Honor Magic V2 Porsche Design Review: Skin Deep

[@NeonVisual]

Imagine doing your job in the researching, engineering, and developing a generational leap in foldable hardware, only for the clueless software devs to make the device undesirable.

[@theoneandonlybosable]

Outsourced engineering in house development

[@NeonVisual]

It's so frustrating for one company to nail the form, and samsung nail the software, but we can't have both. Samsung are nearly on their 6th gen now and they appear to have settled on the tall chonky boy, instead of wider and flatter, which is a shame as its a flawed design which makes the handset twice as thick. Meanwhile Honor nail the hardware on their 2nd gen but have software from 2016.

[@Lav-v9c]

Which should tell you that there is nothing special about the hardware since its commoditised folding screen. Even non descript chinese companies are producing folding phones.

[@swarzo3991]

​@@NeonVisualI think Oneplus Open nailed both hardware and software.

[@NeonVisual]

@@swarzo3991 Not with a galaxy watch.

[@maksymtt]

The phone is really beautiful, and the case almost makes it look even better! Like, it doesn’t hide or ruin the design, but accentuates its differentiating factors. If only the software was as nice…

[@K22MDL]

It's worse than not nice. Believe me.

[@1mezion]

it's android u can change anything

[@PamontBahktar]

You're a fantastic reviewer. Finally good to see somebody give an accurate verdict of the software experience of this phone today. I owned one in the last few weeks & its hardware is gorgeous but its software royally lets it down. Totally agree with your review.

[@ferry3245]

6:54 that control panel looks EXACTLY like my mate 30 pro released in 2019.

[@GFourGadget]

As someone who reviewed the Magic V2, I do agree that the software isn't the best, but it's still quite usable to me if you don't nickpit. The cameras did a good job if you consider how thin and light the foldable phone is, while the OnePlus Open with such a huge and thick camera bump would certainly has advantage in this area. Nice review as always! 👏

[@gastontwo]

That's really true

[@gastontwo]

That's really true

[@andyH_England]

Yes, not all of us care about multitasking. Some, like me, buy for the larger inner display when needed, simply as a larger display. I have a laptop and tablet for real multitasking, and by that, I mean with an attachable keyboard and trackpad.

[@Andrewwilsonvideo]

I already own an Honor running the same version of MagicOS, and I am awaiting delivery of the Magic V2. I expect no issues with the software-I enjoy what I already have. But then, I have been using Honor and Huawei phones, laptops, monitors, earbuds and tablets for years. They all fit together and play nicely with each other. That said, I think not many people are such in-depth ecosystem participants.

[@smirkingrevenge6]

I think the most amazing part of this video... seeing an N64 controller with a joystick that is truly standing upright. Kudos!!! All jokes aside, love your videos Michael, truly the best trusted reviewer in my eyes, with excellent editing, witty wordplay and objective opinions that only open up the obvious... Please keep up the great work!!!

[@TheMrMobile]

Ha - it's brand-new (the Nintendo Switch Online controller)! Thanks for the kind words.

[@orGAZmictech]

Couldn't agree more! Having owned the standard V2 for a couple of weeks the software is virtually unusable. Well done Mr Fisher for being honest and not being like other reviewers who are obviously scared of telling the truth in fear of being removed from Honors free review sample allocation.

[@kunalamratlal4566]

Whats wrong? I was planning to get it. Can u let me know all the issues? Right now im using a zfold 3

[@andrewwilson8273]

​@@kunalamratlal4566 I think the commenter is mistaken. OK, the software has improved over the months, but even when i first received the phone, I enjoyed using it and found no deal breaking issues.

[@festival3051]

Even though it's meh, it's also good to see another foldable in the market. Nice review as always Michael 👌

[@nimoy007]

Engineer here! I'd like to remind everyone that software is just as much an engineering field as mechanical and electrical. That means Honor doesn't get a free pass here, and it means I have to disagree with the phrase "meticulously engineered" @10:50. The word wrap alone is an automatic DQ in my book. I'd really like to know if that is something that holds true if the OS is set to a Chinese language setting, or if it is the English conversion holding it back.

[@nimoy007]

To be clear, I enjoyed the video as always, and appreciate Michael calling out the shortcomings along with the bright points.

[@andyH_England]

The Global release software of the Magic V2 is fine unless you nitpick or are a devout Samsung Fold fan and judge everything against your favourite brand. The Porsche version has yet to be released in the West.

[@jimmyli9945]

Is there a custom launcher thats really good for foldables?

[@thesmartI]

Niagara Launcher is great one you get used to it

[@nothajzl]

@@thesmartI”you get used to it” is a great selling point😂

[@alinntd]

I use nova on my fold 5, it's serviceable, but ngl I'll hop back to the samsung one as soon as they allow for vertical scrolling in the app drawer

[@ConquerorDash]

@@nothajzl I think it fits in this case. It works a bit differently than most launchers, but it is actually really great for the changing form factor when opening it. Also putting shortcuts to apps in a swipeable submenu of other apps lets you create drawers without actually needing drawers. For example I have my banking app which I open a lot and when I swipe over it I get other financial apps I use less often. You need to think about how you want to organize your apps though and learn to use you launcher a bit differently.

[@BeastChan23]

I personally use Nova without any issues

[@MistaIncognito]

"SAUCE for The Goose Mr. SAAVIK!" Nice reference Sir!

[@TheMrMobile]

"The odds will be even."

[@Infinitelight8888]

This is why I like MrMobile for reviews. Not just it's thin, light weight etc etc. You get a deeper understanding and the phone and software. Thank you. This review tells me keep your Z fold 5.

[@ActionHeinz]

If there was a Foldable with the Magic V2 hardware and Oneplus Open software... that would be a dream combo. But for now I can just hope the Open sells well and Oneplus keeps refining them. Maybe next year we'll have an even slimmer Oneplus Open 2 with new the battery tech... I guess that's more likely than Honor delivering an OS that can compete with Oneplus.

[@waynelil]

That’s what I thought

[@TheOxiongarden]

As an owner of the phone, ask me anything. There's some errors on this (otherwise good as always) review : -You can indeed prevent the message telling about closing the screen to ever appear again. I did it in the settings -You can also slap nova launcher on the phone to swipe down anywhere for notifications. This is not an error but I wanted to point it out. I don't use any oem stock launcher anyway, so it's a non issue for me.

[@andyH_England]

Yes, there are hundreds of tips that Android users never know about the iPhone, simply because they live in Samsung's world here in the West and judge everything by that standard. I also have this phone, and it is fantastic.

[@arthurkolodinsky738]

Me slinding into foldable smartphone DMs: Hey, screens hot 😏

[@claudiobizama5603]

We need to go back to the era of car laptops Custom themes and sounds I want a 911 revving sound for the start up

[@ududayan98]

Screens 'Hot' indeed 🤣🤣. Another's detailed brilliant job like Always Sir.

[@bradenfitzpatrick]

Is Clicks going to make keyboards for folding phones? Would be the true pocketable laptop dream come true

[@EtherealGoddess_Ent]

How would that even work why would anyone want to cover a screen with a keyboard?

[@carlwheezer1544]

@@EtherealGoddess_Ent it makes more sense than having it on a 15 pro max

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

​@@carlwheezer1544there aren't enough foldables to scale a product like that. That's why he sells them for iPhone models that sell 20m a year.

[@azuosnossylla]

@@carlwheezer1544 nope

[@Freak80MC]

Just get a foldable keyboard. I got one for my phone and it works like a charm for those times I wanna get serious typing done and am not at my computer. Mine also has a trackpad but I barely use it lol

[@lazyboyghrol]

So glad I finally get to watch one of these go up live!

[@TheHopelessGeek]

I've been daily driving their 2022 flagship. I agree, the hardware is immaculate. Stainless-steel frame and elegant curves make it every bit as premium as the Samsungs and Apples of the time, but software leaves far too much to be desired for the $1200 price sticker.

[@thedrunkengardener9367]

That is one good looking piece of kit! This makes me want to go get my Huawei Mate 20x out of the box with the stylus and play with it. Always enjoy your presentations keep up the great work!

[@coolshades]

A great example of fair and unbiased review despite the fact that the device was provided by the manufacturer.

[@06dame27]

This is the best looking foldable I've ever seen. I would definitely get it if there was a U.S. version for Verizon and of course the software was a bit more polished.

[@scottr4086]

Wow, no punches withheld. It is a shame that they couldn't use better software. Hope things improve for them some day! Great review, keep them coming!

[@sandorbence2067]

My main issue with this version (and with the Magic V2 in general) is that it was delayed too much, at least in Europe. It came out in last July, even before the Fold 5. But now it's almost March, in 4 months, it has to compete with the Fold 6. I planned to buy this instead of the Fold 5, but that was in my hand 2 days after the official announcement while for this I would have had to at least half a year.

[@ronaldquint]

Beautiful design !

[@Chemy.]

I really appreciate Honor ss brand because i was able to have and tests a few devuces and for years a Honor 10 was my main device, working at a pretty remarkable speed over the time until the battery didnt last very much, so i kind of feel is the kind of device you can get today and replace maybe in 3 to 4 years, this one is too expensive to justify it but still gorgeous.

[@MrBaskins2010]

what an interesting device, no dust resistance is wild for that price tho

[@TheBigChz]

I have been in iphone since forever, but I'm seriously thinking on change to honor (this phone) hope to adapt soon because I really like the design and that is a foldable phone. So wish me luck!!

[@SonyGameTester]

I love how fisher is wearing elegatto bracelet called the “ Pelagus Aegean Blue “

[@bestechYtBotBH]

1:19 blown away!!! Absolutely coolest damn car I've seen in my entire life 😮 that red finish look is viben me 😎 🆒️

[@benfearn7961]

Watching this on my Honor Magic V2 in the US. Very happy with my purchase, the hardware really is next level compared to all other available foldables today. And Magic OS lets you replace literally every app with Google versions. I also love its multitasking abilities much more than my Pixel Fold. Most of the annoyances will be fixed with Magic OS 8, although who knows when we will get that. And pricing in the US is less than even the OnePlus Open thanks to wonky import pricing ($1500). You didn't mention the Bluetooth mic bug that's a huge problem I'm working with devs on to get resolved. Great video!

[@phatthesaigonese7947]

@@Leo23XR Fold 2 was nothing but one of the first foldables ever produced, so of course it was much like a piece of junk compared to recent ones. Plus, Samsung hinge mechanism was and still is among the worsts, compared to Chinese makers. This is still the dawn of foldables, give it time.

[@SmilingIslandRetreat-pn4dd]

​@@phatthesaigonese7947hasn't used the fold 5...

[@markosu]

What phones are going to be getting clicks? Will my S23 stay physical keyboard free or will ye be making one for it?

[@KeeseToast]

Good job on pronouncing „Rennsport Rennwagen“ 😄 Noticeable accent but perfectly understandable 👍

[@nialli2000]

What an excellent review! I confess to being tempted by this one. Think the os might drive me loopy though

[@K22MDL]

It will

[@Myke001]

Shout out to @LoverofTech who video was featured 🎉

[@dannyg8032]

MagicOS 8.0 is launching soon, it seems a better OS than 7.2. Many of the quircks of the old version will be solved.

[@andyH_England]

Yes, hardware is for life, but software can improve.

[@PhilKnall]

Great job as usual!

[@Ganesh_Sh]

I see this as a WIN! The hardware is solid as confirmed by Michael. As for the software, Xiaomi, Honor, Realme and most Chinese manufacturers let you overhaul the complete UI in a few clicks. Sure the default is not good, but the theme store lets you change the fonts, notification drawer layout and almost all UI aspects. All it needs is 30mins-1hour of hunting to find the one that suits you. 🙂

[@TheSmokeWatcher]

That's cosmetics. People are talking about the lack of power in comparison to the futuristic design of the phone

[@djmaxtrim]

Yea, saw this coming, after using a second Honor phone (honor 70 now) they really fall apart after Huawei left them, no matter how tempting the hardware is I'm not going back to Honor

[@LoverOfTech]

6:05 "Mama I made it 😂"

[@andyH_England]

Magic OS 8.0, based on Android 14, is coming soon, including its AI LLM. It includes a UI design overhaul. They are taking their time, but getting it right is more important than rushing it. I bought the Magic V2 base version, and it has been a far superior experience than my previous Fold 4, which I hated due to the aspect ratio, gap, creaky noise, weight, and poor hinge design. The software is fine for me, and the camera is no worse than on my Fold 4 (or Fold 5), so that is a bit harsh. It is also cheaper than the Fold 5 at launch with a £500 discount on the £1699 price, an included fast charger, a free case (costs £50), 6 months extra protection on the displays (accidental), and also a free set of headphones (worth £250, were £599 when released). I can live without nitpicking the software, which, when all is said and done, is not as essential as the hardware, and with Magic OS 8 incoming, that may all change.

[@aliettienne2907]

4:03 These batteries are insanely thin. 4:13 it's like there's no Bezels but you're able to hold in the unfold position comfortably. Unlike Apple who are hesitant to trim down their thick bezels on their iPad whether it's the 14 or 16 inches. 8:02 There should have a way to control those pestering notification. 11:08 The GUI design is lackluster and needs a redesign with some vibrant colours and more customisation like Samsung.

[@djphile254]

Is it me alone or Michael Fisher's videos are the crispiest of all the top reviewers like MKBHD and MrWhoseTheBoss? Damn

[@ccroy2001]

I like how the camera bar is sort of a stylized state of Nevada. Viva Las Fotos!

[@cbisar]

Great video. I bought already Anker charger. It is a great advice 👍 win win ✌️

[@SomeJohndoe]

I would absolutely love this type of thin design with software from the oneplus open.

[@thatchanguy]

Was excited about Anker MagGo, but you can only use the charger that comes with it- not even their other Anker charger bricks work. That is such an oversight. Oh well.

[@thez28camaroman]

The ZTE Axon 7 was created in collaboration with BMW Designworks, and it only cost $400. I don't see how this device can justify $2,200. Slapping the name of a fancy German car manufacturer on a device shouldn't increase the price by this margin.

[@ootje7076]

Again a great video. I just wonder why you find the hardware is the sellingpoint for this phone, but also mention it's just skin deep. And that's completely true, but hardware encompasses more than the exterior of a phone. And for this pricepoint, just getting a nicer exterior, with the only other thing differentiating the 'hardware' is the 1 Tb. of standard storage it is even more evident that it's not a case of better hardware but just a nicer exterior and a luxurious case....

[@lpka]

Thanks for this... Helped me a lot.

[@chipeirachonks5963]

Happy to see that %Arabica make an appearance. Those guys know good coffee.

[@extra4542]

qi2 magnetic wireless charging really needs to be adopted by all android phones. im honestly surprised chinese OEMS have opted to leave it out on their flagship foldables since they pack in all the specs. I guess going for thinness is more important to them

[@andyH_England]

They have their own proprietary wireless charging, as with fast charging, meaning Qi 2 would be secondary in function. So, although it is an open standard, Chinese OEMs are not in a rush to adopt it. Considering that Samsung's phones will need a redesign to accommodate Qi 2 battery packs, there is another layer for full Android adoption.

[@arghadeepsaha8598]

Because Chinese OEMs has fast chargers included in the box that charges 0-100% in literally 15 minutes and gives you a whole day battery life and sometimes even more. In that case, iPhone and Galaxy is years behind.

[@jeffhale1189]

Thanks for sharing. Blessings on your day!

[@jervinreyes21]

I totally agree. After separation from Huawei, the interface of Honor was stuck from few years ago. It was good back then but quite outdated now and they seems to not able to improve it years later of separation. Yes I know Honor is small company but it drastically bigger than before, it should now focus on Software side to make it more appealing. Until then, very hesitant to take one even if hardware wise impressove.

[@andyH_England]

The interface is just a minor part of the smartphone, and once you get to know it, it does as much as most of us will need.

[@jervinreyes21]

@@andyH_England Yes could be, you will get used to it after couple of weeks / months. Buuut having convenient gestures, well thought out interface and especially stable ones are what we would expect especially if a phone reached more than $700 price point and on this particular device 3-4x of that price tag.

[@codiusprime]

​@@andyH_England this is a ridiculous statement. The interface is literally how you interact with the phone. It's cool if you like it or don't mind it but this is an expensive phone and subpar software matters so a lot of people.

[@andyH_England]

@@codiusprime I have all my apps on my first two home screens and barely move away from those. What part of the UI is so important to you that Magic OS would be a painful experience?

[@putrarmyrulez]

looking forward your long-term usage review on oneplus open

[@donwk1892]

Always had the Huawei Porsche design phones upto mate 40 but ditched due to gms problems...moved onto Xiaomi 11 ultra the oppo find n then vivo x fold now Xiaomi mix fold 3 which I love ..would jump to this but no wireless charging 😢 😢😢😢😢

[@yournamehere23435]

to my eyes, Honor mas made little to distance themselves from Huawei. handling one of their phones from last year feels just like the P20 i have lying around

[@TheTl33]

So off subject, but I’ve thought it every video of yours that I see . I really wish you made the keyboard case 2 years ago. It would be perfect for the 13 mini. But I feel like there’s maybe 5 of us left still using one now.

[@182punkbunny]

At 33 secs the honor screen comes on and I already see a dead white pixel Aaaand at 1:01 big old scratch on the front screen

[@0Defensor0]

Did you test any Linux powered phones yet? It should be possible to convert most Android phones without issues, and I would be interested in your opinion about the system in general, especially after a premium like this fails on the inside.

[@siddhj2206]

Feels like the phone was made for China (and their love for luxury limited edition products) then just because they could, translated and released in Europe. Honestly if Android One still existed today, it would make this phone amazing.

[@shishykishuk]

Maybe we're missing the point. Is this for the EU/US or for the international, rich chinese that travel a lot?

[@blaster915]

A beautiful phone ruined by bad software and lack of wireless charging. If I could put Pixel software on it and have that wireless charging, it would be my no brainer splurge purchase!

[@IamThePreston]

@MrMobile please do a review of the Honor Magic V3 I'm so disappointed with samsung and their lack of even trying I'm looking elsewhere and the V3 looks promising I'd love your insight

[@Zandaia]

I used the magic VS for awhile, sold it just a few days ago, magic OS dismisses *old* notification from the lockscreen and AOD after a few minutes eventho you havent checked on it yet. Missed a few important messages due to that.

[@andyH_England]

Never had that issue on the Magic V2.

[@amunra7390]

Honor form factor with pixel software & 0 crease would be perfect 🙌

[@imicca]

Oh i see you visited the UK and also tried one of the best coffees! (% sign one)

[@TomTomdog]

Honor made a good choice to use plastic instead of glass back like Samsung. its better for weight

[@darththew]

After all these years , I still wanted the Porsche blackberry but still otherworldly expensive

[@martonlerant5672]

..."only an accesory" (the stylus) can be argubly the reason to buy a folding device. As in essence its a pocketable tablet - and for such use case, styluses are pretty effing relevant.

[@1mezion]

timestamp 4:20 wait one damn minute that's the size of a 5000 mAh battery nowadays? S.o.b there's no bloody excuse for manufacturers not putting a 10,000 MH battery in a phone

[@jordanmak3620]

Nope it's just part of battery, inside phone actually contains 2 batteries

[@1mezion]

@@jordanmak3620 you can pack four of those things in there (or make 4 times bigger) and the phone still wouldn't be much thicker

[@jakeharms1386]

The Porsche Design Blackberry is still my favorite phone of all time

[@AMMARYASIR-ih6ie]

Mr mobile would you review the tecno spark 20 pro+? Its the best bang for buck .

[@WhySoSeri0us-_-]

Looks great, but yeah software not great. Also strange that it doesn't come with Android 14. Are you also doing an Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 review? 😊

[@liamporter1137]

Thanks for sharing.

[@r21747]

I love your videos! I wonder why you don't want an honor account

[@farhanhasinarik7353]

We need a ring conn review✌️

[@AbyNYC]

Great videos but why for a phone not available here in the U.S. Especially since you live in New York. But again, you do make some great vids.

[@andyH_England]

The US anti-China rhetoric and the banning of Huawei means that Chinese OEMs are reluctant to be used as pawn in a political game between the US and China and end up like Huawei lost their rights to use certain US components, threatening its survival.

[@robertosmmjlist]

Love me some Mr. Mobile vids!!!

[@Jallelab99141]

HONOR needs to get faster with software updates. Android 14 was released Oct 4 2023. We are approaching 5 months soon and still no Android 14 (Magic OS 8.0) on the Magic V2. Feels like how Samsung was in the early days, good hardware, slow software. Hopefully Honor can speed it up and make updates quicker.

[@dariusrat6468]

What do the numbers by the camera mean?

[@charliesangels4035]

are we gonna see the new x1 fold?

[@DSt3alth]

It's a shame that it's software isn't great as it looks amazing. It would have brought me back to foldable phones, as the galaxy z fold 4 killed my interest in them. Too narrow front screen, never truly got used to the weight, hardly used the inner screen as most of the time I couldn't be bothered to go to the trouble of opening it up to do something substantial,but the worst of all, it can't fold flat anymore as something is obstructing the hinge mechanism...and looking at the forums this happens a lot. Nearly £2000 down the drain. The OnePlus open unfortunately looks bulky to me too.

[@Jallelab99141]

Do you know anyone that has stress tested this device with a dust, dirt, water torture test? I know the phone does not have any formal IP rating but there are rumors that Honor did make it resistant to water and dust. No one has formally tested this yet.

[@KendallSeabury]

A tale as old as time, Chinese manufactures trying to skin iOS onto android.

[@jolugar258]

"Screens hot indeed" 😂

[@Turbo35]

And that "auto-rotat e" 💀

[@branislavavramovic2601]

The Nintendo 64 joypad...oh, man, it brings back many great memories. ^^

[@ArkAngel97]

10:35 Was expecting a "RICH GUYS" clip in between. 😅

[@coscorrodrift]

Great video, shame about the phone's software, I was liking a lot, the Porsche collab, the design, the foldable factor. I think i'm going to lean OnePlus if i choose a foldable (depends on how big my paycheck gets lol)

[@josephdechavez8876]

Honor better make a non-foldable Porsche edition of their Magic pro series.

[@DK-_-.]

I think software is bad across the brand devices (or at least Magic OS7) I use Honor Magic 4Pro, and software is a freaking disaster..... Swapped from Huawei Mate 20 Pro and sometimes I think it was better than a brand new honor (when I bought it of course), I hope they will fix all the freezing and lagging with Magic OS8, if not......welp....it's going to be my first and last honor device

[@simaknaveedakther8755]

Though it is such a lackluster foldable phone honor give some competition to the mutilbillion giants like google xiaomi samsung vivo respect for the presentation they give on the box and the design of this is brilliant good job honor

[@DDenDeeen]

they have no software lab and engineer so wait for another version of it.

[@ValentinoSarti]

Personally I can’t understand why people is so focused on the weight, it’s probably just me but I prefer to feel the solidity and weight of a big piece of metal filled up with tech rather than a thin, most likely delicate, paper sheet :))

[@MladenMijatov]

Can't be made for EU. EU doesn't allow chargers in box as part of ongoing effort to reduce electronic waste.

[@fifteentwelve]

They can just ship the phone in a charger-less box...

[@deltadom33]

I wish they had a matrix like phone that was both rollable and foldable Where you could press a button and the phone could spring from it's closed phone to an open phone and then you could have a rollable phone that would spring out on another button It would be completely impractical With wireless tech why can't we have wireless power that ltt used to power a train with a light fixture It would be interesting running a computer or laptop on qui2 charger There was something called Xpress on covers on Nokia I wish we could change every phone back with NFC or design are own back of our phone

[@TJKoopa3018]

Truly a shame the software is so half-baked, because wow what a looker on the hardware department. Maybe it’d be better as a show piece in a museum. 🤔

[@andyH_England]

I have had the Fold 4 with its slick UI and software, and now the Magic V2 and the hardware is far more critical than the software. The Fold 4 nearly killed my appetite for foldable with its awful hardware, from the thick wedgy design to the narrow aspect ratio and weight to the gap and many QC issues (noise when opening, flaky screen protector, etc). The Magic V2 is a breath of fresh air, and as a non-Samsung superfan and a user of many Chinese phones, I have come to appreciate their Apple-like simplicity and common sense take.

[@sevenhenson3926]

this phone without the porsche design actually released 6 months ago in china. they just need to invest more in software to match the impressive hardware

[@insomniac8016]

Man I'm really glad that you did this video❤ loved the design of this phone 😍