HONOR country training manager Jefri Shah announcing the launch of the HONOR Magic V5
FROM awkward split screens to short battery life and bulky builds, early foldables often felt like trade-offs in a shiny package.
But as the technology matures, brands like HONOR are reimagining how foldable phones can solve real-world problems, bringing together portability, performance and smart features in one cohesive device.
In the fast-evolving world of foldable smartphones, the balance between power, portability and practicality is more important than ever.
Launched in Malaysia on July 15, HONOR’s latest flagship, the Magic V5, is designed for users who want a lighter, smarter foldable phone that is easier to use in daily life.
Priced at RM6,999, it maintains the same launch price as its predecessor while introducing key upgrades in design, battery life and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced multitasking.
The Magic V5’s reinforced titanium alloy hinge is built to last, tested to withstand up to 500,000 folds and strong enough to support a 35kg load.
Slim yet substantial
The newly launched HONOR Magic V5 pushes the limits of thinness and performance, rethinking what a foldable phone can do.
Measuring just 8.8mm when folded and weighing 217g, it is among the slimmest in its class, without cutting corners on performance or durability.
Inside its minimalist frame lies a multi-layer graphene and Vapour Chamber Cooling System, designed to keep temperatures down during demanding tasks like gaming or editing.
According to HONOR, the 19,000sq mm cooling area helps the phone stay cooler for longer.
The hinge is made from titanium alloy and has been tested to withstand up to 500,000 folds, offering durability for long-term daily use.
Despite its slim profile, the Magic V5 houses a 5,820mAh Silicon-Carbon battery, said to be among the largest in a foldable.
It supports 66W HONOR SuperCharge, delivering 50% charge in about 15 minutes. In internal tests, the phone held out for up to 15 hours of heavy 5G usage, a promising figure for users who rely on all-day performance.
Smarter multitasking with AI
A standout feature of the Magic V5 is its integration of AI into real-life use cases.
Powered by Google’s Gemini AI ecosystem, HONOR offers a multitasking experience built around how users actually work.
Instead of conventional split-screen setups, HONOR’s solution is a three-pane layout based on task flows.
For example, during meetings, users can open HONOR Notes on the left panel to transcribe speech in real time.
Using AI voice recognition, the system can distinguish between speakers and automatically generate structured meeting minutes.
The centre panel keeps messaging apps active for real-time input, while the right panel runs Gemini Live, a voice-enabled assistant that can schedule tasks or summarise discussions on command.
Once the meeting ends, the AI highlights three to five key takeaways and action items, a feature HONOR says helps improve team productivity.
The Magic V5’s large internal screen supports three-app multitasking, making it easy to work, chat and plan, all at once.
Beyond work, the same setup can assist with daily tasks. For example, when planning a home makeover, users can use the left screen to note wall measurements, activate the Gemini Live camera in the centre to analyse the room’s layout and browse shopping apps on the right.
Ask it, “What colour sofa suits this space?”, and the AI can suggest matching tones, recommend appropriately sized furniture and even generate 3D previews based on your preferences.
Sharp, bright, eye-friendly
The Magic V5’s 7.95-inch internal display offers crisp visuals at 2,340 × 2,156 resolution, with a peak brightness of 5,000 nits for better clarity outdoors.
To reduce eye strain, the screen uses 4,320Hz pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming, a technology that flickers the screen’s brightness at ultra-high frequency to adjust light levels smoothly.
According to HONOR, this surpasses the 1,440Hz norm and may help minimise visual fatigue, especially in dim settings.
Whether you’re streaming, working or browsing, the screen supports a more comfortable viewing experience throughout the day.
A camera system without compromise
While thinner phones typically make room by shrinking their camera systems, the Magic V5 makes no such concession.
Its 50MP main camera, fitted with a 1/1.12-inch sensor, is complemented by a 50MP ultra-wide lens and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens for zoom.
Snap, shoot, share your daily moments with the Magic V5’s triple-lens setup.
To keep the phone slim without compromising on optics, HONOR uses a folded light path design, allowing the camera module to measure just 3.2mm thick.
The brand claims this enables flagship-level photography in a foldable form—suitable for content creators, casual shooters and remote workers alike.
A foldable that fits today’s needs
Foldable phones have often felt like they were designed for tomorrow rather than today. But the HONOR Magic V5 makes a strong case for how these devices can meet real-life needs right now without forcing users to compromise on power, portability or ease of use.
Whether you’re working remotely, commuting or setting up your next creative project, the Magic V5 is built to adapt for those ready to experience the next chapter of mobile innovation.
For more information, visit www.honor.com/my.
