technology.
Performance
The Honor Magic V3 is a powerhouse when it comes to performance. It's equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform, which provides seamless execution of daily tasks and demanding applications. I've had the chance to push this device to its limits, and it consistently delivered smooth performance without any lag or stutter. Whether I'm scrolling through social media, playing games like Genjin Impact and Candy Crush, or watching content on the internal display, the Magic V3 handles everything with ease. The addition of two different storage options (256GB with 12GB RAM and 512GB with 16GB RAM) provides flexibility for users to choose the configuration that suits their needs. One area where the Magic V3 truly shines is in its battery life. With a 5150mAh battery, it outlasts many other foldable devices on the market, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6. I've been impressed with how long this phone lasts, even during extended use sessions. Additionally, the Magic V3 features fast charging capabilities, which is a welcome addition for users who need to top up their device quickly. The included 66W wired charger and 50W wireless charging support make it easy to keep your device powered on throughout the day. In terms of AI features, the Magic V3 is loaded with Honor's proprietary AI enhancements. These include features like AI-powered camera capture, Studio hardcore portrait modes, and face-to-face translation, which makes navigating foreign languages a breeze. Overall, the performance of the Honor Magic V3 is top-notch, making it an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a new smartphone.
Pros
1. Incredibly thin: The Magic V3 is an astonishing 4.3mm thick when unfolded, making it one of the thinnest foldable phones on the market.
2. Large internal display: The 7.92-inch OLED internal display is a delight to use, with barely visible crease and excellent color accuracy.
3. Fast performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform, this phone delivers smooth performance and quick app loading times.
4. Good battery life: With a 5150mAh battery, you get all-day usage and even faster charging capabilities.
5. Premium unboxing experience: The Magic V3 comes with a high-quality power brick, 66W wired charger, wireless charging support, and a sleek faux leather case.
6. AI features galore: This phone is loaded with AI-driven features like Magic Eraser, Studio Hardcore Portrait Modes, Face-to-Face Translation, and more.
7. Super light weight: The phone is incredibly light, making it easy to carry around.
Cons
1. Aspect ratio quirks: When using the internal display for certain apps like social media or gameplay, you may notice a funky aspect ratio.
2. Camera limitations: While the camera system is decent, it's not exceptional, and low-light performance could be improved.
3. Extra weight with leather finish: If you opt for the faux leather finish on the back, you'll add 4g of extra weight to the phone.