Honor will launch its new Magic V3 foldable screen phone in Malaysia on 5 September 2024. It is also the same day the device is announced globally through the annual IFA event. We had the opportunity to ask an Honor representative why this approach was taken when most previous models were only brought into Malaysia after a few months of global introduction.
He said this approach was taken to enable users to enjoy the new device experience faster and even make it relevant in the rapidly growing digital era. We have also been given the opportunity to try the device early. Here is a first look article for the Honor Magic V3.
Honor Magic V3
External Screen – 6.43″ OLED, 120Hz
Inside – 7.92″ 120Hz OLED
Support stylus
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor (4 nm)
1×3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 chip
3×3.2 GHz Cortex-A720
2×3.0 GHz Cortex-A720
2×2.3 GHz Cortex-A520
Adreno 750 Graphics Chip
RAM 12GB RAM
RAM Turbo (12GB RAM)
512GB Internal Storage
Main Camera 50 MP, f/1.9, OIS (main)
40 MP, f/2.0 (Ultra Wide Angle)
50 MP, f/2.4, OIS (Periscope),
3.5X optical zoom
100X digital zoom
4K 60P
Front Camera 20 Megapixel f/2.45 (Front)
4K 60p
5100 mAh battery
Wired 66W
Wireless 55W
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM Nano /5G
NFC Yes
Infrared Yes
IPX8 Waterproof
Side built-in Fingerprint Scan System
Sale Price Updated later
Design And Screen
Honor Magic V3 uses a foldable screen design like a book. But there are differences that make the phone more interesting and sophisticated compared to the previous version. Generally, it is built with the results of design and innovation that definitely promises a more optimal experience for users.
The first thing that is interesting is definitely the compact, sleek and premium body construction. It is also the world's thinnest and lightest foldable screen phone to date measuring just 9.2mm when folded and weighing just 226 grams. In fact, the phone is lighter than a Galaxy S24 Ultra and an iPhone 15 Pro Max which, although it cannot be folded, the difference can be felt when all these devices are held side by side.
Next the hinge of the phone is also redesigned which uses the light steel Honor Super Steel Hinge followed by new materials such as special aerospace fibers for the back cover and stronger metal for the frame. The hinge of the phone also undergoes heavy testing to withstand a maximum of 500,000 folds.
Next is a significant improvement over Magic V2 which can work well up to 400,000 folds. The experience becomes better when there is absolutely no strange or noticeable sound when the phone is opened and closed. At the same time, it can also be completely closed without any space between the folded screen.
It seems that Honor has not only managed to create a difference in the revolution of its new foldable screen phone with the sophistication of the innovation used. It even improves its functionality with an IPX8 waterproof rating which means that users don't have to worry if they get caught in the rain or accidentally splashed with water because the phone can certainly handle these situations without damage.
This is not just empty talk but was proven by Honor himself during a session with the media today. They have put the Magic V3 in an aquarium filled with water for a few minutes and it can still function normally when taken out again. Not only that, Honor also put the Magic V3 in a spinning washing machine and it still works fine. However it should be noted that phones with an IPX8 rating can survive water but are still not officially rated for any protection from dust. Meaning using it in dusty situations is not recommended.
The outer screen is a hole-in-the-middle 6.43″ LTPO OLED with a resolution of 2376 X 1060 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. When opened, the phone offers a main screen of 7.92″ LTPO OLED 120Hz with a screen-to-body ratio of 91.10% and a peak brightness of 1600nits. The crease effect can be said to be almost invisible than before after the thinner crease mechanism is used.
At the same time can be used in deep Hover Mode that is easy Flex Mode feature for applications such as camera or video playback on YouTube. Then it's interesting when the Magic V3 supports the stylus on both sides of the outer screen and inside only no storage space on the body is given.
The power button which also doubles as a fingerprint scanner is placed on the right side of the device. Then on the opposite side there is an audio adjustable button space followed by a SIM slot space without microSD card capability and a speaker at the bottom of the device. The speaker is a stereo type with another audio grille on top. There is also a built-in red transmitter that allows the phone to function as a remote control.
Hardware And Software
The Honor Magic V3 uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip with a memory option of 12GB RAM and 512GB internal storage. In addition to being able to expand up to 12GB of RAM virtually through the RAM Turbo function. The only drawback as usual is that there is still no ability to change itself as offered on some other Android devices. Meanwhile it should also be noted that this is the choice of memory and memory and storage for the unit tested in this article. Offers for commercial units are subject to an official announcement later in September.
Next, Magic V3 is also equipped with MagicOS 8.1 software based on Android 14 with optimized settings along with intelligent AI features. At the same time improving the overall experience in various aspects including efficiency, performance and security. This new launcher uses a brand new design with a combination of attractive 3D-based color system and background images. In addition, the AI model built directly into each Magic V3 this year greatly helps improve user productivity.
For example, like AI Magic Portal - Circle To Do More which can search by just tapping once on the screen and then making a circle on the object you want to search for. The process of finding relevant objects only takes about one to two seconds with an internet connection required. It looks like Circle To Search on Samsung devices but it's not.
A brief test found that it can not only be searched but also shared and accessed further through any supported application just like the previous Magic Portal feature. For example, paste a searchable image on the Notes application. Through it, photos can not only be pasted but also given some other additional edits that include video recording. It can also be used for various other purposes such as finding a location, shopping online, sending emails and others.
Next is AI Face to Face Translation which allows real-time translation to be made especially involving two different languages without the need for the internet. It is quite interesting when the Malay language is also supported by the feature. With AI Eraser, users can delete or remove unwanted objects from photos with the help of AI. The process is also easy with just having to mark the part you want to delete and the AI Eraser system will remove it automatically with an internet connection required.
Last but not least is the Honor Notes AI that can automatically produce audio transcriptions. It can record and translate a conversation in real time to make sure the user doesn't miss anything important. Next, there is no need to listen to long audio recordings again when conducting an interview for work purposes, for example.
Camera Settings
The main camera uses a 50MP main lens configuration, 40MP ultra-wide/macro and 50MP periscope with OIS. Only the ultra-wide lens is not equipped with an OIS system. Meanwhile the periscope lens supports 3.5X optical zoom and 100X digital zoom. The main camera can also record up to 4K which supports a 21:9 aspect ratio screen mode.
The situation gets more interesting when Honor is seen trying to change the 'game' in mobile photography in collaboration with Harcourt Studio which is also offered on this new phone. Another advantage can also be found when recording photos with a 16:9 ratio can also be done at the same time as an interesting improvement compared to existing devices. Most of the modes such as Night, Aperature, Portrait, Photo, Video and Pro are easily accessible through the camera interface.
There are also several color profiles such as Natural, Vibrant and Authentic included in order to refine the color and get a more lively and realistic image. On the front, a 20MP selfie camera is used with the ability to record 4K video.
Battery And Charging
Honor uses a 5150mAh battery on the phone. It is also larger than the 5000mAh used in the previous Magic V2. Praise is given to Honor who can offer a large enough battery in the body of a device that is very thin and light so far. Then the device can be recharged via 67W wired and 55W wireless fast charging. A charging head is also included with every purchase along with a USB-A to USB-C cable.
What's In The Box
1 X Honor Magic V3.
1 X Honor SuperCharge Charger.
1 X USB-C Cable.
1 X User manual.
1 X Warranty card.
1 X Protective frame.
Conclusion
No retail price for the Magic V3 has been announced at this time. Even so we can expect the price to be in the same range as the previous generation. For reference, the Magic V2 is priced at RM6,999 with the option of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage when it was initially introduced in Malaysia last year. Therefore, it is hoped that Honor can offer the right price value to become a dominant foldable screen phone. At the same time it allows this segment to be flooded with a variety of interesting options in line with the current user's needs.
Pro
120Hz OLED screen outside and inside.
Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.
Thinnest and lightest so far.
IPX8 waterproof
Stereo speakers.
Support stylus.
Cons
Virtual RAM cannot be changed.
No room for a stylus.
The charging system is the same as the predecessor.