Honor Magic V3 Extended Review: An In-Depth Exploration of My New Preferred Foldable

Honor Magic V3 Extended Review: An In-Depth Exploration of My New Preferred Foldable

Honor Magic V3 Extended Review: An In-Depth Exploration of My New Preferred Foldable


# Honor Magic V3: The Sleekest and Most Sophisticated Foldable Yet

The foldable smartphone industry has experienced swift progress in recent times, and Honor has established itself as a prominent contender with its cutting-edge devices. The **Honor Magic V3** stands out as the newest addition to its series, quickly attracting attention for being the sleekest and lightest foldable currently available. Featuring an elegant design, robust hardware, and remarkable display technology, the Magic V3 is an enticing option for those ready to embrace the foldable era.

## Android Central Verdict: 4 out of 5 Stars

The Magic V3 enhances the achievements of its predecessor, delivering a more streamlined and lightweight design while retaining the same exceptional features. It feels akin to a traditional smartphone during everyday use, which is a notable accomplishment for a foldable device. The cover panel ranks among the best in its category, and the expansive inner display showcases a nearly invisible crease and vibrant colors. The ultra-slim hinge is resilient, and the device carries **IPX8 water resistance**, positioning it as one of the most durable foldables on the market. With a flexible camera arrangement and high-end hardware, the Magic V3 is a clear choice for anyone considering a shift to a foldable device.

### Pros:
– **Thinner and lighter than its predecessor**: Measuring just 4.4mm when unfolded, the Magic V3 holds the title of thinnest foldable on the market.
– **Fantastic 120Hz panels inside and out**: Both the outer and inner displays provide smooth, high-refresh-rate experiences.
– **Robust hardware**: It comes equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.
– **One of the best camera packages in this category**: A set of three high-quality sensors guarantees superb photo and video quality.
– **IPX8 water resistance**: The device can endure unintentional water exposure, adding reassurance.

### Cons:
– **Average battery life**: While the Magic V3 excels in most dimensions, its battery life is merely average compared to other foldables.
– **Not available in North America**: Regrettably, the Magic V3 is not sold in the U.S. or Canada, restricting its availability.

## Pricing and Availability

Honor introduced the Magic V3 in China in July 2024, subsequently launching it globally at IFA 2024. The device is now obtainable in the U.K. and select other markets, featuring a single variant with **16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage**. The retail price is **£1,699 ($2,209)**, but Honor is currently offering a **£300 ($390) discount**, reducing the price to **£1,399 ($1,819)**. This makes it more competitively priced than the **Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6**, which commands a higher price for a comparable configuration.

Honor also includes various complimentary items with the purchase, such as the **Honor Band 9**, a **100W charger**, **X6 earbuds**, and **six months of screen protection** for both displays.

## Design: Ultra-Slim and Lightweight

The defining characteristic of the Magic V3 is its design. At a mere **4.4mm thickness when unfolded** and **9.2mm when folded**, it is the slimmest foldable on the market. Despite its slenderness, the device feels sturdy and well-constructed, thanks to its **stainless steel hinge** and **aluminum frame**. The hinge is engineered to endure **one million folds**, ensuring long-lasting durability.

Weighing **226g**, the Magic V3 is lighter than most typical smartphones, including the **Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra**. This makes it extremely comfortable to hold and operate, even for prolonged durations. The matte finish on the back contributes to a premium appearance, while the **Reddish Brown** color option offers a striking alternative to the more subtle **Green** variant.

## Displays: Bright, Smooth, and Eye-Friendly

The Magic V3 showcases a **6.43-inch OLED cover display** and a **7.92-inch AMOLED inner screen**, both of which feature **120Hz refresh rates** and **LTPO technology** for adaptive refresh rate adjustments. Honor has also prioritized eye comfort, incorporating **high PWM dimming** (up to 4,320Hz on the cover screen) and **AI-assisted Defocus Eyecare** features.

The displays are vivid and deliver excellent contrast, making them perfect for streaming **Dolby Vision** content or reading in **ebook mode**, which adjusts the screen to monochrome for a more soothing reading experience. While the inner screen may not be as bright as some competitors, it still performs admirably in various lighting conditions.

## Performance: Premium Hardware

Driven by the **Snapdragon 8 Gen 3** chipset, the Magic V…