Honor Magic V2 Review | My favourite foldable phone

Reviewing the Honor Magic V2 after using this foldable as my full-time phone, including an unboxing, camera test, gaming, battery life and beyond. The Honor Magic V2 is one of the most impressive bendy smartphones of 2023, even against rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Pixel Fold.
Check out my reviews of the best foldables and phones right now!
When it comes to the camera performance, the Honor Magic V2 isn't as powerful as the Pixel Fold, with Google's excellent image processing. It's fine for most everyday shots, but struggles when it comes to the telephoto zoom - while the Samsung Z Fold 5 beats it for video.
However, the Honor Magic V2 has them both beat for design. It's ridiculously skinny and light, with zero gap and a smooth hinge (although it can't stay open quite as wide when sat on a desk). Likewise, I really liked the external display, which is much easier to use than the Galaxy foldable.
Battery life is another area where the Magic V2 absolutely smashes the competition. While the Pixel Fold and Samsung Z Fold 5 occasionally die within the day, I never had that problem with the Honor foldable.
And while the Honor Magic V2 isn't as accomplished for multi-tasking, I'd happily use it for longer as my full time phone. That's what I think, let us know your thoughts below!
Honor Magic V2 Review Chapters:
0:00 - Bendy blowers
0:49 - Unboxing
1:34 - Design
3:15 - External screen
4:10 - Internal screen
5:47 - Magic OS
6:23 - Multi-tasking
9:41 - Performance & gaming
10:42 - Battery life
11:55 - Cameras
15:21 - Verdict

[@LotusPicker]

I've been looking at fold phones for the past years and I haven't been 100% convinced into purchasing one. But the Honor Magic V2 looks like a it fixes all the issues I had with previous fold phones. I hope they release it in America.

[@EmmieSuksai]

And I hope release it in Europe

[@kingule]

No they will not release in the US . EU will come ' 24 ... that's too late

[@jamesreed6595]

​@@kinguleebay you can buy

[@Leonfr_2022]

What experiences have you had? I'm on my 2nd fold 4 and it's broken the same way as my first and now Samsung want to charge me £690 for the pleasure of a new screen!

[@boxingtherapy87]

Xioami mix fold 3 is just as good in my eyes. Should check that out. It's available 1500

[@abcdelicious4420]

Nice video and breakdown/analysis by you guys. I just picked up a mint 512GB Purple variant off Swappa for $1400 and am EXCITED. I just ordered it and it should be getting to me by today(10/2). I lived in Taiwan for 12 years so I've had Chinese phones in the past: Huawei, OPPO, Vivo, Xiaomi. I am just in LOVE with the form factor and how thin it is. I'll update y'all after I play around with it and get it up and running. 📱📱🤳🤳❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@johnseffs0161]

Great review, thoroughly enjoyed thanks 👍

[@pega1245]

You Got me on Corden's talent 😂

[@ianmcnamara5036]

Thanks for the review. Bought one making use of early discounts and trade-in deals.. saved £500. Love it. Awesome phone.

[@D_Bear85]

Hipe you had a blast at All In! Was sorely tempted to wait for one of these. But foldy phones scare me - feel like they will always eventually break. Scooped up a Xiaomi 13 Ultra instead

[@DigBickOfaGod]

13 ultra is my goal rn. Solid device

[@tonikarl575]

Awesome! Thank you for showing manga apps on the phone! I've been wondering how they act on the foldables! 😊❤

[@ExilEliteYT]

Looks pretty nice for sure, I will probably never but a foldable phone but I love the idea. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the Oneplus foldable coming out soon, hopefully powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Thanks again for a very informative and excellent review, you re definitely my favorite reviewer!

[@RJ_Uploads]

How do you know the 8gen3 will be good, they already know the 8gen 2 is very good, what more do you want a processor to do at this point, they are Even over clocking the 8gen2 in the new redmagic 8s pro...?

[@superiortoall22]

@@RJ_Uploadshonestly satcom functionality; that’s why these companies are trying to beef up their chips and improve battery efficiency. The new SD8Gen2 is satcom capable. Satcom will shred just about every nearly current phone since it’s so demanding.

[@ExilEliteYT]

@@RJ_Uploads I don't know the Gen 3 will be in the new Oneplus Open Tablet but... I understand the Gen 2 is a great chip.. It's technology man.. It's inevitable they will continue to keep advancing haha and if TSMC continues making the Snapdragon and makes the Gen at 3nm it will outperform the Gen 2 obviously haha. When it comes to technology advancements will always be needed in the future.

[@goenjoe]

8Gen3 is not a major boost so you're fine with 8gen2. And sorry to dissapoint you but Oneplus Open will be powered with 8gen2

[@ExilEliteYT]

@@goenjoe OK fine with me lol, not going to but it anyways so... Whatever bro lol

[@soyb5393]

Using Samsung Z Fold 5 and gonna keep using it though I believe the others are doing a great job too but I very humbly love Samsung for everything

[@markcaiger-watson1104]

You and Clossy Fater are by far the best reviews on YT! Chris, does this phone have desktop mode like dex?

[@kispocok1]

Thank you for the awesome review! Would you recommend importing this phone or wait for the global release? Did you manage to connect to major UK networks such as Vodafone, O2 etc? I hear that Chinese phones can have issues with signals 5G/4G and push notifications.

[@ajjjd]

Interested in the answer as well

[@steven298]

great comparison! I got fold 5 and was considering V2 before fold 6 are out. my main reason for getting foldable is multi task and seems like chinese brands still can't do multi task that well yet, will wait for they future better version/software for foldable

[@vcroissant]

Great review as always...but that James Corden burn ❤🔥🔥🔥

[@Ricko230]

Good review Chris

[@Kentotherun]

have to say this is the most slimmest foldable phone i have ever seen. nice review uncle chris had fun watching your spendid content

[@gianniciccolone3477]

Damn. I currently have the Fold 5 but this thing looks sick with that outer display.

[@winnb4968]

I would sell that Z Fold 5 immediately as it has such an narrow screen design like it's a shame to have it so narrow.. compare to Magic V2 full sized screen abit wider and alot wider when unfolded.

[@gianniciccolone3477]

@winnb4968 eh I enjoy using it. And plus this phone isn't gonna be for quite some time in the states

[@swaize8866]

Samsung is just better period. Don't fool your mind buddy

[@Annihilus2000]

this might be the best looking foldable yet!

[@HendFarid]

Great review, obviously the camera is not the strongest bit of this one. But build and design are really good, and so is battery. How global will it go is still a question

[@nicholastsang44]

Loved the James Corden dig 😂. He did him dirty 🤣🤣🤣

[@soladsani]

Wait for the Magic V3❗️👌

[@user-uv7ky2dp3k]

Did they give you a release date for the uk? Keep up the good reviews.

[@bp7710]

Hi, great video. Can I check how you install Google in your V2? I am using the Chinese version V2. Thanks in advance

[@WavyDane]

*beautiful bloke*

[@EmmieSuksai]

Are you kidding me right now?

[@mharoonrs]

It doesn't have anything to do with this phone review 😅😂

[@ericbrink8305]

You forgot to mention release will be 2024.......and that if you buy now, it does not have the global rom, but chinese. I dont understand why Honor ships out these units, when they know its not been released for another 5/6 months. I like the phone though😊

[@robertj8099]

Sounds like you have a global model given no mention of the google app experience. Are you able to upload the GMS apks anywhere?

[@Fuzziefeelings]

Has google...no need for apks

[@JjackVideo]

Looks like the first actual practical foldable. Hope it comes to my country.

[@EmmieSuksai]

Is that a joke?

[@anero.]

​@@EmmieSuksai?

[@kontor170]

You have a country? Are you a dictator or a King? Nice

[@doalittletrolling8896]

You third world country mofos crack me up

[@markh8921]

Chinese foldable hardware designs are definitely impressive..I had my hands on the Xiamoi Mix fold3 for about 2wks and it was incredible..it was a bit top heavy because of the Quad cams, which made it feel unbalanced in your hands.. and its peak brightness is 2600nits but I really didn't feel it was brighter then my z fold4 or z fold5.. With that being said hardware design doesn't matter if your cellular company does support it like Verizon and if the software UI doesn't do what Samsungs UI does when it comes to multitasking and apps optimization.. Unfortunately I sent back the Xiamoi Mix fold3 for those reasons..so the Samsung z fold4 and z fold5 are my main phones once again..

[@Leonfr_2022]

How long have you had fold 4? Have you had any issues, I've had 2 and they've both ended the same way with the big screen going, screen went bubbly then the pixels down the middle

[@Another_opinion_]

​@@Leonfr_2022how long after getting it?

[@weewillywonga]

Chinese phones are garbage

[@Leonfr_2022]

@@Another_opinion_ first went after less than a week, this one went I think literally a year after purchase. But Samsung are shocking, DON'T BUY SAMSUNG!!!

[@0xeddiy36]

i had to send back my mi mix fold 3, guys if you are in europe, that phone is missing band 20, you will run into slow connection indoors, only edge connection, other than that, its a perfect phone

[@connormcleod9595]

Watching from my vivo fold 2

[@Envious_Chuunibyou]

Found this channel randomly, thanks to anime wallpapers you got my attention :D and you reviews are really funny and straight to point as well Hitting SUBSCRIBE button

[@livebundtrading8962]

Really helpful review, especially on the drawbacks on software side. I don't understand, why these chinese firms don't just COPY what Samsung have.. hardware is what it is, it can't be changed. But software, is malleable. Like a shutter button on the view finder when using the main camera as a selfie, I mean how obvious is such a feature?? Same with the lack of horizontal split screen when it's obvious ppl will want to be watching some video (like streaming a football match) while Whatsapping the group chat or browsing the internet. Makes u think, if there's no common sense there, there won't be on other aspects on the software side. On hardware alone, this phone is a masterpiece, and if they don't make such big (and easily fixable) fumbles on the software side.. then it totally kills the Z Fold and Pixel Fold.

[@NYANGOQUEEN]

Hey mate, awrsome video review. Would you mind doing an extensive desktop mode test ? Thanks

[@rhorlandas]

i gotta say this is the best foldable phone it's light, thin and the size is great

[@broey1841]

where do you keep finding those awesome wallpapers

[@robburdlow4301]

Glad you share my view on James Corden!

[@KevboKev]

Never thought I'd ever want to switch back to Android. If this phone gets released in America, I think I will be taking the plunge!

[@burningknuckle26]

Same

[@KevboKev]

@@Jonathan-jp4zz From what I’ve read, it looks like they’re looking to release it in America during the first quarter of 2024. At that rate, I may simply wait until summer anyway and see what Galaxy Fold 6 may look like. Hoping they dissected the Honor Magic V2 and make theirs just as thin with a wider front screen. If they do, I’ll go with Samsung then simply for the security and future updates.

[@lewisweeks8867]

Looks class! What’s your favourite phone at the moment?

[@aceais6613]

hope in camera division gets better in the next gen honor fold phone, besides design and battery life 👏 everything is okay

[@planetminecraft411]

The fact that this foldable phone is 2 grams lighter than my S23 Ultra is amazing!

[@burningknuckle26]

Insane

[@davidjalof77]

This phone is a masterpiece ❤

[@mindovermatter1453]

Now if Samsung would only adopt this thinness because their software is the most polished

[@radiantguy]

i recently bought it...i love it so much it hurts

[@cantonyz1208]

Hi! Just notice your opening mentioned V2 as Vs2. It turns out Honor just released a lower spec version named Vs2. Are you gonna review the one too?

[@wasisiang]

Were you able to install full suite of Google apps?

[@TOPDadAlpha]

Being in the US, I could not locate this device. I had a holiday in Costa Rica and went into a cell provider for a local sim card. Low and behold there the V2 was. I jumped on it so I could handle it. It was powered up. What an incredible foldable. I have a zfold Samsung now. If I can obtain the V2 in the US I will leave Samsung. V2 is light, fast, very comfortable to hold. Cheaper then the zfold also. Cost in CR is $1750USD. 5-31-2024

[@grahamkdt]

It's called the Magic V2 because it's the follow up to the Magic V, which was never released outside of China. The Magic Vs was the first one released outside of China, but it's just a minor upgrade to the V, like Apple used to do with their "S" options...

[@megalith]

Hopefully Samsung picks up on this folded design. I'm using the fold 5 right now and wish the screen was a bit bigger.

[@windylim]

At the Honor magic v2 homepage, they mentioned a feature called security guard. Do you have an idea what this is about? Is it like the Samsung Knox? Thanks!

[@samraghuvanshi999]

hey can you just tell the official Gms setup are already there by stock or have to do some other stuff for that??

[@gavinbradley6134]

What a trooper.Full of flu & still going 👍

[@Albrts]

What version do you use? Does it promotional device given by honor? Market available Chinese version doesn't support Google service.

[@murtazachaudhary3339]

Nice video

[@GFourGadget]

First real competitor of Z Fold5

[@vybz6502]

Not really, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is also a great competitor

[@arra7143]

Impressive. Camera however lacks the 9::16 aspect ratio. Honor should add it!

[@marknewlandmn]

Shame we have to wait till q1 2024 for it to be released in the UK. But I'm looking FWD to it.

[@EinReiseTagebuch]

2024 we will see the Magic V3, no reason to buy the old Magic V2 from July 2023.

[@TheNecrock]

Hey uncle Spurt, are you going to do a review on the Xiaomi mix Fold 3?

[@EmmieSuksai]

NEIN

[@Gamer_85]

No update on release date in the Uk or price?

[@AzToothless]

I want one of these so bad... smh... I'm convinced to grab one now.

[@iam_Batman]

Very well thought review, I am just waiting for Mid Fold 3 review by you, if it's camera and software are marginal better than Magic 2, I'm going for Mix Fold 3.

[@0xeddiy36]

just beware if youre in europe, it lacks band 20. you connection will drop to edge indoors

[@lightningjack27]

I'd love to know what you reviewers do in a day with other fold style phones. My pixel fold comes off the charger at 4am when I get up for work, and goes back on at 10pm. Some days I'll get 6-7 hours screen on time and still have 30% battery left. Strangely, you lot can't seem to do that!

[@mohdazan82]

Assalamualaikum... Salam Safar... I'm from Johor, Malaysia... Third...

[@EmmieSuksai]

I'M FOR SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭 WE ENJOYED IN THIS SAMSUNG

[@elliebean2000]

When will this be available to buy in UK?

[@alecxpro2071]

Boss, xiomi ultra 13 , when is it getting to the UK?

[@roterakete9372]

can you test the gamepass app? it is the future for mobile gaming. and i would also know if there is a virtual gamepad on second screen like the lg v60 do 😎🤘🏻

[@onceafiend]

12:26 what you doing in The Old Nun's Head!!!

[@PamontBahktar]

Hey, i'm confused about horizonal split screening. You said it can't be done, but on SuperSaf's video at roughly 4m59s, you can see he's horizontally split 2 copies of a game? Any idea how he's done that if horizontal split screening can't be done? Cheers

[@EmmieSuksai]

Je ne sais pas?

[@ChodTheWacko]

Horizontal split screen only works with specific chinese apps, sadly

[@PamontBahktar]

:(

[@barriemoorcroft534]

Surely the selfie cam has CHEESE or WHISKEY voice activation option? My LG G from 2013 had this and it worked flawlessly and my current Samsung Note 10+ has this too.

[@zero-ol2nt]

Samsung needs to use this build with its next foldable. These aspect ratios combined with the samsung would be a home run.

[@EhsanMusic]

Are you going to review the Huawei Mate 60 Pro?

[@arnehagenaars1896]

Like to see a top 5 bendy blowers, folders, flippers midrange 2023

[@vipergaming8510]

Is that gonna be the global version? The Chinese version has a pen as far as I know.. would be a shame of they don't put it in the global

[@lochikitjustin]

Where did you get yours and does it support google play store?

[@Chris34720]

Yes it does

[@lonely.penguin]

Where d'you get these lovely anime backgrounds, I've literally searched everywhere but they ain't as good

[@smitjee]

Get well chris. Use vit c, zink, vit d3, and vit k2. Cheers!

[@EmmieSuksai]

That's not Google pixel that is poco

[@smitjee]

go away.@@EmmieSuksai

[@frankalex-pb9qb]

This is d best foldable phone ever seen

[@illdaddyrod]

Hope this will be compatible with Verizon's network in the future.

[@shakrabani1098]

It's not getting released in America unfortunately but will be in UK in 2024

[@coolmedina117]

10/10 wallpapers as usual Chris

[@bradavon]

I'll be getting this in the new year. It's what Samsung should've released 4 years ago.

[@JOHNNYD.R]

His finally got bloody mitts on the bendy blowers 😂

[@nazmuddoha5138]

Will the Honor V2 be sold with contract deals by UK carriers like EE, O2 etc? Not everyone have £1000+ upfront..

[@harshjain1453]

Waiting for your review on Sony Xperia 5 V

[@EmmieSuksai]

Waiting for subtitle

[@wilrivera2668]

... how did you like the aew show?

[@alslwan]

I have a question: Does the global version support the embedded esim card

[@sam3kperv]

😂 those Frigging iPhone Bricks gets me every time 😅

[@Dusht1312]

What is the anime wallpaper app u use in your phones ?

[@kevinmaloney3550]

Hello, What is the price of the phone?

[@llllN30llll]

Any uk release date for this yet? I can't find any info

[@nareshlal3694]

Finally a worthy foldable...samsungs and Google's r uselss...y its diff to understand tat we need a wide screen outside just like a regular phone and then use the inner screen as a bonus...will wait for one plus open and see how it goes

[@HOTDOGFLAVORWATER]

does it have the google paly store?

[@bradavon]

You can't split screen horizontally if you put the phone sideways?

[@Pulpit68]

It is available for purchase here in Thailand but for 90,000 bhat, $2500 USD!

[@ryvonbelcher5132]

Wow this makes any foldable phones obsolete haha I like how every thing is completely fluent no skinny sorry Samsung but honor magic v2 has my win where! Hefty price tag but I'll definitely consider upgrading to this maybe 3-4 months from now

[@joshau2346]

how is the google mobile services?

[@Nimac91]

I got the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3. Curious what you think about that device. I was really hesitating on the Honor and Xiaomi since both of them look amazing. Although I really hope there will be a good launcher in the app store for folding phones in the future. Samsung clearly has better software but I hate the outdated design and the narrow screen. Price is way too expensive as well. Samsung is really not showing any innovation because these Chinese brands are not competing. Even the Honor won't come out globally for at least 6 months.

[@0xeddiy36]

I had to return my mix mix 3, i loved it tho, but the missing band 20 is a issue in the Netherlands sometimes , i cannot get good connection indoors, once your indoors you lose 5g and goes into Edge, painfully slow

[@redstang70]

Ive read thenmix 3 cannot connect to samsung watches? Whats your experience there?

[@zahidrehman528]

​@@0xeddiy36what network are you on mate? I am on 3 and in bham and my mix fold 3 is 90% on 5g inside n out side

[@0xeddiy36]

@@zahidrehman528 vodafone, but im in the Netherlands not in the Uk

[@zahidrehman528]

@@0xeddiy36 ah my bad,

[@centralkingdom8141]

How you manage to get it so soon?? 😮

[@Hateverything]

Great phone, awful marketing team. Just ordered the fold5 because Honor thinks launching it in Europe sometime in the 1st Q of 2024 is an idea less than idiotic, and people will wait for this phone like for the next coming of Messiah. I could've get past the slow updates, the no water resistance, no wireless charging and so on, but such a slow launch to market is unacceptable. A shame.

[@davidgodal98]

When can one expect a review of the Sony xperia 5 V?

[@norbipuhl111]

How long last the battery?

[@FilipMatacin]

Oohh, how I love when you love when that happens.. 😂😂

[@iamthunderhawk]

Didn't know you were a wrestling fan, enjoy All in?

[@florianpeter7045]

What bugs me is the inner front facing cam not being in the corner but 3/4 of a way