Foldable smartphones are no longer just futuristic novelties—they’re mainstream. Yet among the many foldable launches this year, including entries from heavyweights like Samsung and Google, the Honor Magic V3 manages to stand out for one standout feature: its ultra-slim profile.
The Foldable Landscape in 2024: Incremental Improvements, Except for Honor
2024 brought a slew of foldable smartphones, but many felt like iterative updates. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, while polished, leaned more on refining its predecessor’s formula than introducing anything revolutionary. It’s still a fantastic device, but it lacked the “wow” factor many users hoped for.
Google, on the other hand, made strides with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The company addressed feedback from its first-generation foldable by delivering a slimmer, more user-friendly design. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold struck a balance with upgraded specs and a refined size, appealing to a broader audience, even though some fans of the original Pixel Fold missed its square shape.
Read more: Pixel Watch 3 Setup Guide: Tips, Tricks, and Best Watch Faces
However, the biggest issue for most foldable phones remains their thickness. Many are too bulky compared to traditional slab smartphones. That’s where the Honor Magic V3 shines—it’s a game-changer, measuring just 9.22mm when folded, making it the slimmest foldable of the year.
Why the Honor Magic V3 Stands Out
The Honor Magic V3 redefines what foldable smartphones can be. While other devices try to slim down, none have achieved Honor’s remarkable feat of fitting flagship-grade hardware into a profile that feels like a traditional smartphone. To put it in perspective, the Magic V3 is over 1mm thinner than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (10.5mm) and much slimmer than the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Here’s why this thinness matters:
- Pocket-Friendly Design: The Magic V3 feels almost indistinguishable from a slab phone in your pocket.
- Improved Ergonomics: At just 9.22mm when closed, it’s comfortable to hold and doesn’t feel like a tech brick.
- Foldable Perfection: The device unfolds to an impressive 4.35mm thickness, offering a sleek and satisfying in-hand experience.
Beyond Thin: Hardware That Impresses
The Honor Magic V3 doesn’t just rely on its slim profile to win fans. It packs high-end hardware that rivals the best in the industry:
- Processor & Performance: The Magic V3 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, paired with 12GB of RAM, ensuring lightning-fast performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Stunning Display: Inside, you’ll find a 120Hz AMOLED panel that delivers vibrant colors and buttery-smooth visuals, perfect for content consumption.
- Durable Hinge Design: Honor’s hinge mechanism is a standout feature, delivering a solid, satisfying “thud” when opened and closed.
MagicOS 8: Mixed Bag of Software Innovations
While Honor has nailed the hardware, the software experience on MagicOS 8 leaves room for improvement:
- The Good: The Always-On Display (AOD) is stunning, showcasing wallpapers beautifully even in standby mode.
- The Bad: The Control Center’s design forces users to swipe between notifications and Quick Settings, which can feel clunky during quick interactions.
Despite its quirks, MagicOS 8 is serviceable and doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience. With software updates, these minor pain points could be addressed in the future.
Camera and AI: A Reliable Duo
The 50MP main sensor on the Magic V3 delivers solid results for everyday photography. Honor leans heavily on AI to enhance photos, producing crisp, vibrant images in most scenarios. While it may not dethrone industry leaders like the Pixel or iPhone in camera performance, it’s more than capable for casual users.
The Honor Magic V3: A Foldable Worth Considering
The Honor Magic V3 isn’t just another foldable—it’s a bold statement about where the future of smartphones is heading. By delivering a device that’s incredibly thin, packed with powerful hardware, and comfortable to use, Honor has set a new benchmark for foldables.
While its software could use some refinement, the Magic V3’s design and performance more than make up for its shortcomings. If you’ve been hesitant to switch to a foldable because of bulkiness, this device might just change your mind. The Honor Magic V3 proves that foldables can be sleek, functional, and ready to replace traditional smartphones.
